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VPM Daily Newscast Oct. 3, 2024

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VPM Daily Newscast

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 Oct. 3, 2024

Derrick Anderson–Eugene Vindman 7th District debate light on details
Reported by VPM News’ Jahd Khalil and WAMU’s Margaret Barthel

Sparks, but few answers, flew during Wednesday night’s 7th Congressional District debate at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg.

The candidates exchanged barbs on the economy, national security, abortion rights and climate change. At many points, both used their time not to answer questions with policy specifics but instead attempted to brand the opponent as “extreme” and questioned each other’s character.

The sprawling open seat in Virginia’s 7th includes eastern Prince William County; all of Caroline, Culpeper, Greene, King George, Madison, Orange, Spotsylvania and Stafford counties; the City of Fredericksburg; and a sliver of Albemarle County.

Incumbent Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, is not seeking re-election in order to run for governor in 2025.

Regional Recovery Day works to 'dispel the stigma' of addiction
Reported by VPM News’ Adrienne Hoar McGibbon

Both of Serenity Kirby’s parents fought addiction. She struggled with it too — until she was incarcerated and learned she was going to have a baby of her own.

“I knew that I could no longer get high or ruin another child’s life,” Kirby said Monday at the inaugural Regional Recovery Day, held at the Henrico Sports and Events Center. “It was no longer about me.”

It’s been a two-year journey for Kirby, whose daughter is now 18 months old. She has relied on her faith, a therapist and support from group therapy to help her stay clean.

“Using is a hopeless place,” she said. “People don’t realize that it’s so many opportunities out here, and people want to help.”

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VPM News is the staff byline for articles and podcasts written and produced by multiple reporters and editors.