VPM's daily newscast contains all your Central Virginia news in just 5 to 10 minutes. Hosted by Benjamin Dolle, episodes are recorded the night before so you can wake up prepared.
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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of January 8, 2021:
Black clergy with the Virginia Interfaith Center condemned the siege at the U.S. Capitol building. The group had scheduled a press conference Thursday morning to announce their support for abolishing the death penalty. The group tied much of Wednesday’s events to the country’s dark history of racism. The largely white group of pro-Trump extremists breached the capitol building with what appeared to be little resistance from law enforcement.
Governor Ralph Northam says Virginia’s National Guard forces will remain deployed in Washington D.C. until President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated on January 20th. Virginia State Police will also remain at the nation’s capital. Members of the Maryland and New Jersey National Guards were also deployed, along with the 1,100 troops from Washington D.C.’s National Guard.
Wednesday’s attack in Washington D.C. has raised fears about violence at a January 18th gun rally in Richmond. But Philip Van Cleave, who heads the Virginia Citizen Defense League, says those fears are misplaced. Van Cleave says second amendment supporters are forming a vehicle caravan rather than rallying in Capitol Square.
Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine addressed reporters about the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Both called for thorough investigations into what went wrong, and how law enforcement handled the mob of pro-Trump extremists.
An average of 120 Richmonders are now testing positive for COVID-19each day. During the city’s weekly COVID-19 update, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney said he is hesitant to issue new restrictions, with less federal support for workers and businesses. If the numbers continue to rise, he says the city may look for more ways to enforce statewide restrictions.
VCU Health has releasedadditional restrictions for those visiting patients, citing concerns about increasing COVID-19 cases in the region. Starting today, all in person visits are suspended at VCU Medical Center, with the following exceptions: One adult visitor is permitted for labor and delivery patients, doulas are also allowed, pediatric patients may have two adult visitors and one overnight guest. Care teams will determine the number of visitors for terminally ill patients. Visitors are required to wear I-D badges and face masks at all times -- and must stay in the patients’ room for the duration of their visit.