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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Groups partner to assist Afghan refugees
Reported by VPM News' Angie Miles
As more than a million Ukrainians seek safety in countries bordering their own, the United States is helping more than 76,000 Afghan refugees to resettle here. Since last August, Virginia has resettled more than 5,000 refugees from Afghanistan. Aid workers have been helping the newcomers with housing, clothing, food and finding jobs, and in some cases, trying to secure passage for loved ones who have not yet made it out.
Virginia program offers state subsidies to defense contractors
Reported by VPM News’ Ben Paviour
A little-known Virginia program has given nearly $930,000 in state subsidies to defense contractors over the last three years in a bid to increase exports abroad and shore up a key industry in the commonwealth. The program’s organizers in the Virginia Economic Development Partnership say they’re not aware of any other states that offer something like their Global Defense Program.
Ruling on governor’s school admissions policies concerns legal experts
Reported by VPM News’ Megan Pauly
A federal judge recently ruled that changes to the admissions policy at a northern Virginia governor’s school discriminated against Asian American students. But many legal groups say this judge got it wrong and anticipate legal challenges. A measure to change how governor’s schools approach admissions has also been brought up in legislation making its way through the Virginia General Assembly.
Norfolk waterways flourish with oyster population
Reported by WHRO News’ Ryan Murphy
It wasn’t long ago that Norfolk’s Lafayette River was written off as dead. But restored oyster populations have exploded in the past couple of years and brought the waterway life back.
In Other News:
A neo-Nazi group and its former leader seek to reduce Unite the Right rally trial damages – The Daily Progress
Only 2 private wells in Eastern Henrico show elevated PFAS levels – The Henrico Citizen
Youngkin concerned about Virginia Community College System's search for new leader – The Richmond Times-Dispatch
In Case You Missed It:
After more than a half-century, photographer Bob Brown puts finishing touches on a stellar career – The Richmond-Times Dispatch
Northern Virginia officials fear grocery tax repeal will derail region’s transportation funding – The Washington Post
Virginia faith groups partner to assist Afghan refugees - VPM
