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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Tuesday, December 28, 2021:
Virginia’s legislative review agency – JLARC – recently released a comprehensive report on the state’s juvenile justice system. Megan Pauly reports on some of its findings.
Workers at the former site of the Robert E. Lee monument in Richmond may have found the time capsule reported to have been installed in the statue’s base. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports the second capsule found yesterday closely matches the copper container described by newspapers when the cornerstone was laid in 1887. It is believed to contain about 60 items, mostly related to the Confederacy. Governor Ralph Northam tweeted photos of the capsule, but said it wouldn’t be opened yet. Workers found a different time capsule earlier this month, which contained an 1875 almanac, a coin, two books, and a photo inside an envelope. All of those had been damaged by water and are currently being preserved.
Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin has vowed to slash regulations and cut taxes to make Virginia more business-friendly. As Ben Paviour reports, business interests also see an opportunity to undo some recent legislation passed by Democrats.
Officials in the City of Petersburg are asking residents and businesses to leave holiday lights on through the month of January. The request is part of a campaign called “Thank a Healthcare Hero,” which aims to show support for those who are helping quote “our nation fight this pandemic.” According to the Virginia Department of Health, as of yesterday, there are currently 1,553 confirmed positive COVID-19 patients who are currently hospitalized.
A number of local clinics and community COVID-19 vaccination sites have limited hours because of the holidays. Clincs run by the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts are closed through January 2nd. The state-run community hub at the Arthur Ashe Junior Athletic Center will be open through Thursday. It’ll close on New Year’s Eve and will reopen on January 3rd. People can make an appointment or find a walk-up vaccination site by going to vax.rchd.com, or by calling 804-205-3501.
Over one hundred law enforcement agencies in the commonwealth are partnering this holiday season to stop drunk driving. Governor Ralph Northam’s office says 55 sobriety check points will be set up across the state, as part of the Checkpoint Strikeforce campaign. Law enforcement will increase their presence in high-risk areas through New Year’s Day.Last year, 272 Virginians died in alcohol-related crashes. Since the Checkpoint Strikeforce campaign started in 2001, alcohol-related crashes have gone down by over 40 percent. And deaths have decreased by 24 percent.
