VPM Daily Newscast

Read more from VPM News:  How to vote in Virginia: A 2026 VPM voter guide  McDonnough, Holton debate for Richmond School Board's 6th District seat  On the agenda: Rooftop solar panels on City of Richmond buildings, Charlottesville budget bistro  Other links:  Driverless trucks: Luck Stone expands autonomous hauling trucks after 18-month pilot (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  CarMax cuts about 60 Richmond-area jobs (WTVR)  IG: No evidence proving tip Richmond workers were buying ‘baggies full of fresh weed' (The Richmonder)  Interviews for Virginia Tech's next president to take place in coming weeks (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 Jackie DiBartolomeo discuss the Richmond region's top business stories starting with development firm behind the failed GreenCity development filing for bankruptcy, Dominion and NextEra Energy's plans for a new office tower in Richmond and the new owner of Bottoms Up Pizza.

Read more from VPM News:  2026 midterm early voting begins in Virginia Chesapeake osprey birth rates reach historic lows   Other links:  Spanberger is bullish about Virginia House races even without a favorable map (The Washington Post)*  Brown's Island will be open for Folk Festival, says Venture Richmond (The Richmonder)  New dashboard shows term limits on affordable status of properties around Virginia (Virginia Mercury)  Records show Chesterfield's Shoosmith landfill leaked waste into Swift Creek years before bankruptcy (WTVR)  3 or 4 data centers could be coming to a former coal mine site in Russell County (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. 

State lawmakers order new data reporting about VMSDEP program  Powhite Parkway Extension's first phase underway in western Chesterfield  ICYMI: Virginia shrinks list of disenfranchising crimes, complying with federal ruling    Other links:  ‘We mess up, we fess up': Richmond officials acknowledge summer of problems with DPU bills (The Richmonder)   Ballots in the mail: Local registrars didn't wait on high court decision (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*   Spanberger declares state of emergency as drought strains Virginia farmers (Virginia Mercury)   Richmond expands red light camera program in the city (WTVR)  Sweet Briar land sale will return remainder of Bear Mountain to Monacan Nation (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 does Ballot Question 1 affect Virginia's abortion regulations? Virginia shrinks list of disenfranchising crimes, complying with federal ruling  Holton, McDonnough vie for 6th District Richmond School Board seat  Hanover renovates election office ahead of first day of early voting  WATCH: VA's anti-abortion advocates' new tactic against Ballot Question 1 (YouTube)  Other links:  RPS will not add make-up days for schools closed due to mold (WRIC)  What happens if you skip jury duty in Richmond? We went to court to find out (The Richmonder)  New health workforce data shows over 5,000 job ads for registered nurses in Southwest and Southside Virginia (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:  Regional water workgroup recommends $32.8M for Richmond treatment plant upgrade  Dominion, NextEra double merger bill credits for residential customers    Other links:  VUU commits to preserve Richmond Community Hospital building amid community skepticism (The Richmonder)  State authority releases draft retail marijuana regulations (Virginia Business)*  Henrico touts HVAC progress, but Ward Elementary families say temps still unbearable (WTVR)  Virginia nursing homes are short-staffed. So are the agencies tasked with watching them. (WHRO)  Flying Squirrels set franchise attendance record at CarMax Park (WRIC)  *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:  Richmond Public Schools asks community to help shape facilities plan  Mobile food pantries tackle rural hunger, one box at a time  State regulators add in-person hearings in Dominion–NextEra merger  On the agenda: Richmond 1% sales tax, Hanover comprehensive plan, Moses Malone Boulevard  WATCH: Felony Voting Rights Restoration Amendment (YouTube)  Other links:  VCU board gives president Michael Rao a $1 million base salary (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Virginia registrars wait to learn if mail-in voting rules will change substantially days before early voting begins (Charlottesville Tomorrow)  Flying Squirrels owners up the ante in Diamond District dispute, sue city and EDA over project delays (Richmond BizSense)*  Appeals court rejects ICE detention policy, setting stage for SCOTUS (Politico)  *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 a newly field legal skirmish between the owners of the Flying Squirrels and the City of Richmond, upgrades coming to Powhite Parkway and a winery coming to Chesterfield County.

Read more from VPM News:  Teacher residency program at VCU gets new funding from state budget  Cosmic Echo Live celebrates Richmond's own Lonnie Liston Smith  Chesterfield County ponders redistricting some high schools (VPM News)    Other links:  Get Out There: Remembering 9/11 with ‘Come From Away' (WAMU)  These new Virginia food regulation updates take effect Sept. 10. Here's what to know (WRIC)  In rare move, SCC orders three in-person hearings for NextEra-Dominion merger case (Virginia Mercury)  Most speakers at Hashmi event raise concerns over proposed NextEra-Dominion merger (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: State agricultural pollution control program struggles to spend its cash JLARC renews call to close Virginia's youth psychiatric hospital    Other links:  Richmond wants to intervene in the Dominion merger. But the Council needs a do-over vote (The Richmonder)  New dashboard reveals widening rural divide in access to Virginia maternity care (13NewsNow)  The city cleared Free Bridge; Where did the homeless go? (CvilleRightNow)  Number of youth at Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center falls from 193 to 130 (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Richmond has 'zero' preventative school maintenance, internal auditor says (WTVR)  *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:  Small-scale solar farm in Hanover gives new life to Harris family land  What is Chesterfield's ‘1 for Schools' tax referendum on fall ballots?  WATCH: Virginia's Racist History of Felon Voting Rights Removal (YouTube)  WATCH: Team “Yes” Virginia's Voting Rights Amendment (YouTube)  WATCH: Team “No” Virginia's Voting Rights Amendment (YouTube)   Other links:  Power grid auction falls short of meeting 2028-29 energy needs, organizing group cites data centers (The Richmonder)  Bellevue students expected to return to school on Thursday following final testing (WRIC)  Fired Virginia State University professors file civil rights complaint with AG's office (Virginia Mercury)  Belvedere Plantation's owners are betting the farm on a data center. Neighbors fear they'll reap the harvest. (Fredericksburg Free Press)  Smithsonian chief to retire as Trump fights to reshape the institution (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:  Virginians may change the voter rights restoration process for felons  Lawmakers continue weighing in on Dominion–NextEra deal  On the agenda for Central Virginia, week of Sept. 7   Watch: Charlottesville City Removes Encampment (YouTube)  Other links:  Energized Democrats gather for Labor Day banquet in Harrisonburg (WMRA)  Spanberger taps Daniel Young to lead government watchdog office (Virginia Mercury)  A paper mill is suffocating a small Virginia town, and officials are dismissing concerns (Daily Progress)*  These identical twins both became doctors. Now they run an ER together. (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. 

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jack Jacobs discuss the Richmond region's top business stories starting with upgrades coming to Richmond International Airport, a new pizzeria in Scott's Addition, the rehabilitation of Second Baptist Church and Goodwill expanding in the Greater Richmond .

Read more from VPM News:  Arlington police's use of Google search data raises privacy questions  Affordability vs. Character: Code Refresh Part 1 (RVA's Got Issues)    Other links:  How extreme heat puts pressure on infrastructure in Hampton Roads (WHRO)  Obama Elementary reopens Thursday amid parent concerns (WTVR)  USPS whistleblower predicts ‘catastrophic' effect on elections under Trump vote-by-mail order (Virginia Mercury)  AG's office awards largest payout ever to Va. families impacted by racist campground incident (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  SNAP benefit theft strains Virginia families, new technology could help (12 On Your Side)  Campbell and Appomattox counties, Wytheville PD cut ties with Flock cameras (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:  Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden employees strike over wage disputes  Cumberland planning commission advances Dominion gas plant  WATCH: Virginia's Marriage Equality Amendment    Other links:  Suspect dead, staff member injured after shooting at Westwood Hills Elementary (WHSV)  Facilities Department had ‘haphazard' processes and lacked work order controls, RPS audit finds (The Richmonder)  ‘I'm wearing the same exact socks, underwear': 50 residents remain without access to apartments after fire (WRIC)  Records: state police audited RPS buses in response to whistleblower complaint alleging expired inspections (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Republicans' midterm convention is anything but conventional. Why is it happening? (KERA 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:  Why have Virginians' health insurance premiums increased?   Luck Stone pulls proposed Hanover quarry expansion  Updated: Obama ES students set to return Thursday; Bellevue ES closed for potential mold  WATCH: Virginia's Marriage Equality Amendment (YouTube)   Other links:  Federal judge temporarily blocks Virginia law regulating how local law enforcement participate in ICE activities (WRIC)  Special prosecutor takes over King Overton drowning case after Henrico attorney reveals SwimRVA ties (WTVR)  Virginia launches $4.8M program to pay nursing students for clinical work (WHRO)  Virginia health leaders, lawmakers share enhanced healthcare resources for rural communities (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: 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.