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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Wednesday, November 10, 2021:
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney is asking City Council to use funds from the Capital Improvement Plan to get designs for George Wythe High School nailed down. The city and school board have been going back and forth over who’s in charge of those plans for more than a year. Last April, the school board took over construction. At a press conference yesterday, the mayor highlighted a few things he sees as failures in the board’s handling of the project. In response to these accusations, school board member Kenya Gibson accused Mayor Stoney of overspending on previous school construction projects. She also told VPM News that the school board is about to award a design contract. The city’s Planning Commission is expected to review Stoney's proposal next week.
A new job training program for veterans and their spouses is coming to Hampton Roads. Operation Next will train people in skills like welding, robotics and industrial maintenance. Virginia's First Lady Pamela Northam spoke in Norfolk yesterday about the program, and the career challenges military spouses face. Operation Next was launched in Kentucky in 2018. It is partnering with Old Dominion University, the Hampton Roads Workforce Council and other local organizations.
The former Charlottesville Police Chief says her termination was unjust – and is demanding $3 million from the city. At a press conference yesterday, former Police Chief RaShall Brackney said she filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. According to Charlottesville Tomorrow, Brackney claims former city manager Chip Boyles colluded with city council members to fire her in response to her efforts to reform the city’s police force. Boyles declined to comment on the allegations. Brackney has also filed complaints with the NAACP and Charlottesville’s Office of Human Rights alleging discrimination and a hostile work environment.
Petersburg is looking for a new City Council member. The city is accepting letters of interest and resumes for the Ward 7 representative until November 14. This comes after former councilor, John Hart, resigned amid allegations that he no longer lives in the area he was elected to serve. Applicants must be qualified to vote and have lived in Petersburg’s Ward 7 for at least 30 days. The position will involve several responsibilities, including establishing tax rates and approving the city’s budget. More information can be found online at petersburgva.gov.
