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 Jan. 21, 2025:
Crime Commission endorses deeper review of Mary Jane Burton cases
Reported by VPM News’ Megan Pauly
Lawmakers on the Virginia Crime Commission have endorsed legislation that, if passed, would require a deeper case review of all criminal cases that former state serologist Mary Jane Burtonhandled in the 1970s and ‘80s.
The legislation calls for creation of an expert panel — including, among others, a commonwealth’s attorney, a public defender, a retired circuit court judge and an independent serologist — to review Burton’s cases and determine if a “pattern of misconduct” could be established.
The Crime Commission voted unanimously Friday to approve the review, which was recommended by commission staff last year.
Virginia Senate pushes forward constitutional amendments
Reported by VPM News' Jahd Khalil
The General Assembly is set to forward three proposed changes to the Virginia Constitution after Senate debate Monday.
The measures would enshrine abortion access and marriage equality, and automatically restore voting rights to people who completed felony sentences.
The Virginia House of Delegates debated their versions of the resolutions last week and passed all three.
As part of the multiyear amendment process, the measures would need to be passed again next year — after voters elect a new House of Delegates — and then could head to voters in 2026.
In other news:
- Tom Barbour announces bid to be city's top prosecutor, promises probes of Balmer, Floyd (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
In case you missed it:
- Henrico County could change the way it spends on affordable housing (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
- City adds restrictions on data centers, allows for developers to pay for public upgrades in zoning applications (The Harrisonburg Citizen)
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.