Heartland

Where will rural residents get news if local newspapers close?

They have a reputation for being expensive, but local markets in Virginia provide fresh food.

New series elevating the rural American perspective premieres March 9

Electric co-ops, like Prince George Electric Cooperative and BARC Electric Cooperative, are finding innovative ways to provide broadband to their communities. The series premiere of VPM's “Life in the Heart Land” highlights how Virginia electric co-ops are finding innovative ways to bring broadband to Virginia’s rural communities.

People who live in poverty, globally and in Virginia, are bearing the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the three Richmond ZIP codes with the lowest poverty rates, people are 34% less likely to have been infected than those living in the three ZIP codes with the most poverty. An inequitable vaccine rollout threatens to push that disparity further.

VPM state politics reporter Ben Paviour breaks down the upcoming General Assembly special session with Alan Rodriguez Espinoza.

Richmond City Council unanimously approved a resolution Monday night that could be a first step toward ensuring all residents have access to broadband internet.

Schools throughout Virginia have seen a decrease in student enrollment during the pandemic. That's led to a question over what enrollment figures should be used for funding, which could see some districts losing out on over $1 million.

Lawmakers on a House Labor and Commerce subcommittee considered a slew of bills on electric utility regulation today, covering clean energy, broadband connectivity and transportation.

Seventh District Democratic Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger is holding what she calls a “Rural Broadband Summit” in Louisa Saturday during which she hopes to bring federal officials and constituents together to precipitate some action to close the digital gap.