Plus: a Richmond gun buyback event, Youngkin aims for increased schools funding and the commonwealth’s 2025 minimum wage.

Plus: A town in Virginia has dissolved its charter; the latest on an Augusta County wildfire; A group of Virginia lawmakers are calling for increased state funding to eliminate a waitlist for subsidized child care; and other stories. 

Congressman-elect John McGuire, a Republican, told VPM News last month, “We are working through timing and will be resigned before being sworn into Congress, as required.” Virginia’s legislative session starts Jan. 8, days after Congress convenes on Jan. 3. 

Henrico County is short ~200 public school teachers, and the Albertsons–Kroger merger has been blocked by the feds. Poet Nikki Giovanni died on Monday, and earlier this year she told NPR exactly how she felt about it.

Plus: Richmond Registrar Keith Balmer’s city-issued procurement card was reinstated while he was under investigation; VCU Health is open to working with a mediator with the city; and other stories. 

Richmond City Council set to redo a vote on waste management; Richmond’s public housing authority plans to spend $18M to update seniors’ facilities; a Brown v. Board scholarship committee discusses expanding the program; Albemarle will build its first new elementary school in 20 years.

Richmond Bizsense's Mike Platania speaks to VPM Host Benjamin Dolle about a potential boom in affordable housing in the Richmond area.

Richmond registrar discusses alleged misuse of funds; three JMU dorms without heat on Thursday; a new plan to battle pollution in Virginia; and Dominion Energy Christmas Parade closes portion of West Broad Street. 

Today’s top audio stories include a piece on Red Onion State Prison, where at least 6 people who are incarcerated at the facility burned themselves this fall. An attorney for one of the men discusses conditions at the Southwest Virginia prison. 

PLUS: Richmond registrar discusses alleged misuse of funds; three JMU dorms without heat on Thursday; a new plan to battle pollution in Virginia; and Dominion Energy Christmas Parade closes portion of West Broad Street.

Plus: Sen. Tim Kaine talks about his newest legislation, the Protecting Our Essential Medicines Act; a crucial public medevac service could be in jeopardy if funding situation isn’t secured; a feature with VPM News reporters Jahd Khalil and Megan Pauly; and other news.

Plus: The Charlottesville City Council talks trucks, Richmond Public Schools has a new electronic devices policy — and other Central Virginia news.

Plus: Virginia's elected officials are considering how to build out enough solar energy and storage to meet the state’s rapidly growing needs; $14.4 million will help protect 28 sites across the state; a family of piglets celebrates their first birthday in Glen Allen; and other stories.