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 May 7, 2025:
Superintendent Jason Kamras’ contract renewed at Richmond Public Schools
Reported by VPM News’ Keyris Manzanares
In an 8–1 vote, Richmond School Board members voted Tuesday night to extend Superintendent Jason Kamras’ contract with the district through the 2028–29 school year.
In a joint statement, school board members said the decision was made after “careful consideration” — as the majority of members believe Kamras’ continued leadership will continue to bring stability to city schools.
However, before the vote, 6th District Member Shonda Harris-Muhammed said she would not simply “go through the motions” and cast the lone “no” vote in the resolution to renew Kamras’ contract.
Kamras has been superintendent since 2018.
Tara Roberts helps scuba divers uncover slave shipwrecks
Reported by VPM News’ Phil Liles and Kim Strother
Journalist Tara Roberts has written about a community of divers, who discover and uncover slave shipwrecks around the world.
Her book, Written in the Waters: A Memoir of History, Home, and Belonging, discusses her journey toward becoming a scuba diver, the relevance of Black history, and the importance of teaching the next generation to explore.
VPM News Morning Edition host Phil Liles sat down with Roberts to discuss her story.
News you might have missed from around the commonwealth
- Hopewell commonwealth's attorney finds legal fault with council's firing of city manager (The Progress-Index)*
- Youngkin signs Flock surveillance bill into law, creating new regulations on police (The Virginian-Pilot)*
- After ousting first Black superintendent, VMI appoints interim as search continues for new leader (Virginia Mercury)
- Virginia Tech preparing for 'once-in-a-lifetime' Metallica concert (The Roanoke Times)*
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.