VPM Daily Newscast: Sept. 29, 2023

The VPM Daily Newscast contains all your Central Virginia news in just 5 to 10 minutes. Episodes are recorded the night before.

Listeners can subscribe through NPR One, Apple Podcasts, Megaphone, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. 

Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Sept. 29, 2023:   

Supervisors OK Envision Hanover plan

Reported by VPM News’ Lyndon German

After months of public comment, Hanover County’s Board of Supervisors approved a new comprehensive plan, outlining their vision for the county’s future over the next two decades.

Hanover’s planning department received more than 4,000 comments from the community — addressing the county’s desire to maintain its rural land while accommodating a growing population.

One of the newest additions to Hanover’s comprehensive plan identifies the need for an expanded workforce and affordable housing. During the public engagement period, stakeholders pointed out the lack of quality and diverse housing options inside the county’s suburban service area.

Mission of Mercy provides dental care in Appalachian Virginia

Reported by VPM News’ Keyris Manzanares

According to a study by the Healthy Appalachia Institute, people living in Southwest Virginia face numerous roadblocks when it comes to oral health care — provider shortages, poverty, lack of dental insurance, difficulties accessing care, untreated dental disease and limited availability of fluoridated water.

Another challenge is the limited number of providers that accept patients with Medicare or Medicaid.

VDAF’s Mission of Mercy project allows people with income or insurance restrictions to turn to their free events for on-the-spot dental care. The MOM project provides patients with preventative, restorative and surgical dental treatments.

You can watch VPM News Focal Point on VPM or on the PBS App

In other news: 

• HBO series follows Bedford County missionary who ran health center for kids. 105 died. (NPR) 

• Virginia Democrats warn Republicans will ban abortion; GOP says their rhetoric is fearmongering (The Associated Press) 

• She challenges one school book a week. She says she’ll never stop. (The Washington Post)* 

In case you missed it: 

• Richmond Food Not Bombs and RVA Community Fridges open North Side mutual aid kitchen (Style Weekly) 

• Trials for 4 charged in Irvo Otieno's death set for 2024 (WRIC) 

• A Richmond program to reduce gun violence has had rare success. Now it’s expanding. (Virginia Mercury) 

*This outlet utilizes a paywall.