Virginia is about to become the first southern state to abolish the death penalty. Governor Ralph Northam is expected to sign the legislation this afternoon at Greensville Correctional Center. Democratic Delegate Mike Mullin said Virginia juries have decided not to issue the death penalty for the past 11 years even when they've been given the opportunity. The state has executed around 14-hundred people over its 408-year history but the practice started being phased out in the 1970s. Once Northam signs the bill, the remaining 15 capital punishment crimes will become aggravated murder with a life sentence.
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COVID-19 restrictions are being lossen in the Commonwealth. Kathy White has more.Preview: --------
Virginia is expected to phase out single-use plastic containers. Governor Ralph Northam signed the executive order yesterday. In about three months, state agencies will stop buying, selling, and distributing the disposable plastic wares. These include food containers, plastic straws and eating utensils.
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Severe weather season is here, and the pandemic is highlighting the importance of being prepared for a disaster. The American Red Cross helps families in need after one strikes, both here in Virginia and across the country.Preview: Trevor Riggen with the Red Cross says the country saw more billion-dollar disasters in 2020 than any other year on record. Today (Wednesday) is Red Cross Giving Day. For more information on how you can help, go to RedCross.org.