VPM Daily Newscast

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. 

Read more from VPM News:  Hanover planning commission recommends approving Mountain Road data center  Move away from 12-month model could leave Bellwood ES teachers without pay in July  On the agenda: Data centers, FY27 budgets and Richmond Diamond District    Other links:  Water restrictions in place for Caroline due to severe drought (WRIC) Conservation groups raise alarm as Potomac River named most endangered in the nation (Virginia Mercury) Broker charges CoStar with monopolizing online real estate market (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* Virginia Tech board changed bylaws to allow Rocovich to serve third term as rector; now he oversees presidential search (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. 

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense reporter Mike Platania discuss the Richmond region's top business stories, starting with Gov. Abigail Spanberger's amendments to the flagship legalisation to start the legal sales of recreational marijuana in Virginia and new liquor laws going to effect after the Spanberger hundreds of bills outright during her 30-day bill review process.

Read more from VPM News:  Virginia lawmakers push back on Spanberger's changes to retail weed market bill  Justin Fairfax, former Virginia lt. governor, kills wife, self, police say  Chesterfield sheriff adds extra security at early voting locations    Other links:  City offers to replace RPS land, pay for relocation if it turns over Southside site for mixed-use development (The Richmonder)  Albemarle Fire Marshal issues burn ban through Sunday (29 News)  Central Virginia ICE facility has been over capacity for months (WRIC)  ‘We're tired of it' — amid luxury student housing surge, city residents feel overlooked (The Cavalier Daily)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  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:  Spanberger suggests ‘significant policy shifts' to Dominion regulation bills  Scenes from the Virginia State Capitol 2026: a dispatch    Other links:  Prince William County drops legal fight for PW Digital Gateway (Prince William Times)  In this U.S. hot spot for data centers, voters have turned against them (The Washington Post)*  Virginia joins a national effort to ensure only popular vote winners become president (NPR News)  Richmond breaks record with historic spring heatwave (WRIC)  USS Gerald R. Ford breaks record for longest post-Vietnam deployment (Navy Times)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  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:  Spanberger proposes amendments to immigrant protection bills  ICYMI: Gov. Abigail Spanberger's last-minute actions on 11 issues    Other links:  Virginia police search vehicle surveillance data 24/7. It isn't always clear why (Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO)  Art 180 To Close Its Doors (Style Weekly)  Suffolk government contractor in talks to lease office space to ICE (The Virginian-Pilot)*  Schiarizzi announces Democratic run for Virginia's crowded proposed 7th District (Inside NoVa)  Ex-Pence aide Olivia Troye plans to run for Congress in Virginia as a Democrat (The Washington Post)*  Former Roanoke Rambler owner ‘devastated' after staff terminated (Cardinal News)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  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: Gov. Abigail Spanberger's last-minute actions on 11 issues State-run hospitals lack clear policy on ‘forensic patient' custody transfers Other links: Virginia police search vehicle surveillance data 24/7. It isn't always clear why (Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO)  Avula pitches Richmond spending database — without invoice descriptions, payer names (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Henrico issues immediate burn ban: What that means for you (WTVR)  In the wake of Centra's Farmville maternity care closure, some families say the risk to have more kids might be too high (Charlottesville Tomorrow)  10 Virginia hospitals listed as ‘at risk,' but what does that really mean? (Cardinal News)  Spanberger joins other governors in push for PJM to prioritize ratepayer protections (Virginia Mercury)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  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! 

More VPM News: Watch Amending Virginia Episode 1: “Redistricting”   Richmond City settles former FOIA officer lawsuit after hostile litigation  Shockoe Institute opens interactive center at Main Street Station  Rachel Smith wants to bring people to Hanover County  On the agenda: Richmond budget, Hanover tax and utility rates  Other links: Youngkin returns to campaign trail, calls for court to strike redistricting vote (Virginia Mercury) Virginia Tech considering eliminating Living-Learning Communities (WDBJ) ⁠Spanberger: Here's how I'm working to provide practical solutions over partisanship⁠ (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* *This outlet uses a paywall.  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!

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.