‘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.

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.

Henrico County’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund is set to provide $60 million in housing support.

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

Nine people had barricaded the interstate in March to protest the war on Gaza.

More than 30% of Virginia counties are maternity care deserts. That means they have no nearby hospitals or providers who deliver babies.

CarMax is shifting into expansion mode locally with plans for a new facility in New Kent County; A Chesterfield warehouse that has changed ownership several times in recent years is now in the hands of a Swiss company that plans to convert the building into a manufacturing center; and things are looking up for many of the CEOs at some of the Richmond region’s biggest companies.

Richmond has been under a heat dome this week, with indexes into the 90s every day — and it’s only getting hotter this weekend.

Also: We’re taking Juneteenth off! Hear you again this Friday.

06/18/24 - Natural gas starts flowing in Mountain Valley Pipeline; a new UVA Athletics scholarship fund established; and primary Election Day preparations

The 94-year-old program is at the core of a budget hurdle. But what does it do?

Virginia Credit Union recently prevailed in its legal bid to put a receivership in place and gain control of five south Richmond properties tied to Michael Hild; A lawsuit challenging Richmond’s new approach to financing the Diamond District project was dismissed in court; and Chesterfield Towne Center is getting a permanent pop-up location.

Virginia Senate to revisit recent changes to the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program; Henrico, Richmond officials celebrate new affordable housing community; Virginia's 43rd state park was dedicated on June 8; and other stories

Operator Equitrans Midstream originally expected MVP to begin operations in 2018.

The General Assembly will meet later this month to discuss the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program.

Equitrans Midstream says it is in compliance with a federal agreement.

VPM News ran two stories late last week about the primary races in Virginia's 7th and 10th Congressional Districts.

A year after a Richmond BizSense report revealed that backing out of an ill-fated downtown development cost VCU Health $80 million and counting, a state review is calling for significant changes to the health system’s leadership structure.

Northern Virginia voters are deciding who to nominate for this fall’s general election.

Also: State air board adopts federal particulate matter standards and other stories

Henrico County's Arrive Alive campaign aims to improve road safety; Trial begins for man who carried a torch in Charlottesville in 2017; and other stories

PlanR-V-A is seeking survey responses and holding public meetings for its Comprehensive Climate Action Plan

Professor Rich Meagher is on a mission to help people better understand politics at the local level and be inspired to get involved.

This month, we discuss the Governor and the General Assembly finalizing a state budget, highlights in key primary contests across the state, and information on early voting in Virginia.