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 24, 2023:
Public university mascots appear in ad funded by Youngkin PAC
Reported by VPM News’ Jahd Khalil
Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera asked Virginia’s state universities to use their mascots in a video funded by Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s political action committee, according to two university spokespeople.
It was published on Youngkin’s campaign-related social media feeds and not on the governor’s official feeds. The video appeared at the same time as a major public-relations push around Youngkin’s appearance at a CNN town hall on education, which provided an opportunity for national exposure amid speculation that he could challenge former President Donald Trump for the Republican nomination for president in 2024.
Richmond City Center proposal calls for focus on sustainability
Reported by VPM News’ Patrick Larsen
The city of Richmond is accepting proposals for the City Center redevelopment project, specifically asking developers to design a sustainable, resilient part of town.
Project manager Maritza Pechin said the request for offers follows the Richmond 300 master plan, which includes recommendations to improve air and water quality, reduce the number of Richmonders getting around in cars and ensure all residents have equitable access to greenspace.
Del. Don Scott reprimanded by state bar for mishandling client fees
Reported by VPM News’ Whittney Evans
The Virginia State Bar has publicly reprimanded Democratic Del. Don Scott for violating rules dictating attorney-fee agreements.
According to a filing from the bar, the issue began with a client in 2020, who paid Scott $20,000 in legal fees over four separate periods.
Scott — Virginia’s top Democrat in the House of Delegates — did not deposit the fees into his lawyer trust account, which is required for keeping client funds safe until it’s time to make withdrawals. He also did not keep proper records of the deposits.
In other news:
- Fairfax police officer fired after fatally shooting man accused of stealing sunglasses (DCist)
- Virginia policymakers consider changing hemp bill to reduce impact on CBD products (The Virginia Mercury)
In case you missed it:
- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to share faith at Liberty University convocation April 14 (The Washington Times)
- 'Pared-down' 29th Virginia Festival of the Book still rich in diversity (The Daily Progress)
