During the coronavirus outbreak, VPM is running a daily newscast of our reporting, hosted by Benjamin Dolle. Episodes are recorded at 6 p.m. and released for 7 a.m. the next day, Tuesday through Friday.
In today's newscast:
- Town elections are happening in some parts of Virginia today, and roughly 40,000 people have already voted absentee - nearly 39,000 more than in a similar election four years ago.
- A court has determined that mayoral candidates in Richmond only need 150 signatures instead of 500 to appear on November's ballot - but some are asking why city council and school board candidates aren't receiving similar relief during a time when social distancing makes signature collections harder.
- Virginia's economy has taken a hit, but state officials say it's done better than it could have - and point to a 10% unemployment rate, versus a national average of 15%.
- Gov. Ralph Northam announced several initiatives to help tenants, homeowners, and landlords yesterday, as the judicial emergency that closed courts expires - permitting
- Virginia Beach is reopening in time for Memorial Day - although there are lots of restrictions in place.
- Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring and other states attorneys general are suing the EPA, seeking to protect the Chesapeake Bay
- During the pandemic, pick-your-own orchards and farms say they're safe places to practice social distancing - and get out of the house.
If you have a photo that speaks to what you're experiencing under the coronavirus outbreak, please send it to us with a note about what the image means to you. Is something unusual happening in your neighborhood? Have a heart warming moment? Let us know.