VPM Daily Newscast

Plus: A feature from our partner station WMRA on Virginia Humanities losing federal grants for cultural programs.

The US Department of Government Efficiency directed the federal agency for community service and volunteerism to make the changes. Program directors and organization heads impacted told VPM News the sudden cuts left them hurt, confused and scrambling to find answers.    More than 160 members in Virginia were cut due to the grants ending, according to a count from the Richmond nonprofit Fit4Kids. ...

Virginia’s first youth-specific alternative to emergency rooms is now 1 year old. In other news: It’s still state budget season, there are more federal funding freezes impacting Virginians — and other Central Virginia news. 

VPM Host Lyndon German and BizSense's Jonathan Spiers discuss problems at Richmond’s water plant, housing nonprofits teaming up on modular apartment project in East End, and a lawsuit filed by Henrico County's Economic Development Authority's in connection with the county's GreenCity development deal.

In an interview with Phil Liles, journalist Tara Roberts unpacks how the ocean helped her discover her history.    In the podcast: VPM News is undergoing maintenance that may be impacting your radio signal or HD2 stream. 

Plus: Charlottesville City Schools to acquire Federal Executive Institute property; Richmond Mayor Danny Avula to overhaul the city’s P-card program; and other stories.    In the podcast: Richmond Mayor Danny Avula wants to overhaul the city’s purchasing card program for city employees. 

Plus: Richmond City Council approves budget amendments; Gov. Youngkin appointed to FEMA council.

Congressman Rob Wittman (R–1st) declined to attend a town hall organized by some of his constituents. They still gathered to voice their concerns.  In other news: Recent federal policy changes could open Virginia’s national forests up for logging, “Medicaid is not the home of fraud” — and other Central Virginia news. 

Plus: the University of Virginia and Charlottesville City Schools want to acquire the Federal Executive Institute property, now considered government surplus, in Charlottesville.

‘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.

Virginia transit officials recommended funding for 14 transportation projects in the Richmond region through SMART SCALE, a U.K.-based parent company of local insurance firm sells its U.S.-based business, and a global toy store plans to open in Henrico County's Olde Town Shopping Center.

An experimental aircraft crashes at Langley-Eustis Air Force base; The University of Richmond holds a ceremony for a new memorial honoring enslaved people who worked the land that now belongs to the university, a public defender says ICE detained client during unrelated court hearing.        In the podcast: Experimental aircraft crashes at Langley, University of Richmond honors enslaved people bur...

Central Virginians gathered outside the Albemarle County Courthouse on Wednesday to protest an alleged immigration raid that was publicized on Tuesday.     In other news: Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office recently publicized that the newly created state-level immigration task force has arrested more than 500 migrants in the last two months. 

Plus: a proposed amendment in Richmond’s budget could ban new tobacco and cannabis shops in the city; Virginia’s decrease in jobs; a commemoration of Hanover students who integrated schools in 1963; and other stories.

From bikes and toys to one reporter’s pants, Repair Cafe RVA works to keep Richmonders using their favorite items longer.

Plus: possible solutions for reducing the number of youth incarcerated at the Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center; How pay for Hanover County’s boards and commissions compares to neighboring localities; and other stories.    In the podcast: The latest update from VPM News’ “Idleness and boredom” series; VMI appoints an interim president. 

Prominent Richmonders challenge a North American railroad company in a million-dollar lawsuit; a Goochland County brewery prepares to reopen after a yearlong hiatus; and Virginia Housing looks to build a new $15 million parking deck in Richmond.

International students and alumni in Virginia have their visas or visa eligibility terminated. In other news: Virginians can save on power bills with power grid improvements —and more Central Virginia news.    VPM's Spring 2025 membership campaign has been extended to April 20. Right now, several challenges are ongoing that can double your support of our mission. Click or tap here to learn more. 

VPM News editor Whittney Evans digs in to answer this Curious Commonwealth: What does the data tell us about how much Virginia recycles? Submit your own question at vpm.org/curious.   VPM's Spring 2025 membership campaign ends on April 18. Right now, several challenges are ongoing that can double your support of our mission. Click or tap here to learn more. 

Early voting in Virginia’s 2025 primary kicks off on May 2. In other news: Hanover County honors its local integration history, some Virginians have automatic state+federal tax extensions — and more Central Virginia news.    VPM's Spring 2025 membership campaign ends on April 18. Right now, several challenges are ongoing that can double your support of our mission. Click or tap here to learn more....

St. Mary’s Hospital expansion proposal; Henrico planning for change in water infrastructure; UVA Foundation announces new CEO

Bachman captures audio from thunderstorms, floods and the quiet of nature and integrates it into his work.

Richmond officials break ground on a portion of the Diamond District development and explore redevelopment options for the city's shuttered coliseum behind the scenes. Meanwhile, Hanover staff review a revamped proposal from a developer seeking to build a data center campus that spans across the borders of the county and the town of Ashland.

Plus: staffing shortage at Bon Air youth prison; VCU considering tuition increase; GRTC likely to extend free fare program; Ukrop’s 10K road closures    In the podcast: Trump order could affect RGGI; staffing shortage at youth prison 

The approved budget is not official yet, as Gov. Glenn Youngkin has until May 2 to make changes to the state's budget. In other news: Charlottesville City Schools delay school zone speed cameras; new superintendents voted in for Goochland and Hanover counties; and other news.