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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of May 17, 2023:
Richmond police officers vote to join local independent police union
Reported by VPM News’ Jahd Khalil
Richmond Police Department officers officially voted to have the Richmond Coalition of Police enter contract negotiations on their behalf with Richmond City officials. The city now has five days to raise objections regarding the election. If there are no objections, RCOP and the city will enter collective bargaining negotiations until an agreement is struck.
“It’s really, really encouraging that we actually have a seat at the table,” RCOP President Brendan Leavy said on Tuesday. “And not just a seat at the table, we have half the table."
As public health emergency ends, COVID pandemic–era support is already fading
Reported by The Associated Press
The formal end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency on May 11 was largely a symbolic and psychological step, representing the country’s formal emergence from the pandemic.
During the height of the pandemic, safety net programs gave Americans a lifeline. The child tax credit was increased, unemployment benefits and food assistance were expanded, and a federal moratorium on eviction kept people in their homes even if they were unable to pay rent. The Census Bureau reported last year that COVID relief efforts and others sharply reduced childhood poverty.
But these programs have now expired, and people are now feeling that impact.
In other news:
- How redistricting reform is launching the Virginia General Assembly into a new era (Virginia Mercury)
In case you missed it: