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 Wednesday, April 21, 2021:
- State leaders have been reacting to the jury’s verdict that former Minneapolis police-officer Derek Chavin is guilty on all counts in the murder of George Floyd. Governor Ralph Northam says the verdict an important step towards police accountability, but there is still a lot of work ahead. Northam said in a statement that he prays the decision brings comfort to Floyd’s loved ones, and quote “may we honor his legacy by continuing on this march towards justice and meaningful change.” Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney says everyone is responsible for changing and holding unjust systems accountable for harming Black Americans. Stoney adds that the verdict quote “makes it clear to everyone in America that Black lives matter.”
- The city of Norfolk fired a police officer who donated money to the teenager accused of killing two protesters in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Lieutenant William Kelly was the executive officer of internal affairs at the Norfolk Police Department.
- Several groups have filed briefs with the Virginia Supreme Court in support of the state’s fight to remove the Robert E. Lee statue in Richmond. The court may hear oral arguments in the case as soon as this summer.
- Gov. Ralph Northam’s office announced yesterday that five new historical markers addressing African American history in the commonwealth have been selected. The markers were chosen from 100 student submissions in the second annual Black History Month Historical Marker Contest. State officials say the contest is a resource to help tell a fuller and more complete version of the state’s history. One of the new markers will recognize Mary Richards Bowser, who was from Richmond. Bowser was born into slavery, and became a Union spy in the Confederate White House during the Civil War. She was nominated by a group from Kings Glen Elementary in Springfield.
- Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney has introduced a bare-bones budget starting July 1 because of the pandemic's impact on tax revenue. But City Council will start meeting this afternoon to take up amendments, including proposals to increase spending on police and affordable housing.
- Millions of cicadas are about to burrow up from underground after a 17-year hiatus. VPM Reporter Ian Stewart dug in and found out where bug lovers in the Richmond area will be able to see them.
- Soon, many Virginians will save money on their annual flood insurance costs. Sam Turken from our partner station WHRV reports the federal government will expand a program that discounts flood insurance premiums.
