VPM Daily Newscast

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.

Read more from VPM News:  State budget delivers unexpected $15M for Richmond Coliseum demolition  Two Central Virginia school districts exit Head Start  On the agenda: This week in Central Virginia public meetings    Other links:  Vindman, Spanberger secure federal Disaster Declaration for Virginia growers affected by ‘unprecedented’ spring freezes (Fredericksburg Free Press) John Adams despised one Virginian in particular, calling him ‘obscene,’ ‘profane’ and ‘impious.’ It wasn’t Jefferson. (Cardinal News) America Made in Virginia: 250 Years Together (PBS) How Metro got its groove back (The 51st)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

‘Policy Matters’ is your window into Virginia politics with VPAP. It's our monthly roundup of the top political headlines from across Virginia, powered by VPAP’s daily e-newsletter, VaNews. In this episode we chat with VPAP's Executive Director Cat Anthony about the newly approved state budget, the retail cannabis market, new guns laws, and the upcoming election. You can follow along and stay up to date on the latest developments at vpap.org.

Read more from VPM News:  Charlottesville celebrates a half-century of the Downtown Mall  How to beat the heat during Central Virginia's early July heat wave  WATCH: Virginia's Budget Deal in 60 Seconds? (YouTube)   More from VPM PBS for America’s 250th:  Declarations: Black Americans and the Revolutionary War  Liberty or Death  Wilder: An American First  Witness to a Century  *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 region enacts voluntary water restrictions amid ongoing drought  Questions linger as Richmond’s Code Refresh nears final stages    Other links:  Cochiloco pauses World Cup watch parties after large crowd prompts Richmond police response (WTVR)  Valley Link transmission line proposal advances despite pushback from rural Virginians (12 On Your Side)  Mary Baldwin on probation, accreditation at risk over finances (Staunton News Leader)*  Virginia budget funds long-awaited research on menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay (WHRO)  Richmond was a hotbed of peach innovation in the late 1800s, but many are now lost to history (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:  Virginia rejoins regional carbon emissions marketplace  Capital Trees helps Henrico engage with residents on climate goals    Other links:  More red light cameras coming to Richmond as citations, warnings rack up (WRIC)  Voluntary water conservation in Richmond starts July 1 amid statewide drought (WTVR)  Virginia's law books swell with hundreds of new measures on July 1 (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  County With 37 Data Centers Asks Schools to ‘Conserve Electricity’ (404 Media)*  US Supreme Court upholds transgender athlete ban in women and girls' sports (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:  Lawmakers accept Spanberger's budget amendments, averting state funding crisis  Virginians on PrEP to gain protections from life insurance discrimination    Other links:  Chesterfield robbery case leads Supreme Court to restrict geofence warrants (NPR)  Opponents of Code Refresh launch legal challenge of city-wide rezoning effort (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Because of delayed primary, there’s no early voting location on Richmond’s Southside (The Richmonder)  Virginia Task Force 1 conducts rescue missions in Venezuela following earthquakes (WAVY)  Manatee spotted swimming in Appomattox River: 'It's like a unicorn' (WTVR)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Read more from VPM News:  Virginians are feeling the effects of spiking health insurance premiums Hanover supervisors mull raising equipment taxes on data centers On the agenda: Richmond zoning appeals, Hanover community meeting    Other links:  Virginia joins initiative to create three-year bachelor’s degree model (Virginia Mercury)  Spanberger proposes digital team to tackle tech challenges facing state agencies (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Duke's ends 'Hot Tomato Summer' after five-year run (The Richmonder)  Richmond moves closer to new affordable housing development in Shockoe Bottom (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:  State budget would eliminate Child Care Subsidy Program waitlist  New regulations beef up data centers’ required water use reporting    Other links:  An exodus at the US Attorney's Office for the Western District of Virginia (The Roanoke Times)*  Va. budget bill would allocate $7 million towards homeless services in Charlottesville (29News)  Henrico 'keeping an eye on' low James River levels amid statewide drought warning (Henrico Citizen)  Background checks for private firearm sales to resume July 1 (Cardinal News)  Measles outbreak expands to include Cumberland (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:  Voting rights court battle drags into primary election  Negotiations stall between Richmond Public Schools, teachers union    Other links:  Henrico confirms fifth rabies case this year after bat tests positive (WRIC)  Federal government scouts for interest in mineral mining off Virginia shores (Virginia Mercury)  Greene County Sheriff’s Office stages mass immigration detention in concert with federal officials (C-Ville Weekly)  Local farms face worker shortage as ICE raids continue (Daily News-Record)*  The unending compromise of the Electoral College (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.

More from VPM News:  Curious Commonwealth asks: Are bears living among Virginians?  Virginia spent millions before shutting down child support system project  Chesterfield taps Kalamazoo’s Kevin Catlin for county leadership    Other links:  Richmond conservation group buys last piece of Mayo Island, plans to transform site move forward (WRIC)  “It’s just so heart-wrenching”: Luray pastor speaks out after recent ICE arrests (29News)  100K tons of rubble from HRBT expansion will go onto artificial reefs in the Chesapeake Bay (WHRO)  Demo underway on Sports Backers Stadium, clearing way for Diamond District (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:  State lawmakers send compromise budget to Spanberger  Google's $9B bet on a trio of Chesterfield data center campuses  America 250 event to light up the Virginia Museum of History and Culture    Other links:  City, RRHA announce agreement on framework for Gilpin Court redevelopment with one-for-one replacement (The Richmonder)  Local bowler attempting world record for longest 10-pin bowling marathon (WDBJ)  Virginia’s technical workforce faces uncertainty as funding runs out for middle school program (Cardinal News)  Virginia Medical Imaging sues Mary Washington Healthcare for $2.25M (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: Lawmakers reach two-year, $207B budget compromise On the agenda: This week in Central Virginia public meetings  Other links: WATCH: The 1944 Student Bus Protest that Challenged Jim Crow (NOVA Parks) Norfolk channel reaches 55-foot depth, making it the East Coast's deepest port (WHRO News) Albemarle County Public Schools finalizes severance with former superintendent (29 News) City Hall is making its own news, and paying the RTD to distribute it (The Richmonder) Delegate Kent Highlights Legislative Wins (News on the Neck) County plans new Revolutionary War memorial for America 250 celebration (The Prince William Times)* New CEO: Goochland-based CarMax is growing again, but the fix isn't finished (The 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 Jack Jacobs discuss the Richmond region's top business stories, starting with: the potential sale of Short Pump. Town Center, an Amazon warehouse coming to New Kent County, a new housing developing in Southside and Dutch Bros coming to a spot near Willow Lawn.

Read more from VPM News:  Two VCU medical school students push for expanded childcare access  Virginia tribes unite to protect Henrico birthplace of Chief Powhatan  Who's running in Virginia's 1st Congressional District in 2026?  Who's running in Virginia's 5th Congressional District in 2026?   Other links:  Two more city properties, including former school once earmarked for Planned Parenthood, could be surplused for affordable housing (The Richmonder)  Plans for new hospice in Southwest Virginia halted by federal Medicare freeze (Cardinal News)  Baby giraffes found safe after disappearing from Natural Bridge Zoo (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:  Bluntly: Virginia legislators, Spanberger add retail weed to state budget  Spanberger sides with House in Virginia budget dispute WATCH: Protecting RVA’s Historic Black Cemeteries (YouTube)   Other links:  Joe Morrissey announces run for office, three years after saying he was done with politics (WTVR)  DPU suspends water cutoffs as billing glitches continue (The Richmonder)  Swords into Plowshares reaches out to Black residents, unhoused community for input on recasting Robert E. Lee statue into new public art (Charlottesville Tomorrow)  Baby giraffes found safe after disappearing from Natural Bridge Zoo (WDBJ)  Petersburg casino revenue bounces back in May (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:  Who’s running in Virginia’s 4th Congressional District in 2026?  Who’s running in Virginia’s 7th congressional District in 2026?  Who in Virginia is running for US Senate in 2026?  ICYMI: VPM was at SailFest! (Instagram)  Other links:  Uwill Mental Health Wellness – Carter G. Woodson Middle School  Uwill Mental Health Wellness – Hopewell High SchoolIndian Health Service payment delays are limiting dental care for Native American patients (WHRO News) Republicans throw out results of Lynchburg firehouse primary that picked council nominees (Cardinal News)  Lavender Hill owner sues city, City Council over SUP denial (The Richmonder)  Morale on decline within Albemarle County Police Department, survey says (The Daily Progress)*  Police find grenades, cannonball in home of Chesterfield man accused of killing police K-9 (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:  Virginia House drops $74B budget draft ahead of June 30 deadline  Virginia has the blue catfish blues  ICYMI: Sailing vessels travel upriver to Richmond as part of 250th anniversary  On the agenda: Richmond zoning refresh, Petersburg casino revenue    Other links:  Virginia law does not make it easy for a renter to force a landlord to improve conditions — even hazardous ones (Charlottesville Tomorrow)  Goochland to weigh 900-megawatt data center campus under new tech zone (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Justice Department sues Virginia over mask ban, limits to federal agents (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.

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Mike Platania discuss the Richmond region's top business stories starting with the long-awaited demolition of Richmond's Greyhound station, plans for a housing development in Henrico County and a changing of the guard at Buskey Cider.

Read more from VPM News:  Merger expert: Virginia regulators need more time for NextEra–Dominion  Richmond updates P-card program after years of ‘questionable transactions’    Other links:  As part of pollution punishment, Richmond to remove 17 tons of driftwood at T. Pott bridge (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Judge rules Rappahannock Tribe’s appeal of Caroline water permit can move forward (Fredericksburg Free Press)  Up for debate: Major national event arrives in Richmond this weekend (The Richmonder)  Rocovich sues Gov. Spanberger after his ouster as Virginia Tech rector (Cardinal News)  ‘Just keep showing up’: Babes of Carytown honors two late LGBTQ+ trailblazers during Pride Month (WRIC)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Read more from VPM News:  Long-missing mussels returned to South Anna River  Virginia's business reputation at the center of state budget impasse  Efforts to get Diwali on Chesterfield school calendar fall short    Other links:  Va. Supreme Court appoints panel to decide if gun ban lawsuits should consolidate (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Chesterfield cuts ribbon on brand new freestanding emergency room (WRIC)  Richmond shifts icy sidewalk duty from renters to landlords (Axios Richmond)  What’s in a flag? Richmond’s has a lot to unpack (The Richmonder)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Read more from VPM News:  Cultural study to examine 2 historic African American burial sites in Richmond  Hanover sheriff’s office renews fight to withhold names from FOIA request    Other links:  Richmond police won’t release Flock data, audits they claim show compliance with state law (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Council OKs new tax deferral program letting homeowners delay impact of higher assessments (The Richmonder)  What can consumers expect from the proposed Dominion deal? (Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO)  Judge approves settlement over rejected Virginia student voter registrations (Virginia Mercury)  State to reorganize nursing scholarship programs after more than $10 million in funding was left unused (Cardinal News)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Read more from VPM News:  Report: Roughly 1 in 5 rural Virginia hospitals at risk of closure  Accountability questions remain over former Shoosmith Landfill    Other links:  Latest study finds rezoning will spur most new housing in mixed-use corridors from urban core through West End (The Richmonder)  Sailors prepare for Cock Island Race on June 13 in Portsmouth (WAVY)  How the Drive to Find a Conspiracy Against Trump Rocked the Justice Dept. (The New York Times)*  Democratic governors chafe as calls grow louder to reject data centers (E&E News)  Return to RGGI to bring higher electric bills, SCC filing says (Richmond Times Dispatch)*  *This outlet uses a paywall.    Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

More from VPM News:  New Woodville ES on hold due to $41M Richmond Public Schools funding gap  Richmond 311 flood calls show uneven reporting, response times  Henrico releases development plan for Best Products site, Brook Road corridor  On the agenda: RPS budget cuts, Richmond resident planning commission  WATCH: Some Virginian Voters Still in 'Limbo' (YouTube)    Other links:  Former RPS employee’s defamation suit has its first hearing, but without her lawyer (The Richmonder)  Report finds Henrico Doctors’ Hospital threw ‘cloak of secrecy’ over internal investigation into NICU nurse (WRIC)  $13B USS Ford needs costly system flush for plumbing repairs (WHRO)  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jonathan Spiers discuss the Richmond region's top business stories starting with details of an altercation between the owner of the Flying Squirrels and a Diamond District executive, Richmond's place on the Fortune 500 list and local ice sculpture entrepreneur.

Read more from VPM News: Background checks on Virginia gun sales halted once again Sylvia’s Sisters gets largest donation in history to fight ‘period poverty’ Other links: Measles Exposure Report (Virginia Department of Health) $13B USS Ford needs costly system flush for plumbing repairs (WHRO)  Outback Steakhouse hit with $1.5M lawsuit after woman allegedly slips on mashed potatoes (Dexerto) Virginia schools push for local tax option as aging buildings strain rural divisions (Virginia Mercury) ⁠Virginians are 'buying the living daylights' out of AR-15s and other soon-to-be illegal guns⁠ (Richmond Times-Dispatch)* *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Read more from VPM News:  Richmond School Board cuts budget to close $4M deficit  State budget could provide end-run for Virginia's retail weed  WATCH: 🌡️ Virginia’s Drought Conditions 🌡️  Other links:  RPS Summer School (Richmond Public Schools)  Up-and-down spring temperatures blamed for millions of dollars in crop damage in Virginia (Cardinal News)  Sycamore Grove project, grocery store no longer in Petersburg plans (The Progress-Index)*  Richmond officials will set up expert panel to review courthouse conditions (The Richmonder)  Federal worker NDA plan sparks accountability concerns (WAMU)  Virginia Rep managing director Klaus Schuller stepping down in July (The 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:  Virginia voting applications stuck in limbo for many with felony convictions  Case closed in 14-year-old lawsuit over Fluvanna prison conditions    Other links:  How much are lawsuits against GRTC costing taxpayers? Officials won’t say (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Virginia revenue forecast jumps by $1.5 billion as budget talks continue (Virginia Mercury)  It's tick season: What to do if you find one on your body or on a pet (WTVR)  Virginia Tech board elects Miller as new rector (Cardinal News)  Everything you need to know about this year's hurricane season in Virginia (WHRO News)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Read more from VPM News:  Congress earmarks $850K for stormwater improvements in Shockoe watershed  Hanover supervisors nix Mountain Road data center project  ICYMI: On the agenda: RPS budget cuts, Richmond resident planning commission    Other links:  Virginia lawmakers are set to return to Richmond as budget deadline nears (Virginia Mercury)  Code refresh opponents air AI-generated ad showing woman with a ‘bacterial infection’ from the James River (The Richmonder)  American shad: Once a James River staple, it could soon be an afterthought (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Would you want to know? CPR and AED Awareness Week aims to teach lifesaving skills (WRIC)  Richmond's legendary Strange Matter building is up for rent (Axios Richmond)    *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Read more from VPM News:  Lawmakers surprised by Spanberger's veto of higher ed governance bills  Recent rains aren't enough to reverse Virginia's severe drought status  Higher ed union rift deepens amid failed collective bargaining expansion  On the agenda: RPS budget cuts, Richmond resident planning commission    Other links:  Spanberger’s veto spree turns many in her own party against her (The Washington Post)*  What is an SUP?: Meet Richmond’s most powerful tool to get around zoning rules (The Richmonder)  VDH reports measles exposure at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

‘Policy Matters’ is your window into Virginia politics with VPAP. It's our monthly roundup of the top political headlines from across Virginia, powered by VPAP’s daily e-newsletter, VaNews. In this episode we chat with VPAP's Executive Director Cat Anthony about the scuttled redistricting effort, which bills Governor Abigail Spanberger vetoed, and data from the end of the lobbying year. You can follow along and stay up to date on the latest developments at vpap.org.

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

Plus: A look at how Henrico County groups are trying to slow the growth of invasive plant species. Read more from VPM News:  A growing invasion: Henrico’s effort to track and contain invasive plants  Federal nutrition benefit cuts hit Charlottesville's immigrant communities hard  Gov. Spanberger ousts Virginia Tech Rector John Rocovich    Other links:  After years of no penalties, Richmond DPU wants the power to fine stormwater violations (The Richmonder)  One-cent sales tax referendum to be included in Virginia budget (Cville Right Now)  Virginia’s colleges and universities brace for major accreditation overhaul (Virginia Mercury)  As data centers boom, Virginians breathe the exhaust of 10,000 diesel generators (The Washington Post)* *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

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

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

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

More from VPM News:  Charlottesville group builds community with resettled Afghan, Syrian women  WATCH: 🚭 Virginia Maintains Retail Can't-abis Market 🚭    Other links:  VPM is Bound for Downtown! (Instagram)  Notes from the Square: What a week, Virginia (Cardinal News)  City considers relocating Pantops encampment amid concerns (CBS19)  Lewis Ginter's $31 million expansion is now open (WTVR)  Neglected Chesterfield landfill needs $173 million to prevent environmental 'catastrophe' (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  A Black community fled a Virginia island. Reclaiming their history opened old wounds. (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 Gov. Abigail Spanberger's veto to a bill that would have legalized retail marijuana sales beginning in 2027, Dominion Energy's merger with NextEra, and Shamin Hotels' expansion in the Richmond.

Read more from VPM News:  Chickahominy Nation plans child development center in Charles City County  Scale Up Henrico invests in local businesses without traditional funding  Novel set in 2020 Richmond explores personal change during social unrest   Other links:  Council committee punts on transparency measures after shutting down discussion (The Richmonder)  Dave Kennedy drops out of 6th District race, endorses Beth Macy (Daily News-Record)*  Judge dismisses case against former Richneck Elementary assistant principal (WHRO)  New owners aim to preserve Goochland Drive-In tradition (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

More from VPM News:  Virginia tries to balance regulating AI and avoiding Trump blowback  Virginia closes loophole in invasive plant law  WATCH: 🏠 Virginia Affordable Housing Solutions? 🏠    Other links:  Richmond schools highlighted nationally for reading recovery, literacy gains (The Richmonder)  Preservation, environmental groups say Valley Link transmission line risks Va.’s natural resources (Virginia Mercury)  Leave it to the beaver: Stafford supervisors approve Buc-ee’s in Garrisonville (Fredericksburg Free Press)  6 years after closing, Amherst’s former state-run training center is still on long path to redevelopment (Cardinal News)  Updated: Spanberger snuffs out legislation to launch recreational pot market in Virginia (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:  Spanberger vetoes retail weed market bill, despite campaign pledge  Richmond outlines 4 steps to build trust amid ongoing immigration fears  Habitat for Humanity project brings innovative affordable housing to Staunton  Cooling centers open in Central Virginia to help beat the heat    Other links:  Va. Senate pushes back on governor as budget showdown looms (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  RPS seeking new chief talent officer, six months after hiring the current one (The Richmonder)  Harrisonburg budget keeps same tax rate, raises water and sewer costs (Daily News-Record)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Read more from VPM News:  'Assault weapons' ban OKed by Spanberger met with immediate legal challenges  Florida-based NextEra agrees to $67B Dominion Energy acquisition    Other links:  GRTC commits to another year of fare-free service (The Richmonder)  Spanberger directs new revenue forecast to aid budget talks (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Parents frustrated over broken AC at Henrico elementary school (WTVR)  Va. officials celebrate the bald eagle’s comeback and centuries as national symbol (Virginia Mercury)  USS Gerald R. Ford returns home after record-breaking deployment (WHRO)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Union members have called the veto a “betrayal.” Also: The US Supreme Court denied a request to intervene in Virginia's redistricting fight. Read more from VPM News:  Spanberger’s collective bargaining veto tests relationship with labor  Hanover broadband expansion on track for completion by end of 2026  ICYMI: US Supreme Court declines to intervene in Virginia redistricting On the agenda: Richmond public works, Albemarle road maintenance plans    Other links:  Richmond collects $5.6 million related to delinquent taxes from short-term rentals (The Richmonder)  Henrico nursing home facing severe violations after multiple residents abused, state finds (WTVR)  Thrown-out ballots and map confusion: Voters are losing the redistricting battle (NPR)  The future of nuclear fusion energy could be at Jefferson Lab (WHRO News)  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Mike Platania discuss the Richmond region's top business stories starting with the recent sale of the historic Richmond Free Press building, a pizzeria opening in Northside and Stella's new storefront in Chesterfield County.

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

A developer offered the city $7 million in cash for the Southside site. Read more from VPM News:  Enrollment still open for Virginia Preschool Initiative  2026 Dominion Energy Riverrock road closures    Other links:  Hyperscale, Hyperspeed: North Carolina residents worry about rate hikes to power AI data centers (WUNC)  Virginia students continue to struggle in reading but show signs of recovery (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Locked doors and emergency buttons: UVA professors raise safety concerns amidst growing online scrutiny and records requests (Charlottesville Tomorrow)  Central Virginia nonprofit granted 60 acres in Henrico where BIPOC farmers can live and work (Virginia Mercury)  Dominion Energy converts closed landfill into solar farm in Albemarle County (29News)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Read more from VPM News:  Spanberger signs landmark paid family and medical leave bill into law  Richmond School Board votes to surplus Southside property marked for development    Other links:  Richmond's top judge orders City Hall to justify failure to improve downtown courthouse (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Deal inked to sell Richmond Free Press building to local developer for $2.4M (Richmond BizSense)  After late-night procedural maneuvering, Lavender Hill event space permit is voted down by City Council (The Richmonder)  Hiring new Virginia Tech president likely to take 6 to 8 months, search firm says (Cardinal News)  Hyperscale, Hyperspeed: Developers are moving NC data center projects forward at hyperspeed (WFAE/WUNC)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Read more from VPM News:  Richmond councilors sign off on $3.5B budget for FY27  Updated: Virginia Democrats ask US Supreme Court to step in on redistricting case Dominion Energy plans for state’s biggest gas plant in Cumberland (VPM News)  New study highlights importance of home repair assistance programs    Other links:  City seeks dismissal of water crisis lawsuit from former DPU director (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Hyperscale, Hyperspeed: Data centers in NC don't pay taxes on their supplies or their electricity. Should that change? (WUNC)  Richmond native 1st Lt. Kendrick Key found dead after going missing in Morocco (WTVR) *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Read more from VPM News:  Democrats ask SCOVA to halt order nullifying redistricting vote  New law will require Virginia colleges to ask students if they're parents  Virginia politicians react to SCOVA overturning redistricting vote  On the agenda: Budget votes for City of Richmond, Chesterfield schools    Other links:  Questions linger in wake of FBI raid of Sen. Lucas, Norfolk CBD shop (The Virginian-Pilot)*    VDH investigating confirmed measles case, possible unreported cases in Buckingham County (WSLS)    Hopewell plant ammonia vapor leak prompts shelter-in-place order (The Progress-Index)*    *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

Read more from VPM News:  Questions remain around FBI search linked to Sen. L. Louise Lucas  Henrico expands support to Salvation Army’s Northside Richmond shelter    Other links:  Justice Department launches civil rights probe into prosecutor in Virginia (The Washington Post)*  Virginia Beach works to woo tourists after curfew, 2 recent shootings (Virginian-Pilot)*  Charlottesville ‘Roots of Care’ seminar aims to help caregivers confidently care for natural hair (29News) Va. hemp growers worry about the future of their industry amid state and federal shifts (Virginia Mercury) Longtime Richmond musician, media producer reflects on the attention his AI video is getting (The Richmonder) *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.