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 March 5, 2025:
Bill would create ‘shared obligation’ for wrongful conviction compensation
Reported by VPM News’ Megan Pauly
Gilbert Merritt, who spent two decades incarcerated for a crime he didn’t commit, got choked up testifying before the Virginia General Assembly.
“I’m mentally crushed,” Merritt told a House of Delegates subcommittee in January. “I just can’t see this happen to somebody else. This is bad. This is real bad.”
While Virginia law allows people like Merritt — who were wrongfully convicted based on fabricated testimony or intentionally suppressed evidence — to be compensated, that compensation isn’t always approved.
Del. Rip Sullivan (D–Fairfax) said that’s because the law states that payments from the commonwealth can’t happen until the locality agrees to pay its share.
So, Sullivan sponsored a bill — passed unanimously in this year’s General Assembly session and awaiting Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s signature — that would create a “shared obligation” between the state and the locality for additional compensation in cases involving intentional misconduct by representatives of the commonwealth.
Richmond schools propose $30M spending increase in FY26 budget
Reported by VPM News’ Keyris Manzanares
The Richmond City School Board unanimously approved a revised fiscal year 2026 budget increase of $30.8 million over the previous year at Tuesday’s meeting, following weeks of deliberation and public input.
The administration crafted the approximately $546.8 million operating budget around the district’s five Dreams4RPS priorities: academics, talent, wellness, engagement and operations. Talent will receive the highest budget investment at just over $17 million due to collective bargaining agreements.
“Two days ago, I was prepared to vote no this evening, but I believe in the work that we're going to do,” board member Shonda Harris-Muhammed said after the vote. “I'm going to trust the process.”
The district originally was set to ask for a $43.7 million increase in spending. Superintendent Jason Kamras noted from the start of the budget process that hard choices were coming for the district as funding from the state and city are expected to decrease.
News you might have missed from around the commonwealth
- ‘Dangerously understaffed:’ Inmates describe fear and violence behind Red Onion’s walls (Virginia Mercury)
- Education Secretary tells Virginia colleges to eliminate discrimination on campus (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
- Permit to demolish Charlottesville Violet Crown approved (The Daily Progress)*
- Virginia Tech-led team expands hunt for critical minerals (Cardinal News)
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.
