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 Oct. 25, 2023:
Richmond Grand's average wages close to state's planned minimum, data suggests
Reported by VPM News’ Jahd Khalil
Richmond and the companies hoping to bring a casino to the city have an agreement. The casino will hire at least 1,300 people and compensate them at an average of $55,000 per year.
But data from government and private industry indicates those average wages would be closer to the state’s planned minimum wage than Richmond’s average wage, especially if the jobs include benefits such as health care.
The $55,000 figure is also listed as an “average,” which could be measured as median or mean, though each would represent a different figure. A spokesperson didn’t say which of those measures was being used by Churchill Downs, one of the companies behind the casino proposal.
Biden names Virginia a tech hub in push to create jobs
Reported by The Associated Press
The Biden administration on Monday designated 31 technology hubs spread across 32 states — including Virginia — and Puerto Rico to help spur innovation and create jobs in industries concentrated in these areas.
“We’re going to invest in critical technologies like biotechnology, critical materials, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing — so the U.S. will lead the world again in innovation across the board,” President Joe Biden said. “I truly believe this country is about to take off.”
The tech hubs are the result of a process that the Commerce Department launched in May to distribute a total of $500 million in grants to cities.
In other news:
- Richmond-Petersburg pharma coalition wins fed designation (Virginia Business)*
In case you missed it:
- Sports Backers expected to pay Henrico $1 a year for rent (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
- Notes on Butcher Brown’s new LP, ‘Solar Music,’ and on witnessing the group’s Newport Jazz Festival debut. (Style Weekly)
- Richmond casino opponent wins lawsuit over voter registration lists (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.