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.
Listeners can subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Megaphone, and Spotify.
Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Thursday, February 11, 2021:
A new report from the Virginia Department of Elections calls the 2020 elections “the most safe, secure and successful election” in the history of the state. The report says the commonwealth set a new record for turnout, with three out of four registered voters casting a ballot, with more than half cast before Election Day. The report did note some major problems with elections administration in the city of Richmond, however.
Virginia Democrats continued their push to increase oversight on law enforcement during this year’s legislative session, but many of their proposals were cut short. One bill would have required police agencies to release body camera footage. That proposal failed to clear the House. Advocates also called for other changes following the killing of George Floyd last summer, including the ending of qualified immunity. That would allow people to sue officers for violating their rights under Virginia’s constitution, something law enforcement groups oppose. Another bill to require officers to report misconduct among their ranks is still up for consideration.
Middle and high school students in Chesterfield County will have the option of returning to the classroom next month, following a school board vote earlier this week. Students can return to in-person learning on March 9, four days after the district says all teachers and staff should be fully vaccinated. Families will continue to have the option of their students remaining virtual.
A proposed stream restoration project on Richmond’s Rattlesnake Creek was cancelled last week following concerns over impacts on the ecosystem and surrounding neighborhood. The creek is a tributary of the James River and has been heavily impacted by flooding and erosion. The city Department of Public Utilities planned to restore the stream as part of statewide efforts to reduce pollutants in the Chesapeake Bay, but that plan was waylaid following opposition from landowners near the site and a group that calls itself “Friends of Rattlesnake Creek.” The city department does not own the creek and therefore needed permission for the project, which one landowner denied.
Today, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney will give his first State of the City Address since his November reelection. Administration officials familiar with his remarks told VPM that Stoney will promote a recovery plan, focused on increasing access to public transit and equitable economic development. He will also focus on rebuilding the relationship between the public and police, after a summer of racial justice protests. The speech will be live streamed at 3:30 p.m.
- Chesterfield health officials will hold a virtual conversation tonight about the state and county’s vaccination efforts. Dr. Alexander Samuel, who directs the Chesterfield Health District, will lead the discussion. It will begin at 6:30 p.m. People can submit questions through Facebook during the event.
