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 May 10, 2023:
Richmond City Council passes $3B budget for new fiscal year
Reported by VPM News’ Jahd Khalil
Richmond City Council approved a budget for the 2024 fiscal year Monday night, making few tweaks to Mayor Levar Stoney’s initial proposal.
“There were not a lot of huge amendments that were made to the budget,” said 6th District Councilmember Ellen Robertson. “The administration came back with a reasonable understanding of the amendments that were asked for. And they agreed to all of our amendments, which is historic in itself.”
Stoney said that “this budget offers all Richmonders a better shot.” Virginia’s new fiscal year starts July 1.
Doug Wilder calls for firing of Virginia’s chief diversity officer
Reported by VPM News’ Whittney Evans
Former Virginia Gov. Doug Wilder is calling on Gov. Glenn Youngkin to fire his chief diversity officer, Martin D. Brown, after he declared DEI to be dead during a recent speech at Virginia Military Institute.
Youngkin appointed Brown, a Black Republican, to the state Cabinet position in November. During a VMI faculty and staff training, the CDO said, “Generally when you are focusing on equity, you're not pursuing merit or excellence or achievement.”
Wilder said Brown’s remarks demonstrate “inadequacy,” “lack of leadership” and “lack of accountability.”
“I have not asked for him to resign,” Wilder said. “I’m calling for him to be immediately replaced by the governor, because it’s in dereliction of his duties and responsibilities. And his statements do collective harm to all of the people of Virginia.”
In other news:
- Richmond considers rental housing inspections (Greater Greater Washington)
- Virginia proposes putting more funding behind ‘whole-farm approach’ (Virginia Mercury)
- Criterion Cinemas at Movieland to be converted into restaurant, retail space (Richmond BizSense)
In case you missed it:
- Slurp! Ramen bar from the team behind The Jasper draws noodle fans to Union Hill (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
- Building a better Colonial Williamsburg (The New York Times)
