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 Dec. 12, 2023:
State psychiatric hospitals remain overcrowded, understaffed
Reported by VPM News’ Connor Scribner
The research arm of Virginia’s Legislature said Monday that psychiatric hospitals are overcrowded and understaffed, leaving patients and staff vulnerable. It recommended the closure of the state’s lone psychiatric hospital for children.
Opponents say Dominion’s offshore wind farm endangers whales. Scientists say it doesn't.
Reported by WHRO News’ Katherine Hafner
The biggest proven threats to whales are vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear — often tied to existing industries like shipping and commercial fishing, said Andrew Read, a marine biology professor at Duke University, who also serves on the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission, an independent government agency that advises on federal policy affecting marine mammals.
Two conservative think tanks have notified the government they plan to sue to halt Dominion Energy's planned wind farm off Virginia Beach, arguing the project threatens the endangered right whale.
In other news:
- Feds pitch Virginia on loan opportunities for renewable energy transition (Virginia Mercury)
- Virginia ABC loses a third executive in four months (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
- Richmond to Charlottesville passenger line a step closer to reality (Axios Richmond)
In case you missed it:
- Overcrowding in western Henrico schools is a growing concern for parents and school board (Henrico Citizen)
- VPM unveils Style Weekly revamp, plans quarterly magazine (Richmond BizSense)*
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.
