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 23, 2023:
Iraq war leaves legacy of loss in Virginia
Reported by VPM News’ Jahd Khalil
Twenty years ago this week, the United States invaded Iraq, costing trillions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of lives.
One hundred eighty-five Virginians died in the Iraq war between 2003 and 2014, according to the Library of Virginia. Brown University’s Costs of War project estimated that about 300,000 people died during the war, including about 200,000 civilians.
VCU makes changes to debt collection practices
Reported by VPM News’ Megan Pauly
Following a more than yearlong process, Virginia Commonwealth University approved some changes to its debt collection practices last May, according to emails and records obtained by VPM News.
“We wanted to help them to continue their success either as a student or as a graduate. But we're not able to just say, ‘You don't owe it,’” said Denise Laussade, VCU’s treasurer. “This is not a get-out-of-jail-free card.”
In other news:
- Former state superintendent gets settlement equal to year of salary (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
- Panel discussion to celebrate the 100-year-history of women in Virginia’s House of Delegates. (Style Weekly)
In case you missed it:
- Men tunnel out of Newport News jail cell, then are found at IHOP (The Virginian-Pilot)
- Investigation of Virginia Beach pastor could take months, special prosecutor says (The Virginian-Pilot)