A 6-year-old girl dealing with her grandfather’s dementia narrates Sun Seekers, the debut novel from Richmond writer Rachel McRady. Morning Edition host Phil Liles recently spoke with the writer about her approach to storytelling.

‘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. It airs at 7:45 during Morning Edition on the last Thursday of every month.

The City of Richmond says it will miss its chance at $24 million in expiring state sales tax incentives that it planned to use to help finance the Diamond District development; and a Carytown pizzeria is looking to grab a slice of the Southside for its second location. 

Also: The auditor for Richmond’s school board estimates the district will pay about one point eight million dollars in overtime to bus drivers

New laws could transform Virginia's Developmental Disability Waiver system; Chesterfield archaeologists looking for descendants of remains found in an unmarked cemetery; a conversation with the Preservation Virginia CEO; and other stories

State Senator John McGuire has won the GOP contest in Virginia’s 5th Congressional District, but a recount is expected; the first Richmond mayoral forum took place earlier this week; Hanover County Schools looking at a potential cell phone ban; and other stories

Also: Six adults were injured in a Glen Allen shooting; Ashley Judd was in Richmond to campaign for Biden–Harris 2024 and more local news.

VPM News’ Henry Brannan looks at one maternity care desert in the Shenandoah Valley and the impact that lack of access has on pregnant people there.

CarMax is shifting into expansion mode locally with plans for a new facility in New Kent County; A Chesterfield warehouse that has changed ownership several times in recent years is now in the hands of a Swiss company that plans to convert the building into a manufacturing center; and things are looking up for many of the CEOs at some of the Richmond region’s biggest companies. 

Richmond has been under a heat dome this week, with indexes into the 90s every day — and it’s only getting hotter this weekend. Also: June is Alzheimer’s and brain awareness month. It is estimated that nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's dementia.