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 Dec. 5, 2023:
How Richmond’s business makeup doesn’t match its residents
Reported by VPM News’ Connor Scribner
In Richmond, the benefits provided by locally-owned businesses aren’t spread evenly.
Nearly 30% of people living in the Richmond area are Black, according to Census Bureau data. Yet, Black people own only about 20% of businesses in the area.
And the businesses owned by Black Richmonders tend to be smaller. Among Richmond-area companies that employ at least one person, only about 7% are Black-owned.
That reflects structural barriers placed in the way of Black people. One major barrier for many Black entrepreneurs: access to financing.
RVA Connects looks to embrace ‘tactical urbanism’ for local traffic safety
Reported by VPM News’ Ian M. Stewart
Dubbed “lighter, quicker, cheaper,” the Richmond Connects projects are part of an in-depth list of proposed infrastructure to help make the city’s transportation more equitable.
“While transportation planning and projects can be a long time, these really proved to be good solutions for right now,” said Dironna Moore-Clarke, one of the administrators. “One of the key pillars of the action plan was to really give a directive of how we can do things effectively and efficiently.”
In other news:
- Virginia water board approves new sediment limits in five counties over aquatic life impacts (Virginia Mercury)
- How Richmond Public Schools cut chronic absenteeism (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
In case you missed it:
- State prisons chief starts hiring freeze, says budget shortfall looming (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
- Judge dismisses legal challenge against Hashmi over residency allegations (The Associated Press)
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.