While state and economic development officials often focus on attracting new companies to create jobs and spur the economy, some business experts say another novel approach may be even more effective in achieving those goals.  The Small Business Commission composed of lawmakers and business leaders learned the details about “Economic Gardening” during its Richmond meeting on Monday. And as Anne Marie Morgan reports, the entrepreneurial strategy targets small businesses that are on the verge of becoming high-growth companies.

The search continues today for missing UVA student Hannah Graham, and the man accused of kidnapping her could return to Virginia in police custody today. Charlottesville’s police chief took questions from reporters Thursday, and they had plenty as Sandy Hausman reports.

Jesse Matthew Junior appeared in a Texas courtroom today and agreed to return to Virginia without a fight. The sheriff of Galveston County announced plans to search Matthew’s car, and Virginia police are preparing to bring him back. Meanwhile, Charlottesville’s Chief of Police agreed – for the first time in 48 hours – to answer questions about the case. Sandy Hausman reports on what he had to say.

There’s been an arrest in the case of that missing UVA student.  Police would provide no details, but WVTF’s Sandy Hausman talked with T.J. Aulds —  a reporter for the Galveston County Daily News.

Many teachers, parents, and policymakers have agreed that the state’s Standards of Learning have forced classroom instruction to be geared toward test-taking, rather than developing more comprehensive learning skills. But as Virginia Public Radio’s Tommie McNeil reports, as the SOLs are being revised, some are concerned that Social Studies—and ultimately the lessons that teach children civic engagement—are being minimized too much.

Matthew’s Booking Photo

With the arrest of Jesse Mathew, friends are coming to his defense. People who went to school with him for years cannot believe he’s guilty of abduction with intent to defile. More likely, they say, he left town because he was terrified. Sandy Hausman has more on that story.