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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Nov. 30, 2023:
As lawmakers ready for weed debate, report suggests medical market ‘struggling’
Reported by VPM News’ Jahd Khalil
Cannabis will be on lawmakers’ agenda in the upcoming legislative session, as they navigate issues ranging from equity and consumer safety to the regulation of adult-use and medical marijuana markets.
Legislators convene in Richmond in January, and though Democrats will control both the House and Senate, anything they pass will have to be signed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
“We're ready [and] willing to cooperate, and recognize that there are some approaches that might not be as palatable to the governor, and happy to send something to his desk that is different than last year's bill,” Democratic Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) said.
Chesapeake Bay dead zone shrinks
Reported by VPM News’ Dave Cantor
An area in the Chesapeake Bay that doesn't get enough oxygen, which threatens marine ecosystems, shrunk this year,according to new data.
The dead zone was the smallest recorded since monitoring began in 1985.
James River Association President Bill Street said having a relatively dry year was a “key driver” in shrinking that region. But it’s a multifaceted equation that also includes water temperature, wind andair pollution.
In other news:
- Democratic control of legislature opens up chance for long-delayed SCC appointments (Virginia Mercury)
- Ex-prison guard gets 3 years for failing to help incarcerated person who later died (The Associated Press)
In case you missed it:
- Va. joins collaborative to launch air taxi industry (Virginia Business)*
- Rocky start to Richmond's first union negotiations (Axios Richmond)
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.