Plus: a Dominion Energy “near miss;” an update on Virginia’s basketball teams in March Madness; and other stories.

Did it feel like last Thursday–Friday was filled with breaking news, or was that just us?

Get caught up on the latest about VCU’s DEI office, the US Department of Education, the upcoming state budget amendments — and more Central Virginia news. 

Henrico is looking to acquire the Best Products property; Jonathan Spiers tours the new ball park; Petersburg breaks ground on a new casino; and a New York developer is seeking to build a high-rise in downtown Richmond.

Reporter Dean Mirshahi speaks with Maj. Michael LaRocca, a Virginia Military Institute professor. Note: This episode discusses mental health, illness and suicide.

In emergency situations, call 988 or 911.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Mental Health America of Virginia Warm Line: 1-866-400-MHAV (6428)

Veterans Crisis Line & Military Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, Press 1

Crisis Text Line: 741-741

A federal judge in Maryland has temporarily ordered the reinstatement of grants for teacher preparation programs. A long-standing program at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond is one of them. 

In other news: Remembering a longtime Virginia judge who recently died; Hanover County to weigh expansion of Ashcake Road Landfill; Gov. Glenn Youngkin has signed 180 bills — and more Central Virginia news. 

P.S.: Here’s a direct link to the Rivanna e-waste collection day registration.  

One reader's question about Richmond's water quality turned into the latest edition of Curious Commonwealth.

Plus: Hanover residents lose appeal over Wegman’s development and Trump changes FBI HQ plans 

In the podcast: Richmond budget, FBI headquarters and Wegmans’ distribution center 

Two mobile home residents in Richmond opened their doors to Mayor Danny Avula, who is weighing whether a fund for mobile home repairs will be part of his first city budget for fiscal year 2026. 

In other news: a VDOE executive resigns, Henrico’s GreenCity development is over — and more Central Virginia news. 

The multimillion dollar agreement between Chesterfield County and Competitive Racing Investments ushers in a new era of racing for the longtime stock car racetrack that’s been closed since 2020; The JXN Project was recently awarded $75,000 through the Virginia Museum of History and Culture’s Commonwealth History Fund to assist in its effort to rebuild the Skipwith-Roper Cottage; The Hadad family is putting its namesake-lake and popular recreational space up for sale; and co-founders Carlisle Bannister and Christy Dobrucky opened a second Supper Club location at the Promenade at Winterfield mixed-use development.

Plus: a book band study and study abroad grantees in limbo 

In the podcast: Veterans Affairs employees in Richmond let go; GoochlandCares CEO discuss career; Dominion to test AI.