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 Sept. 28, 2022:
Richmond Mayor calls on federal review of local hospital
Reported by VPM News
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney called on federal officials to investigate a hospital on the city’s east side, which was the focus of a recent New York Times report. The story claims Bon Secours Mercy Health, owner of Richmond Community Hospital, used a federal program to purchase drugs at a discounted price. The hospital was then reimbursed at a higher rate by insurance companies. On Tuesday, Stoney requested a review of the program, saying “If the Biden administration is serious about centering equity in all of its actions, then it must rectify these unethical policy flaws.”
Virginia students stage walkouts to protest proposed guidance on treatment of trans children
Reported by VPM News’ Ben Paviour and Megan Pauly
Virginians are sounding off on Governor Glenn Youngkin’s proposed rollback of protections for transgender students. As of Tuesday night, around 20,000 comments have already been submitted online. In an interview with VPM News, Virginia’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow said they’re working on finding a system to review the posts.
Richmond attempts holistic strategy to address gun violence
Reported by VPM News’ Patrick Larsen
After witnessing a rise in gun violence in Richmond since 2020, community leaders called on the city to make a change. In response, they formed the Gun Violence Prevention and Intervention framework in April 2022. It’s holistic, encompassing programs and people from the city’s Department of Human Services, VCU Health, the Richmond Police Department and a constellation of community organizations.
In other news:
Petersburg property owner takes quick action on graffiti targeting historic foundation – Progress-Index
Bon Secours on defense after allegations of pocketing profits at expense of East End hospital - Richmond Times-Dispatch
As maternal mortality rates rise in Virginia, health officials launch interviews into deaths – Virginia Mercury
In case you missed it:
As early voting starts, Youngkin’s elections commissioner calls system ‘dependable’ - Virginia Mercury
How a Hospital Chain Used a Poor Neighborhood to Turn Huge Profits – New York Times
Mystery grocer, HomeGoods to join Shake Shack at revamped Willow Place – Richmond BizSense
