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 26, 2024:
William & Mary to focus on climate solutions with $100M gift
Reported by VPM News’ Megan Pauly
The donation to William & Mary comes from philanthropist Jane Batten, the wife of late entrepreneur Frank Batten — who founded Landmark Communications and co-founded the Weather Channel.
“I will not live to see the inundation of our cherished places,” she said during an announcement of her family’s gift. “Many of you here will. Certainly, my grandchildren will. And I will not see or experience the social injustice that results from a warming world.”
While the granular details of how the $100 million gift will be spent haven’t been worked out, the donation will address facilities needs, recruit and retain faculty, and provide scholarship and fellowships for students, according to university spokesperson Suzanne Clavet.
Blacksburg councilor, ex–DPVA staffer indicted on election fraud charges
Reported by VPM News’ Jahd Khalil
Virginia State Police has arrested Liam Watson on felony election fraud charges, a highly uncommon indictment in the commonwealth.
Watson was elected to Blacksburg Town Council in November 2023 after a hand-recount of ballots, according to the Roanoke Times. He defeated write-in candidate Rick Johnson, a former school board member and retired Virginia Tech administrator, for the seat.
Watson was also employed as the Democratic Party of Virginia spokesperson during his run for office.
A Montgomery County grand jury indicted Watson on three counts of election fraud and one count of illegally voting, according to a Virginia State Police press release. VSP also said the United States Postal Inspection Service assisted in the investigation; Watson turned himself in.
In other news:
- Virginia fines Mountain Valley Pipeline for environmental violations after another quarterly review (Cardinal News)
- Virginia fines Mountain Valley Pipeline for environmental violations after another quarterly review (Cardinal News)
In case you missed it:
- Harrisonburg officials ‘move from injustice to justice’ through sustainability education (The Citizen)
- Two apartment complexes planned for either side of Albemarle-Charlottesville border (C-Ville Weekly)
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.