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, May 13, 2021:
Chesterfield is trying to relocate over 500 people from the county currently incarcerated at Riverside Regional Jail. A state committee recently recommended that the jail be found responsible for the deaths of three inmates over the last two years. The county’s Board of Supervisors heard several testimonies yesterday detailing the poor conditions at the facility. The state panel also suggested the jail be decertified and closed. A formal decision about the facility’s fate has yet to be made.
Walk ups are now welcome at all public vaccination events in Richmond and Henrico County. The health districts announced yesterday appointments are no longer required for Virginians eligible to get the shot. People can still schedule appointments online or by phone at 804-205-3501. And Chesterfield residents thinking about taking a walk in a county park today will also have the chance to get a COVID-19 vaccine. A mobile vaccination unit will be parked from 9 to 11 a.m. atRockwood Park. Then, it’ll make an afternoon stop atFalling Creek Ironworks Park from 1 to 4 p.m. The Pfizer shots being administered are free to people 16 and older. No registration is needed and walk ups are welcome.
Virginia’s anti-price gouging statute is now in effect in the wake of Gov. Ralph Northam’s declaration of a state of emergency. This came in response to a ransomware attack that shut down the Colonial Pipeline, which distributes gas to much of the East Coast. The statute, enacted in 2004, prohibits suppliers from charging “unconscionable” prices for necessary goods and services. Virginians can submit a complaint about potential price gouging at theAttorney General’s website or by calling 1-(800)-552-9963.
Virginia Commonwealth University says it's making some changes after a report called on the school to address the demands of adjunct professors. The report was submitted by a group of more than 100 faculty members.
Chesterfield families will have to decide soon if their children will take classes in-person or virtually in the fall. The school board approved reopening plans earlier this week.
- Access to books and computers from the Petersburg Public Library is about to get easier. The library, which has been closeddue to the pandemic, has been operating a drive-thru service for residents to check out books or make copies. Now the city is launching a “Tech Knowledge Bus,” which will make books, laptops and WiFi available when it parks in various neighborhoods. Students will also have access to Chromebooks. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place today at noon at the Summit Pointe Apartments, the first stop on the bus route.
