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 Oct. 18, 2023:
Virginia geologist explains what we're learning from the Bennu asteroid
Reported by VPM News’ Phil Liles
The Bennu asteroid is about one-third of a mile wide, and NASA says it’s possibly on a trajectory to Earth within the next 200 years.
Chuck Bailey, chairperson of the William & Mary Department of Geology, recently discussed the asteroid’s scientific importance and what its potential impact could do to the planet.
Newport News lab to lead $300-million effort to centralize national science data
Reported by WHRO’s Katherine Hafner
The federal government has tapped Newport News-based Jefferson Lab to lead a sweeping new national data science project.
The lab said its mission with the new hub will be to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery by allowing researchers to access large amounts of data in a massive central computing platform — in real time.
Officials said they plan to partner with local universities as the project develops.
In other news:
- A potential Youngkin presidential run would face logistical hurdles, skepticism (The Associated Press)
- Spanberger defends support for Israel in tense exchange with UVA student (The Daily Progress)*
In case you missed it:
- State report finds child care is unaffordable for most Va. families with young kids (Virginia Mercury)
- Virginia's programs to boost self-sufficiency are not working, panel says (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.