VPM Daily Newscast

Read more from VPM News: Richmond's Head Start program began school year at 99% capacity  Obama Elementary students in Richmond set to return Thursday  6th District School Board debate set for Sept. 17, to be co-moderated by The Richmonder and VPM (The Richmonder)  Other links:  Students could receive automatic admission to more than a dozen Virginia colleges (Cardinal News)  ICE arrested over a dozen people after teen was killed at Virginia quinceañera (NBC Washington)  Spanberger Sends $7.3 Million to Southwest Virginia's Coal-Impacted Counties (The Roanoke Star)  NPR spent 2 years tracking deaths from heat. We found a staggering hidden toll (NPR)  *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:  Final Confederate statues removed from Virginia Capitol Square  Preparations for new, temporary shelter ongoing in Charlottesville  On the agenda: Proposed Little John Park renovations, Charlottesville educational tech policy  Curious Commonwealth 2023: Why is a statue of Stonewall Jackson still on Capitol Square?  WATCH: Confederate Statues Removed From Virginia Capitol  Other links:  Coming to Scott's Addition: Bike-ped paths and a little more green (The Richmonder)  Driver guilty on three misdemeanor counts in death of Bill Martin (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Va. officials announce disbursement of $122 million in Rural Health Transformation Fund awards (Virginia Mercury)  Barack Obama Elementary mold remediation continues; students prepare to return to school Wednesday (WTVR)  *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.

Read more from VPM News:  Chesterfield weighs using data center revenue to slash car tax bills  RPS' return to school highlights growing pressure on aging buildings  WATCH: Team Yes: Same-Sex Marriage Amendment    Other links:  Swift Creek Mill Theatre Announces Plan for Future (Style Weekly)  Apple Wallet adds driver's licenses and IDs for Virginia residents (Virginia Mercury)  City tells Richmond homeowner to install industrial-grade plumbing — or lose his water (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Nearly $4,000 donated to Richmond Imagination Library affiliate after Dolly Parton's death (WTVR)  Still seeking to identify Hurricane Camille victims (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 from VPM News:  Report: Virginia highlights groundwater risks east of I-95  Henrico residents decry county's Flock Safety cameras  WATCH: Team No: Same-Sex Marriage Amendment  Curious Commonwealth 2025: Why does Virginia only have 2 natural lakes?    Other links:  ‘I'm frustrated': Parents confront Kamras over mold at Barack Obama Elementary (The Richmonder)  Virginia won't be able to cover federal SNAP, Medicaid funding cuts, governor warns (Cardinal News)  Virginia's 3rd-8th graders make marginal improvements on SOLs, still below pandemic scores (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Virginia to receive $353 million in landmark Meta child-safety settlement (Virginia Mercury)  Dolly Parton didn't just write hits — she created an American songbook (NPR Music)  *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:  Charlottesville's partnership with direct-to-housing providers ended  Chesterfield schools walk back take-home Chromebooks  WATCH: What is Virginia's Same-Sex Marriage Amendment?    Other links:  Several people injured after crash at GRTC's Downtown Transfer Station in Richmond (WRIC) “Remember the little guy”: Kaine hears from Virginia farmers as Canada trade fight drives up concern (Virginia Mercury)  Drone used to smuggle $324K in contraband, drugs into Virginia prison, officials say (WTVR)  Charlottesville demands plan for stagnant Dewberry property (CvilleRightNow)  Dolly Parton, one of country music's most singular performers, has died at age 80 (WPLN 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:  Federal judge says Virginia still failing to follow voter restoration order  Richmond Public Schools holds town hall after Obama Elementary closes for mold    Other links:  Virginia considers calls for mandatory school nurses as healthcare gaps persist (Virginia Mercury)  Amtrak service to D.C. will stop in Alexandria for 9 days in October (The Richmonder)  Virginia Beach water tower will get an artistic makeover (Virginian-Pilot)*  Local blood banks respond to national shortage (WMRA)  Watch: Fighting pharmacy deserts in Virginia (WDBJ) *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:  Voters will decide whether to enshrine marriage equality in Virginia Google announces $10M to shore up water infrastructure near data centers  On the agenda: RPS maintenance audit, Powhite Parkway Extension update WATCH: RVA Considers Immigration "Trust Policy"    Other links:  Students at Northside elementary school get delayed start to school year due to mold in building (The Richmonder)  General Assembly launches effort to study tax exemptions, consumption tax for data centers (Cardinal News)  Court battle looms over future of Foxfield Races (CvilleRightNow)  Goochland planning commission votes against recommending approval of proposed shooting range (WTVR)  *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 Diartolomeo discuss the Richmond region's top business stories starting with a new sports complex coming to Colonial Heights, a lawsuit connected with a Manchester apartment complex and Richmond's Code Refresh effort.

Read more from VPM News:  Democratic National Committee taps Virginia for early 2028 presidential primary⁠  How do Virginia agencies use tech to hire workers?  WATCH: Amending Virginia    Other links:  Records: public housing staffers accused of trading maintenance work for sexual favors (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Ellwood Thompson's parent company acquired by data center owner (The Richmonder)  VCU suspends fraternity after hazing, assault allegations (WRIC)  LPD pauses operation of Flock license plate reader cameras (The News & Advance)*  Intern at Virginia seminary finds original draft of letter by Martin Luther King Jr. (WTOP)  *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 lost $52M on failed child support system project, Spanberger says  Richmond City Council to discuss immigration ‘trust policy'    Other links:  Could a Dominion-NextEra marriage be bad news for rooftop solar? (Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO)  Virginia secures $17 million to upgrade rail service and improve transportation infrastructure (Virginia Mercury)  Assistant state medical examiner fired over false certification letter; murder cases she testified in being questioned (The Virginian-Pilot)*  Spanberger administration revokes Virginia youth psych facility's license, calls system ‘broken' (WTVR)  Virginia banned selling location data in July. City Hall is still buying it. (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:  Hanover tour brings history of religious freedom in Virginia to life  ICYMI: What's changed in Richmond's third draft of Code Refresh?  WATCH: Downtown Mall Tree Overhaul (YouTube)    Other links:  William & Mary under federal investigation for 'race-based' scholarships (WHRO)  SCC chair won't recuse herself on NextEra-Dominion case (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Federal judge denies hemp entrepreneurs' request to overturn Virginia's new THC limit (Virginia Mercury)  Richmond agreed to pay a tax refund after being sued. The city's own lawyer struggled to get the money sent (The Richmonder)  At first meeting since ACLU lawsuit, King George School Board stays mum (Fredericksburg Free Press)  Colombian community in Virginia sends aid after deadly earthquake (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:  What's changed in Richmond's third draft of Code Refresh?  ICYMI: VPM's 'Declarations' explores Black experiences during American Revolution  WATCH: Virginia's Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment (YouTube)    Other links:  James City County partners with VCU to test drone defibrillator delivery (WHRO)  Virginia could owe $266M for SNAP benefits next year amid program declines (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  As Va. officials weigh data center pushback, report details industry's public service funding (Virginia Mercury)  VUU seeking city permission to develop Richmond Community Hospital property (The Richmonder)  Former corrections officer found guilty of attempting to smuggle over $1 million worth of narcotics (WRIC)  ‘A beautiful tradition': What goes behind the upkeep of the Appalachian Trail (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.

More from VPM News:  Virginia childhood vaccines schedule unchanged after new Trump EO On the agenda: This week in Central Virginia public meetings VPM's 'Declarations' explores Black experiences during American Revolution  WATCH: Virginia's Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment (YouTube)    Other links: Severe nursing home violations surge 77% in Virginia following reform efforts, data shows (WTVR) Larger gun-free zones around polling places arrive in Arlington without a hitch (ARLNow) Austrian skincare company to open U.S. headquarters in Roanoke, bringing 400 jobs (WDBJ) Why Orange has Virginia's shortest mayoral term — and why that may change (Charlottesville Tomorrow)    *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:  Summer camps help Native American Virginians connect with their cultures VCU move-in Aug. 14-15: Road closures planned, heavy traffic likely   Other links:  David Archuleta to headline Virginia Pridefest 2026 (WRIC)  Snake caused fire at Forest Middle School (WSLS)  Virginia students use AI to find new ways to detect Alzheimer's (FOX 5)  Late frost leaves Virginia peach crop uneven, but local flavor still shines (Smith Mountain Eagle)  Virginia man's vanity license plate at center of new battleground over free speech (The 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:  RPS teacher vacancies fall to 1% as contract talks continue  WATCH: Amending Virginia    Other links:  Coastal Virginia communities push back against proposed offshore seabed mining (WHRO)  Officials won't disclose locations, cost of 773 police-linked surveillance cameras (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  What the data suggests about Greene's recent immigration raids (Cville Weekly)  How Virginia is working to reduce SNAP ‘payment error rate' to avoid federal penalties (WRIC)  Va.'s vaccine recommendations, requirements won't change after Trump order, officials say (Virginia Mercury)  It ‘felt like a Renée Good situation,' U.S. citizen says after ICE encounter (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.

More from VPM News:  Chesapeake Bay osprey populations are struggling  ICYMI, Amending Virginia: Reproductive Rights Why is Virginia's Reproductive Rights Amendment? (YouTube)  Listen to the Team No perspective  Listen to the Team Yes perspective   Other links:  Analysts predict Newport News lacks room to build Trump's battleships (WHRO)  Public housing board member resigns, citing ‘loss of confidence in leadership' (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Fired RPS facilities director is hired by one of the district's contractors (The Richmonder)  Henrico teen launches statewide water quality, lead pipe risk tool (Axios Richmond)  Montgomery County rejects agreement with MVP aimed at stalled compressor station permit (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. 

Read more from VPM News:  Voters will decide reproductive rights' future four years after Roe  WATCH: Amending Virginia    Other links:  Federal judge rules in favor of Shenandoah students over Confederate school names (WMRA)  Oak Grove hands out 350 book bags to Richmond families 'to put people first' (WTVR)  Janet Howell, trailblazing Virginia state senator, dies at 82 (The Washington Post)*  SCC chair recused herself from earlier NextEra case (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Governor seeks participants for new corrections council to help shape Va. prison reforms (Virginia Mercury)  Virginia communities race to get 1% sales tax for school construction on the ballot (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. 

More from VPM News:  How Virginia keeps tabs on cybersecurity threats as AI takes hold  Charlottesville sets deadline to clear Free Bridge encampment  On the agenda: This week in Central Virginia public meetings  'Unprecedented': Spanberger to intervene in Dominion–NextEra merger  Watch ICYMI: VPM's New RVA Headquarters (YouTube)   (Note: Dominion Energy is a VPM sponsor.)  Other links:  Richmond mayor promises DPU billing fixes after errors, long wait times: 'Give us some time' (WTVR)  Contentious meeting ends with approval for Shockoe Valley street plan (The Richmonder)  ACLU of Virginia lawsuit alleges King George School Board blocked LGBTQ+ student club (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. 

Read more from VPM News:  New VPM HQ adds momentum to revival efforts on Richmond's Broad Street  Study estimates $1.7B cost to expand subsidized childcare, raise teacher pay  The Auricular's new website is a treasure trove of Richmond music content    Other links:  Memo: Most urgent violations at Imperial Village fixed, but 'long path ahead' to full compliance (WTVR)  Kaine pitches reforms for drug pricing program supporting underserved patients, safety net providers (Virginia Mercury)  As student loan repayments restart, Virginia sees increase in borrower defaults (WHRO)  Chesterfield's own Li'l Sebastian? Miniature horse is currently at large (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:  Updated: Quadaire Patterson wants full citizenship for people convicted of felonies  911 transition to Richmond Ambulance Authority going 'smoothly'  ICYMI: Who's on the ballot for Central Virginia's congressional seats in 2026?    Other links:  SCC orders Dominion to develop tariff to assign more transmission costs to data centers (Virginia Mercury)  Virginia hemp businesses sue Spanberger in hopes of blocking new law (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  UR has a pile of money set aside for the children of Hungarian Reformed Church ministers. It can't find any takers (The Richmonder)  'No drama' in Northern Virginia's 2026 primary elections (WAMU)  Norfolk hit by ‘1 in 100-year' rainfall event, officials say (The 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:  Who's on the ballot for Central Virginia's congressional seats in 2026?  Result: Shannon Taylor to take on Rob Wittman in Virginia's 1st  Result: It's McGuire vs. Perriello in Virginia's 5th District    Other links:  Retired general Bert Mizusawa claims GOP Senate primary, will face Warner (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Incumbent LeQuan Hylton wins special election to Chesterfield Board of Supervisors (The Richmonder)  Voluntary water restrictions lifted for Richmond-area localities (WRIC)  Richmond re-considers parking restrictions near stop signs after 280% ticket spike (WTVR)  How to take advantage of Virginia's sales tax holiday weekend (WHRO)  *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:  Seven Democrats jockey for position in 1st Congressional District primary  Candidates in 4th Congressional District prepare for November general election  Frustration with McGuire drives both sides of 5th Congressional District primary  Harding, Ollivant, Smithers vie for GOP nomination in 7th Congressional District  Who in Virginia is running for US Senate in 2026?    Other links:  City firetrucks, buses will soon get green lights on demand. Ambulances won't. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Richmond sheriff withholds investigation report 10 months after teen pepper-sprayed at concert (WTVR)  Valley Link project will produce harmful radiation, scientific research nonprofit says (The Daily Progress)*  Judge rejects bid from Virginia, other states to block Medicaid work rules (Virginia Mercury)  As $43 million for Southwest flood relief remains unspent, residents who can't afford to fix their homes wait for help (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:  Pilot program connects childcare centers with substitute teachers via app  How Charlottesville's trees are faring on the Downtown Mall, 50 years later On the agenda: Albemarle schools investigation, Charlottesville housing grants  WATCH: Happy Primary Day, (most of) Virginia! (TikTok)   Other links:  Virginia senators request special session to act on 'deeply alarming' groundwater report (Virginia Mercury)  Appalachian Power sees ‘explosive' growth from data centers, other big customers (Cardinal News)  Richmond DPU misses deadline to fix billing problems (WTVR)  U.S. Drought Monitor shows Richmond area drought conditions easing (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.

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jack Jacobs discuss the Richmond region's top business stories starting with the expansion of the Massachusetts-based pharmaceutical firm Thermo Fisher, the Westover Place redevelopment, a drive-thru soda shop near Regency Mall and the owner of Baltik's Bagel new property.

Read more from VPM News:  Spanberger has restored voting rights to more than 66,000 Virginians  Virginia 'assault weapons' ban on hold until US Supreme Court hears gun cases    Other links:  Backers of Family Justice Center to seek $2 million from city for startup costs next year (The Richmonder)  Virginia's disability services gap persists despite progress, leaves young adults vulnerable (Virginia Mercury)  Harrisonburg City Council votes to end contract with Flock Safety (29News)  Report reveals cause of fireworks malfunction at Flying Squirrels game (WTVR)  Ticks are taking over in Virginia. Could ODU's 'tick robot' help? (WHRO)  *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:  Henrico supervisors greenlight 2045 planning blueprint  ICYMI: Committees lay groundwork to campaign on constitutional amendments  VPM News congressional primary previews: 1st District | 4th District | 5th District | 7th District | US Senate    Other links:  Waynesboro residents question operations permit for Northrop Grumman (WMRA)  Uninsured ER visits in Virginia spike nearly 50%, experts warn it could get worse (WTVR)  Workers installing drywall at LEGO site: we're not paid for overtime (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Va. education department seeks new student assessment vendor (Virginia Mercury)  Louisa residents prepare for state review of proposed Valley Link transmission line (WRIC)  Google to use electric cooling instead of water in at least 1 of 3 data centers on Botetourt campus (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. 

More from VPM News:  Chesterfield residents call for more transparency on Google data centers Indigenous food program to bring culturally appropriate lunches to Virginia schools Royal Farms opens newest Virginia location in Chester  WATCH: 

More from VPM News: Richmond advances 1% school funding tax question to local ballots Committees lay groundwork to campaign on constitutional amendments WATCH: Who foots the bill for Shoosmith Landfill cleanup? (YouTube)    Other links:  Spanberger admin to resume nursing home oversight board: 'The stories we're hearing concern me' (WTVR)  Following Council vote, Richmond transfers medical 911 calls back to ambulance authority (The Richmonder)  Virginia's new pay transparency law changes the rules for job postings (Virginia Mercury)  How Trump's rush to build an arch is rewriting construction rules in historic places (WAMU)  Baltik's Bagel owner buys former Alamo BBQ spot in Church Hill for potential second shop (Richmond BizSense)*  *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 move forward with plans for childcare center for state employees  Richmond council to vote on 1% sales tax hike for school construction  On the agenda: Richmond sales tax referendum, East End mural  Other links:  Fourth Circuit creates circuit split over handling of detained pro-Palestinian scholars (Courthouse News)  VDH, Hopewell clear Bailey Bay for swimming after sewage spill (The Progress-Index)*  Emails show how Virginia regulators downplayed data center health concerns (E&E News)  Guns, militias and a long-running Virginia debate (Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO)  *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 officials scramble for solutions to Shoosmith cleanup conundrum  Summer meal programs help Charlottesville students stay fed while school's out  Who in Virginia is running for US Senate in 2026?    Other links:  Minimal oversight allows hazards in legal hemp products (WMRA)  ‘The worst it has ever been': Virginia immigration lawyers, former immigration judges warn of a court system in crisis (Charlottesville Tomorrow)  Albemarle County School Board to hold special meeting discussing independent investigation (29News)  150+ adoptees sought original birth certificates in 2 weeks after Virginia law change (WSET)  *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: Hanover plans local cannabis rules ahead of 2027 retail market  WATCH: RVA dating advice for people on the spectrum (YouTube)    Other links: Chesapeake City Council approves 8-month hold on data center applications (WHRO)  GRTC: Service cuts may be necessary after private fundraising push finds few takers (The Richmonder)  Suetterlein, McNamara want special session to extend time Virginia has to review Dominion-NextEra merger (Cardinal News)  Charlottesville approves $320k to fund school zone camera program amid revenue shortfall (29News)  Mary File Clem, Health Brigade co-founder, dies at 79 (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Richmond Planning Commission moves forward with Lumpkin's Slave Jail Pavilion project (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:  Local governments grapple with spiking energy costs   Other links:  Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement delays decision on including Virginia's tribes (Inside Climate News)  VA-01 Democrats escalate dispute with state party over primary neutrality (Virginia Mercury)  Seibert's Towing seeks fuel surcharge as costs rise, asks for $250 fee to handle damaged electric vehicles (The Richmonder)  Virginia lawmakers call for probe into Albemarle schools handling of child sex abuse cases (29 News)  Documents reveal details on several data center projects in Petersburg's pipeline (Richmond BizSense)*  Youth rescue camp aims to inspire Virginia's next generation of first responders (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:  Netflix-inspired camp helps Richmonders build social confidence  ICYMI: Curious Commonwealth asks why Hanover County tomatoes are famous    Other links:  Congress could open Chesapeake Bay oyster sanctuaries for commercial harvest (WHRO)  Alfred Holland Sr., “Give Me the Ball” (Roanoke Rambler)  ‘Whimsical' Chesapeake business turns trash into handmade treasures (The Virginian-Pilot)*  Data center power line dispute sees potential resolution as Loudoun County settlement talks with Dominion Energy progress (WUSA)  Owner's research finds hidden pieces of history (The Farmville Herald)*   Caroline schools celebrate literacy program designed to create a ‘print-rich environment' (Fredericksburg Free Press)  *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:  Powhatan recovery home receives settlement after yearslong federal lawsuit  WATCH: Why is Hanover, Virginia, famous for its

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Mike Platania discuss the Richmond region's top business stories. This week they take a deep dive on a swath of improvements coming to Richmond International Airport, as the regional body that governs the sets the airlines long- and short-term goals, convenes for its annual retreat.

More on VPM.org:  NextEra–Dominion merger filings start 6-month clock on regulatory review  Mending a torn safety net: an investigation into Nelson County social services    Other links:  Report finds ‘substantial disparities' in Virginia Beach contracts with minority-owned businesses (Virginian-Pilot)*  How a Roanoke school's new playground is neurodevelopmentally inclusive (Roanoke Times)*  House committee questions Va. prosecutor in closed-door deposition (Washington Post)*  About time? Richmonders weigh-in on possible permanent daylight saving time (WTVR)  GOP Senate hopefuls face long odds in race to challenge Mark Warner (Virginia Mercury)  Mending a torn safety net: lagging salaries, lapsed communication at Nelson DSS (WMRA)  Mending a torn safety net: systemic challenges in social services (WMRA)  *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:  Dominion Energy moves forward with plans for Cumberland natural gas plant  Cooling resources for Central Virginia's latest heat wave    Other links:  American Red Cross of Virginia: Emergency Blood Shortage  Legal challenge seeking to block Va.'s reproductive rights constitutional amendment dismissed (Virginia Mercury)  Demolition begins on Mayo Island as city plans new park (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Major Richmond apartment operator hit with multistate fair housing complaint (The Richmonder)  Red Cross of Virginia urges blood donations as emergency shortage strains national supply (WRIC)  Rotary Club places Imagination Library shipments on hold, cites funding shortfalls (29 News)  *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:  Curious Commonwealth asks: Why are Hanover County tomatoes famous?  Richmond housing advocates put forth anti-displacement agenda  WATCH: Swords into Plowshares announces winning design (Instagram) Other links:  Henrico registrar criticizes Trump purge of election panel (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Virginia's highest-paid public employees have whistles or corner offices (Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO)  Richmond group petitions to put zoning overhaul to public vote (12 On Your Side)  Hopewell leaders shut down data center study report rumors (WRIC)  Spanberger: $7.3 million to be disbursed to rebuild housing damaged by Helene (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:  Frustration with McGuire drives both sides of 5th Congressional District primary  WATCH: Richmond Coliseum's days are officially numbered (YouTube)    Other links:  Cyclosporiasis Surveillance and Investigation (Virginia Department of Health)  Virginia needs more nurses. Training them requires more than adding classroom seats (WHRO)  Efforts to reform federal drug pricing program 340B continue with new report, proposed CMS rule (Virginia Mercury)  Documents: Former RPS facilities director was paid for six weeks after investigation due to rejected resignation (The Richmonder)  New Kent leaders poised to strike down proposed data center district (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  ‘Oyez, oyez.' Supreme Court's last official crier is dead at 102. (The Washington Post)*  Virginia approves historical marker to the song that inspired a generation of rock stars (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:  Virginia Democrats question DOJ's plan to monitor primaries in two counties  MASS Design Group chosen as winner of Swords into Plowshares project  Virginia Holocaust Museum launching portrait series  On the agenda: Richmond City Council retreat, budget talks    Other links:  Preventable Missed Court Hearings Cost Virginia More Than $3 Million Per Year (Pew Research Center)  State may have inadvertently created a 1-year gap with no cannabis laws, but language was fixed after concerns arose (Cardinal News)  Richmond police accessed public housing surveillance cameras 827 times in 11 months (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.

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jonathan Spiers discuss the Richmond region's top business stories starting with an update on the Gilpin Court redevelopment, the merger of two local printing firms and the planned expansion of Morty's Market & Deli.

Read more from VPM News: Seven Democrats jockey for position in 1st Congressional District primary  State commission pauses vote on closing Petersburg medical facility Other links: Richmond's safety-net clinics squeezed by surge in uninsured patients (The Richmonder) Judge rules Virginia gun law injunctions apply statewide (12 On Your Side) An ICE detainee sought treatment for mental illness. He died in a struggle with guards. (The Washington Post)* Virginia's new liquor law reshapes rules for Richmond bar-restaurants (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* Virginia budget expands Medicaid access to sickle cell gene therapy (WHRO)  *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:  Candidates in 4th Congressional District prepare for November general election  Hashmi asks state regulators to postpone Dominion–NextEra merger    Other links:  49 people were arrested in a joint operation between the Greene County Sheriff and ICE, a week before a new state law would have restricted cooperation (Charlottesville Tomorrow)  Virginia ranks among top states for highway safety and mobility benefits, but challenges remain (Virginia Mercury)  The City Council ordered a change to medical 911 calls in 30 days. The Avula administration wants more time to prep (The Richmonder)  Trump pardons for Jan. 6 rioters don't apply to DC pipe bomb suspect (The Associated Press)  Hoping to see Maymont's river otters? Now you can do so from home (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 Harding, Ollivant, Smithers vie for GOP nomination in 7th Congressional District WATCH: Cville Downtown Mall's 50th Anniversary (YouTube) Other links  Culpeper's free clinic starts peer recovery program (WMRA) Rare corpse flower blooms at Norfolk Botanical Garden (WHRO) Richmond officials pursue voter referendum on new sales tax for schools (The Richmonder) Virginia joins multistate push against ICE rollback on detainee death reporting (Virginia Mercury) CSX begins to remove grain from James River following derailment (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* Petersburg federal prison to close low security unit (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:  Extreme heat foils July 4th fireworks at Dogwood Dell  Democrats Hylton, Crosby vie to complete Chesterfield board term    Other links:  How Virginia became the world's data center capital and how it's going (Virginia Mercury)   City Council could weigh referendum to establish new tax to fund school construction (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Former historic Black church tied to Richmond's Civil Rights Movement destroyed by fire (WTVR)  Va. Supreme Court panel denies request to combine assault weapons ban cases (12 On Your Side)  Styrofoam food containers now banned at all Virginia restaurants (WHRO)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.