The VPM Daily Newscast contains all your Central Virginia news in just 5 to 10 minutes. Episodes are recorded the night before.
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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of July 17, 2023:
EPA reaches settlement in Chesapeake Bay cleanup suit
Reported by VPM News’ Patrick Larsen
The Environmental Protection Agency recently committed to ramping up oversight of Pennsylvania’s efforts to reduce pollution flowing into the Chesapeake Bay in a settlement agreement with Virginia and other states.
Under the agreement, the EPA will work with Pennsylvania regulators to decrease pollution from crop and livestock farms in the Susquehanna River watershed. Although the Bay doesn’t extend into Pennsylvania, the Susquehanna drains millions of tons of pollutants into the Chesapeake yearly, making the state one of the biggest Bay polluters.
Cleaners at VCU negotiate 35% pay raise
Reported by VPM News’ Jahd Khalil
The 220 workers who clean public spaces at VCU will have their hourly pay increase to $16.30 from $12, according to the Service Employees International Union’s property services division, 32BJ.
“This union thing for us is like Christmas. ... It’s Christmas in July,” said Angela Arrington, a 58-year-old who cleans spaces used for psychology faculty and students.
It's part of a flurry of unionization in Richmond. Last month, hundreds of workers selected unions to negotiate contracts with the city of Richmond, and RPS transport workers chose LiUNA 804 to represent them in contract negotiations.
In other news:
- Dems in three Richmond-area House races among targets of GOP digital ads (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
In case you missed it:
- UVA professor's research on mindfulness in the classroom could benefit local schools (The Daily Progress)*
- What’s the best local beer to take with you to that summer BBQ or to the James River? We asked some experts. (Style Weekly)
- A Virginia falconer soars when passion takes flight (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.
