VPM Daily Newscast

Read more VanValkenburg looks to return Virginia to multistate voter data partnership  Joe Casey, longtime Chesterfield County administrator, announces retirement  Other links Spanberger names Del. David Bulova to lead natural, historic resources (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* Dog attacks persist in Virginia prisons despite 2024 law change (Virginia Mercury) Virginia to remove ‘sweetened beverages' from SNAP in April 2026 (WRIC) Virginia Beach school system is making teletherapy free for some students (WHRO News)  Then & Now: The Roanoke River Greenway inched closer to completion this year, with the opening of almost 3 more miles of trail (Cardinal News) *This outlet utilizes a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more: Richmond Public Schools could lose valuable Southside site to land sale State Crime Commission has reviewed 85% of Mary Jane Burton's cases    Other links:  Virginia researchers help track migrating monarch butterflies in more detail than ever (WHRO News)    Spanberger taps Del. Candi Mundon King as Virginia's next secretary of the commonwealth (Virginia Mercury)    Spanberger's energy, health care, housing bills coming next week (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*    VUU's accrediting probation lifted, accreditation ‘reaffirmed' (The Richmonder)    Rasoul to explore run for Congress as Virginia eyes redrawing district lines (Cardinal News)  *This outlet utilizes a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more Special elections set for Richmond-area House of Delegates, state Senate seats State water board OKs new pollution limits for James River tributaries Henrico County approves Dominion's solar project at former landfill  Other links VMFA returns trafficked 6th-century terracotta fragments to Turkey (WRIC) Perriello mounts comeback bid in Virginia's 5th District (Virginia Mercury) Albemarle officials call on state lawmakers to fix 'funding pie' for local road projects (The Daily Progress)* 250 years ago today, Virginians went to war against their governor (and won) (Cardinal News) *This outlet utilizes a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more  State audit validates areas of concern at Bon Air JCC  Avula, Richmond City Council kick off collaborative budget process  Other links  Virginia businesses eye possible pivots after hemp hampered in federal stopgap spending bill (Virginia Mercury)  This is how the tiny town of Gordonsville raised millions for a new swimming pool and park (Charlottesville Tomorrow)  Top 40 Under 40: Class of 2025 (Style Weekly)  It's only 41 feet long, but replacing this Manchester bridge is key to future projects (The Richmonder)  National parks' fee-free calendar drops MLK Day, Juneteenth and adds Trump's birthday (NPR)  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more Right-to-work reforms possible for Virginia On the agenda: real estate taxes, transparency and cybersecurity Nash Road extension opens in Chesterfield County VPM News Short: 

‘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. This month we discuss the results of November's historic state elections and what they mean for Virginia over the next few years, what to expect from the General Assembly in their upcoming session, and we bid farewell to Chris Piper, who is moving out of the Executive Director position at the Virginia Public Access Project.

VPM News Host Lyndon Germam and BizSense reporter Jonathan Spiers discuss the Richmond region's top business stories. This week's episode they talk about a rejected housing development in Henrico County, the fate the former Best Products building and a new restaurant crafted by shipping containers coming to Richmond.

Read more UVA interim president defends federal agreement to General Assembly Longtime public media CEO Charles Sydnor Jr. dies at 82    Other links  Many Richmond streets to see closures for Dominion Energy Christmas Parade (WRIC) After 36 years, suburban growth along I-95 corridor finally caught up with Del. Bobby Orrock (Cardinal News) FBI arrests suspect in investigation into pipe bombs planted near DNC, RNC before Jan. 6 attack (NPR) Henrico County approves animal cruelty registry to prevent convicted abusers from adopting pets (WTVR) Albemarle leaders weigh building fourth high school to ease overcrowding (29News) Spanberger picks ex-Richmond FBI leader as public safety secretary (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* NASCAR antitrust trial: Bob Jenkins testifies about $100M loss and 'insulting' charter deal (The Associated Press)  *This outlet utilizes a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more Charlottesville moves to acquire land parcels via eminent domain  Richmond School Board approves Armstrong-Kennedy High renaming  Shonda Harris-Muhammed steps down from Richmond School Board    Other links Chesapeake Bay region leaders approve revised agreement, commit to cleanup through 2040 (WHRO News)  Paint it black: Martinsville's report on former city manager almost entirely redacted (Cardinal News)  Brown's Island $30M renovation kicks off with groundbreaking ceremony (12 On Your Side)  Richmond cat café The Purrfect Bean closes due to flooding caused by cat (WRIC)  *This outlet utilizes a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more Richmond City auditor finds nearly 50 unfixed, high-risk issues Virginia Democrats push forward with 2026 redistricting efforts Updated: Who in Virginia is running for US Senate in 2026? VPM News Short: Gobbles Up Other links Brown's Island gets $30M makeover: What's coming to one of Richmond's favorite spots (WTVR) Spanberger begins Cabinet rollout with health secretary pick (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* Furry ‘suspect' ransacks Hanover ABC store, found passed out in bathroom (WRIC) Welcome to the new era of college admissions: AI may be scoring your essay (The Associated Press)  *This link contains a paywall. Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more  State lawmakers eye flexible bills for AI usage in health care settings  Henrico selects Cari Tretina as new economic development director  Virginia could be a key state in countering Trump's redistricting push (VPM News on NPR!)    Other links Most Richmonders got accurate tax rebate checks, but review finds $115K in possible overpayments (The Richmonder) UVa secures $5.3M DoD grant to study brain injuries in military personnel (The Daily Progress)* Advocates want answers from Tricare after a rough year for military clients (WHRO News) New maternal health website built to help residents find resources (Cardinal News)  *This outlet utilizes a paywall.  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 Jackie DiBartolomeo discuss the Richmond region's top business stories. This week's topics include CoStar Group's corporate campus, the development of GRTC's central transfer station and VCU's Grace Street dorm project taking shape.

Read more  Youngkin advisers 'cautiously optimistic' about future tax revenues  State regulators partially OK Dominion Energy bill increases    Other links  Official obituary of Solomon W. Jefferson (1977–2025)  Virginia drivers navigate new seat belt law, express lanes during Thanksgiving week (Virginia Mercury)  Virginians on health insurance marketplace see monthly premiums rise to ‘astonishing' levels (Cardinal News)  Speciality schools provide unique experiences for Richmond students (The Richmonder)  Theft of $24,000 wine bottle spurs high-speed chase through Va. countryside (The Washington Post)*  *This outlet utilizes a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more Chesterfield County turkey gobbles up social media attention Campus food pantries strained by disruptions to federal nutrition benefits Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more  Chesterfield gives Shady Hill mobile home park extra time to fix violations Virginia's rules for felons to regain voting rights could change soon  Other links  Map: More than 600 Flock camera locations in Hampton Roads are public for the first time (Virginian-Pilot)* ‘It's this big, huge wall': 3-story Virginia home addition sparks building rules debate (NBC4 Washington) Caledon State Park Completes $6.1 Million Expansion (News on the Neck) Central Virginia groups give away thousands of free Thanksgiving turkeys (WTVR) Some COVID babies are underprepared for kindergarten. Franklin County wants to help (Roanoke Times)* *This outlet utilizes a paywall. Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more Richmond may have to return $1.3M in COVID-era funding to the federal government  Ex-UVA student gets five life sentences for 2022 fatal shooting  Chesterfield gives Shady Hill mobile home park extra time to fix violations   Other links  Faculty question the motives behind FOIA requests for course materials, text messages (The Cavalier Daily)  When and where traffic will spike in Richmond for Thanksgiving (Axios Richmond)  NPR affiliate Radio IQ hacked, broadcasts overtly racist music in Richmond area (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*   Airport leaders budget for a modest rebound in Reagan National travelers next year (ARLNow)  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 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.