VPM Daily Newscast

Read more from VPM News:  Merger expert: Virginia regulators need more time for NextEra–Dominion  Richmond updates P-card program after years of ‘questionable transactions'    Other links:  As part of pollution punishment, Richmond to remove 17 tons of driftwood at T. Pott bridge (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Judge rules Rappahannock Tribe's appeal of Caroline water permit can move forward (Fredericksburg Free Press)  Up for debate: Major national event arrives in Richmond this weekend (The Richmonder)  Rocovich sues Gov. Spanberger after his ouster as Virginia Tech rector (Cardinal News)  ‘Just keep showing up': Babes of Carytown honors two late LGBTQ+ trailblazers during Pride Month (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 more from VPM News:  Long-missing mussels returned to South Anna River  Virginia's business reputation at the center of state budget impasse  Efforts to get Diwali on Chesterfield school calendar fall short    Other links:  Va. Supreme Court appoints panel to decide if gun ban lawsuits should consolidate (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Chesterfield cuts ribbon on brand new freestanding emergency room (WRIC)  Richmond shifts icy sidewalk duty from renters to landlords (Axios Richmond)  What's in a flag? Richmond's has a lot to unpack (The Richmonder)  *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:  Cultural study to examine 2 historic African American burial sites in Richmond  Hanover sheriff's office renews fight to withhold names from FOIA request    Other links:  Richmond police won't release Flock data, audits they claim show compliance with state law (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Council OKs new tax deferral program letting homeowners delay impact of higher assessments (The Richmonder)  What can consumers expect from the proposed Dominion deal? (Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO)  Judge approves settlement over rejected Virginia student voter registrations (Virginia Mercury)  State to reorganize nursing scholarship programs after more than $10 million in funding was left unused (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:  Report: Roughly 1 in 5 rural Virginia hospitals at risk of closure  Accountability questions remain over former Shoosmith Landfill    Other links:  Latest study finds rezoning will spur most new housing in mixed-use corridors from urban core through West End (The Richmonder)  Sailors prepare for Cock Island Race on June 13 in Portsmouth (WAVY)  How the Drive to Find a Conspiracy Against Trump Rocked the Justice Dept. (The New York Times)*  Democratic governors chafe as calls grow louder to reject data centers (E&E News)  Return to RGGI to bring higher electric bills, SCC filing says (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.

More from VPM News:  New Woodville ES on hold due to $41M Richmond Public Schools funding gap  Richmond 311 flood calls show uneven reporting, response times  Henrico releases development plan for Best Products site, Brook Road corridor  On the agenda: RPS budget cuts, Richmond resident planning commission  WATCH: Some Virginian Voters Still in 'Limbo' (YouTube)    Other links:  Former RPS employee's defamation suit has its first hearing, but without her lawyer (The Richmonder)  Report finds Henrico Doctors' Hospital threw ‘cloak of secrecy' over internal investigation into NICU nurse (WRIC)  $13B USS Ford needs costly system flush for plumbing repairs (WHRO)  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 region's top business stories starting with details of an altercation between the owner of the Flying Squirrels and a Diamond District executive, Richmond's place on the Fortune 500 list and local ice sculpture entrepreneur.

Read more from VPM News: Background checks on Virginia gun sales halted once again Sylvia's Sisters gets largest donation in history to fight ‘period poverty' Other links: Measles Exposure Report (Virginia Department of Health) $13B USS Ford needs costly system flush for plumbing repairs (WHRO)  Outback Steakhouse hit with $1.5M lawsuit after woman allegedly slips on mashed potatoes (Dexerto) Virginia schools push for local tax option as aging buildings strain rural divisions (Virginia Mercury) ⁠Virginians are 'buying the living daylights' out of AR-15s and other soon-to-be illegal guns⁠ (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 School Board cuts budget to close $4M deficit  State budget could provide end-run for Virginia's retail weed  WATCH: 

Read more from VPM News:  Virginia voting applications stuck in limbo for many with felony convictions  Case closed in 14-year-old lawsuit over Fluvanna prison conditions    Other links:  How much are lawsuits against GRTC costing taxpayers? Officials won't say (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Virginia revenue forecast jumps by $1.5 billion as budget talks continue (Virginia Mercury)  It's tick season: What to do if you find one on your body or on a pet (WTVR)  Virginia Tech board elects Miller as new rector (Cardinal News)  Everything you need to know about this year's hurricane season in Virginia (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:  Congress earmarks $850K for stormwater improvements in Shockoe watershed  Hanover supervisors nix Mountain Road data center project  ICYMI: On the agenda: RPS budget cuts, Richmond resident planning commission    Other links:  Virginia lawmakers are set to return to Richmond as budget deadline nears (Virginia Mercury)  Code refresh opponents air AI-generated ad showing woman with a ‘bacterial infection' from the James River (The Richmonder)  American shad: Once a James River staple, it could soon be an afterthought (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Would you want to know? CPR and AED Awareness Week aims to teach lifesaving skills (WRIC)  Richmond's legendary Strange Matter building is up for rent (Axios Richmond)    *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:  Lawmakers surprised by Spanberger's veto of higher ed governance bills  Recent rains aren't enough to reverse Virginia's severe drought status  Higher ed union rift deepens amid failed collective bargaining expansion  On the agenda: RPS budget cuts, Richmond resident planning commission    Other links:  Spanberger's veto spree turns many in her own party against her (The Washington Post)*  What is an SUP?: Meet Richmond's most powerful tool to get around zoning rules (The Richmonder)  VDH reports measles exposure at Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital (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.

‘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 the scuttled redistricting effort, which bills Governor Abigail Spanberger vetoed, and data from the end of the lobbying year. You can follow along and stay up to date on the latest developments at vpap.org.

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jackie DiBartolomeo discuss the Richmond region's top business stories starting with an update on the Diamond District, Swift Creek Mill Theatre operations and a new bike shop in Church Hill.

Plus: A look at how Henrico County groups are trying to slow the growth of invasive plant species. Read more from VPM News:  A growing invasion: Henrico's effort to track and contain invasive plants  Federal nutrition benefit cuts hit Charlottesville's immigrant communities hard  Gov. Spanberger ousts Virginia Tech Rector John Rocovich    Other links:  After years of no penalties, Richmond DPU wants the power to fine stormwater violations (The Richmonder)  One-cent sales tax referendum to be included in Virginia budget (Cville Right Now)  Virginia's colleges and universities brace for major accreditation overhaul (Virginia Mercury)  As data centers boom, Virginians breathe the exhaust of 10,000 diesel generators (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.

Plus: Quadaire Patterson hopes Virginians vote “yes” to restore rights of returning citizens. Read more from VPM News: Quadaire Patterson wants full citizenship for people convicted of felonies  Chesterfield planners wave caution flag on Southside Speedway relaunch  Hanover planning commission advances US-1 redevelopment proposal    Other links: Spanberger: Reviving vetoed bills in a budget would be an 'abuse of the process' (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Launched to great fanfare, Richmond's Civilian Review Board is growing restless as its workload remains minimal (The Richmonder)  Charlottesville's Police Civilian Oversight Board seeks to drop investigative powers (Charlottesville Tomorrow)  Firm linked to fired Norfolk housing chief led search that got him hired in Charleston, S.C. (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.

The nickname was built on casino operators' clever use of a legal loophole.   Read more from VPM News:  Curious Commonwealth asks: Why was Colonial Beach known as “Las Vegas on the Potomac”?  Spanberger signs mandatory paid sick leave into law  Cyclists and business owners push for trail improvements in Chesterfield    Other links:  Third draft of code refresh to be rolled out in phases starting in June (The Richmonder)  Virginia eyes toll revenue for transit as express lane debate grows (Virginia Mercury)  VDH: Measles cases in Virginia exceed 50 for the year (CBS19)  Richmond businesses are growing — but feeling squeezed (Axios Richmond)    Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

More from VPM News:  Virginia War Memorial adds 4 names to Shrine of Memory  Inside one woman's effort to bring tiny homes to Richmond  On the agenda: Chesterfield administrator candidates, Richmond bag tax update  ICYMI: Spanberger's split decision on immigration bills draws praise, frustration  ICYMI: Novel set in 2020 Richmond explores personal change during social unrest    Other links:  Richmond judges refer courthouse dispute to the Virginia Supreme Court (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Leaders in Hopewell, Prince George, Alexandria oppose nearly 30% proposed water rate increase (WRIC)  Restoring Virginia's lost longleaf pine trees, one seed at a time (WHRO News)  How Barbara Kingsolver turned a bestselling novel into a refuge for women in recovery (Style Weekly)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

More from VPM News:  Charlottesville group builds community with resettled Afghan, Syrian women  WATCH: 

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jack Jacobs discuss the Richmond region's top business stories starting with Gov. Abigail Spanberger's veto to a bill that would have legalized retail marijuana sales beginning in 2027, Dominion Energy's merger with NextEra, and Shamin Hotels' expansion in the Richmond.

The center will help solve a shortage of care options in the area.    Read more from VPM News:  Chickahominy Nation plans child development center in Charles City County  Scale Up Henrico invests in local businesses without traditional funding  Novel set in 2020 Richmond explores personal change during social unrest    Other links:  Council committee punts on transparency measures after shutting down discussion (The Richmonder)  Dave Kennedy drops out of 6th District race, endorses Beth Macy (Daily News-Record)*  Judge dismisses case against former Richneck Elementary assistant principal (WHRO)  New owners aim to preserve Goochland Drive-In tradition (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.

More from VPM News:  Virginia tries to balance regulating AI and avoiding Trump blowback  Virginia closes loophole in invasive plant law  WATCH: 

Read more from VPM News:  Spanberger vetoes retail weed market bill, despite campaign pledge  Richmond outlines 4 steps to build trust amid ongoing immigration fears  Habitat for Humanity project brings innovative affordable housing to Staunton  Cooling centers open in Central Virginia to help beat the heat    Other links:  Va. Senate pushes back on governor as budget showdown looms (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  RPS seeking new chief talent officer, six months after hiring the current one (The Richmonder)  Harrisonburg budget keeps same tax rate, raises water and sewer costs (Daily News-Record)  *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:  'Assault weapons' ban OKed by Spanberger met with immediate legal challenges  Florida-based NextEra agrees to $67B Dominion Energy acquisition    Other links:  GRTC commits to another year of fare-free service (The Richmonder)  Spanberger directs new revenue forecast to aid budget talks (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Parents frustrated over broken AC at Henrico elementary school (WTVR)  Va. officials celebrate the bald eagle's comeback and centuries as national symbol (Virginia Mercury)  USS Gerald R. Ford returns home after record-breaking deployment (WHRO)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Union members have called the veto a “betrayal.” Also: The US Supreme Court denied a request to intervene in Virginia's redistricting fight. Read more from VPM News:  Spanberger's collective bargaining veto tests relationship with labor  Hanover broadband expansion on track for completion by end of 2026  ICYMI: US Supreme Court declines to intervene in Virginia redistricting On the agenda: Richmond public works, Albemarle road maintenance plans    Other links:  Richmond collects $5.6 million related to delinquent taxes from short-term rentals (The Richmonder)  Henrico nursing home facing severe violations after multiple residents abused, state finds (WTVR)  Thrown-out ballots and map confusion: Voters are losing the redistricting battle (NPR)  The future of nuclear fusion energy could be at Jefferson Lab (WHRO 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 starting with the recent sale of the historic Richmond Free Press building, a pizzeria opening in Northside and Stella's new storefront in Chesterfield County.

Read more from VPM News:  Richmond judges press city councilors on poor conditions at John Marshall building  Richmond Virtual Academy to close amid budget constraints    Other links:  Why Richmond may move polling locations away from city schools (WTVR)  NAACP asks US Supreme Court to overturn Virginia redistricting decision (Virginia Mercury)  ‘Chill' bear tranquilized after journey into Oregon Hill (The Richmonder)  Virginia DEQ expands drought warning to 94 counties, 33 cities (WRIC)  Hyperscale, Hyperspeed: What do more data centers mean for North Carolina's water? (NC Public Radio)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

A developer offered the city $7 million in cash for the Southside site. Read more from VPM News:  Enrollment still open for Virginia Preschool Initiative  2026 Dominion Energy Riverrock road closures    Other links:  Hyperscale, Hyperspeed: North Carolina residents worry about rate hikes to power AI data centers (WUNC)  Virginia students continue to struggle in reading but show signs of recovery (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Locked doors and emergency buttons: UVA professors raise safety concerns amidst growing online scrutiny and records requests (Charlottesville Tomorrow)  Central Virginia nonprofit granted 60 acres in Henrico where BIPOC farmers can live and work (Virginia Mercury)  Dominion Energy converts closed landfill into solar farm in Albemarle County (29News)  *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:  Spanberger signs landmark paid family and medical leave bill into law  Richmond School Board votes to surplus Southside property marked for development    Other links:  Richmond's top judge orders City Hall to justify failure to improve downtown courthouse (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Deal inked to sell Richmond Free Press building to local developer for $2.4M (Richmond BizSense)  After late-night procedural maneuvering, Lavender Hill event space permit is voted down by City Council (The Richmonder)  Hiring new Virginia Tech president likely to take 6 to 8 months, search firm says (Cardinal News)  Hyperscale, Hyperspeed: Developers are moving NC data center projects forward at hyperspeed (WFAE/WUNC)  *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 councilors sign off on $3.5B budget for FY27  Updated: Virginia Democrats ask US Supreme Court to step in on redistricting case Dominion Energy plans for state's biggest gas plant in Cumberland (VPM News)  New study highlights importance of home repair assistance programs    Other links:  City seeks dismissal of water crisis lawsuit from former DPU director (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Hyperscale, Hyperspeed: Data centers in NC don't pay taxes on their supplies or their electricity. Should that change? (WUNC)  Richmond native 1st Lt. Kendrick Key found dead after going missing in Morocco (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 from VPM News:  Democrats ask SCOVA to halt order nullifying redistricting vote  New law will require Virginia colleges to ask students if they're parents  Virginia politicians react to SCOVA overturning redistricting vote  On the agenda: Budget votes for City of Richmond, Chesterfield schools    Other links:  Questions linger in wake of FBI raid of Sen. Lucas, Norfolk CBD shop (The Virginian-Pilot)*    VDH investigating confirmed measles case, possible unreported cases in Buckingham County (WSLS)    Hopewell plant ammonia vapor leak prompts shelter-in-place order (The Progress-Index)*    *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:  Questions remain around FBI search linked to Sen. L. Louise Lucas  Henrico expands support to Salvation Army's Northside Richmond shelter    Other links:  Justice Department launches civil rights probe into prosecutor in Virginia (The Washington Post)*  Virginia Beach works to woo tourists after curfew, 2 recent shootings (Virginian-Pilot)*  Charlottesville ‘Roots of Care' seminar aims to help caregivers confidently care for natural hair (29News) Va. hemp growers worry about the future of their industry amid state and federal shifts (Virginia Mercury) Longtime Richmond musician, media producer reflects on the attention his AI video is getting (The Richmonder) *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:  FBI searches Virginia Sen. Louise Lucas' office, businesses in Portsmouth Community groups question Richmond police's use of Flock Safety cameras    Other links:  VCU expands nursing programs as Virginia faces statewide shortage (WRIC)  Menhaden board punts vote to increase Virginia reduction fishery quota restrictions (Virginia Mercury)  Historic USS Gerald Ford deployment takes toll on military families (WHRO)  City asks court to throw out water crisis lawsuit filed by former DPU director (The Richmonder)  As Virginia Supreme Court weighs redistricting ruling, another appeal appears (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. 

More from VPM News:  Greater Richmond celebrates National Bike Month with multimodal solutions Charlottesville's ‘State of Homelessness' report identifies greater need Watch RVA Bike Month Kick(stand)s Off (YouTube) Other links: RVA Bike Month calendar Historic USS Gerald Ford deployment takes toll on military families (WHRO for NPR) Spring Valley Orchard to be closed for the 2026 season (CBS 19) Spanberger weighs legislation to allow class action lawsuits in Virginia courts (Virginia Mercury) AI bills faced a logjam in the General Assembly due to a Trump executive order, but Congress is working to fill the gap (Cardinal News) Texts, emails show officials trying to find path forward for controversial outdoor event space in West End (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:  Chesterfield students turn to generative AI for problem solving  ICYMI: Central Virginia public meetings for the week of May 4    Other links:  Report: Pricey transmission upgrades stalling much-needed Virginia energy projects (WHRO)  Richmond expands no-parking rules for bike lanes to include buffer zones (The Richmonder)  Can a carbon price lower power bills? Virginia is betting yes. (Grist)  Bilingual telehealth service launches in Virginia and West Virginia (Virginia Mercury)  Despite guilty verdict, jury lets Virginia town leader stay in office for now (The Washington Post)*  Iron Blossom Goes Big in '26 (Style Weekly)  *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:  Spirit Airlines shuts down amid high oil prices  On the agenda: Proposed multifamily housing in Richmond; Petersburg casino    Other links:  Spanberger signs bill to decriminalize suicide (VCU CNS)  Who's getting Richmond's money? New city spending records have $1.4 billion in redactions (WRIC)  New court challenge targets Virginia abortion amendment ballot language (Virginia Mercury)  Redeveloping Coliseum will require public money, Avula says (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Virginia Tech to buy Canadian land in first acquisition outside U.S. (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. 

‘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 Jackie DiBartolomeo discuss the Richmond region's top business stories, starting t Richmond International Airport's renovations plans, new management taking over the Richmond social club Common House, and the soon-to-be demolished former Best Products headquarters in Henrico County.

More from VPM News:  Immigration enforcement in Virginia has risen sharply in the last year King lawsuit deadline for voting rights restoration moves to June 1  Other links: USS Ford to return to Norfolk after record-breaking deployment (Associated Press) Fairfax Co. orders work on viral Greenbriar home addition to stop (WTOP) ‘We don't exist': Fifeville and West Main student housing plans cast a shadow on community-led efforts (Charlottesville Tomorrow) Public comment invited on bicycle and pedestrian improvement project in Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania (Fredericksburg Free Press) Military members and their families can visit Colonial Williamsburg for free in May (Virginian-Pilot)* *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:  Curious Commonwealth asks: Why doesn't Virginia have universal preschool? 'Plug-in' solar could revolutionize Virginians' at-home renewables  Other links: Richmond CAO floats possibility of reducing real estate tax rate next year (The Richmonder) The US Supreme Court strikes another severe blow to the Voting Rights Act (NPR) Here's what House lawmakers want to require of data centers to keep their sales tax break (Virginia Mercury) Developer drops Digital Gateway appeal, leaving project's fate in doubt (Prince William Times) All four chicks have hatched on Richmond Falcon Cam (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 more from VPM News:  Richmond City Council approves budget changes  Henrico County begins demolition of Best Products building    Other links:  Fired Norfolk housing head directed no-bid contracts to former associates for 2 years (WHRO News)  Blue crabs spotted in James River amid drought conditions (12 On Your Side)  Cerina and Justin Fairfax tragedy underscores new Va. laws that could help prevent similar violence (Virginia Mercury) West Virginia's governor courts data center industry as Virginia mulls ending tax exemptions (Cardinal News)  U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in Chesterfield bank robbery, 'geofence' case (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. 

More from VPM News:  Virginia Supreme Court hears arguments to nullify redistricting vote  ICYMI: What are the Virginia redistricting lawsuits? Here's what you should know.  ⚖️. Redistricting Goes to Court ⚖️ (YouTube)    Other links:  Explainer: Why is political gerrymandering legal in the US? (Associated Press)  Richmond nonprofit teams up with NASA on organ delivery drones (Axios Richmond)  Anne Holton will run for her Richmond School Board seat in November's special election (The Richmonder)  WAMU at White House Correspondents' Dinner: ‘Is there someone in this ballroom who's going to hurt us?' (WAMU)  Rotunda Great Fire occurred 25 years ago (Farmville Herald)*   How Montgomery County departments responded to recent Flock camera regulations (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. 

Read more from VPM News:  On the agenda: Henrico code updates, Charlottesville PCOB special session    Other links:  Spanberger signs remodel of VCU Health board, removing Rao as chair (The Commonwealth Times) RPS will consider selling naming rights to school facilities (The Richmonder) Founding GWAR Member Chuck Varga Battling Cancer, Band Launches Blood Donation Campaign (Consequence of Sound) Charlottesville vineyard faces uncertain season after freeze kills some vines (29News)  *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 Jack Jacobs discuss the Richmond region's top business stories. This week's topics include an update on Virginia's proposed recreational marijuana law, Stone Brewing Co. move out of Richmond and an update on the legal battle brought forth by former performers of a Scott's Addition strip club.

Read more from VPM News:  Virginia money committee heads point the finger at each other on budget   Persistent ICE activity at Richmond's Southwood highlights monitoring efforts     Other links:  Staunton, built overtop converging streams, drafts flood resilience plan (WMRA)  Member One–Virginia Credit Union merger creates bank account issues (WDBJ)  Swift Creek Mill Theatre Announces Closure (Style Weekly)  VCU names head of the medical school as provost (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Horses being quarantined after potential exposure to neurological disease (CBS19)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

More VPM News:  General Assembly declines Spanberger amendments to major bills  What are the redistricting lawsuits? Here's what you should know.  Charlottesville School Board splits on ending agreement with CPD      Other links:  A domestic fight, a gun and a Virginia tragedy (Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO)  Fairfax County voters supported redistricting amendment except in four precincts (FFXNow)  Redistricting amendment: How Richmond voted on Tuesday (The Richmonder)  Spanberger signs ‘Momnibus' bills as abortion opponents hit the streets in Virginia March for Life (Virginia Mercury)    *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

More VPM News: Yes: Virginia votes to redraw congressional maps, favoring Democrats  Virginia Democrats celebrate win in redistricting special election  Virginians turn out for redistricting on April Election Day  Watch: Gov. Abigail Spanberger's Vetoes (YouTube)   Other links: RPS pitches outsourcing some substitute teachers, Board pushes back (The Richmonder)  Soon, Virginia producers impacted by Hurricane Helene may apply for farm recovery grants (Virginia Mercury)  Parents can now handle service dogs in schools after Virginia family pushes for change (WTVR)  Spanberger's amendment would change who investigates VMI. Critics say that waters down the bill. (Cardinal News)  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

More from VPM News:  What's at stake in Tuesday's special election? Election Day FAQ: How to vote in Virginia on April 21 WATCH Amending Virginia: Redistricting Skill games likely to remain outlawed in Virginia   Other links:  Number of rocket launches expected to soar from Wallops Island soon (WAVY) Richmond officials agree to scrap flawed housing relief program to free up money for other uses (The Richmonder) ‘A major milestone for the city:' Elated Eagles riding high after national championship run (Fredericksburg Free Press) Virginia Beach police charge Facebook blogger with violating Oceanfront curfew, highlighting First Amendment concerns (Virginian-Pilot)*  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.