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 April 22, 2025:
Repair Cafe RVA works to keep Richmonders’ favorite items in use longer
Reported by VPM News’ Patrick Larsen
A new Richmond pop-up isn’t trying to sell you anything — it’s trying to help you maintain things you already own for longer.
Jenny Kobayashi Malone is the founder and organizer of Repair Cafe RVA, which offers help with appliances, electronics, textiles, furniture, jewelry, toys and bikes. She said the seed was planted over a decade ago, when a friend from France introduced her to the idea.
“We specialize in smaller repairs that can be completed in 20 to 30 minutes. Or if it's a bigger repair, we'd love to give you a diagnostic,” she told VPM News.
At a recent event in March, volunteers helped prolong the life of over 250 lbs. of items, including Kendra Henderson’s bike — and VPM News reporter Patrick Larsen’s favorite pants.
Virginia health officials confirm first 2025 measles case
Reported by VPM News’ Adrienne Hoar McGibbon
The Virginia Department of Health has confirmed the state’s first case of measles for 2025. Now, the department is trying to determine whether anyone else may have been exposed to the highly contagious illness.
A child under the age of 4 from the state’s Northwest health region — which includes the Shenandoah Valley and parts of Appalachia — was diagnosed with the disease last week, according to a statement from VDH. State health officials say the child had recently traveled internationally.
VDH said the child visited Kaiser Permanente medical facilities in Woodbridge and Fredericksburg last week, and warned anyone who may have been exposed to contact their health care providers immediately.
Measles can cause serious health complications including pneumonia and encephalitis, especially in children under the age of 5 and those with compromised immune systems. Two people have died from measles so far this year, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — both in Texas.
News you might have missed from around the commonwealth
- Richmond kicks off Cool the City campaign (VPM News)
- Scathing watchdog report highlights gaps in Virginia's child welfare system (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
- Volvo layoffs to affect up to 350 at New River Valley plant (Cardinal News)
- Group plans 'in-absentia' meeting in Wittman's district (Henrico Citizen)
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.
