The VPM Daily Newscast contains all your Central Virginia news in just 5 to 10 minutes. Episodes are recorded the night before.
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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of March 1, 2023:
Regulators get more power to adjust electric rates, set performance standards
Reported by VPM News’ Patrick Larsen
The final version of an electric utility regulation bill directs the State Corporation Commission to increase Dominion’s profit margin this summer, but it will leave future decisions on that front to regulators at the SCC.
State law previously gave the SCC some power to adjust Dominion or Appalachian Power’s rate of return based on utility performance, but it didn’t specify how regulators would evaluate that performance.
First federal LGBTQ+ judge to take the bench in Virginia
Reported by VPM News’ Whittney Evans
Jamar K. Walker, 35, will replace Judge Raymond A. Jackson in the Norfolk division of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Jackson, who was the first Black federal judge to serve in South Hampton Roads, is taking senior status, which means he’ll oversee fewer cases after serving nearly three decades on the bench.
Walker has worked as a federal prosecutor in Alexandria since 2015, specializing in financial and public corruption crimes. He clerked for Jackson in the Eastern District after graduating from University of Virginia’s law school in 2011.
In other news:
- Suspect 'neutralized' after shooting near Red Roof Inn Tuesday morning (The Daily Progress)
In case you missed it:
- Flurry of Virginia legislators announce retirements (The Associated Press)
- Virginia solitary confinement reform bill passes but without key piece sought by advocates (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
