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 Aug. 21, 2023:
ICE contract in Farmville uncertain as activists call for closure
Reported by VPM News’ Ben Paviour
Critics of the Immigration Centers of America – Farmville allege it has a track record of overcrowding, abuse and mismanagement.
That includes a 2020 COVID-19 outbreak that killed one Canadian man and sparked a legal settlement barring the facility from holding more than 180 detainees. A 2017 internal ICE inspection documented repeated hunger strikes, inappropriate use of force and allegations of sexual assault or abuse.
Activists are urging the town to let the facility’s federal contract expire Sept. 15, although there’s debate about what that deadline will bring.
Richmond is planning major upgrades to its surveillance network
Reported by VPM News’ Jahd Khalil
Officials with the city of Richmond accepted a grant from the state earlier this year to add 30 license plate readers as part of a more powerful surveillance network that could allow the Richmond Police Department to centralize its police technology into a real-time crime center.
In other news:
- RVA BikeShare set to relaunch Monday (VPM News)
- A double lung transplant recipient’s gratitude knows no bounds (Richmond Magazine)
In case you missed it:
- The Appalachian Trail with Robert Moor (99% Invisible)
- Two people died at Charlottesville's jail. Officials waited nearly a week before saying anything. (The Daily Progress)*
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.