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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Wednesday, March 23, 2022
President Biden signs into law the Dr. Lorna Breen Act
Reported by VPM News Staff
Federal legislation named after a physician from Charlottesville has been signed into law. The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act aims to provide more mental health resources to healthcare professionals. It was proposed by Senator Tim Kaine in 2020, after the death of Dr. Breen. She worked on the front lines of the pandemic in New York City and died by suicide.
Hampton University offers support to students fleeing Ukraine
Reported by WHRO News’ Ryan Murphy
Hampton University is offering free room, board and tuition for up to 100 students this summer whose education was disrupted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. University president William Harvey says they will welcome any international or Ukrainian students to continue their education, regardless of national origin or race. HU extended a similar offer to students from the University of the Bahamas in 2019, when Hurricane Dorian leveled part of that college’s campus.
Pump House tours show gothic structure slowing coming back to life
Reported by VPM News’ Ian Stewart
Richmond’s Pump House is a dilapidated municipal building constructed in the 1880s. Its sole purpose was to move about 12 million gallons of drinking water each day from the James River up to the reservoir at Byrd Park. Since 2017, the volunteer organization Friends of Pump House has been slowly replacing windows, clearing out coal ash and repairing holes in floors. They hope to transform the building into a museum and performance space.
In Other News:
Virginia drops workplace COVID safety measures - VPM
Former financial aid director for Reynolds Community College pleads guilty in $379K theft of student loan and grant funds – Richmond Times-Dispatch
VCU renames African American Studies department building for enslaved man – Richmond Times-Dispatch
Fluvanna draining derelict dam as millions of gallons pile up behind debris – The Daily Progress
In Case You Missed It:
Virginia kicks off Women Veterans Week - VPM
New podcast explores global reaches of white supremacy - VPM
Narrowed List of Names for Fort Lee, Other U.S. Military Bases – Rep. Donald McEachin’s office
As state mental hospitals struggle, lawmakers eye the agency overseeing them - Virginia Mercury
