VPM Daily Newscast

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jonathan Spiers discuss the Richmond region's top business stories starting with the first home game at CarMax Park, the redevelopment of the old Greyhound Station and the Southside Speedway's master plan.

Read more from VPM News: Spanberger weighing whether to eliminate Fourth Amendment waivers in plea deals VMSDEP-related bills stalled out during General Assembly session Updated: Chesterfield supervisors pass $2.3B FY2027 budget   Other links: Spanberger vetoes Fairfax County casino bill (FFXNow) Virginia State Police boss says troopers won't go door-to-door collecting guns (WTVR) ToolBank waiving borrowing fees in April for 'Richmond Shines' cleanup initiative (The Richmonder) Roanoke Entrepreneur Ollie Howie Joins The Roanoke Rambler As Its New Owner (Roanoke Rambler) Downtown Fredericksburg thoroughfare named ‘Best Main Street in the South' (Fredericskburg Free Press) It's our pledge drive through April 17! You can support our award-winning work by visiting VPM.org/challenges to help us bloom and grow this spring. When you designate your donation to the news challenge, you will help VPM News unlock a $10,000 bonus in support of an informed community! 

Read more from VPM News:  Amending Virginia: Pro- and anti-redistricting camps wield 'fairness' in voter appeals  Richmond Flying Squirrels christen CarMax Park with a 3–2 victory  Richmond City Hall observation deck reopens after 6 years  Updated: Hanover County passes $797M fiscal year 2027 budget    Other links: Gov. Spanberger signs bill to end the renewal of Robert E. Lee license plates in Virginia (WAVY)  Higher education, higher tuition: University of Virginia considers raising tuition (29News)  Va. Court of Appeals stops major data center development in Prince William County (Virginia Mercury)  Richmond schools get additional money for repairs in new budget, but it will be borrowed from future years (The Richmonder)  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more from VPM News:  Dominion Energy Virginia requests more coal ash cleanup charges  Other links:  ICE acknowledges it's using powerful spyware from Chantilly-based company (NPR News)  Richmond begins refilling west tank of Byrd Park Reservoir after two years of repairs (The Richmonder)  City says it has followed the law on surplus property sales. City code says otherwise. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Chesterfield accused of destroying records at center of public information lawsuit (WTVR)  Funding cuts, state error strain Virginia's HIV care system (Virginia Mercury)  Researchers study long-term health effects of Hurricane Helene across central Appalachia (Cardinal News)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

It's our pledge drive through April 17! You can support our award-winning work by visiting ⁠VPM.org/challenges⁠ to help us bloom and grow this spring. When you designate a donation to the news challenge, you will help VPM News unlock a $10,000 bonus in support of an informed community! Read more Virginia news:  New Virginia law will expand zoning for manufactured homes  SCOTUS clears the way for Steve Bannon contempt case dismissal (NPR)  Virginia hospitals filed more than 1 million medical debt lawsuits since 2010 (WHRO) Trump's election order will not impact voting in Virginia's ongoing redistricting referendum (Virginian-Pilot)* A Virginia church pledges $1M to erase debt for public housing residents (Washington Post)* Riverside homeless encampment forces city to tread water over solutions (WMRA) ‘Like stepping into a time capsule': Historic Green Book home in Harrisonburg preserved as learning site (WHSV)  *This outlet uses a paywall.

Read and watch more VPM News:  Richmond housing coalition calls for new duplex rules in Code Refresh  Hanover residents comment on FY27 budget proposal  On the agenda: This week in Central Virginia public meetings 

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jackie DiBartolomeo discuss the Richmond's region's top business stories starting with the purchase of a property on West Broad Street connected with the Scottwood housing development, MARTIN's new CEO and the owner of Chicken Fiesta's new ranch-style restaurant coming to the Varina District.

Read more from VPM News:  Confusing mail, dark money muddy the waters of Virginia's redistricting campaign  Charlottesville school board affirms stance against ICE cooperation   Other links:  Spanberger signs bipartisan school-safety, student support bills into law (Virginia Mercury)  Class of 2026 announces Jim Ryan as keynote speaker for Valedictory Exercises (The Cavalier Daily)  Many Virginians drop ACA coverage and more likely will, SCC hears (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Culinary entrepreneur incubator in Charlottesville to expand (WMRA)  How Aloka the Peace Dog got back on the road with the help of Virginia Tech alums (WRIC)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read (or watch) more from VPM News:  Henrico residents raise awareness of toxic chemical used in two local plants  Scenes from the Virginia State Capitol 2026: a dispatch  Tips For Staying Fire Safe, Virginia!  Other links:  Jefferson Lab lands 5-year contract with familiar operator (The Virginian-Pilot)*  Colonial Heights under boil water advisory after 50-year-old water main ruptures (WTVR)  Toll increase on Pocahontas Parkway starting April 1 (WRIC)  Aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush, 4,000 sailors leave Norfolk (WHRO)  Albemarle registrar finding many mistakes on mail-in ballot submissions (CvilleRightNow)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more from VPM News:  Chesterfield residents, civil liberties groups question Flock Safety contract    Other links:  'Rise of the Legion' documents Norfolk State band's history and sound (WHRO)  Traffic signals near VCU flipped in favor of students: 'It made me nervous' (WTVR)  Planned Parenthood presses Virginia to restore state funding for contraception program (Virginia Mercury)  Signs at two Richmond sites flagged as part of Trump order to ‘focus on the greatness' in U.S. history (The Richmonder)  Federal judge finds Trump violated free speech by ordering NPR defunded (NPR)  Nonprofit trust buys Pamplin Historical Park in Dinwiddie for $11M (The Progress-Index)*     Our newly award-winning work:   Entering the Ring and Building Bonds at Richmond Pro Wrestling  Undoing Ruin's Jessy Woodke Is on a Mission to Spread Native Plants  Central Virginia Medicaid recipients advocate for program   Virginia's access to Medicaid cut after federal funding freeze   Virginia community health centers close over federal funding access   Danville residents worry Medicaid cuts could lead to homelessness, death  Idleness and Boredom   Richmond's Dual-Language Immersion Program Is Growing on Southside  VCU Changed Scholarship for Descendants of the Enslaved to Align With Anti-DEI Policies    *This outlet uses a paywall. 

Read more from VPM News: Spanberger considering assault weapons ban, other gun restrictions Charlottesville works to tackle both angles of local housing need Other links: USS George H. W. Bush will depart Tuesday, Navy officials confirm (Virginian-Pilot)* Deadline to submit comments on proposed Aqua rate increases coming up (CBS 19) Roanoke family files lawsuit against VHSL, school board over homeschool sports rule (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* A century-old carousel in Herndon will spin no more (WTOP) Texas Beach bridge to reopen by end of 2026 after four-year closure (12 On Your Side)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more from VPM News:  Hanover utility director presents short-term water enhancements  On the agenda: This week in Central Virginia public meetings Cyclists say Chesterfield's growth needs matching infrastructure  Other links:  Republican state lawmakers propose three-month gas tax holiday in Virginia (Virginia Mercury)  Man accused of supplying gun in ODU shooting also provided gun that killed Newport News teen in 2021. Why wasn't he charged? (Virginian-Pilot)*  ICE has made at least 13 arrests at Richmond jail since December, public defender says (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*

‘Policy Matters' is your window into Virginia politics with VPAP. It's our monthly roundup of the top political headlines from across Virginia, powered by VPAP's daily e-newsletter, VaNews. In this episode we chat with VPAP's Executive Director Cat Anthony about trends in this year's General Assembly, how each side voted and which legislation got passed, and early voting data from April's special election attempting to redistrict Virginia ahead of the November elections. You can follow along and stay up to date on the latest developments at vpap.org.

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jack Jacobs discuss the Richmond region's top business stories. This week they talk about Henrico County's effort to gather public input on the Brook Road Corridor and Best Products, the legal outcome between connected with the Lake development in Chesterfield County and the legal battle between a Scott's Addition strip club and three former performers.

Read more from VPM News:  Early Valley Link outreach finds growing opposition in Central Virginia  A Chinese American's take on liberty, 251 years after Patrick Henry's speech   Other links:  Pushback on proposal to build Buc-ee's in Stafford County (WTOP) Maryland planning to crack down on drivers improperly registering vehicles in Virginia (CBS) UMW men's basketball heads to NCAA DIII National Championship for the first time (WJLA) Anthem again pays restitution and fine over claims delays (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* Barboursville Vineyards sells to private investors (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more from VPM News:  Richmond Mayor Avula hosts format-breaking State of the City Spanberger orders Virginia's return to ERIC voter data partnership  Other links: Virginia Beach offshore wind farm has started producing electricity (WHRO News) Goochland residents press officials on proposed transmission project (12 On Your Side) VCU proposes raising tuition by up to 5% next year (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* Charlottesville city officials promise not to displace unhoused community members during an encampment cleanup effort this week (Charlottesville Tomorrow) University pauses provost search, Gertler to remain as interim (UVA Today) *This outlet has a paywall. Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more from VPM News:  Spanberger to consider legislation requiring state guidance on AI in schools  Henrico gathers public input for Best Products site, Brook Road corridor  Two new hospitals set to open in Chesterfield County    Other links:  Budget proposal would allow larger severance payouts for top City Hall officials (The Richmonder)  What would a gun violence ambassadors program look like in Richmond? (WRIC)  Augusta courts and county seat slated to move to Verona in June (WMRA)  Fluvanna County green-lights new power plant despite health risks (The Daily Progress)*  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more from VPM News:  Jefferson School announces Swords into Plowshares finalists  ICYMI: Gov. Abigail Spanberger votes yes on redistricting (VPM News Shorts)    Other links:  ROTC instructor killed in ODU shooting 'was protecting his kids' (WHRO)  Spanberger replaces entire Richard Bland College Board of Visitors (Progress-Index)  A hidden threat to maple syrup — and the people who make it (Washington Post)  Prince William County ponders 5-way split (Prince William Times)  Richmond Police Chief: Increasing demands are putting strain on shorthanded force (The Richmonder)  ‘Broad Street Circa 1919' exhibit on display at Library of Virginia (WRIC)  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.   

Read more from VPM News:  New VPM PBS documentary explores the 'Donut Dollies' history  Spanberger calls April 23 special session to finalize state budget  General Assembly sends slate of immigration bills to Spanberger's desk  Chesterfield emergency services department faces looming budget shortfall On the agenda: budgets, cybersecurity and real estate taxes  Other links: FCC approves Nexstar–Tegna merger as Virginia sues to block (Associated Press) The number of ICE detainees in the Roanoke jail more than tripled last year (Cardinal News)  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Mike Platania discuss the Richmond region's top business stories. This week they tackle state lawmakers plan to jump start Virginia's recreational marijuana market and two boutique hotels opening in Richmond.

Read more from VPM News:  Medical malpractice in Virginia was nearly overhauled. What happened?  Spanberger to decide on solar siting reforms passed by General Assembly    Other links:  Sister Rosetta Tharpe, godmother of rock 'n' roll, once called Richmond home (WTVR)  New study explores blue crab cannibalism in the Chesapeake Bay (WHRO)  New roundabout aims to ease Crozet's traffic woes, the latest change in the formerly rural, fast-growing hamlet (WMRA)  Fluvanna Supervisors approve new Tenaska power plant (CvilleRightNow)  Virginia DEQ Confirms Investigation Into Two “Separate” Sewage Spills In Fredericksburg (Hyperbole Fredericksburg)  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more from VPM News:  Public college faculty left out of Virginia's collective bargaining expansion  Richmond housing authority's 'ComeHome' produces first tenant-to-homeowner    Other links:  How does snow accumulate after it's been so warm? (Cardinal News)  Virginia joins national push for refunds after US Supreme Court voids Trump tariffs (Virginia Mercury)  Memo: Avula says he's ‘assessing' how to comply with city code requiring publication of spending data (Richmond Times-Dispatch)  Harrisonburg teaching assistants seek pay increase (Daily News-Record)*  Rising costs squeeze Virginia food truck owners: 'I'm basically taking a loss' (WTVR)    Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.   

Read and watch more from VPM News:  James River alum becomes 'Captain Espresso' for Italian baseball team  Hanover Sheriff David Hines set to retire after 41 years  Short: Virginia's Legal Weed Market    Other links:  Buckingham County residents oppose Valley Link project (The Farmville Herald)*  Crews were repairing natural gas leak when Centreville home exploded, report confirms (FFX Now)  Robert Tracci's time as Western Virginia's top federal prosecutor comes to a close (The Daily Progress)*  Fluvanna Supervisors meet March 18 to decide fate of proposed Tenaska plant (Charlottesville Tomorrow)  ‘Completely not dignified': Rep. Eugene Vindman, U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner criticize Iran war (Fredericksburg Free Press)  *This outlet has a paywall. 

Read more: Henrico County continues its ‘course of progress' in FY27 budget Bucking stigma, more places turn to factory-built for affordable housing (NPR News) Other links: Tim Kaine Is Forcing the Iran War Debate From the Minority (The New York Times)* Richmond EDA approves deal allowing VCU to play at CarMax Park, but agreement with Squirrels is still required (The Richmonder) Is it time for Virginia to cut back on studies and commissions? Lawmakers are weighing it. (Virginia Mercury) New residents beginning to use old FEI facilities (CBS19) Trammell seeks to end Code Refresh, start new process (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* *This outlet uses a paywall. Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Read more from VPM News: General Assembly gavels out 2026 session without budget agreement Retail market for recreational weed passes Virginia General Assembly A conversation with UVA's A.D. Carson about ‘Being Dope' On the agenda: Budget work sessions, Chesterfield administrator candidates Central Virginia school closures, online learning for Monday, March 16    Other links: Richmond installs audible beacon devices to improve pedestrian safety (WRIC) Albemarle County's $724M 2027 budget a step back from spending cliff (The Daily Progress)* *This outlet has a paywall. Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jonathan Spiers discuss the Richmond's region's top business stories starting with the forced auction of the old Model Tobacco building, Richmond's proposed spending plan and a students from Henrico County sharpening their entrepreneurial skills in Shark-tank-style competition.

Read more VPM News: $2B data center tax break fight pushes Virginia budget negotiations Lawmakers weigh adding college employees to collective bargaining expansion General Assembly orders plan to phase out airport PFAS   Other links:  FBI will investigate fatal ODU campus shooting as a terrorist attack (WHRO News) Audit reveals overspending by Roanoke Police Department (WDBJ) Massive power transmission line planned for Campbell to Culpeper (Cardinal News) Email: 'data incident' takes down internet, other services across Hanover schools (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more from VPM News:  Mayor Danny Avula proposes Richmond's $3.4B spending plan  Chesterfield proposes $1.1B school system budget  DOJ civil rights chief Harmeet Dhillon speaks at UVA Federalist Society event    Other links:  City backs off ‘Operation Vaporize' as blowback from vape shop owners intensifies (The Richmonder)  Federal judge upholds ruling that certain ex-felons should not automatically lose voting rights (Virginia Mercury)  Dorothy McAuliffe, former Virginia first lady, announces congressional campaign (Richmond Times-Dispatch)  General Assembly adds district voting system to Virginia Beach's city charter (WHRO News)  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Curious Commonwealth asks: What's the deal with the House of Delegates' ceremonial mace?  Virginia voters begin to weigh in on redistricting amendment  ICYMI: Chief Justice Cleo Powell formally sworn into Supreme Court of Virginia    Other links:  Richmond Black Restaurant Experience  'Justice is delayed and denied': How Richmond's late jury lists are derailing criminal trials (WTVR)  ‘Grow up': Former Republican delegate defends civil-rights-themed mailers in redistricting fight (Virginia Mercury)  Inside Rappahannock's court crisis (Rappahannock News)  Spanberger sends message with appointments to higher ed panel (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  USS Monitor shipwreck off the Outer Banks is mapped in more detail than ever (WHRO News)  *This outlet uses a paywall  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more from VPM News:  Virginia Senate panel spikes gambling centralization bill  Charlottesville school board greenlights union contract for support staff  ICYMI: This week in Central Virginia public meetings    Other links:  Richmond's new transportation director wants a city ‘built for people.' His work is increasingly urgent. (The Richmonder)  Who's behind an anti-redistricting flyer invoking Jim Crow? A former Hampton GOP delegate. (Virginian-Pilot)*  Virginia House approves gun control bills over GOP objections (WTOP)  Virginia won't say which law enforcement agencies are breaking surveillance camera laws (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Richmond vape shop owner says city shut him down 'for the smallest reason' despite code compliance (WTVR)  * This outlet uses a paywall  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more VPM News:  Virginia Democrats look to expand window to pay off back rent before eviction  Henrico breaks ground on Magellan Parkway extension  Chesterfield supervisors say two state bills undermine local authority (VPM News)  On the agenda: The week of March 9 in public meetings (VPM News)    Other links:  On the agenda: The week of March 9 in public meetings (VPM News)  Chesterfield supervisors say two state bills undermine local authority (VPM News)  City offices, trash collection will close Monday for International Women's Day (The Richmonder)  Valley Link seeks community input on proposed transmission line route through central Virginia (Charlottesville Tomorrow)  Pentagon eyes Virginia Tech for senior officers in place of ‘woke' Ivy League (The Roanoke Times)*  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jackie DiBartolomeo discuss the Richmond's region's top business stories, starting with the Midlothian Depot's near completion, Richmond's budget priorities and the CarMax Park's construction progress.

Read more from VPM News:  Virginia lawmakers are on the cusp of changing medical malpractice law  General Assembly kills bills for certifying high-power facilities  Charlottesville considers $279M spending plan  Richmond School Board approves $550M budget for fiscal 2027  Heads up, Richmond: 2026 River City Half and 5K road closures, ‘no parking' zones    Other links:  Virginia joins multistate lawsuit challenging Trump administration over new global tariffs (Virginia Mercury) Hopewell city manager hopefuls include two recently fired administrators (The Progress-Index)* FOIA Files: 2025 Loudoun Crime Stats Release Would Cost $600, LCSO Says (Loudoun Now) Richmond councilwoman threatens to subpoena Mayor Avula (The Richmond Times-Dispatch)*    *This outlet uses a paywall  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more from VPM News:  Supreme Court of Virginia greenlights April 21 referendum again  Del. Josh Thomas wants to put Virginia's boys and men on a better path  Lawmakers advance bills to set up child care cost-sharing pilot  Charlottesville considers $279M spending plan    Other links: GW sold Virginia campus for $427 million to Amazon for data center development (The GW Hatchet)  Why a 6-year-old with diabetes is pushing for change in Virginia (WTOP)  Wintergreen emergency exit bill passes U.S. House (CBS 19) Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more VPM News: Richmond School Board approves $550M budget for fiscal 2027 Henrico School Board OKs funding 100+ new positions in FY27 budget Chief Justice Cleo Powell formally sworn into Supreme Court of Virginia  Other links: Military families brace for long deployments during operation against Iran (WHRO News) William & Mary on Pentagon's list of ‘toxic indoctrination' colleges, losing its support (The Virginian-Pilot)* Va. transportation board overturns decision to transfer rail and trail project (Virginia Mercury) Early voting will begin everywhere Friday except in Tazewell County. Is that legal? (Cardinal News) *This outlet uses a paywall. Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Read more from VPM News:  Early voting on Virginia redistricting amendment set to begin Friday  Scenes from the Virginia State Capitol 2026: a dispatch    Other links:  Lawmakers divided over Iran strikes, launched without approval from Congress (NPR)  Naval Station Norfolk updates visitor policy, suspends Trusted Traveler Program (WAVY)  Poopy Potomac no more? D.C. lifts advisory for river after sewage spill (The 51st)  Harrisonburg music scene hit by ABC violation, fire marshal closures (WMRA)  Researchers probe unmarked graves at Virginia site where slaves once toiled (The Washington Post)*    *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more from VPM News:  Richmond police extend contract with Flock Safety for license plate readers  Henrico EDA head Tretina outlines vision for growth  Richmond-area faith leaders speak out on federal immigration enforcement  On the agenda: Budget discussions for Richmond and Charlottesville schools    Other links:  For some neighborhoods, it's covenants — not zoning — that decides what gets built (The Richmonder)  At General Assembly, defense of Confederate statues sparks outrage (The Virginian-Pilot)  Army Corps plans to fast-track infrastructure priorities, including in Virginia (Virginia Mercury)  Novartis settles with estate of Henrietta Lacks over use of 'stolen' cells (The Associated Press)  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

In this episode we chat with VPAP's Executive Director Cat Anthony about crossover in the General Assembly, how each side is faring in policy advancements, and the continued challenges facing efforts to redistrict Virginia ahead of the November elections.

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jack Jacobs discuss the Richmond region's top business stories of the week, starting with Richmond city council's multimillion dollar loan to the EDA to purchase Sports Backers Stadium, a water utility upgrade in Chesterfield County and proposed law change that could change how Virginia Bars and restaurants operate.

Read more from VPM News:  Virginia's return to Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative picks up steam  Chesterfield County creates new plant medicine committee  Other links:  Squirrels claim Richmond owes them $6.5 million for ballpark costs (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  New all-electronic tolling system goes live on Richmond routes this weekend (The Richmonder)  Louisa County among fastest-growing localities in Virginia, UVA estimates show (29News)  Attorney General Jay Jones joins multistate coalition challenging Trump's birthright citizenship executive order (WRIC)  Spotsylvania settles on data center rules (The Free Lance-Star)*  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Read more from VPM News:  The future is uncertain for some Virginia farmers after VSU researchers fired  Virginia Museum of History and Culture to add Barbara Johns statue to its collection  Powhite Parkway tolls are about to be a thing of the past in Chesterfield    Other links:  In Democratic rebuttal, Spanberger accuses Trump of driving up costs and chaos (Virginia Mercury)  Virginia lawmakers push for action after massive Potomac sewage spill (WRIC)  Homeless shelter operator will serve three years in prison for defrauding Richmond and HUD (Richmond Times-Dispatch)  Lynchburg council votes to go to court over redistricting referendum (Cardinal News)    Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more from VPM News:  Most artificial intelligence legislation in Virginia was tabled until 2027  Scenes from the Virginia State Capitol 2026: a dispatch    Other links:  At Longwood, a journey toward racial reckoning (Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO)  After federal funding upheavals, Richmond nonprofits say they are bruised but not broken (The Richmonder)  What is ‘performance-based regulation', and how can it lower utility bills? (Virginia Mercury)  DOJ reaches settlement with CarMax over illegal repossession of servicemembers' vehicles (WTVR)  CASA seeks to secure first state funding increase since 2008 amid rising demand for services (Cardinal News)  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more from VPM News:  Data center tax break takes center stage in Virginia budget plans  General Assembly passes bill containing new congressional map, primary date  Charlottesville City Council tweaks zoning ordinance  On the agenda: It's budget season in Central Virginia    Other links:  Lawmakers question how Rosie's was approved to add more gambling machines in Richmond (The Richmonder)  RPD liaison, police discuss preventative measures after Shockoe Bottom shooting (WRIC)  A school suspended 323 students after ICE protest. They protested again. (The Washington Post)

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Mike Platania discuss the Richmond region's top business stories, starting with an update on Virginia's legal marijuana market and ending with news of a new housing development coming to Arthur Ashe Blvd.

Read more from VPM News:  With 300-dwelling development looming, nearby Chesterfield residents concerned  Other links:  Tazewell judge temporarily blocks Democrats' redistricting referendum (Associated Press)  Virginia Gov. Spanberger to deliver Democratic response to Trump's State of the Union address (Virginia Mercury)  Virginia Del. Barry Knight, a retired hog farmer from Virginia Beach, dies at 71 (Virginian-Pilot)  John McGuire would rather not talk about redistricting in Virginia (The Daily Progress)*  Dominion Energy Riverrock announces music lineup, venue change for 2026 (WRIC)  Veterans sue over Trump's planned 250-foot arch, citing cemetery views (The Washington Post)*  *Paywall Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more VPM News:  Virginia Democrats zero in on final affordability package UVA School of Nursing faculty say new federal report has an error Hanover County unveils $427M budget proposal for fiscal year 2027    Other links:  How much revenue did the City of Petersburg bring in during casino's first days? (The Progress-Index)*  Albemarle County Public Schools proposes draft budget request (29 News)  PWC supervisors collect nearly $300K in campaign donations – mostly from data center interests (The Prince William Times)  Petition to recall Martinsville mayor moves forward (WDBJ)  *This outlet has a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.