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 March 14, 2025:
Federal funding freeze impacts Gilman scholarships in Virginia
Reported by VPM News’ Megan Pauly
When Savannah Morris first applied to Virginia Commonwealth University, she didn’t think studying abroad could be a reality for her because of the cost. But when she realized she could receive scholarships, she decided it’s what she wanted to do.
Her adviser in VCU’s Global Education Office told her she would be a perfect candidate for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, a federally-funded program through the U.S. State Department for Pell Grant–eligible students.
Morris applied for the grant and in December was told she would receive a total of $6,500 through the program to study in Seoul — including a critical language award to bolster her study of Korean.
Over 40 students at Virginia colleges – including Morris – were granted the scholarship last fall. According to the scholarship’s website, nearly 50% of recipients are first-generation college students.
But on Feb. 13, scholarship recipients were notified of a 15-day freeze on the program’s funds. Those 15 days came and went, with no update.
Then on Feb. 25, Morris got an email from the program’s administrator, the Institute of International Education, stating that it had “not received cash disbursements” from the federal government to release the funds.
Richmond’s Leigh Street Armory history removed in national DEI purge
Reported by VPM News’ Dean Mirshahi
References to Richmond’s Leigh Street Armory — a landmark of Black history in the city — were removed from the Virginia National Guard’s website as part of the Pentagon’s purge of content highlighting diversity, equity and inclusion.
The two-story brick building, constructed in 1895 in historic Jackson Ward, is believed to be the oldest United States armory for a Black militia, the First Battalion Virginia Volunteers.
Since its construction, it’s served multiple functions, and now houses the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.
News you might have missed from around the commonwealth
- Hanover County seeks nominations for two School Board seats (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
- Boil water advisory issued in Nelson County (The Daily Progress)
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.
