The VPM Daily Newscast contains all your Central Virginia news in just 5 to 10 minutes. Episodes are recorded the night before.
Listeners can subscribe through NPR One, Apple Podcasts, Megaphone, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.
Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of March 16, 2023:
Kaine, Beyer propose bill to fund long COVID research and support
Reported by VPM News’ Patrick Larsen
Two Virginia politicians are renewing a push to set aside federal resources for Americans suffering from long COVID-19 and for research into the condition. The disease affects roughly 1 in 20 Virginians as recently as February, according to recent data.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Rep. Don Beyer (D-8th) are proposing The Comprehensive Access to Resources and Education for Long COVID Act, which would order the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to compile and study data on long COVID patients, as well as the efficacy of long-haul treatments.
If passed, it would authorize up to $475 million for the programs beginning in fiscal year 2024.
Virginia Army vet takes VA to Supreme Court over lost education benefits
Reported by VPM News’ Whittney Evans
Should the high court decide to hear the case, the outcome could affect about 2 million vets nationwide.
FBI Special Agent James Rudisill claims the VA shorted him benefits he earned under separate GI Bill programs, which caused him to forfeit an offer to attend Yale Divinity School. The decorated veteran served three separate periods of active military service between 2000 and 2011, totaling almost eight years.
Rudisill’s lawyer, David DePippo, said the VA’s interpretation of program requirements has left billions of dollars out of reach for his client and other qualifying vets.
In other news:
- VCU's Project Gabriel will memorialize school's enslaved laborers (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
In case you missed it:
- Tyson still eligible for state incentives for Pittsylvania chicken plant despite Glen Allen closure (Virginia Mercury)
- Youngkin to meet donors in Dallas, stirring talk of a presidential bid (The Washington Post)
- Damaged pipe released 2.5 million gallons of wastewater into branch of Elizabeth River, HRSD says (The Virginian-Pilot)