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. 10, 2024:
Youngkin issues Bay cleanup directive ahead of summit
Reported by VPM News’ Patrick Larsen
Governors from Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement member states meet later today to recommit to cleanup goals. The initial deadline for those goals is 2025 — and not all of them will be met.
The Republican issued an executive directive, noting the progress Virginia has made with its pollution controls: 100% of its goal for sediment reduction, 80% for nitrogen and 62% for phosphorus. Those pollutants harm wildlife and living resources by restricting sunlight and oxygen in the water.
Jay Ford, of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, said Youngkin’s directive sets a framework to evaluate Bay agreement-related programs that reduce pollution from agriculture, wastewater plants and more.
“This is a refinement process right now, but we want to make sure that what we're putting down for Phase II reflects what the science is telling us,” Ford said.
Richmond City Council OKs $3.2M for housing, shelter initiatives
Reported by VPM News’ Sean McGoey
Outgoing Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney made housing a top priority during his two terms in office, declaring a citywide housing crisis and pledging to fund the construction of thousands of new affordable residences.
At the final Richmond City Council meeting of 2024, housing was once again a key topic. Council unanimously approved a slate of ordinances redirecting millions of dollars in reclaimed or previously unallocated funds — from the federal American Rescue Plan Act — to fund affordable housing initiatives across the city.
The meeting was also the last for departing Council President Kristen Nye, Vice President Ann-Frances Lambert and Councilor Andreas Addison — as well as Chief Administrative Officer Lincoln Saunders. The councilors shared fond memories and emotional goodbyes to their departing colleagues, and council staff played a photo montage honoring them.
In other news:
- Youngkin: Jordanians ‘crashed’ Quantico. Feds: It was an Amazon delivery. (The Washington Post)*
- VMFA expansion project gets thumbs down from state advisory board (Richmond BizSense)*
In case you missed it:
- Earle-Sears, Spanberger talk biz credentials in Va. Chamber forum appearances (Virginia Business)*
- Virginia among top states for high school graduation rates (Axios Richmond)
- Moose's by the Creek to close (The Daily Progress)*
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.
