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 Feb. 19, 2025:
Youngkin, legislators differ on VMSDEP funding level as costs rise
Reported by VPM News’ Megan Pauly
Lawmakers have proposed additional funding and reporting for Virginia’s tuition waiver program for families of killed or injured veterans.
A proposal would require annual reporting in December to estimate the number of students enrolled in the VMSDEP program, as well as those who are eligible, but haven’t yet enrolled.
Del. Alex Askew (D–Virginia Beach), who is sponsoring the legislation, said the purpose of gathering additional data is to ensure the program continues.
Historically, the tuition waiver program has been entirely funded by colleges – not the state. But over the past year, universities have spoken up about the high — and rising — cost of the program as enrollment has increased in recent years.
“We want to make sure that it's sustainable and it doesn't give a great financial burden to our universities,” Askew said.
Richmond braces for winter weather as James River runs high
Reported by VPM News’ Billy Shields
Virginia’s capital is bracing for a blast of winter weather that could dump between 3 and 7 inches of snow through Wednesday evening, according to the National Weather Service.
“We are still under a state of emergency,” Youngkin said at a Tuesday morning news conference, referencing his Feb. 10 declaration. “If there wasn’t one that had been declared already, I’d be declaring one today.”
The Richmond Department of Public Utilities closed the Dock Street floodwall Monday as the water levels rose. A DPU spokesperson said it was open again at about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, though large swaths of the Virginia Capital Trail along the road were completely underwater.
A flood warning has been issued for portions of the James that affect Richmond, Chesterfield and Henrico counties. There’s also a hazardous weather outlook and storm warning for portions of Richmond and Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico and New Kent counties.
DPU has run “checks for all equipment, fuel, chemicals, and systems” at Richmond’s water treatment facility, a city spokesperson said. The city’s also been in touch with Dominion Energy to prepare for the possibility of a power outage, which led to January’s water crisis.
News you might have missed from around the commonwealth
- Officials: DPU director retracted resignation, was fired (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
- Overdose crisis spurs school notification bills, but key details still up for debate (Virginia Mercury)
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.
