Also: Over the past week Virginia’s representatives in Washington have weighed in on whether President Joe Biden should remain the Democratic the nominee.

Data centers have generated millions of dollars in tax revenue for the commonwealth.

Four Virginia Department of Corrections facilities closed Sunday. Another, Lawrenceville Correctional Center, will move from private ownership to the state in August. Also: Drought conditions persist, an appeals court has restored some punitive damages for hate groups to pay and other local stories.

The General Assembly did not resolve changes and cuts to the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program on Monday. Also: New laws that took effect this week will pave the way for more access to solar energy in Virginia.

A 6-year-old girl dealing with her grandfather’s dementia narrates Sun Seekers, the debut novel from Richmond writer Rachel McRady. Morning Edition host Phil Liles recently spoke with the writer about her approach to storytelling.

‘Policy Matters’ is your window into Virginia politics with VPAP. It's our monthly roundup of the top political headlines from across Virginia, powered by VPAP’s daily e-newsletter, VaNews. It airs at 7:45 during Morning Edition on the last Thursday of every month.

The City of Richmond says it will miss its chance at $24 million in expiring state sales tax incentives that it planned to use to help finance the Diamond District development; and a Carytown pizzeria is looking to grab a slice of the Southside for its second location. 

Also: The auditor for Richmond’s school board estimates the district will pay about one point eight million dollars in overtime to bus drivers

New laws could transform Virginia's Developmental Disability Waiver system; Chesterfield archaeologists looking for descendants of remains found in an unmarked cemetery; a conversation with the Preservation Virginia CEO; and other stories

State Senator John McGuire has won the GOP contest in Virginia’s 5th Congressional District, but a recount is expected; the first Richmond mayoral forum took place earlier this week; Hanover County Schools looking at a potential cell phone ban; and other stories