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 July 7, 2023:
Internet and railroad companies battle over track crossings
Reported by VPM News’ Patrick Larsen
A $1.5 billion federal investment in broadband connection projects is set to come to Virginia — but a lawsuit filed by railroad companies could hamper the efforts.
The suit, filed in Alexandria, challenges a law passed by the General Assembly this year. The law, sponsored by Sen. Bill Stanley (R-Franklin), seeks to limit the timeframe and expense for broadband companies to cross wires over or under railroad tracks.
According to the American Association of Railroads, the new law does two important things: it removes the railroad’s constitutional right to “just compensation” for the use of their private property, and it “hobbles” their ability to maintain a safe operating environment.
Vinyl Conflict celebrates handmade art of zines
Reported by VPM News’ Omega Ilijevich
For July, the store's First Friday exhibit focuses on the art of zines — self-published magazines, usually focused on niche topics. The store’s first “zine fest” will feature work created by Richmond-area writers and artists, curated by store manager Olivia Stone.
Stone said she was inspired to showcase zines, because she remembered attending the annual Richmond Zine Fest in 2016 after first moving to the city.
“I thought it was so cool,” said Stone. “I grew up in Denver, and we didn't really have anything like that.”
In other news:
- Virginia elections board certifies primary results, denies extension for late filers (Virginia Mercury)
- Virginia lawmakers call Mountain Valley Pipeline provision ‘plainly contrary to the public interest’ (Augusta Free Press)
In case you missed it:
- Joint-smoking cycling group Bike Buds plots its course for growth (Richmond BizSense)*
- ‘I am still the sheriff': Indicted Culpeper sheriff accused of accepting bribes says he's still in charge (NBC Washington)
- Virginia's Brian O'Connor to be inducted into ABCA Hall of Fame (The Daily Progress)*
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.