The VPM Daily Newscast contains all your Central Virginia news in just 5 to 10 minutes. Episodes are recorded the night before.
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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Sept. 26, 2023:
Virginia voter removals raise concerns among rights groups
Reported by VPM News’ Ben Paviour
Galen Baughman was elated when then-Gov. Ralph Northam reinstated his rights in 2021. Baughman had spent nine years in jail and prison after pleading guilty to nonviolent sexual misconduct involving offenses that occurred in 1997 and 2003, when he was 14 and 19.
But when Baughman went to vote in the June primaries, he was told he’d been removed from the voter rolls — despite voting in several elections since his rights were restored.
Built environment can improve mental health, UVA professor says
Reported by VPM News’ Phil Liles
Can urban design and planning take a toll on the mental well-being of city dwellers?
One researcher at the University of Virginia thinks so. Jenny Roe is co-author of Restorative Cities: Urban Design for Mental Health and Wellbeing, a book that looks at how cities can put mental health and wellness at the forefront of design.
In other news:
- Obamacare coverage to expand in Virginia (The Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
- Source of 'forever chemical' in Roanoke River to pay $1 billion settlement (The Roanoke Times)*
In case you missed it:
- Rep. Wexton helped turn Virginia blue. Now Democrats need to hold onto her seat. (Politico)
- Could Virginia become the next Florida? It may come down to 20 legislative races (Vanity Fair)*
- Documents reveal details of ill-fated VCU Health development deal (Richmond BizSense)*
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.