VPM Daily Newscast

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jack Jacobs discuss the Richmond region's top business stories. This week's topics include the city of Richmond's efforts to refresh its zoning ordinances, Henrico County's lawsuit against the state racing commission, and the groundbreaking of an assisted living facility in Hanover County.

Henrico state of the county address; Virginia could require license to buy a gun; Democrats file bill to raise minimum wage; and more.   Read More: Questions remain in dispute over Jim Ryan's exit at UVA 

Read more Gas rates rising faster than inflation in Richmond  Petersburg's first casino is set to open early next year — in a tent  Demand grows at Virginia food banks amidst federal cuts  Other links Immigration attorney: Hampton Roads likely next target for immigration agents, already in Raleigh area (WAVY) DEI cuts at Virginia Tech total more than $8 million (Cardinal News)  Democrats brace for quick special election in deep-blue Senate District 15 (Virginia Mercury) Spanberger hears state budget challenges at House retreat (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* Skyline Drive, Appalachian Trail reopen after Shenandoah wildfire mostly contained (The Daily Progress)*  Help name the Charlottesville Grand Illumination Tree 

Read more  Residents voice opposition to Hanover data center proposal  New documentary looks back at World War II from one family's perspective  Watch “She said, he said” over UVA president's resignation (VPM on YouTube)  Judge scolds Justice Department for 'profound investigative missteps' in Comey case    Other links  Virginia drought conditions (Department of Environmental Quality)  ‘This is BS': Councilmembers frustrated by budget surplus a month after voting against lowering real estate taxes (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  A lawyer for the city said he didn't ask for the sealing of a court document. Emails tell a different story. (The Richmonder)  Spanberger appoints energy policy transition team (Virginia Mercury)  National Zoo Cheetah Cub Cam  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Richmond Public Schools outlines framework for 10-year facilities upgrade  Updated: SCOVA declines review of Youngkin's university appointments     Other links:  The Town of Louisa faced five resignations in less than a year. Now it's trying to rebuild (Charlottesville Tomorrow)  Plan for dedicated Metro funding wins support from key D.C. region leaders (FFXNow)  Meet the man who keeps Staunton's one-of-a-kind Wurlitzer organ in tune (Staunton News Leader)*  Moton set to hold first Museum Store Sunday Nov. 30 (The Farmville Herald)*  Legalizing marijuana could produce tax windfall for Richmond (The Richmonder)    Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more:  Former UVA President Jim Ryan disputes rector's account of his resignation  Spanberger, Youngkin spar over UVA board appointments, president search  St. Joseph's Villa opens rapid rehousing center in Henrico County  On the agenda: Richmond zoning refresh, Albemarle road extension    Other links:  Higher SOL cut scores coming, but not this year, Virginia board says (Virginia Mercury)  RPS resumes work on a master facility plan as needs continue to grow (The Richmonder)  As electric bills and demand rise, is Virginia's energy crisis already here? (Richmond Times-Dispatch)  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Mike Platania discuss the Richmond's region's top business stories. This week's stories include the sale of the beloved Lakeside Avenue brewery Final Gravity Brewing Co. and an out-of-state developer's Southside property purchase.

Read more  VCU changed scholarship for descendants of the enslaved to align with anti-DEI policies Federal judge rules ICE unlawfully detained immigrant teens without bond Chesterfield parent launches push to make Diwali a CCPS holiday  Inside VPM's new Downtown Richmond HQ  Other links  Bon Air jail guard pleads to sexually assaulting underage inmate but gets no prison time (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Virginia's probe into public universities' displacement of Black neighborhoods no longer theoretical (Virginia Mercury)  Flight disruptions at Richmond International Airport ease as government shutdown ends (WRIC)  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.   

Read More: Youngkin says a portion of SNAP benefits should be paid out Thursday  Richmond School Board approves collective bargaining changes  Richmond City Council creates city's first rental inspection program    Other links: Spanberger asks U.Va. Board of Visitors to delay appointment of new president (The Cavailer Daily)  City's lawyers say there's no backup of lost phone at issue in former FOIA officer's suit (The Richmonder)  Federal shutdown strains Virginia's skies as controllers work without pay] (Virginia Mercury)  Former US Rep. Elaine Luria announces run for her old congressional seat (WHRO News)  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more  Kaine says protecting Virginia federal workers behind vote to end shutdown  Reforest Richmond's Tree Week plants the seeds of a greener city    Other links  Goochland supervisors OK controversial data center district proposal With SNAP benefits at risk, a guide on where to donate food, money and resources in RVA Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more  After election, paid family leave approval likely next year  Photo essay: Amid historic election, Virginians long for change  On the agenda: Richmond rental inspection program, RPS collective bargaining Richmond prepares to weather continuing federal shutdown Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

VPM Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jonathan Spiers discuss the Richmond region's top business stories. This week they dive in into a local law firm looking to move into the Diamond District, the region's largest hotelier's investment in Chesterfield County and BizSense's annual ranking of the top businesses in the region.

Read more  Virginia Democrats plan to capitalize on 2025 'tsunami' Bill Lupoletti, WRIR co-founder, remembered as ‘passionate connector' Chesterfield County names interim supervisor to replace Jim Holland Former Newport News teacher shot by her 6-year-old student wins a $10M jury verdict Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more: SCOVA hears arguments in suit over Youngkin's university board appointments  Spanberger, Virginia's first woman governor, says she'll defy Trump's 'bad policies'  ICYMI: What will the 2026 House of Delegates look like?  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

We're only going to say this once: All results remain unofficial until certified by the state. More election coverage Democrats sweep Virginia's statewide offices, expand House majority  Results: What will the 2026 House of Delegates look like?  Jason Miyares concedes in attorney general race to Democrat Jay Jones  Watch the moment VPM News announced Spanberger's win on-air (YouTube)  Watch highlights from Abigail Spanberger's victory speech (Instagram)  View Virginia's Election Day statewide in our photo gallery   Other links Governor Glenn Youngkin Launches Virginia Cares Initiative  Virginia Cares Initiative sign-up  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Psst! Tonight (Nov. 4), we'll be broadcasting live updates on VPM News — however you listen. Read (or listen) more  VPM News' 2025 election coverage VPM News' FAQ to voting in Virginia Check your voter registration and polling place Listen to the VPM News radio stream on our website (or direct) Policy Matters: October 30, 2025  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more Where do Winsome Earle-Sears and Abigail Spanberger stand on child care?  ⁠How to vote in Tuesday's elections⁠ Virginia Senate votes to propose redistricting amendment  Obama supports Spanberger at Norfolk rally during campaign's final days Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

‘Policy Matters' is your window into Virginia politics with VPAP. It's our monthly roundup of the top political headlines from across Virginia, powered by VPAP's daily e-newsletter, VaNews.

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense's Jackie DiBartolomeo discuss the Richmond region's top business stories. This week they talk about a massive home development in Chesterfield County, the potential demolition of the Richmond Coliseum and a community led-effort to save a local gym in Henrico County.

Today's the last day for VPM's Fall 2025 membership campaign! ⁠⁠⁠Click or tap here to see our matching challenges⁠.  Read more   Curious Commonwealth asks: Has Richmond always been a Halloween town? Health insurance customers face uncertainty as open enrollment begins  Latino candidates look to shape Virginia's political future  Richmond's elections office works to win back voter trust in 2025  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit ⁠⁠vpm.org/donate⁠⁠ to support local journalism. 

A first look at cannabis sales in Virginia sheds light on pot preferences in the commonwealth; and a technology overhaul means layoffs for Goochland-based CarMax.  Read more House of Delegates passes redistricting amendment Tazewell judge denies injunction against GA redistricting effort Blue Ridge Area Food Bank reports record levels of food insecurity Note: VPM's Fall 2025 membership campaign is ongoing now through Oct. 31. ⁠⁠Click or tap here to see our matching challenges.⁠⁠  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit ⁠⁠vpm.org/donate⁠⁠ to support local journalism. 

Plus: Gov. Glenn Youngkin unveils a new state-run emergency nutrition assistance program.  Read more ⁠Virginia delegates file 2026 redistricting amendment draft Youngkin unveils state-run emergency nutrition assistance program  ICYMI: VPM News' interview questions for Jason Miyares ICYMI (also) Jay Jones: Families 'desperate' for attorney general to put Virginia first  Note: VPM's Fall 2025 membership campaign is ongoing now through Oct. 31. ⁠⁠Click or tap here to see our matching challenges.⁠⁠  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit ⁠⁠vpm.org/donate⁠⁠ to support local journalism. 

Read more General Assembly starts hashing out redistricting amendment for 2026  How do data centers figure into Virginia's 2025 elections?  Richmond looks for holistic solutions to gun violence  Note: VPM's Fall 2025 membership campaign is ongoing now through Oct. 31. ⁠⁠Click or tap here to see our matching challenges.⁠⁠   Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit ⁠⁠vpm.org/donate⁠⁠ to support local journalism. 

Read more  Virginia moves to join redistricting trend Mehta looks to unseat Earley in Chesterfield House of Delegates race On the agenda: this week in public meetings⁠  Note: VPM's Fall 2025 membership campaign is ongoing now through Oct. 31. ⁠Click or tap here to see our matching challenges.⁠  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit ⁠vpm.org/donate⁠ to support local journalism. 

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jack Jacobs discuss the Richmond region's top business stories. This week's episode include details on a new agreement for use of CarMax Park, news of the PGA tour's return to Richmond and the renovation of a church located in the Fan District.

Plus: Gov. Youngkin declares state of emergency over lapsing SNAP funds; National Drug Take Back Day is Saturday; Preliminary results from a new survey of families waitlisted for subsidized child care in the commonwealth have been released; and other stories. Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

In other news: Richmond approves a solar panel project in the East End; a debate with an AI-generated candidate; and some military members say they're not getting paid despite the Pentagon's efforts to move money during the shutdown.  Read more  UVA strikes deal to pause Trump DOJ investigations  Henrico unveils land-use proposal to Varina District residents  Eliza Monroe Hay: The true story behind James Monroe's eldest daughter  Note: VPM's Fall 2025 membership campaign is ongoing now through Oct. 31. Click or tap here to see our matching challenges.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

UVA and White House move closer to a deal; Richmond's new registrar tries to rebuild trust in the office after scandal; and a state commission recommends improvements to Virginia's special education system.   Read more  Eugene Williams, lifelong Charlottesville activist, dies at 97  'We reject the compact': UVA community speaks out at National Day of Action  Note: VPM's Fall 2025 membership campaign is ongoing now through Oct. 31. Click or tap here to see our matching challenges.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Virginia's early voting period closes on Saturday, Nov. 1. Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 4.  Read more A measure of Virginia unemployment claims from federal employees is rising Early voting satellite locations open across Greater Richmond Virginia ELECT: Find your early voting locations  DWR Asking Public to Report After Increase in Suspected Cases of Avian Influenza  Fall 2025 Richmond Restaurant Week  Note: VPM's Fall 2025 membership campaign is ongoing now through Oct. 31! Click or tap here to see our matching challenges.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

PLUS: UVA says no to Education Department compact; ICE releases detained Henrico high schooler. Read more  UVA says no to Trump administration's ‘Compact for Academic Excellence'  'We reject the compact': UVA community speaks out at National Day of Action  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense reporter Jonathan Speirs discuss the Richmond region's top business stories. This week's stories include details of the withdrawal of a data center project in Henrico County and news of the residential redevelopment of two historic churches in the Richmond.

Republican incumbent Jason Miyares and former Del. Jay Jones (D–Norfolk) clashed Thursday night at the University of Richmond on energy, civil rights, crime, immigration, affordability and the role itself. It was the first and only public debate between the candidates this cycle, mirroring last week's sole debate between the gubernatorial candidates, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger. Read more Attorney general candidates debate role in civil rights, criminal justice reform Youngkin mobilizes Virginia National Guard troops for anti-Trump ‘No Kings' protests The two wildcards shaping the tail end of the Virginia race for governor Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Also: State employees are being furloughed due to the federal shutdown; Richmond Public Schools hits graduation rate highs; Chesterfield Supervisor Jim Holland dies at age 73 — and more Central Virginia news.  Read more Longtime Chesterfield supervisor Jim Holland dies at 73 Richmond City Council votes down real estate tax relief proposal Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Plus: Richmond R&B singer D'Angelo, dead at 51; Albemarle County School Board candidates weigh in on school resource officers; and Richmond City Council votes to keep current property tax rate.     Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Plus: Charlottesville tourism spending is up; Virginia Department of Health tweaks vaccine recommendations; FOIA proposal to be heard at Richmond City Council's meeting tonight; and other stories.

More than 10 years after he left his job in the City of Richmond's elections office, David Levine has returned to lead it as the general registrar. Levine took over as Richmond's top elections administrator in July, several months after Keith Balmer stepped down — and as the city prepared for a historic election season.  VPM News Reporter Dean Mirshahi recently spoke with the registrar about his elections experience, the new role and issues the office has had since his return.  Read more Richmond's registrar issues ‘mea culpa' over early voting errors  What did Virginians learn from the sole Spanberger and Earle-Sears debate?  Have you been laid off during the government shutdown? VPM News wants to hear from you.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Mike Platania discuss the Richmond region's top business stories. This week's top stories include details of a new venue coming to the Carver neighborhood, the renovation of the historic Second Baptist Church and Outpost new Southside location.

Plus: A former elections administrator is arrested; AstraZeneca makes a historic investment in Virginia; and the University of Virginia responds to funding threats.  Read more Published Sept. 22: VPM News' interview questions for Winsome Earle-Sears Published Sept. 23: Abigail Spanberger's interview with VPM News Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

VPM Music will be livestreaming this year's festival at 107.3 FM or 93.1 FM, as well as online at VPM.org/folk. 

Plus: Richmond Public Schools approves collective bargaining changes; The Virginia Department of Energy has launched a tool to help customers cut electricity costs; and other stories.  

Plus: Former Richmond City Council candidate Tavares Floyd indicted on election fraud charges; AG Jason Miyares on Democratic AG nominee Jay Jones; and other stories.

Plus; more on the Richmond father detained at son's school bus stop, rural voters, and more.  

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jackie DiBartolomeo discuss the top business stories in the Richmond region. Today's episode they explore updates to VCU's athletic village, the recent closures of a Willow Lawn restaurant and coffee chain.

Plus; a Virginian, who's run two unsuccessful political campaigns, is now one of the Navy's top brass. 

Plus: how Virginia's elected officials are reacting to the federal shutdown. 

Plus: GRTC wants rider input on a future Pulse bus corridor; William and Mary's Law School gets an energy-focused program; and other stories. Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Also: State commission evaluates survey results from universities' role in uprooting Black communities; Hanover opens 5-mile segment of Fall Line Trail — and more Central Virginia news.  Read more from VPM News  Old Ivy Road bridge crash closes multiple roads in Charlottesville  Francine, the famous Richmond Lowe's cat, has gone missing  Former US Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater details her life in new memoir  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.