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. 1, 2024
Freeze on subsidized child care spots leaves families, providers in limbo
Reported by VPM News’ Megan Pauly
Even though the state poured funding into averting a fiscal cliff earlier this year, the money for subsidized care slots ran out June 30 — leaving families across the commonwealth unsure how they’re going to afford care.
In July and August, 10,000 kids joined the waitlists for two subsidized child care programs: the Child Care Subsidy Program and Mixed Delivery. Both programs provide full-day, full-year child care.
“I think it's a really important trend for Virginia that now two-thirds of your families are saying ‘This is what we need,’” Jenna Conway, Virginia’s deputy superintendent of early childhood care and education, told lawmakers in a September hearing.
As of Sept. 1, more than 7,500 children statewide are waiting for spots in the CCSP — 40% of whom are infants and toddlers, according to Conway.
Richmond school staff discuss cellphone-free education plan
Reported by VPM News’ Keyris Manzanares
Renesha Parks, chief wellness officer for RPS, arrived at River City Middle on Monday expecting to give parents and students the chance to weigh in on the district’s cellphone-free education plan.
But when few families showed up to participate, Parks turned the listening session into an opportunity with teachers and staff members. School divisions statewide have been tasked with implementing plans regarding cellphone use based on model guidelines from the Virginia Department of Education.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin directed VDOE to craft the guidelines in a July executive order citing research that found children spend close to 5 hours each day on social media.
The order directs school divisions to have their plans in place by Jan. 1, 2025, which means that the RPS board has to vote on the final version of its policy before winter break.
FBI to pay $22M to settle claims of sex discrimination at academy
Reported by The Associated Press
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has agreed to pay more than $22 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging female recruits were singled out for dismissal in training and routinely harassed by instructors with sexually charged comments about their breast size, false allegations of infidelity and the need to take contraception "to control their moods."
The payout to 34 women dismissed from the academy in Quantico, Virginia would rank among the biggest sexual misconduct settlements in bureau history. Many of the allegations were confirmed in a 2022 internal watchdog report.
"Through passive tolerance," the lawsuit said, "the FBI has intentionally allowed the Good Old Boy Network to flourish unrestrained at the FBI Academy."
The FBI did not immediately comment on the settlement.
In other news:
- Why are so many farmed oysters dying? Scientists mystified. (The Virginian-Pilot)*
- Flood aftermath: Where to find help, how to help (Cardinal News)
In case you missed it:
- Curious Commonwealth asks: How was my spouse allowed to give away our retirement to a stranger? (VPM News)
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.
