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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Friday, April 16, 2021:
State and federal investigations are underway into the Windsor Police Department’s handling of a December traffic stop. Attorney General Mark Herring is using his authority, under a new state law, to probe the department’s overall policies and training.
- The Virginia Tech mass shooting took place 14 years ago today. 32 students and faculty lost their lives. Colin Goddard was a 21-year-old student at the time. He was shot but survived. As a young adult, Goddard was uncertain about what he wanted to do with his life. But after the shooting, Goddard has focused on preventing gun violence at the local, state and national levels.
Highlighting the anniversary of the mass shooting at Virginia Tech, Sen. Tim Kaine says more can be done to stop gun-related deaths. The senator is reintroducing legislation that aims to reduce gun violence.
The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts are phasing out the region’s longtime central vaccination site at the Arthur Ashe Center. Health district officials say the center is not ideal for this stage of vaccinations. Health workers will shift their focus to four smaller sites. The Richmond Raceway will still be used. The Islamic Center of Henrico will serve as one new location. Others are being finalized. Anyone who received their first dose at Arthur Ashe Center will be able to get their second there as well. It’s set to close at the end of April.
A Richmond conservation group has acquired private land between Shiplock Park and the Virginia Capital Trail. The Capital Region Land Conservancy plans to hand it over to the city. If the deal goes through, it will bring the entire north bank of the James River in Richmond under public control.
- The city of Richmond has a new elections chief. The Richmond Electoral Board has voted to install Keith Balmer as General Registrar. This comes following accusations that the prevision registrar mishandled November’s election.
- Three students from Virginia Commonwealth University were selected as finalists in NPR’s Student Podcast Competition. The trio spoke with VPM News Intern Lyndon German about producing the show and how it relates to their experiences during protests in Richmond last summer.
