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 Friday, May 21, 2021:
A Virginia lawmaker was deposed earlier this month for his role in an alleged fraud scheme. The case centers on claims that Del. Steve Heretick (D-Portsmouth) was part of a coordinated plan to take advantage of people who are sick and injured. Ben Paviour has more.
On July 1st, adults in Virginia, 21 and older, can legally use recreational marijuana. They can even grow their own plants at home. But there are still lots of rules to follow to stay on the right side of the law. Whittney Evans reports.
Gov. Ralph Northam is making changes to the state parole board. In an announcement yesterday, Northam appointed Lethia Hammond as vice chair of the board. He also unveiled changes to streamline the clemency process. The pardons website and petitions portal have been redesigned as part of that effort, which will allow pardon petitions to be submitted electronically. Northam has granted more than 300 pardons since taking office, and is on track to grant more than all previous Virginia governors combined.
Richmond’s casino selection panel has narrowed the field down to one: Urban One. As Roberto Roldan reports, the proposal from the Maryland-based media giant is the city’s top choice.
Virginia has been awarded over $8 million in flood mitigation funds from FEMA. The money will be used to complete projects to reduce damage in flood-prone areas, like the Old Town Pump Station in Portsmouth. Other areas that received grant money include the Northern Neck, Gloucester County, and Roanoke.
- Black Girls Hike RVA is celebrating their first anniversary. Led by two teachers, the group has become a safe space for women of color to explore the outdoors. Ian Stewart has more.
