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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of April 15, 2025:

Major changes to come following Richmond’s new zoning code

Reported by VPM News’ Dean Mirshahi

Housing supply is just one of the issues the city is considering during the zoning code overhaul, a yearslong process that will bring major changes to Richmond that officials say are needed to realize its future plans.

While the code was re-written last nearly 50 years ago, it has undergone changes throughout the years that the city says gave “piece meal updates.” This includes allowing most single-family homeowners to build accessory dwelling units on their property.

Norfolk State teacher grant canceled by Trump administration

Reported by VPM News’ Megan Pauly

The Isle of Wight School Board was granted the five-year, $8.5 million grant last fall to expand the number of licensed teachers and school leaders across three Tidewater-area school districts in partnership with Norfolk State University.

The proposal aimed to support 200 teaching residents working towards certification at NSU in exchange for their commitment to working in a hard-to-staff school in the area for a minimum of three years.

Okema Branch, chief academic officer for Suffolk City Public Schools, said the school divisions specifically designed this program to create accessible licensure pathways in critical shortage areas: special education and pre-K through 6th grade.

According to the grant application, the HBCU would provide reduced tuition to participants — and a cost-of-living stipend would also be awarded. According to Branch, the stipend offered would’ve been $10,000 each year.

Now, those financial supports are gone.

News you might have missed from around the commonwealth

• We’re asking: How are federal immigration policies affecting Virginians? (VPM News) 

• Republicans in swing districts unite in ‘Purple Caucus’ ahead of Va. House races (Virginia Mercury) 

• Virginia Republicans pick state Sen. Mark Peake as new party chairman (Richmond Times–Dispatch)* 

• Balico withdraws data center proposal for Pittsylvania after months of resident pushback and vote postponements (Cardinal News) 

• United Blood hardcore music festival returns to Richmond after 5-year hiatus (WTVR) 

*This outlet utilizes a paywall.