07/09/20 - Virginia Eliminates Rape Kit Backlog

Virginia completed testing of over 3000 rape test kits, becoming the seventh state to clear its backlog. Virginia law now requires rape kits from every reported sexual assault to be tested within 60 days. The Soldiers and Sailors monument on Libby Hill was removed yesterday, as neighbors watched. Chesterfield County has kicked off a month of COVID-19 testing events. Several Veterans Services offices have reopened as Virginia continues to move through Phase Three. Republican lawmakers are urging Governor Northam to fully reopen schools in the fall, calling current guidelines "too confusing." The Executive Director of the Richmond Symphony will step down on August 31st. As Confederate monuments come down around Richmond, a new conversation is happening about what should happen to the spaces where they stood. Correction: A piece in this episode incorrectly states "six feet" of social distancing for children in school. Instead, the guideline is three feet for children wearing face coverings.