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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Thursday, January 28, 2022
Attorney fees reduced in student debt cases sent to Attorney General’s office
Reported by VPM News’ Megan Pauly
The Attorney General’s office announced a change in policy this week that will reduce attorney fees the office charges for the collection of defaulted student debt, which historically students have been responsible for. The Attorney General’s office sometimes collects debt on behalf of state agencies: including public Virginia colleges and universities. Virginia’s new top prosecutor, Jason Miyares, says that going forward, they’ll cut attorney fees charged to students in half, from 30% to 15%. He’s also encouraging colleges and universities with their own fees to reduce their rates to match the 15%. The office asked Del. Carrie Coyner (R-Chesterfield) to carry legislation that reduces the amount their office retains in student debt cases.
ODU study sheds light on why some workers are calling it quits
Reported by WHRO’s Ryan Murphy
There’s been a lot of talk of the so-called “Great Resignation,” the ongoing phenomenon of people leaving the workforce in droves. Old Dominion University annually studies quality of life in Hampton Roads. This year’s included questions about how COVID-19 is impacting people’s work lives. The results show it’s not just employees deciding to opt out either. Nearly a quarter of survey respondents across all employment categories said they’d been laid off, furloughed or had hours reduced because of COVID-19.
VCU students, staff protest changes to university COVID-19 policies
Reported by VPM News’ Meg Schiffres
About 50 VCU students walked out of their classes this week to protest the relaxation of some COVID-19 restrictions, including changes to staff vaccine requirements and virtual learning flexibility. A new directive from the university says teachers can’t move in-person classes online mid-semester. Some professors say their classes would feel safer learning at least partially from home. A VCU spokesperson said the university makes decisions about operational changes by considering several factors including the prevalence of COVID-19 on campus and in the community.
In Other News:
- State of Emergency Declared Ahead of Nor’easter
- Father of slain journalist to run for Congress in 5th District – Richmond Times-Dispatch
- Petersburg City Council fails to reach a consensus over new ward lines. Public hearing now for February – The Progress-Index
In Case You Missed It:
- Governor faces opposition over order to pull VA out of carbon market – VPM
- Democrats reject Miyares’ bid to intervene in local sex crime cases – VPM
- Eunice Wilder, longtime Richmond treasurer and ex-wife of Doug Wilder, dies at 83 – Richmond Times-Dispatch
