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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.”
In other news:
- Thousands of Hampton Roads homes have flooded at least twice, according to federal insurance data (WHRO News)
- School leaders want to revisit state performance agreement, saying Richmond is 'held to a different standard' (The Richmonder)
In case you missed it:
- VCU Health, City of Richmond butt heads over tax payments on failed downtown project (Richmond BizSense)*
- U.S. Department of Education begins testing of new FAFSA form (Virginia Mercury)
- Richmond's relocated Christopher Columbus statue dedicated in New York (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.