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 May 1, 2025:
‘Lagging’ forecast for Virginia’s economy as feds point to shrinking GDP
Reported by VPM News’ Jahd Khalil
More economic data from the federal government and local economists indicates Virginia may be part of a slowing economy. The US Commerce Department said on Wednesday in an advance estimate that the gross domestic product decreased by 0.3%, mostly driven by an increase in imports and a decrease in government spending.
The numbers are for the national economy at large and not Virginia specifically, which has recently seen mixed economic indicators. But the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center said earlier this week in a forecast (released before the federal advance estimate) that it saw the commonwealth’s economy “lagging” in 2025.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Virginia is better insulated from federal cuts than the District of Columbia or Maryland because of the high concentration of defense industry jobs, citing rating agencies’ assessments.
“Virginia’s economy remains strong and that was reaffirmed in the decision by Moody’s to reaffirm Virginia’s AAA bond status just a few weeks ago,” said Peter Finocchio, Youngkin’s press secretary. “The Youngkin Administration will continue leading to make sure Virginia’s economy remains resilient while helping impacted workers launch new and promising careers here in the Commonwealth.”
Danville residents worry Medicaid cuts could lead to homelessness, death
Reported by VPM News’ Adrienne Hoar McGibbon
Three smokestacks towering over the recently-opened Caesars Virginia Casino in Danville serve as a reminder of the city’s industrial roots. Danville’s economy was built on the textile and tobacco industries until many of its manufacturing plants closed during the 2000s, leaving behind thousands of struggling residents.
The casino’s grand opening last December was a major step in city leaders’ multi-decade revitalization plan. But despite the new growth, many residents are still living on the edge — one medical emergency away from homelessness. And discussions about federal Medicaid cuts are causing concerns for patients and care providers alike.
About 30% of Danville’s roughly 42,000 residents relied on federal low-income health coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program in 2023, according to U.S. Census Bureau data analyzed by Georgetown University’s Center for Children and Families. Many of those people could potentially lose their health coverage if Congress cuts federal funding for Medicaid.
VPM News spoke to Danville residents who would be affected by federal Medicaid cuts, including two who said they would not be able to afford their housing or lifesaving medication without their government-funded coverage.
News you might have missed from around the commonwealth
- Students, staff reflect on Virginia Tech pro-Palestine protest arrests (The Roanoke Times)*
- Board of Supervisors rejects battery facility request (Daily News-Record)*
- Rare 1950 recording by the Stanley Brothers found broken but has been restored through 3D technology (Cardinal News)
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.
