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Chesterfield residents say recent attempts at dialogue by Google and county leadership have fallen short. Google hosted two open houses this month to answer questions about its three ongoing data center projects: Project Peanut, Project Loch and Project Skye.

Chesterfield residents call for more transparency on Google data centers

The trio of planned sites were unveiled months before the tech giant’s ties were made public.

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The group has worked with chefs, school nutritionists and K-12 students to create an indigenous lunch menu for schools in Virginia with USDA-approved recipes, like turkey wild rice soup, a three sisters stew with bison or venison, rabbit wild rice stew, bison empanadas and a fiddlehead wrap.

Indigenous food program to bring culturally appropriate lunches to Virginia schools

The menu is approved by the USDA and the toughest critics of all: kids.

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The concept of “rubber chicken” often symbolizes poor buffet fare at a convention or awards ceremony, or maybe a bad sense of humor or absurdity. On Monday, a giant inflatable rubber chicken heralded the arrival of Virginia’s newest fast food gas station, as a Royal Farms opened in Chester.

Royal Farms opens newest Virginia location in Chester

The Maryland-based chain has five other locations in Central Virginia.

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Monday’s vote does not automatically enact a new Richmond City tax. Voters in the city will decide this fall whether to approve a new 1% sales tax dedicated to public school construction and major repairs of RPS facilities — or not. Via @keyrisreports.bsky.social

Richmond advances 1% school funding tax question to local ballots

City voters will determine whether RPS gets more construction funds.

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At least eight referendum committees have filed paperwork with the state to advocate on either side of the three constitutional amendments Virginians will vote on in November's general election.

Committees lay groundwork to campaign on constitutional amendments

Groups or people putting at least $10K into advocacy must register with the state.

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Virginia is moving ahead with plans to build a new childcare center in downtown Richmond that would provide care for up to 150 children of state employees. Secretary of Administration Traci DeShazor told VPM News the move is part of a push to "enhance employee benefits across the commonwealth."

Lawmakers move forward with plans for childcare center for state employees

The center is part of a $35M plan to replace the James Monroe Building.

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After months of difficult decisions, Richmond Public Schools has a balanced budget, but debate over how to fund the district’s future continues. The board approved nearly $4.3 mill in budget cuts, while city leaders hinted a new tax could be on the way to help pay for new schools+major renovations.

Richmond council to vote on 1% sales tax hike for school construction

The school district also announced $4.3M in cuts to balance its budget.

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A “geyser” of leachate, black goo-like waste, elevated temperatures and troubling ammonia levels at the defunct Shoosmith Landfill all came into the public eye at Wednesday’s Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Chesterfield officials scramble for solutions to Shoosmith cleanup conundrum

Funds are set to run out this fall, the state’s environmental agency says.

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From @hannahdavisreid.bsky.social: No Kid Hungry Virginia estimates that around 3,000 Charlottesville students are eligible to receive SUN Bucks — that’s around two-thirds of the student body.

Summer meal programs help Charlottesville students stay fed while school’s out

Roughly two-thirds of city students are eligible for the state's SUN Bucks program.

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For many people, making friends, starting conversations or navigating the world of dating can feel intimidating. This summer, a camp inspired by the Netflix series "Love on the Spectrum" is helping teens and young adults in the City of Richmond build up those skills in a supportive environment.

Netflix-inspired camp helps Richmonders build social confidence

PEERS RVA takes notes from Love on the Spectrum.

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The settlement between Powhatan County and Tri-Hope Life Ministries permits up to 10 residents in the approximately 5,000-square-foot building: eight people in active recovery for substance use disorders and two peer mentors.

Powhatan recovery home receives settlement after yearslong federal lawsuit

Housing attorneys say localities often deny permits to recovery homes, forcing them to sue.

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Dominion Energy and Florida-based NextEra Energy have filed applications to merge, kickstarting a six-month review process by state regulators. Dominion CEO Bob Blue said the merger was a cost-effective way to meet rapidly growing electricity demand. Climate and ratepayer groups suggest otherwise.

NextEra–Dominion merger filings start 6-month clock on regulatory review

The proposal would create the largest regulated utility in the US.

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In Part 1 of a three-part series, our partner station WMRA digs into the reasons why the Nelson County Board of Supervisors voted last August to dissolve the Department of Social Services board and shift its responsibilities to the county administrator’s office.

Mending a torn safety net: An investigation into Nelson County social services

The first of a three-part series on how the county is trying to rebuild the department — and public trust.

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Hanover tomatoes have become one of the commonwealth's most recognizable agricultural products at roadside stands, on seasonal menus and among generations of Virginians who insist they simply taste better than tomatoes grown anywhere else. But what actually makes Hanover tomatoes so special?

Curious Commonwealth asks: Why are Hanover County tomatoes famous?

Farmers and experts say the secret is rooted in both tradition and science.

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The platform centers on four P’s: protect, plan, produce and preserve. Among other actions, it recommends that the city identify high-risk areas in need of targeted assistance and use its existing powers to help address the issue.

Richmond housing advocates put forth anti-displacement agenda

The coalition wants the city to take steps to stop people being priced out of their homes.

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McGuire — whose campaign did not respond to VPM News' requests for an interview — is also facing a Republican primary challenge, making the 5th the state's only congressional district with both Democratic and Republican primaries.

Frustration with McGuire drives both sides of 5th Congressional District primary

McGuire is one of two Virginia incumbents facing same-party challengers.

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Boston-based firm Model of Architecture Serving Society will design a public art project with the melted bronze from the former Confederate statue. "I hope that it becomes a model for other cities to create something that is just for them, for the stories of their history," said sculptor Dana King.

MASS Design Group chosen as winner of Swords into Plowshares project

The proposal repurposes bronze from a Confederate statue into a 27-foot baobab tree.

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