Welcome to Finding Joy! VPM News is wrapping up summer 2025 with some of the greatest, the simplest and the most out-of-this-world joys Central Virginia has to offer.

Part 1: Megan Pauly brings us along for Muddy Mondays, a summer hike for young kids run by Trail Kids RVA. 

Learn more about the series at vpm.org/joy.

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read the lightly edited transcript of this complete interview on VPM.org now. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

VPM News Host Benjamin Dolle and BizSense Reporter Mike Platania discuss the Richmond's region's top business stories. This week's topic include a lawsuit against Riverfront Plaza in downtown Richmond, and a new area location for Charlottesville-based ACAC Fitness & Wellness.

Plus: Early childhood and higher education reporter Megan Pauly spoke with families who rely on the program and the educators who run it.  

Plus: GOP candidate for Governor Earle-Sears promises to “defend and deliver”; a possible measles exposure in Northern Virginia; and work resumes on Forest Hill sewer replacement project.  

Editor Whittney Evans digs into the history of Virginia’s seemingly permanent case of election season — and fatigue. 

Submit your own question to Curious Commonwealth at ⁠⁠⁠⁠vpm.org/curious⁠⁠⁠⁠. 

Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Plus: Albemarle County’s General Registrar resigns; VMI has a new superintendent; Virginia’s State Board of Health on transgender athletics policies; and other stories.

Plus: Charlottesville’s Police Civilian Oversight Board sees departures; Metal Detectors in Chesterfield schools; Virginia’s National Guard deployments and other stories.

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jack Jacobs discuss the Richmond's region's top business stories. This week's topic include a Diamond District lawsuit, Short Pump's new VR arcade, and the groundbreaking of a new housing development in Chester.

Plus: help name a baby porcupine!