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 Nov. 1, 2023:
Miyares says third-party ballot collection legal under state law
Reported by VPM News’ Ben Paviour
In an advisory opinion, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares said third-party groups or individuals can return ballots on behalf of other people as long as they get voters’ approval to do so.
It’s not clear what prompted the advisory opinion, which was requested by outgoing Del. Kathy Byron (R–Bedford). Her office declined an interview request and didn’t respond to requests to see the letter that prompted Miyares’ opinion. The AG’s office said the letter is protected by attorney-client privilege.
But it is clear third-party ballot collection is happening on some level in Virginia.
Healthy City: How three Richmonders commute on public transit
Reported by VPM News’ Shaban Athuman and Ian Stewart
Over the summer, advocacy group RVA Rapid Transit released a report outlining the state of Richmond’s public transit and several recommendations for improving the service.
A RVA Rapid Transit report found that 26% of bus stops in the city have a bench or shelter. The Greater Richmond Transit Company, which maintains the shelters and operates buses in the city, said it plans to increase both shelters and benches during the next few years.
VPM News photographer Shaban Athuman and reporter Ian Stewart spent time with some public transit regulars who discussed their experiences.
In other news:
- Old cases connected to corrupt Norfolk officer to be reviewed by UVA Innocence Project (The Virginian-Pilot)*
In case you missed it:
- Hanover County sheriff withholds officer names after activist seeks information (The Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.