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 April 28, 2023:
Hanover deputies showcase law enforcement drone pilots
Reported by VPM News’ Lyndon German
The Hanover County Sheriff's Department is using drones to enhance their law enforcement activities. Hanover’s Sheriff Col. David Hines and fellow deputies showcased their growing team of pilots to the county's Board of Supervisors during a demonstration Wednesday at the department outdoor shooting range.
The department's small unmanned aircraft systems team, or sUAS team, was established in 2019 and has grown to nine pilots. Over the course of five years, the department has spent around $50,000 to acquire new equipment and train the sUAS team.
Focal Point: How Virginia communities are enduring frequent floods
Reported by VPM News’ Keyris Manzanares
In July 2022, Buchanan County flooded. The flash flooding washed away and damaged homes. On top of the destruction, 44 people went missing, swept away by floodwaters and mudslides. Goldie Looney, who lives in nearby Tazewell County, watched helplessly as the river in her backyard overflowed, flooding her home.
Looney said Buchanan County and the surrounding areas have yet to recover: “They're not cleaned up there. Their houses are gone, their homes, their things. And you wonder, if that's you, what would you do? And every flood comes, you got that fear left.”
In other news:
In case you missed it:
- The economic impact of FloydFest’s cancellation (Cardinal News)
- Virginia launches push to expand semiconductor business in state. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)