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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Thursday, July 15, 2021:
A federal appeals court in Richmond struck down the federal government’s long-standing ban on selling handguns to people under the age of 21. Whittney Evans reports.
Virginia Military Institute is implementing changes following an investigation ordered by Governor Ralph Northam into allegations of racism at the university. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, over half of the recommendations outlined in the report are completed or being worked on. VMI has removed the statue of Confederate Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson from campus. Jackson’s name is in the process of being removed from campus buildings, and art is being re-contextualized. VMI’s first chief diversity officer began work this month, and cadets are now allowed to lock their doors at night. Of the 42 recommended changes, 8 have been completed, 21 are in progress, and 7 need more study. 6 others would require completion by the General Assembly or other third party groups.
On Tuesday night, community members voiced their frustration and anger about the delay in getting construction underway for a new George Wythe High school. As Megan Pauly reports, school board members remain divided about how to respond to a request from Mayor Stoney, suggesting that the city takes the lead on construction.
Students and faculty from thirteen Virginia colleges will collect temperature data all around the state today. The measurements are part of the Heat Watch project, organized by the nonprofit Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges. The group of citizen scientists hope to clearly show temperature discrepancies in almost a dozen Virginia cities, including Richmond. Past research by the Science Museum of Virginia shows the hottest parts of cities often have a history of racist housing and development policies. Organizers say they hope the research will inspire further examination of heat’s impact on health, equity and more.
The Olympic games start next Friday in Tokyo, Japan. One athlete to keep an eye on is rugby player and Richmond native Cheta Emba. Emba grew up playing basketball and soccer at Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and continued with soccer at Harvard – winning All-Academic and All-Conference honors. Emba discovered rugby as a fluke and now is one of the leading players on the U.S. Women’s Olympic Team. Ian Stewart spoke with Emba about the game and asked her to explain her position as “Prop-Hooker.”
