VPM Daily Newscast

Read (and watch) more VPM News about the inauguration  Abigail Spanberger sworn in as Virginia's 75th governor  Attorney General Jones, Governor Spanberger flex powers on Day 1  Here are the 10 executive orders Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed Day 1  Gallery: Scenes from the Spanberger–Hashmi–Jones inauguration  Watch inaugural interviews with Abigail Spanberger, Ghazala Hashmi and Jay Jones  Multiple UVA board members resign at Spanberger's request  ICYMI: Watch Saturday's historic inauguration and parade (VPM on YouTube) Other, non-inauguration news On the agenda: This week in Central Virginia meetings Bernice King sees 'saving grace' of MLK Day in today's political climate (The Associated Press)  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read (and watch) more ⁠Events and road closures for Gov. Abigail Spanberger's inauguration weekend⁠ Virginia lawmakers propose a bevy of data center reform bills What happens to bills when their patrons leave the Virginia General Assembly? VPM livestreams on YouTube | VPM PBS livestreams Virginia's 1924 racial segregation law targeted Native Americans for decades 5 candidates apply for Richmond School Board vacancy in 6th District   Other links City officials apologize for pausing rent assistance program without announcing it to the public (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* Rev. ‘Tee' Turner, who spearheaded Richmond's Slave Trail and worked towards racial reconciliation, died this week (The Richmonder)  How to claim Verizon's $20 credit for Wednesday's service outage (Engadget) *This outlet uses a paywall. Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Read (and watch) more Virginia House committee advances 4 proposed constitutional amendments  Gov. Glenn Youngkin: Virginia is stronger 'by every single metric'  Delegate-elect Virgil Thornton wants to get back to ‘the community over the chaos' WATCH: 2026 State of the Commonwealth Address (VPM on YouTube) Other links Former DPU director April Bingham sues city for $1M, claiming she was smeared after water crisis (The Richmonder)  Central Va. hospitals recommend masking in health care centers as flu, COVID-19 cases surge (Virginia Mercury)  Breaking News: CarMax lays off hundreds more, including many in Richmond (Richmond BizSense)*  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.     

Del.-elect Mark Downey: Elected doctor seeks healthier futures for Virginians  UVA rector meets with state lawmakers about Jim Ryan's exit    Other links:  Tazewell judge denies GOP push to block redistricting plan (Richmond Times-Dispatch)  Pending land sale to state delegate on hold as Richmond officials debate process (The Richmonder)  Spanberger names new education leaders to ‘strengthen' state's schools (Virginia Mercury)  Former Del. Gooditis aims to unseat Cline in Congress (The Winchester Star)  Virginia colleges resist disclosing athletic revenue-sharing (Cardinal News)  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more:  Del.-elect Elizabeth Guzman: Data centers, businesses should ‘pay their fair share'  Updated: Who in Virginia is running for US Senate in 2026?  Updated: Who's running to challenge Rob Wittman in Virginia's 1st US House District?    Other links:  Washington National Opera leaves Kennedy Center, joining slew of artist exits (NPR)  Federal Prosecutor Is Fired Amid Further Turmoil in Comey Case (The New York Times)  Smith Mountain Lake seeing lowest levels in nearly a decade (The Roanoke Times)  Hopewell says goodbye to 'tornado' City Councilor Yolanda Wyche Stokes (The Progress-Index)  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more Jessica Anderson: Funding education makes communities economically 'robust'  Review period underway for Hanover County real estate assessments  On the agenda: This week in Central Virginia public meetings  Other links Virginia researchers reveal widespread coastal 'ghost forests' (WHRO News) Southwest Va. ‘resilience hubs' aim to support communities during disasters (Cardinal News) Stafford sees first Black Board of Supervisors majority in county history ‘This is war': In texts, U-Va. board members plot with Youngkin, decry DEI (The Washington Post)* Buddhist monastery relinquishes its claim to VMFA masterpiece, resolving ownership questions (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jackie DiBartolomeo discuss the Rixhmons region's top businesses stories. This week's discussion includes the one year anniversary of Richmond's water crisis, RRHA's Grace Street renovation, and GameStop closures nationwide.

Read more  Kacey Carnegie: We're all more alike than we think      Other links:  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Mitchell Cornett: Southwest Virginia needs ‘wins in Richmond'  Allegations of racism, retaliation at Red Onion State Prison deemed ‘inconclusive'  Chesterfield County School Board chooses new leaders — with some dissent    Other links:  Judge Orders Trump Loyalist to Explain Why She Has Kept U.S. Attorney Title (The New York Times)  Virginia's job openings on the rise with 255,000 vacancies: report (WRIC)  Venezuela strike sharpens war powers debate among Virginia lawmakers (Virginia Mercury)  Still no resolution from sheriff on Turnstile pepper spray controversy (The Richmonder)  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more:  Curious Commonwealth asks: Why is there a herd of elk in North Chesterfield?  Avula, Richmond officials detail progress at main water treatment plant  Democrats Jones, Schmidt win Richmond-area General Assembly seats  Other links:  VDOT pauses minority-, women-owned businesses program activities amid federal changes (Virginia Mercury)  For the fourth straight year, 'Vision Zero' deaths were above the 2017 baseline (The Richmonder)  Data center zoning amendment up for final approval in Campbell County (Cardinal News)  Hegseth rails against cost overruns while touring Newport News Shipbuilding (WHRO News)  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more:  A year in review with Richmond Mayor Danny Avula  Best of 2025: A year in photography across the commonwealth  John McAuliff: Data center growth is fueling a statewide energy crisis  Virginia lawmakers seek to balance energy affordability, reliability in 2026  House of Delegates to continue subsidizing members' child care costs in 2026    Other links: U.S. Navy blockade off coast of Venezuela will continue despite Maduro's capture (WHRO News)  After Virginia judges' misconduct became public, lawmakers reinstated secrecy (Virginia Mercury)  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.   

Read more John McAuliff: Data center growth is fueling a statewide energy crisis House of Delegates to continue subsidizing members' child care costs in 2026 Virginia lawmakers seek to balance energy affordability, reliability in 2026 Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Read more Stacey Carroll: Virginia needs 'innovative ways' to deal with federal cuts Data: Virginia's early childhood education providers are succeeding Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Read more ⁠May Nivar: Maintaining Virginia's way of life while encouraging growth⁠ ⁠How one Richmond program elevates soul food and health Best of 2025: VPM News staff's favorite local journalism Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Read more Lindsey Dougherty: Virginia needs investment in housing and infrastructure This Ashland resident is bridging the bilingual gap in Hanover Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Read more Richmond author Lee Allen is celebrating 30 years of ‘The Special Guest' Runnymeade Community Farm to help preserve small-scale farming in Varina Glow Big or Glow Home turns holiday festivities into Chesterfield tourism Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit ⁠vpm.org/donate⁠ to support local journalism.

Read more Leslie Mehta: Affordability is the name of the game Retail cannabis market appears set to finally hit Virginia in 2026 Mutual aid fills the gaps as ICE arrests surge across Virginia VPM News Short: Virginia Delegates, Class of 2026 Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Read more UVA board selects Scott Beardsley as new president Updated: Virginia ABC grants Roseshire gambling parlor limited liquor license Other links Santa Claus' bone fragment is at a Northern Virginia Catholic church (WAMU) Transcript: Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger represents a series of Virginia firsts (NPR) 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 recap of the Richmond region's top business stories for the week of December 19, 2025. This week they'll cover the $80 million purchase of Chesterfield Town Center, the arrival of a new Trader Joe's in Henrico County and much more.

Read more Regulators to consider appeal against Dominion Energy natural gas plant Spanberger, Virginia Democrats eye affordability bills — on a budget Holiday travel expected to break records again in 2025 Updated: Virginia ABC grants Roseshire gambling parlor limited liquor license Other links Metro needs more money. Will Virginia deliver? (WAMU) US government admits role in causing helicopter-plane collision that killed 67 (The Associated Press) Step into this Iowan's Jane Austen–inspired dream for her 250th birthday (Iowa Public Radio) Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Read more Youngkin presents final budget proposal as governor Budget draft partially funds Child Care Subsidy Program Other links Roanoke Weighs Reparations Fund as Council Warms to Urban Renewal Apology (Roanoke Rambler) Caroline Historical Society exhibit tells the story of county's World War II veterans (Fredericksburg Free Press) Newport News approves $3 million to help bring ‘major music festival' to city (The Virginian-Pilot)* Petersburg casino will hold job fair Dec. 18 in Richmond (The Progress-Index)* Pittsylvania to consider being a test locality for pilot slow-moving vehicle warning system (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 City Council OKs Mayor Danny Avula's plan for limited FOIA library Other links Remembrance: Edwin “Eddie” Slipek, 1950-2025 (Style Weekly) What will Virginia's Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin do next? He's not ready to tell (The Associated Press) Virginia Dept. of Ed projects K-12 schools will need $1.2 billion over next two years (Virginia Mercury) Where is Tavares Floyd? Months after being indicted, court records still list him as a fugitive (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* City ends Flock pilot program over federal data base concerns (Cville Right Now) *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: Charlie Schmidt wins firehouse primary in House of Delegates District 77 Other links:George Washington's mansion at Mt. Vernon reopens after 2-year, $40M renovation (AP) Brown shooting victim was pursuing dream of becoming brain surgeon (The Washington Post)* The Mysterious Life and Afterlife of Private Fitz Lee (The New York Times)* What is a 'tent casino'? Petersburg prepares for temporary facility to open (The Richmonder) Faculty Senate passes resolution calling for presidential search finalists to ask for pause (The Cavalier Daily) Va. considers nearly $700 million rail and trail plan in Shenandoah Valley (Virginia Mercury) Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Read more Hanover supervisors approve 10-year parks system plan Who's running in Virginia's 5th Congressional District in 2026? On the agenda: Richmond transparency proposals, Henrico vape shop regulations Other links National Weather Service: Richmond forecast; Charlottesville forecast; Harrisonburg forecast Most Va. schools meeting new state expectations, Va. education department reports (Virginia Mercury) Kaine still sees small chance Senate could vote to extend health care subsidies (FFXNow) Richmond's Scott's Addition to reinstate parking enforcement after years without (WRIC) Trial over Confederate school names in Shenandoah County gets underway (WMRA) 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 Greater Richmond's top business stories. This week's stories include information on the mystery tenants moving to CoStar's riverfront headquarters and a new restaurant moving into a familiar building in the Fan.

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.