VPM's daily newscast contains all your Central Virginia news in just 5 to 10 minutes. Episodes are recorded the night before so you can wake up prepared.
Listeners can subscribe through NPR One, Apple Podcasts, Megaphone, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.
Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Tuesday, January 4, 2022:
Starting this week, Virginia residents, including children, who are undocumented can apply for state-issued ID. The new law builds on legislation that went into effect last year permitting non-US citizens in the state to obtain a driver privilege card. Both credentials require applicants to provide a passport or birth certificate to the Department of Motor Vehicles, as well as proof that they live in Virginia and pay taxes.
A prominent Virginia lawyer is joining incoming governor Glenn Youngkin’s administration as an advisor. Richard Cullen is leaving McGuireWoods to join the new administration, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. It will be the third time Cullen has left the firm since starting there in 1977. Cullen previously left to serve as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia in 1991, and again to serve as Virginia’s attorney general in 1997. Cullen previously helped pass the “one hand gun a month” law with former Governor Doug Wilder. He was also one of the lawyers who investigated a racist picture in Governor Ralph Northam’s yearbook at Eastern Virginia Medical School.
A proposed change to city law will be voted on later this week... that could give Virginia Beach deputies greater police power. Paul Bibeau, from our partner station WHRO, has more details.
Superintendent Jason Kamras says Richmond City Public Schools aims to keep classrooms fully open until the end of the year. To do that, they’ve released a five-part plan to try to stop the spread of COVID-19. The plan, released last week, increases testing availability and vaccination events for students and staff. RPS is expected to receive a shipment of a quarter million KN95 masks for staff this week. These will also be available to high school and middle school students. Since there isn’t enough supply, other masks will be on hand for elementary students.
The Virginia Department of Health is closing all community vaccination centers statewide today due to snow and expected freezing temperatures. VDH will decide this afternoon whether to open sites on Wednesday. Individuals are advised to reschedule missed vaccination appointments as soon as possible. While walk-ins are welcome at community vaccination centers, appointments are strongly encouraged. To sign up to get the shot, go to vaccinate (dot) Virginia (dot) gov or call 877-VAX-IN-VA.
Due to a rise in COVID-19 cases, the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts have set up additional walk-in testing events this week. Tomorrow, people can get tested at the Highland Springs Community Center on Ivy Ave in Henrico from 3 to 6 p.m. Tests will be available at Diversity Thrift in Richmond will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. on Friday. Community members can also pick up free at-home test kits at both of these clinics. For more details about testing and vaccination events this week, head to RCHD.com or call 804-205-3501.
