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 Thursday, April 15, 2021:
- The police chief in Windsor says officers initially reacted relatively well when they pulled over 2nd Lt. Caron Nazario last December. One of the two officers, Joe Gutierrez has been fired from the department.
- As the 14 year anniversary of the Virginia Tech mass shooting approaches, the university is remembering the 32 lives lost. One student injured during the shooting shared with VPM News intern Joi Bass how he’s advocated for gun reform since the shooting.
- Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine reintroduceda bipartisan bill earlier this week that would help train workers for future infrastructure jobs. The legislation would support efforts in President Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan, by training skilled labor for in-demand jobs in construction, transportation and broadband. One way the bill does this is by connecting businesses with schools to do on-the-job training and help potential employers navigate the apprenticeship registration process. Businesses would also be able apply fortwo different grants to help with those partnerships.
- A bill to make D.C. the 51st state is headed to the House floor for a vote next week. Rachel Kurzius, with our partner station WAMU, has the story.
- VA COPES, a warmline to provide mental health services to those dealing with trauma or distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, will be available through Dec. 1. The state Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services announced the extension yesterday. Since the program started last May, counsellors at the call center have assisted over 3,000 Virginians by providing an outlet to discuss daily struggles during the pandemic. The VA COPES warmline is available to call or text Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on weekends. The number is (877) 349-6428.
- Voters in some local elections in Virginia will be able to rank their candidates rather than just choosing one. A new group aims to advocate for ranked-choice voting and help citizens navigate their ballots.
