VPM Daily Newscast

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

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$2B data center tax break fight pushes Virginia budget negotiations

Lawmakers weigh adding college employees to collective bargaining expansion

General Assembly orders plan to phase out airport PFAS 
 

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FBI will investigate fatal ODU campus shooting as a terrorist attack (WHRO News)

Audit reveals overspending by Roanoke Police Department (WDBJ)

Massive power transmission line planned for Campbell to Culpeper (Cardinal News)

Email: 'data incident' takes down internet, other services across Hanover schools (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 

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Mayor Danny Avula proposes Richmond’s $3.4B spending plan 

Chesterfield proposes $1.1B school system budget 

DOJ civil rights chief Harmeet Dhillon speaks at UVA Federalist Society event 

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City backs off ‘Operation Vaporize’ as blowback from vape shop owners intensifies (The Richmonder) 

Federal judge upholds ruling that certain ex-felons should not automatically lose voting rights (Virginia Mercury) 

Dorothy McAuliffe, former Virginia first lady, announces congressional campaign (Richmond Times-Dispatch) 

General Assembly adds district voting system to Virginia Beach's cit...

Curious Commonwealth asks: What's the deal with the House of Delegates' ceremonial mace? 

Virginia voters begin to weigh in on redistricting amendment 

ICYMI: Chief Justice Cleo Powell formally sworn into Supreme Court of Virginia 

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Richmond Black Restaurant Experience 

'Justice is delayed and denied': How Richmond's late jury lists are derailing criminal trials (WTVR) 

‘Grow up’: Former Republican delegate defends civil-rights-themed mailers in redistricting fight (Virginia Mercury) 

Inside Rappahannock’s court crisis (Rappahannock News) 

Spanberger sends message with appointments to higher ed panel (R...

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Virginia Senate panel spikes gambling centralization bill 

Charlottesville school board greenlights union contract for support staff 

ICYMI: This week in Central Virginia public meetings 

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Richmond’s new transportation director wants a city ‘built for people.’ His work is increasingly urgent. (The Richmonder) 

Who’s behind an anti-redistricting flyer invoking Jim Crow? A former Hampton GOP delegate. (Virginian-Pilot)* 

Virginia House approves gun control bills over GOP objections (WTOP) 

Virginia won’t say which law enforcement agencies are breaking su...

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Virginia Democrats look to expand window to pay off back rent before eviction 

Henrico breaks ground on Magellan Parkway extension 

Chesterfield supervisors say two state bills undermine local authority (VPM News) 

On the agenda: The week of March 9 in public meetings (VPM News) 

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On the agenda: The week of March 9 in public meetings (VPM News) 

Chesterfield supervisors say two state bills undermine local authority (VPM News) 

City offices, trash collection will close Monday for International Women's Day (T...

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

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Virginia lawmakers are on the cusp of changing medical malpractice law 

General Assembly kills bills for certifying high-power facilities 

Charlottesville considers $279M spending plan 

Richmond School Board approves $550M budget for fiscal 2027 

Heads up, Richmond: 2026 River City Half and 5K road closures, ‘no parking’ zones 

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Virginia joins multistate lawsuit challenging Trump administration over new global tariffs (Virginia Mercury) 
Hopewell city manager hopefuls include two recently fired administrators (The Progress-Index)* 
FOIA Files: 2025 Loudoun Crime Stats Release Would Cos...

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Supreme Court of Virginia greenlights April 21 referendum again 

Del. Josh Thomas wants to put Virginia's boys and men on a better path 

Lawmakers advance bills to set up child care cost-sharing pilot 

Charlottesville considers $279M spending plan 

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GW sold Virginia campus for $427 million to Amazon for data center development (The GW Hatchet) 

Why a 6-year-old with diabetes is pushing for change in Virginia (WTOP) 

Wintergreen emergency exit bill passes U.S. House (CBS 19)

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Richmond School Board approves $550M budget for fiscal 2027

Henrico School Board OKs funding 100+ new positions in FY27 budget

Chief Justice Cleo Powell formally sworn into Supreme Court of Virginia 

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Military families brace for long deployments during operation against Iran (WHRO News)

William & Mary on Pentagon’s list of ‘toxic indoctrination’ colleges, losing its support (The Virginian-Pilot)*

Va. transportation board overturns decision to transfer rail and trail project (Virginia Mercury)

Early voting will begin everywhere Friday except in...

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Early voting on Virginia redistricting amendment set to begin Friday 

Scenes from the Virginia State Capitol 2026: a dispatch 

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Lawmakers divided over Iran strikes, launched without approval from Congress (NPR) 

Naval Station Norfolk updates visitor policy, suspends Trusted Traveler Program (WAVY) 

Poopy Potomac no more? D.C. lifts advisory for river after sewage spill (The 51st) 

Harrisonburg music scene hit by ABC violation, fire marshal closures (WMRA) 

Researchers probe unmarked graves at Virginia site where slaves once to...

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Richmond police extend contract with Flock Safety for license plate readers 

Henrico EDA head Tretina outlines vision for growth 

Richmond-area faith leaders speak out on federal immigration enforcement 

On the agenda: Budget discussions for Richmond and Charlottesville schools 

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For some neighborhoods, it’s covenants — not zoning — that decides what gets built (The Richmonder) 

At General Assembly, defense of Confederate statues sparks outrage (The Virginian-Pilot) 

Army Corps plans to fast-track infrastructure priorities, including in Virginia (Virginia Mercury) <...

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

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

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Virginia’s return to Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative picks up steam 

Chesterfield County creates new plant medicine committee 

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Squirrels claim Richmond owes them $6.5 million for ballpark costs (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 

New all-electronic tolling system goes live on Richmond routes this weekend (The Richmonder) 

Louisa County among fastest-growing localities in Virginia, UVA estimates show (29News) 

Attorney General Jay Jones joins multistate coalition challenging Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order (WRIC) 

Spotsylvania settles on data center rules (The Free Lance-Star)* 

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The future is uncertain for some Virginia farmers after VSU researchers fired 

Virginia Museum of History and Culture to add Barbara Johns statue to its collection 

Powhite Parkway tolls are about to be a thing of the past in Chesterfield 

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In Democratic rebuttal, Spanberger accuses Trump of driving up costs and chaos (Virginia Mercury) 

Virginia lawmakers push for action after massive Potomac sewage spill (WRIC) 

Homeless shelter operator will serve three years in prison for defrauding Richmond an...

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Most artificial intelligence legislation in Virginia was tabled until 2027 

Scenes from the Virginia State Capitol 2026: a dispatch 

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At Longwood, a journey toward racial reckoning (Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO) 

After federal funding upheavals, Richmond nonprofits say they are bruised but not broken (The Richmonder) 

What is ‘performance-based regulation’, and how can it lower utility bills? (Virginia Mercury) 

DOJ reaches settlement with CarMax over illegal repossession of servicemembers' vehicles (WTVR) 

CASA seeks to secure first state f...

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Data center tax break takes center stage in Virginia budget plans 

General Assembly passes bill containing new congressional map, primary date 

Charlottesville City Council tweaks zoning ordinance 

On the agenda: It’s budget season in Central Virginia 

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Lawmakers question how Rosie’s was approved to add more gambling machines in Richmond (The Richmonder) 

RPD liaison, police discuss preventative measures after Shockoe Bottom shooting (WRIC) 

A school suspended 323 students after ICE protest. They protested again. (The Washington Post)<

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter

Mike Platania discuss the Richmond region's

top business stories, starting with an update

on Virginia's legal marijuana market and ending with news of a new housing development coming to Arthur Ashe Blvd.

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With 300-dwelling development looming, nearby Chesterfield residents concerned 

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Tazewell judge temporarily blocks Democrats' redistricting referendum (Associated Press) 

Virginia Gov. Spanberger to deliver Democratic response to Trump’s State of the Union address (Virginia Mercury) 

Virginia Del. Barry Knight, a retired hog farmer from Virginia Beach, dies at 71 (Virginian-Pilot) 

John McGuire would rather not talk about redistricting in Virginia (The Daily Progress)* 

Dominion Energy Riverrock announces music lineup, venue change for 2026 (WRIC) 

Veterans sue over Trump’s planned 250-foot ar...

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Virginia Democrats zero in on final affordability package 
UVA School of Nursing faculty say new federal report has an error 
Hanover County unveils $427M budget proposal for fiscal year 2027 

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How much revenue did the City of Petersburg bring in during casino's first days? (The Progress-Index)* 

Albemarle County Public Schools proposes draft budget request (29 News) 

PWC supervisors collect nearly $300K in campaign donations – mostly from data center interests (The Prince William Times) 

Petition to recall Martinsville mayor moves forward (WDBJ) ...

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'Right to repair' bills die in Virginia House subcommittee 

Richmond's General Assembly agenda has been a mixed bag so far 

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Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Read more from VPM News: 
A $15 minimum wage for Virginia is within reach 

Scenes from the Virginia State Capitol 2026: a dispatch 

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After police reforms, Virginia traffic stops increase (VCIJ at WHRO) 

Former Attorney General Miyares faces two wrongful firing lawsuits (WRIC) 

In First Months as Governor, Abigail Spanberger Kicks Up Heat From the Right (The New York Times)* 

Paid sick leave bill passes Virginia House of Delegates (Virginia Mercury)

Dominion plans $1 billion super-high voltage line through Piedmont Virginia (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 

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Supreme Court of Virginia greenlights redistricting referendum 

Hanover school board approves 2026–27 budget plan 

On the agenda: Diamond District, RVA Pay, Charlottesville school budget 

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Bill to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board clears House of Delegates (Virginia Mercury) 

Petersburg's temporary casino makes $4.7 million in first 10 days (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* 

Virginia measles cases this year already surpass 2025 total, VDH data shows (29News) 

Spring fire season and state-wide burning law begin (CBS19) 

*Paywall link

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VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jonathan Spiers discuss the Richmond region's top business stories. This week they cover the closure of the Saks Fifth Avenue retail store in Stony Point, a Charlottesville restaurant coming to the Manchester area and new housing developments under development in several parts of the city.

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Reforming public university boards is a hot topic at the General Assembly 

Richmond Free Press ceases publication after 34 years 

Chesterfield teacher’s union warns about preparations for ICE confrontations 

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Charlottesville sees decline in opioid overdose calls, though doctors say concerns remain (29 News) 

Attorney General Jay Jones joins multistate lawsuit challenging Trump’s changes to loan forgiveness rules (WRIC) 

Va. unemployment claims jump 71%. Those don't include nearly 700 looming Amazon layoffs. (Richmond Times-Dispatch) 

After sale of Virginia nursing home, dat...

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Charlottesville school board agrees to 10.5% raise for support professionals 

Traveling CPR kiosk brings hands-on training to communities across Virginia 

Delegates rework bills related to Virginia Military Institute 

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Pruitt drops out of congressional race, blames Democratic redistricting (The Daily Progress) 

Overwhelming majority of Central Virginia ICE detainees continue to be non-criminals, data shows (WRIC) 

DHR launches project for special markers at Virginia lynching sites (CBS19) 

Senate panel advances $48 hike in weekly unemployment benefits (Richmond Times-Dispatch) 

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Senate bill would shield Dominion customers from some data center-related costs 

Richmond audit finds city didn’t follow Affordable Housing Trust Fund rules 

Virginia's college internship program rebrands under state economic development agency 

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Virginia celebrates 20 years of 211 service for health and human needs (WRIC) 

Virginia House votes to end Confederate tax breaks, license plates (Richmond Times-Dispatch) 

‘It was not about me’: Halifax centenarian rejects House honor she never approved (Virginia Mercury) 

Griffin booted from committees; Democrats say he disr...

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House subcommittee advances bill to ban herbicide tied to Parkinson's disease 

State regulators OK Dominion project near Hallsley area of Chesterfield 

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Defying administrators’ orders, Chesterfield students and employees walked out Friday to protest immigration enforcement (The Richmonder) 

UVa faculty accuse Beardsley of 'bribing' students for their support (The Daily Progress) 

State lawmakers want to lift local caps on housing grants for government employees (Virginia Mercury) 

Remembering King Salim Khalfani: Civil rights activist, former executive director of Virginia NAACP has died (W...

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General Assembly considers $36M expansion of gun violence prevention program 

Hundreds gather at The Valentine to celebrate Bill Martin’s life and legacy 

Spanberger signs bill moving redistricting vote one step closer 

Amended cannabis market bill passes despite split among Senate Democrats 

On the agenda: Richmond City Center, school board budget meetings 

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House panel advances bills limiting ICE activity in Virginia (Virginia Mercury) 

Frank S. Royal Sr., Richmond medical leader and VUU board chair, dies at 86 (Richmo...

‘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 learn about VPAP's new Executive Director Cat Anthony and how she came to the Virginia Public Access Project. Also, a preview some of what to expect out of this year's General Assembly session, and touch on Democrats' plan to redistrict Virginia via constitutional amendment.

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. This week they discuss a deal to buy Sports Backers Stadium, a round of a layoffs and Swedish Match and new housing coming to the Manchester neighborhood.

Read more VPM News: 

Virginia Democrats propose potential 10–1 congressional map for 2026 midterms 

Proposal would let students take Brown v. Board scholarships out of state 

Chesterfield touts $1.3B growth in commercial real estate value

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Rent stabilization bills backed by Richmond fail in Virginia General Assembly (The Richmonder) 

Renting in Richmond is only about 20% cheaper than owning (Axios Richmond) 

Richmond, Henrico County extend CARITAS shelter contract due to winter weather (WRIC) 

Boar's Head reopens Virginia deli meat plant tied to deadly listeria outbre...

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Spanberger orders state law enforcement to exit federal immigration agreements 

Virginia Court of Appeals asks SCOVA to take over redistricting case 

Immigration policy takes center stage at Richmond school board meeting 

Charlottesville carries out Point in Time Count despite icy conditions 

Central Virginia delays, closures for Thursday, Feb. 5 

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Bezos orders deep job cuts at 'Washington Post' (NPR) 

Senate looks beyond Capitol Square to stored Confederate statues (Richmond Times-Dispatch) 

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Virginia House OKs electric grid review bills 

Texas-based monks bring ‘Walk for Peace’ through Chesterfield 

Central Virginia closures, delays for Tuesday, Feb. 3 

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As ice lingers in Richmond, Avula asks residents for a few more days of patience (The Richmonder) 

Crashes involving cars and pedestrians rising at VCU, despite years of work to stop them (Richmond Times-Dispatch) 

5 poems for troubled times, from Virginia’s new Lt. Governor (The Washington Post) 

Richmond native ‘Mad Skillz’ takes home Grammy for best spoken w...

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International enrollment in Virginia postgraduate programs falls by 13% 

STEPS program bridges the gap for refugee women in Charlottesville 

Updated: Hanover County facility sought by ICE is no longer for sale 

Melissa Vaughn, longtime WRIR president, was ‘fierce advocate’ for public radio 

Central Virginia closures, delays for Monday, Feb. 2 

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Four Richmond public housing tenants flagged in federal review of residents’ immigration status (The Richmonder) 

All-electronic tolling coming to Richmond expressways, ramps (WRIC) 

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Bill aims to address "benefits cliff" for subsidized child care 

Hanover County supervisors oppose proposed ICE facility

Weather-related links:  

Central Virginia closures, delays for Friday, Jan. 30 
VDH winter safety tips⁠  
Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace⁠  
Richmond International Airport website⁠  
National Weather Service forecasts: ⁠Richmond⁠ | ⁠Charlottesville⁠ | ⁠Harrisonburg⁠ 

Other links: 

Virginia isn't in a recession — but it's on the cusp of one, ODU economists say (WHRO News) 

Virginia Democrats seek emergency halt to ruling that blocks redistricting (The Washington Post)* 

Lawmakers, Va. Native tribes pitch educatio...

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Richmond teachers union calls for audit after budget draft cuts $22M 

Hanover County supervisors oppose proposed ICE facility 

Federal judge orders widespread voting rights restoration for Virginians

⁠Central Virginia closures, delays for Thursday, Jan. 29⁠ 

Weather-related links: 
VDH winter safety tips⁠ 

Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace⁠  

Richmond International Airport website⁠  

National Weather Service forecasts: ⁠Richmond⁠ | ⁠Charlottesville⁠ | ⁠Harrisonburg⁠ 

Other links: 

Democrats push restrictions on federal immigration enforcement in Virginia (Virginia Mercury) 

Senate panel approves gun liability measure by party-line vote (Richmo...