VPM Daily Newscast (Richmond)

Dominion Energy has requested state regulators to allow the recovery of $922 million in fuel and power costs from customers, attributing the request to extreme winter weather and rising natural gas prices. The utility proposes to spread these costs over 7 to 10 years, which would result in a smaller increase in monthly bills for residential customers, avoiding a significant spike.

Virginia Commonwealth University is gearing up to welcome its incoming class of 2030, with move-in weekend expected to cause heavy traffic and limited parking around the Monroe Park campus. VCU Police will be on hand to manage traffic during this busy period as students settle in ahead of the start of classes.

The Virginia Department of Health is proposing new guidelines that would impose sanctions on nursing homes for repeated or severe violations. The guidelines would trigger sanctions if the same violation occurs during two consecutive inspections or three times within an 18-month period, with public comments open until September 9th.

A Richmond Circuit Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit that challenged the approval of a Churchill Downs gambling venue, ruling that Henrico County did not have standing to appeal the Virginia Racing Commission's decision. The case revolved around the commission's reliance on a 1992 referendum to approve the gaming parlor's application.

Virginia's native nations are running summer camps aimed at connecting young people with their cultures. These camps provide opportunities for children to learn traditional crafts, language, and cultural history, fostering a sense of identity and community among participants.

Richmond Public Schools are preparing for the upcoming school year, with teacher vacancies reduced to 1%. However, negotiations for a new contract between the district and the Richmond Education Association have stalled since June, and mediation is expected to conclude at the end of August.

Governor Abigail Spanberger has announced new appointees to two key advisory panels that influence Virginia's budget. This includes Tom Barkin from the Richmond branch of the Federal Reserve, as the governor prepares to meet with the General Assembly's money committees.

Henrico County has reported its eighth confirmed case of rabies in 2026 after a raccoon tested positive. The county is planning a rabies vaccination clinic for residents in October.

Residents on Virginia's eastern shore are voicing concerns over a federal proposal for offshore seabed mining, fearing it could disrupt local ecosystems and livelihoods. The counties of Accomack and Northampton have formally opposed the proposal.

Virginia saw over 117 million visitors in 2025, generating a record $32.6 billion in spending. This marks a 3% increase from the previous year and resulted in nearly $3.5 billion in tax revenue, with expectations for continued growth in 2026.

Struggling osprey populations in the Chesapeake Bay are prompting proposed cuts to industrial fishing, particularly targeting Menhaden, a key food source for these birds. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has advanced a proposal to reduce Menhaden catch limits by up to 50%, with public comments open until October. The fishing industry is calling for more data on Menhaden populations before any changes are made.

Richmond's Department of Transportation is implementing over 700 safety improvements at crosswalks as part of its Vision Zero initiative, aimed at reducing traffic fatalities. The city has reported 10 fatal crashes this year, including four involving pedestrians, highlighting the urgent need for these enhancements.

Newport News shipbuilding faces significant challenges in constructing a new class of battleships proposed by President Trump, with estimates indicating a cost of $23 billion for the first ship. The Congressional Budget Office has raised concerns about the shipyard's capacity, especially as it is already behind on existing contracts for nuclear-powered carriers and submarines.

A Denver-based developer has initiated plans for a large data center campus in eastern Goochland County, applying for a conditional use permit for the Tuckahoe Technology Park. The project, which will span 870 acres and consist of 12 buildings, is expected to take several years to complete, with the planning commission's review set for October.

Virginia is gearing up for a vote on a constitutional amendment that would enshrine reproductive rights in the state constitution. Advocates argue that this amendment would provide stability and assurance for voters, while opponents believe the current laws align more closely with the goals of Roe v. Wade. The amendment comes in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022.

Lieutenant Governor Gazala Hashmi has announced a listening tour regarding Next Era Energy's proposed $67 billion acquisition of Dominion Energy. The tour will include five stops across Virginia, allowing residents to engage with experts and voice their opinions. Governor Abigail Spanberger has indicated she will intervene in the regulatory review of the sale.

A federal judge has ruled in favor of students who challenged the Shenandoah County School Board's decision to revert the names of schools back to those of Confederate figures. The ruling stated that the school board's actions violated the Equal Protection Clause and other laws. This case has been ongoing since 2024, highlighting the contentious issue of Confederate symbolism in schools.

Chesterfield County voters will decide on a proposed 1% sales tax increase to fund school construction projects. The tax hike is expected to generate approximately $40 million for capital improvements, including new elementary schools and a replacement for an aging middle school. The proposal is set to be voted on in November.

Richmond City officials are set to release the third draft of the Code Refresh, a significant overhaul of the city's zoning rules for the first time since the 1970s. This draft aims to address critical questions about housing unit allowances on residential lots and will be available on social media and the city's website.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated 40 additional localities in Virginia, including 11 in central Virginia, as drought disaster areas. This designation allows farmers in these areas to apply for federal emergency assistance to help mitigate the impacts of the drought.