First day of school, shortage of bus drivers, hot and humid

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RICHMOND, Virginia (WWBT) – Take a look at our top headlines before you go out!

Hot and humid week ahead

Mainly sunny skies with little chance of rain this week. The weather will be mostly sunny today with lows in the 70s and highs in the 90s.

Click on here for your full forecast.

First day of school

Many school districts are heading back to class today, bringing excitement and worry to some.

The mask is compulsory for everyone, regardless of vaccination status.

Some neighborhoods, like Chesterfield, don’t bring everyone back at the same time. Today, Chesterfield once again welcomes students from grades one to five, as well as a few preschools.

Sixth and ninth graders are also returning today to acclimatize to their new schools. The rest of the middle and high school students will not come back until tomorrow.

Persistent shortage of bus drivers

Even as the school year begins, multiple districts are struggling to fill essential bus driver positions, Chesterfield County Superintendent Merv Daugherty tells parents, “We need your help.”

Chesterfield is short of around 100 drivers: families are encouraged to drive their children to school if possible. On social media, parents reacted to the call with disappointment, with some calling for elementary schools to start earlier and encouraging better pay for drivers.

The district reports that $ 17.21 is the starting hourly wage for bus drivers in Chesterfield and that the wage increases to $ 25.73 per hour with experience.

Public schools in Hanover County, Henrico County and Richmond are also facing shortages.

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U of R starts today, VCU back tomorrow

University of Richmond students return to class today, and as a reminder, masks are now mandatory in all buildings until at least September 12.

This applies to everyone, regardless of vaccination status.

Virginia Commonwealth University students begin the fall semester tomorrow with mandatory masks.

COVID-19 vaccines are also compulsory for students and employees.

UVa. unsubscribes more than 200 students

Meanwhile, in Charlottesville, more than 200 students will not be returning to class.

University of Virginia unsubscribes 238 students who failed to meet the school’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement. This includes 49 who were enrolled in fall classes.

Over 99% of the student body has complied with the vaccine mandate. Those who haven’t can re-register if they get vaccinated or file an exemption by Wednesday.

Pfizer approval could arrive today

The Food and Drug Administration could give full approval of Pfizer’s vaccine from today.

Sources say regulators were trying to complete the approval by Friday, but were still working on the paperwork and negotiating with the company. They also say the date could move back even further if there are further complications.

The FDA recently set a Labor Day deadline for giving vaccine approval.

Alabama is grappling with a reluctance to vaccinate, especially when it comes to women and pregnancy.(WTVY – Kinsley Centers)

Firearms found in illegally parked vehicle

Police say several guns were found in a vehicle illegally parked in Manchester following calls about a large disorderly crowd and reckless driving.

Three assault rifles, two handguns and ammunition were found in one of the vehicles.

Richmond Police said they would continue to monitor the area and clear high traffic areas for crowd control.

Fatal bicycle accident

Richmond Police are investigating a fatal accident involving a cyclist.

When police arrived at the scene on Sunday, they found a man who had apparently been struck by a vehicle in the eastbound lane of Hull Street while riding his bicycle.

Police said the driver of the vehicle remained at the scene.

10 years ago today: earthquake shakes Louisa County

If you were in Central Virginia ten years ago, you probably remember what you were doing when the Louisa’s earthquake has struck.

The 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck Mineral on August 23, 2011, just before 2 p.m.

Surveillance cameras picked up the moment he hit Louisa High School. Houses have also been torn from their foundations, some as old as the 1700s.

Many houses were damaged in the powerful earthquake of 2011.

Chesterfield County Fair begins Friday

We are a few days before the start of the Chesterfield County Fair.

You can enjoy live music, pig racing, illusionists, comedy shows, circus acts, food and more, starting Friday.

The fair runs until September 4.

Tickets are available online and at the door.

Final thought

“Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.” -Robert Frost

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