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 22, 2021:
On Wednesday, Virginia became the first Southern state to legalize recreational marijuana. Gov. Ralph Northam held a bill-signing ceremony, but one key group says they were left out.
The state Board of Elections is requesting the commonwealth’s attorney investigate alleged misconduct by the Richmond Electoral Board. According to the Virginia Mercury, the state board voted this week to ask Richmond’s prosecutor to look into claims that the city’s electoral board may have improperly opened sealed result envelopes on election night and counted ballots at a member’s home. Two members of the board denied any wrongdoing and said the investigation was retaliation for removing former registrar Kirk Showalter in February.
Four leading Republican contenders for governor gave mixed reactions after Tuesday’s verdict in the Derek Chauvin case. Democrats say their responses are inadequate.
Amazon is building a new robotic fulfillment center at the Richmond Raceway. The facility wasannounced by Gov. Ralph Northam’s office yesterday. The 650,000 square foot facility will use 119 acres in Henrico County and is expected to bring 1,000 new jobs. Northam said the center is the first of its kind in Central Virginia. It’s set to open in 2022.
Richmond officials announced Wednesday that a casino proposal for the Stratford Hills area has been cut from consideration. Nearby residents held demonstrations in recent weeks, protesting potential traffic impacts and negative environmental effects.
- In 1970, the first Earth Day brought out about 20 million people. But for today’s celebration, experts say it’s still too risky to gather in large groups. VPM reporter Patrick Larsen has more on ways you can celebrate on your own or in your pod.
