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 27, 2025:
Sweeping COVID program cuts hit Virginia Department of Health
Reported by VPM News’ Adrienne Hoar McGibbon and Dean Mirshahi
The federal government is withdrawing up to $425 million in grant funding for several COVID-related programs operated by the Virginia Department of Health. The cuts have already led to ongoing layoffs and the early cancellation of existing contracts across the state.
The Virginia-relevant grants impacted by these new cuts had been providing funding for infectious disease testing through the state’s epidemiology lab, COVID-19 related child immunization and vaccines programs, and initiatives addressing health disparities among high-risk and underserved populations related to the pandemic.
That’s all according to an internal email sent to various VDH department leaders at 12:55 p.m. Tuesday by VDH Chief Financial Officer John Ringer. The email was later shared with VPM News by someone who is not authorized to speak on the record.
“We recognize these have broad impacts across the department,” Ringer wrote.
Youngkin’s budget amendments paves way for Henrico gambling facility
Reported by VPM News’ Lyndon German
The governor removed language on Monday from the compromise budget bill requiring localities to hold referendums before approving some gambling facilities — despite his support for similar legislation last year.
State Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg (D–Henrico) spearheaded the effort to add this budget language, formerly known as Senate Bill 1223, while publicly objecting to the planned expansion of a Rosie’s gaming parlor in his district.
“I continue to believe Henrico citizens should have a say, like citizens across Virginia do, on casinos,” VanValkenburg said. “I'm disappointed that the governor chose special interests over his own constituents but you know, we'll keep fighting. It's not over.”
As VPM News previously reported, Henrico officials have long opposed the new casino-like facility opening in the Brookland District — the result of a now-defunct permit allowance in local zoning.
Chesterfield residents weigh in on $2.4B budget proposal
Reported by VPM News’ Billy Shields
Chesterfield residents discussed the county’s “austere” $2.4 billion budget proposal during a Wednesday Board of Supervisors meeting.
Most comments centered on uncertainty about federal actions and their potential local impacts, while other speakers called for increased affordable housing spending.
Clover Hill resident Dave Stritzinger told the board that given the climate in Washington, the county could be planning to spend more than necessary.
“If you think you have enough information, go for it,” he said. “But I don’t.”
Matt Harris, deputy county administrator for finance and administration, previously referred to the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget as “austere” — a response to the uncertain economic climate out of the nation’s capital. Earlier in the month, he noted the budget was set up to allow county officials to ask the board to make tweaks as the year wears on.
News you might have missed from around the commonwealth
- Construction of Virginia’s tallest building slated for April (Virginia Business)
- Henrico County unveils new $15.2M police station (Henrico Citizen)*
- JMU selects its next university president (The Citizen)
- Airport commission approves first RIC parking fee increase in 20 years (Richmond BizSense)*
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.
