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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Friday, April 2, 2021:
The death of VCU freshman Adam Oakes is still under investigation one month later. The 19-year-old died during an alleged hazing incident at an event held by the university’s Delta Chi fraternity. VPM reporter Alan Rodriguez Espinoza spoke with Adam’s family and friends to learn more about how they’re remembering him.
The Virginia Supreme Court has sided with the city of Charlottesville in the fight over Confederate monuments. Justices disagreed with a lower court's decision that kept the city’s Robert E. Lee and “Stonewall” Jackson statues standing.
Gov. Ralph Northam announced yesterday that all Virginians 16 and older will be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine starting April 18. President Joe Biden set a May 1 goal for every adult in the nation to be eligible for a shot. Virginia has administered more than 3.7 million doses of the vaccine, and one in five Virginians are fully vaccinated. Virginians can pre-register for the vaccine online or by calling (877)-829-4682.
Richmond City Councilmember Mike Jones announced earlier this year that he was putting up a primary challenge to state Del. Betsy Carr. But, Jones’ campaign may have hit a fatal snag after failing to file paperwork with the proper agency.
Gov. Northam is proposing to set aside $250,000 for an investigation into the state inspector general. That follows accusations the inspector general’s office held back unflattering information in its investigations of the state parole board. Top Republicans called the proposal inadequate, noting that the investigator would be chosen by heads of Virginia’s House and Senate and the attorney general, who are all Democrats. The General Assembly will vote on Northam’s proposal when they meet again next week.
Yesterday was the original deadline the Black Student Coalition at the University of Richmond gave to the administration to make changes on campus. This included renaming buildings with connections to segregationists and slavery.
- Chesterfield County Public Schools will allow some volunteers to return to classrooms after spring break, which is next week. Volunteers will need to be vaccinated and agree to follow COVD-19 protocols before they can return.
