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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Friday, October 1, 2021:
The Supreme Court of Virginia has refused an appeal from the company Virginia Uranium, to overturn the state’s ban on uranium mining. As Whittney Evans reports, the policy that’s keeping the industry out of Virginia has been in place for nearly four decades.
Residents of Richmond’s Northside neighborhood are upset about the removal of several traffic calming measures known as “bump outs.” A community meeting last night discussed what’s happening with this green space effort. Karen Link is a member of several community organizations in Brookland Park. She says she was upset after hearing the bump outs were taken out. The neighborhood is part of City Council member Ann-Frances Lambert’s district. VPM reached out for comment but didn’t hear back by airtime.
Virginia State University sports fans will have to prove they’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19 before attending games. University officials released the new guidance this week, highlighting that they want to keep the campus infection rate low. Right now, it’s below one percent. Spectators will have to show an official vaccination card or vaccination records with a picture I.D. Masks are also still required in all indoor and outdoor spaces on campus.
Attorney General Mark Herring filed an $8 million lawsuit against a Newport News landlord he says abused and discriminated against renters who were Black women. Ryan Murphy, from our partner station WHRV, has more.
This weekend, the 2nd Street Festivalis returning for its 33rd year. It’s free admission and celebrates Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward neighborhood. The festival includes three stages of live entertainment, food and art vendors, and Richmond’s Metropolitan Antique Car Club. Attendees also have the opportunity to get a free COVID-19 vaccination at the event. We should disclose that VPM is a sponsor of the 2nd Street Festival.
Henrico County Public Schools is holding a job fair next week to recruit new employees, including bus drivers. Similar to many other areas across the state, Henrico is experiencing a shortage of drivers. The school district says candidates for full-time and substitute drivers must be at least 21-years-old and have a valid Virginia driver’s license, among other requirements. The job fair is next Tuesday, October 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Eastern Henrico Recreation Center.
