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. 20, 2024:
New state ombudsman to investigate Red Onion State Prison conditions
Reported by VPM News’ Dean Mirshahi
Living conditions at the Wise County facility have been the subject of scrutiny for years. Red Onion has faced lawsuits over its use of solitary confinement, including settling a case in 2021 with one man who was kept in solitary confinement for more than 12 years.
Recent reports of people burning themselves to get transferred out of Red Onion over claims of beatings, mistreatment and retaliation led the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus and prison reform advocacy groups to call for an independent investigation.
During a Virginia House Public Safety Committee meeting on Monday, Corrections Ombudsman Andrea Sapone said her office — created within the state inspector general’s office to offer independent prison oversight — will prioritize an investigation into Red Onion.
Maggie Sotos, spokesperson for the Office of the State Inspector General, told VPM News there are five ombudsman specialist positions that still need to be filled. An offer has been extended for one, and the office is in the process of finalizing the others.
Holiday travel expected to break records in 2024
Reported by VPM News’ Megan Pauly
It’s expected to be a record-breaking year of holiday travel: 119 million at the national level and about 3.3 million here in Virginia.
VPM News’ Megan Pauly discussed the season with AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesperson Morgan Dean about the numbers — and what to expect about transit.
Hint: “If you don't have to be to your destination before the holiday, sometimes traveling on the holiday itself — Christmas Day, New Year's Day — you may not see much traffic at all.”
In other news:
- Dozens of prisoners allege a culture of violence by guards at federal facility in Virginia (NPR / The Marshall Project)
- Google to buy Botetourt wind farm’s electricity (Cardinal News)
In case you missed it:
- Judge blocks Hopewell ordinance disallowing city employees from serving on City Council (The Progress-Index)*
- 18 face charges in Colonial Heights elder abuse investigation (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.
