VaNews
April 22, 2020

Today's Sponsor:


** May Fox, Ann Hughes and Katie Webb
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In memory of our BFF and lobbyist extraordinaire Melanie Gerheart and in honor of the front-line healthcare providers she represented so well over her career!

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Top of the News


** Virginia General Assembly returns for a strange session, altered by coronavirus ([link removed])
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By GREGORY S. SCHNEIDER AND LAURA VOZZELLA, Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

The House of Delegates will meet under a canopy outside the Capitol. The Senate will convene 2½ miles away in a cavernous room at a science museum. The Virginia General Assembly returns to town Wednesday for an extraordinary session consumed by the coronavirus pandemic. Its top tasks: pare down the state budget to handle the massive cost of the disease, and don’t get infected.
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** General Assembly poised to delay minimum wage increase during reconvened session ([link removed])
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By MEL LEONOR AND JUSTIN MATTINGLY, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Landmark legislation to boost the state’s minimum wage — long out of reach for Democratic lawmakers when Republicans controlled the legislature — faces further delay Wednesday. This time, it’s at the hands of Democrats grappling with the economic ramifications of COVID-19.
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** Reopening the DMV: How officials will decide when to ease restrictions in Maryland, Virginia and D.C. ([link removed])
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By ANTONIO OLIVO, Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

The District, Maryland and Virginia have been locked down since late March in an effort to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. With the local economy in a tailspin and everyone eager to see life get back to some version of normal, area officials are watching for signs that the covid-19 “curve” is flattening, which they say would allow them to safely ease some restrictions.
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** 'So selfish': Northam raps anti-quarantine protesters ([link removed])
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By CAITLIN OPRYSKO, Politico

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on Tuesday called protesters demonstrating against his shelter-in-place order "selfish," accusing them of potentially endangering the lives of health care providers by refusing to practice social distancing measures. While Northam, a physician, said he empathized with protesters’ eagerness to reopen parts of the economy shuttered in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the governor maintained he wanted a safe return to normalcy.
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** Virginia’s ‘probable’ COVID-19 death counts don’t match the experience of funeral directors ([link removed])
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By KATE MASTERS, Virginia Mercury

The Virginia Department of Health reported a total of three “probable” COVID-19 deaths on Tuesday — a number that many funeral directors say is inconsistent with their experiences over the past few weeks. The new numbers — which include deaths that haven’t been confirmed by a laboratory test but are believed to be related to the virus — are part of an effort to expand the available data on the department’s public COVID-19 dashboard. Officials are now reporting cases, hospitalizations and deaths by locality and providing the rate of cases per 100,000 residents.
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** VPAP Visual Trump, Biden Donations from Virginia ([link removed])
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The Virginia Public Access Project

Campaign finance reports show that after the 'Super Tuesday' primaries on March 3, Democratic donors from Virginia closed ranks behind former Vice President Joe Biden. In March, the presumed Democratic nominee raised more than $1 million from individuals with a Virginia address, compared to $137,000 for Republican President Donald Trump.
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** Middleburg purchases thousands of restaurant vouchers for residents ([link removed])
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By JEFF CLABAUGH, WTOP

Middleburg purchased thousands of restaurant vouchers from town restaurants and has distributed them to residents to spend as the Virginia town deals with the coronavirus pandemic. Middleburg bought 500 vouchers, worth $20 each, from each of the 13 restaurants participating. They are good to use through the end of April. The vouchers will provide each restaurant with up to $10,000.
The Full Report
44 articles, 17 publications

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** FROM VPAP
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** From VPAP Maps, Timeline of COVID-19 in Virginia ([link removed])
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The Virginia Public Access Project

On Monday, Virginia began to list COVID-19 deaths by locality. VPAP has two new maps, one showing the number by city/county and a second showing deaths by 100,000 people. Our COVID-19 dashboard also includes a timeline of COVID-19 cases and daily hospital utilization numbers from the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association. Updated each morning shortly after 9:00 a.m.


** EXECUTIVE BRANCH
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** Virginians mull over reopening economy amid COVID-19 restrictions ([link removed])
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By NATHANIEL CLINE, Loudoun Times

Frustrations on social media surfaced soon after Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) extended orders last week for residents to stay at home and for non-essential businesses to remain closed as a result of COVID-19. Some small businesses and residents, eager to return to normal life and upset with what they say is the governor’s “overreach,” have aligned themselves with protest groups, including one dubbed Reopen Virginia.


** GENERAL ASSEMBLY
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** Virginia lawmakers will gather this week — at a distance ([link removed])
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By MARIE ALBIGES, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

When state lawmakers reconvene in Richmond on Wednesday, they won’t be at their assigned desks under the dome of the Capitol, literally close enough to rub elbows with their seatmates. Instead, they’ll be casting votes on amendments proposed by Gov. Ralph Northam while sitting at least six feet apart, with one chamber spread out on the capitol’s grassy lawn, and the other three miles away at the Virginia Science Museum.
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** At unprecedented veto session, General Assembly to grapple with COVID-19 fallout ([link removed])
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By MEL LEONOR AND JUSTIN MATTINGLY, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Ordinarily down the hall from each other in the state Capitol, the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate will reconvene Wednesday miles apart as the legislature meets to finish business it started earlier this year in an entirely different climate.
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** Nearly banned, “Queen of Virginia” games may stick around to boost state’s revenue amid COVID-19 ([link removed])
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By KIMBERLY PIERCEALL, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

The reign of the “Queen of Virginia” across the Commonwealth’s bars, convenience stores and truck stops seemed all but over less than two months ago. Now? Several thousand devices across the state that resemble a slot machine on the outside appear poised for a reprieve thanks to a pandemic. The queen is dead. Long live the queen. Or as Gov. Ralph Northam recently said during a press conference announcing his plan to tax and regulate the machines for a year, “times have changed.”
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** Casino bills queued up in historic session ([link removed])
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By DAVID MCGEE, Bristol Herald Courier (Metered Paywall - 15 articles a month)

Legislation to allow casinos by referendum in five Virginia cities including Bristol is queued up for today’s landmark General Assembly reconvened session. Both the state Senate and House of Delegates are scheduled to gavel back into session at noon, albeit not in their traditional chambers due to the COVID-19 pandemic ...
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** As Medicaid providers struggle to survive, Virginia proposes a 'lifeline' ([link removed])
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By MICHAEL MARTZ, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Buried in the more than 180 proposed amendments to the state budget that the General Assembly will consider Wednesday are two simple requests that could rescue programs that enabled disabled Virginians to live outside of state institutions. Gov. Ralph Northam has quietly asked the legislature for temporary state authority to relax requirements for organizations that provide home and community-based services through Medicaid to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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** Bar associations endorse 2 candidates for juvenile court judgeship ([link removed])
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By NEIL HARVEY, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

The two largest legal groups in the Roanoke Valley participated in a joint process to review candidates for a judicial opening, but each has endorsed a separate candidate. The bar associations for Roanoke and Salem-Roanoke County used a six-member panel to interview the 12 local lawyers who wished to be considered for support to fill a vacancy in the juvenile and domestic relations court for the 23rd Judicial Circuit.


** STATE ELECTIONS
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** Panel organized by Woodbridge delegate looks at reasons for racial disparity in COVID-19 cases ([link removed])
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By CATHY DYSON, Free Lance-Star (Metered Paywall - 10 articles a month)

A crisis tends to expose gaps and failures in a system, and the higher infections of COVID-19 among communities of color are the “horrid results” revealed by the global pandemic, according to a Manassas pastor. ... Savage was part of a virtual town hall organized Monday by Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy, D–Woodbridge. She represents North Stafford and other Northern Virginia localities in the 2nd House District, and is running for governor.


** STATE GOVERNMENT
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** Virginia lottery ticket sales dropped 21 percent in March ([link removed])
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By KIMBERLY PIERCEALL, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Add lottery tickets to the growing list of economic maladies the COVID-19 pandemic is causing in Virginia. The Virginia Lottery’s executive director told state lawmakers Monday that $176 million worth of tickets were sold in March, down $45.4 million compared to the same month a year ago...
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** Lawsuit alleges wage discrimination on behalf of as many as 250 women hired by DEQ ([link removed])
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By FRANK GREEN, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Two former and two current employees have filed a federal suit alleging pay discrimination on behalf of as many as 250 women hired by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality prior to 2019. The suit filed in U.S. District Court in Richmond on Monday alleges that the DEQ violated the Equal Pay Act of 1963 by paying employees of one sex less than employees of the other sex, and seeks back wages.
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** Halifax prosecutor alleges missteps in parole of woman convicted of murder, seeks reconsideration ([link removed])
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By FRANK GREEN, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

The Halifax County commonwealth’s attorney is asking the Virginia State Parole Board to reconsider a grant made to one of three people convicted in the 2011 murder of Eric Wynn, who was shot in the head and whose body was tossed down a well. In a letter Monday, Tracy Q. Martin alleged that the board ignored the law in granting parole to Debra K. Scribner, 66,...


** ECONOMY/BUSINESS
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** Offshore wind components headed from Europe ([link removed])
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By SYDNEY LAKE, Va Business Magazine

Richmond-based Dominion Energy Inc. and Denmark-based Ørsted A/S announced Tuesday that major components of its $7.8 billion Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) pilot project are being shipped to North America — which is on-schedule, despite the pandemic.
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** Walmart, Sam's Club and Publix now require employees to wear face masks ([link removed])
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By SEAN GORMAN, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Walmart, Sam’s Club and Publix stores this week started requiring employees to wear masks or face coverings while at work. The retailers previously allowed store employees the option of wearing a mask. Now it is required, effective April 20.
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** Virginia’s fishing industry has lost millions because of coronavirus pandemic, internal memo says ([link removed])
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By LISA VERNON SPARKS, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

In the weeks since the coronavirus halted most restaurant operations, Virginia’s fishing industry has taken a big hit. The information comes from an internal memo the Virginia Marine Resources Commission shared with the Daily Press.
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** Colonial Williamsburg to remain closed until May 31 ([link removed])
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By GREGORY J. GILLIGAN, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Colonial Williamsburg now plans to temporarily close the Williamsburg Lodge and is extending the closure of its historic properties, restaurants and other hotels through May 31 because of the coronavirus.
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** Ballad looks at plans to resume elective procedures ([link removed])
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By TIM DODSON, Bristol Herald Courier (Metered Paywall - 15 articles a month)

After halting elective procedures about a month ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ballad Health leaders said at a news briefing Tuesday that they are looking at how the health system may be able resume some of these surgeries. ... The comments Tuesday came after Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced Monday that his safer-at-home order would not extend past April 30...


** HIGHER EDUCATION
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** Facing possibility of $50 million in lost revenue, VCU freezes pay raises ([link removed])
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Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Virginia Commonwealth University is rolling out a freeze on salaries. Effective Monday, the university has frozen salaries for all employees, according to VCU's COVID-19 website, which called the move "another way to mitigate the financial risks the university continues to face both this year and next."
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** VTC medical school in Roanoke to increase class size ([link removed])
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By LUANNE RIFE, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine announced Tuesday that it will expand its class size from 42 to 49 students starting in the fall. A task force assembled by Dean Lee Learman to look at expansion recommended growing the class by seven students in order to keep the benefits of a small class size...
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** Virginia Tech to begin COVID-19 testing for local health departments ([link removed])
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By LUANNE RIFE, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Scientists at Virginia Tech will begin in the next few days running COVID-19 tests in Roanoke and Blacksburg for local health districts. “We like everyone else have been hearing for the past few months of the testing shortage in the country and a group of scientists here at Virginia Tech who do the same kind of work, came together and said well, heck, we have the equipment, we have the skills, we could do this.


** CORONAVIRUS
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** Virginia gets low marks for pandemic eviction protections ([link removed])
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By NED OLIVER, Virginia Mercury

Evictions are frozen in Virginia until the state court system reopens, possibly as soon as the end of the month. But how do the state’s efforts to help keep people in their homes amid an unprecedented pandemic compare to other states? Not especially well, according to Princeton University’s Eviction Lab, which reviewed policies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
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** Covid-19 death toll passes 1,000 in region ([link removed])
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By MICHAEL E. RUANE,, FENIT NIRAPPIL AND OVETTA WIGGINS, Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

The covid-19 death toll in the District, Maryland and Virginia sailed past 1,000 Tuesday, and the finals of the National Spelling Bee were canceled for the first time since World War II, as the coronavirus pandemic continued to punish life and culture in and around the nation’s capital.
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** Virginia hits pause on plans for 3 large field hospitals ([link removed])
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By SARAH RANKIN, Associated Press

Plans to convert three convention centers across Virginia into field hospitals as part of the state’s coronavirus response have been put on hold, according to Gov. Ralph Northam’s office. Current trends suggest Virginia has sufficient hospital bed capacity to deal with the pandemic in the short term, Northam’s spokeswoman, Alena Yarmosky, said in an email.
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** Hampton Roads hospitals will join experimental plasma treatment program for coronavirus patients ([link removed])
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By ELISHA SAUERS, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Blood plasma taken from recovered coronavirus patients could be used as an experimental treatment in some of the sickest people suffering from the respiratory illness in Hampton Roads. Bon Secours Mercy Health said Tuesday it has joined a national study led by the Mayo Clinic that involves using plasma as a therapy for COVID-19...
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** USNS Comfort to leave New York and head back to Norfolk, Trump says ([link removed])
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By JENNIFER PELTZ, MARINA VILLENEUVE AND MICHAEL HILL, Associated Press

A Navy hospital ship deployed to New York City to help fight the coronavirus outbreak is no longer needed, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday, expressing confidence that stresses on the hospital system are easing. Cuomo said after meeting with President Donald Trump that the USNS Comfort was helpful, but could now be sent elsewhere after being docked for weeks off of Manhattan.
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** Three More Coronavirus Deaths Reported in Arlington ([link removed])
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ArlNow

The reported number of people who have died from COVID-19 complications in Arlington increased by three overnight. The death count rose from 20 to 23, according to the latest Virginia Health Department data. Arlington currently has 625 known coronavirus cases, 114 hospitalizations, 10 outbreaks and 2,487 tests conducted. There were 593 cases reported on Monday.
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** COVID-19 Deaths Double in Fairfax County ([link removed])
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By CATHERINE DOUGLAS MORAN, Reston Now

The number of coronavirus deaths has more than doubled in Fairfax County since this weekend as the number of cases statewide continues to soar. Since Monday morning, at least 30 Fairfax County residents had died from the respiratory illness. But by Monday evening, that number jumped to more than 50 deaths, according to the county. As of Tuesday morning, there have been 64 deaths in the county, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
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** COVID-19 death confirmed in Danville as health department debuts new data online ([link removed])
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By CHARLES WILBORN, Danville Register & Bee

The Virginia Department of Health on Tuesday confirmed a Danville death blamed on COVID-19 when the state agency debuted on its website a new wide range of data metrics for the coronavirus in the commonwealth.
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** Virginia reports six virus deaths in Southwest region ([link removed])
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By CHARLES BOOTHE, Bluefield Daily Telegraph

Virginia for the first time on Tuesday released more details about the location of coronavirus COVID-19 cases, listing the number of hospitalizations and deaths in each county. That new information showed six deaths attributed to the virus have occurred in the Southwest Virginia region, with one in Wythe County, three in Washington County, one in Scott County and one in Wise County.
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** Parents of children with special needs experience challenges with at-home education ([link removed])
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By ALEXA DOIRON, Williamsburg-Yorktown Daily (Metered paywall - 3 articles per month)

When Brittany Waller comes home from her two jobs and finishes classes at Thomas Nelson Community College, she has to find time to educate her five children, one has special needs. “It’s mentally and emotionally draining in every aspect of the word,” she said.
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** COVID-19 pandemic is another strain for rural EMS services ([link removed])
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By JAHD KHALIL, Virginia Mercury

Long country roads and a small, aging volunteer staff have been the norm for rural Virginia’s emergency medical services for years. But the current COVID-19 outbreak has the potential to stress staffing further, jeopardizing EMS providers’ ability to respond to other emergency calls. “That’s our biggest concern. If one of our members were exposed on a call and we had to quarantine some of our members, it could put a very big strain being able to respond to calls,” said Robby Ross, chief of the Church Hill-Five Forks Volunteer Fire Department in North Carolina’s Warren County and serves part of Mecklenburg County Virginia on the Lake Gaston area.
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** Staying fit during the coronavirus: This retirement community has got it figured out ([link removed])
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By JULIA MARSIGLIANO, Williamsburg-Yorktown Daily (Metered paywall - 3 articles per month)

For the past two weeks, Meg Weber has been encouraging the residents of WindsorMeade to come outside on their patios or balconies to exercise. Walking around with her black-corded microphone and speaker, Weber, the facility’s wellness coordinator, has been going to different areas of WindsorMeade hosting outdoor exercise classes for its residents.


** LOCAL
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** City announces funds for COVID-related homelessness as cases, hospitalizations rise ([link removed])
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By SAMUEL NORTHROP, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Richmond is doling out $5.8 million in federal and local dollars to address housing instability and homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis. The bulk of the sum — $4.2 million — comes by way of the CARES Act, the massive federal relief package adopted last month in response to the coronavirus. Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney announced Tuesday that he wants to supplement that amount with $1 million from the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
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** GRTC to receive $32 million from federal COVID-19 relief fund ([link removed])
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By SABRINA MORENO, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

GRTC Transit System is receiving $32 million in emergency COVID-19 assistance from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. No local match of funds is required, but it’s unknown when the transit system will get the money.
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** Norfolk could slash millions in spending because of coronavirus ([link removed])
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By RYAN MURPHY, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Before the coronavirus epidemic hit, Norfolk’s top leaders were preparing the kind of budget government officials dream about. The city expected to carry over money from the current year and was poised to see property values increase, which would mean millions more in revenue without increasing tax rates. But that was before daily life ground to a halt ...
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** Board delays new high school project ([link removed])
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By RANDI B. HAGI, Harrisonburg Citizen

Harrisonburg’s new high school will not open by fall 2022 as planned. In light of local revenue lost because of the pandemic, the Harrisonburg School Board voted unanimously in a virtual meeting Tuesday to suspend the project until the city attains the necessary funding. “It is with a heavy heart that we look at the current situation, and the fact that it is untenable to continue on the current track,” Superintendent Michael Richards said.

Today's Sponsor:


** May Fox, Ann Hughes and Katie Webb
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In memory of our BFF and lobbyist extraordinaire Melanie Gerheart and in honor of the front-line healthcare providers she represented so well over her career!


** EDITORIALS
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** Virginia's conomic recovery depends on consumer confidence ([link removed])
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Roanoke Times Editorial (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

The question of the hour, the day, perhaps even the next few months: How soon can we get back to normal, or, at least, a new normal? Behind that is another, just as urgent, question: How quickly will the economy recover? We know something may be changed irrevocably by the self-isolation of the pandemic: We’ll see a lot more telemedicine in the future.
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** Move elections to protect public health ([link removed])
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Virginian-Pilot Editorial (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Decisions affecting the conduct of elections are not to be taken lightly. Changes should not be made arbitrarily or cavalierly. And they cannot be made with political outcomes in mind. In the interest of public health and safety, however, the General Assembly should today accept Gov. Ralph Northam’s recommendation that municipal elections on May 5 and the June 9 congressional primary be delayed.
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** The virus and voting ([link removed])
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Richmond Times-Dispatch Editorial (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

No right is more sacred in our republic than voting. It is the underpinning of our representational form of government. The integrity of the process must be safeguarded, as well as the health and well-being of election workers and voters when they cast their ballots.
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** To stop COVID-19, cooperation matters ([link removed])
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Richmond Times-Dispatch Editorial (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Another piece of the inexcusable COVID-19 data puzzle is finally getting some clarity. On Monday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued new rules for nursing homes to report COVID-19 cases to residents and families. Case counts also must be reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).


** OP-ED
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** Foy: Vote-by-mail offers no partisan advantage ([link removed])
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By JENNIFER CARROLL FOY, published in Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

I am grateful to the Roanoke Times for writing a thoughtful piece about how a vote-by-mail system would impact the Commonwealth (“Why vote-by-mail might help Republicans more than Democrats,” April 16 editorial.) I have championed this issue in Virginia, asking Gov. Northam to work with the Department of Elections to consider its feasibility for our November elections ...

Foy represents parts of Prince William and Stafford counties in the House of Delegates. She is a Democrat running for Governor.
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** Cullipher & Eastep: Earth Day tips for the virus crisis ([link removed])
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By KATIE CULLIPHER AND REBEKAH EASTEP, published in Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Our Earth has experienced heart-breaking loss of life over the past few months as coronavirus has spread across the globe at a seemingly unstoppable pace. As inhabitants and caretakers of our planet, we have been doing our part to slow the march by washing our hands, staying at home and keeping a safe distance from others. We’re anxious and yearning, frustrated and tired — not exactly in a celebratory mood for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day today.

Katie Cullipher and Rebekah Eastep lead the askHRgreen.org public awareness and education campaign for the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission.
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** Gagliano: Governor Northam, don't let Vincent Lamont Martin be released ([link removed])
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By JAMES A. GAGLIANO, published in Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

America’s criminal justice system is bound by the durable implementation of institutions and norms known as the rule of law. As such, one of the expected hallmarks of the theory of retributive justice is that the response to a criminal act is proportional to the offense. Jaywalking is clearly viewed as less heinous than murder.

James A. Gagliano is a CNN law enforcement analyst and a retired FBI supervisory special agent. He is an adjunct assistant professor at St. John’s University in Queens, N.Y.
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** Agelasto: Protecting our environment for future generations to come ([link removed])
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By PARKER C. AGELASTO, published in Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Virginians across the commonwealth — indeed, people around the globe — were planning events for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. It was to be commemorated with festivals, community programs and volunteer opportunities that echoed the activities of April 22, 1970, when millions of Americans demanded oversight and accountability of our natural resources.

Parker C. Agelasto is executive director of the Capital Region Land Conservancy and vice chair of Virginia’s United Land Trusts.
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