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 Aug. 31, 2023:
Intoxicating hemp widely available online despite Virginia ban
Reported by VPM News’ Ben Paviour
A new law banning intoxicating hemp products in Virginia appears to have had little effect on virtual shelves, where numerous websites peddle products like Faded delta-9 gummies and rainbow-hued delta-8 crispy treats.
State officials say they’ve focused on enforcing the rules for retailers and manufacturers based in Virginia since the law went into effect July 1. But it’s unclear how they might reach operators elsewhere.
As climate change sparks wildfires, experts highlight the impacts of smoke in Virginia
Reported by VPM News’s Henry Brannan
Earlier this summer, wildfire smoke lowered air quality in the Eastern U.S. to its worst levels on record.
While the smoke has mostly cleared in Virginia since July, scientists are sounding the alarm that — with climate change heating up the world and creating drier conditions — smoky summers will grow increasingly common.
In other news:
- Virginians can soon go nuts for state acorn collection program (Virginia Mercury)
- Group with ties to election denial pushes voter registration in Richmond (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
In case you missed it:
- Va. seeks federal money as work set to start on new Potomac rail bridge (Washington Post)*
- ‘I didn’t believe it.’ Manatee trapped in net gets some help — in Virginia, police say (The News & Observer)
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.