VaNews
May 6, 2020

Today's Sponsor:


** Cathy Mayes
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In honor of the Virginia Native Plant Society for encouraging us all to grow native plants and preserve precious native plant habitats.

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Top of the News


** COVID-19 could force the House of Delegates to hold elections 3 years in a row ([link removed])
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By GRAHAM MOOMAW, Virginia Mercury

If any Virginia delegates felt they didn’t get to talk about guns and minimum wage enough in the 2020 session, they might get the chance to have it out on the campaign trail in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Under normal circumstances, the 100 seats in the House of Delegates are only up for election every two years. But — as it has with so many other aspects of civic life — the coronavirus pandemic could significantly disrupt Virginia’s legislative election calendar.
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** Judge grants motion to waive witness requirement for absentee ballots for June primaries ([link removed])
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By AMY FRIEDENBERGER, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

A federal judge granted a request from the League of Women Voters of Virginia to waive the requirement that a witness sign absentee ballots sent in the mail for the June primaries. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against the Virginia State Board of Elections on behalf of three voters and the League of Women Voters in U.S. District Court in Lynchburg.
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** It may take a while for people to again venture to ‘brick and mortar’ stores ([link removed])
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By ALEXA DOIRON & JULIA MARSIGLIANO, Williamsburg-Yorktown Daily (Metered paywall - 3 articles per month)

During these times, window shopping means browsing the web for deals from apparel, gadgets and other items. And that also goes for cutting grocery coupons as more and more people abiding by the stay at home measure have turned to online shopping for essential needs instead of going to stores.
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** COVID-19 data shows disproportionate impact on Hispanics in Northern Virginia ([link removed])
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By EMILY SIDES, Inside NOVA (Metered Paywall)

Hispanic residents in Northern Virginia comprise a disproportionate amount of cases of COVID-19, according to data from the Virginia Department of Health. Including health districts in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William, Northern Virginia has a combined 10,231 COVID-19 cases. Hispanics in the region account for 3,487 COVID-19 cases, which is about 34% of the total number, and 54.7% of all reported cases that include ethnicity (3,858 cases were reported to public health officials without information on ethnicity).
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** Legislators make bipartisan call for more data on COVID-19 outbreaks at nursing homes ([link removed])
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By KATE MASTERS, Virginia Mercury

Members of Virginia’s General Assembly say there’s growing bipartisan frustration over the lack of public information about nursing homes with outbreaks of COVID-19. The push for more transparency comes as the state continues to battle a growing number of outbreaks at long-term care facilities, which account for a significant portion of Virginia’s known coronavirus cases and more than half of the state’s — as of Tuesday — 713 deaths.
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** Demand for mental health services in military community surges amid pandemic stress ([link removed])
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By KATHERINE HAFNER, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

A couple months ago, clinicians at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at The Up Center in Virginia Beach were seeing just over a dozen of their clients through telehealth services. Recently, as the coronavirus pandemic hit Hampton Roads, that skyrocketed to nearly 300 — a roughly 1,500% increase in the number of veterans and military family members seeking help online.
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** Students who receive free or reduced lunch in Virginia will receive Pandemic EBT card ([link removed])
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By OLIVIA BAILEY, WCYB

Approximately 500,000 Virginia students will soon be getting a new federal benefit because of the pandemic. Schools have moved online. Education is continuing, and school staff are working to make sure students have essentials, including food. . . . Now, families from schools providing free and reduced price lunch will gain access to SNAP benefits to further combat hunger during the pandemic.
The Full Report
39 articles, 19 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

Data from the Virginia Department of Health shows a timeline of COVID-19 cases and statewide map showing the number of cases and deaths by locality. VPAP has added daily hospital utilization data from the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association. Updated each morning shortly after 9:00 a.m.


** GENERAL ASSEMBLY
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** More dispensaries OK’d for Virginia’s soon-to-open medical marijuana program ([link removed])
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By NED OLIVER, Virginia Mercury

The laws governing Virginia’s soon-to-launch medical marijuana program are once again getting a little looser. In the four years since its inception, it has morphed from a CBD-only-program limited to patients with intractable epilepsy to a full-fledged medical marijuana program that includes products ranging from vape pens to lollipops.


** STATE GOVERNMENT
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** Population at Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center drops to record low ([link removed])
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By FRANK GREEN, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

The number of youths held at the Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center in Chesterfield County has dropped to 180, an all-time low for the facility, said the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice. The population was roughly 200 when COVID-19 measures began at the center, which recently held a substantial percentage of all known youths testing positive for COVID-19 in juvenile correctional facilities across the country.
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** Lottery releases casino review schedule ([link removed])
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By DAVID MCGEE, Bristol Herald Courier (Metered Paywall - 15 articles a month)

Virginia lottery officials unveiled the schedule for casino and sports betting approvals Tuesday and launched an online website with information about its processes to eventually regulate those gaming entities. Recently approved legislation allows five cities — Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Richmond — to conduct public referendums later this year regarding one casino operating in each city.
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** SCC rules Virginia Natural Gas pipeline expansion hearings will proceed as planned ([link removed])
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By SARAH VOGELSONG, Virginia Mercury

Despite complaints from citizens and some local and state leaders that constraints imposed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will chill public participation, the State Corporation Commission ruled Tuesday that it will go ahead with a webcast of a hearing scheduled for May 12 on a proposed expansion of Virginia Natural Gas’s pipeline infrastructure. The decision strikes down a request by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Sierra Club and Chesapeake Climate Action Network to suspend the case’s procedural schedule. The SCC previously extended the public comment period two weeks, also until May 12.


** CONGRESS
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** Rep. Wexton supports investigation into sexual assault claim against Biden ([link removed])
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By NATHANIEL CLINE, Loudoun Times

Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.-10th) says the sexual assault allegation against presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden should be investigated. Wexton, who endorsed Biden in March, said “women deserve to be heard and taken seriously” when they come forward about sexual assault.


** ECONOMY/BUSINESS
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** Henrico printing plant closing permanently, laying off 184 workers ([link removed])
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By JOHN REID BLACKWELL, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

A printing company with a local history that goes back more than 100 years is closing its Henrico County plant and laying off 184 employees. Cenveo Worldwide Ltd. is shutting down its Cadmus plant at 2901 Byrdhill Road by May 31, the company told state officials in a WARN Act notice dated May 4.
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** COVID-19 cases keep climbing at Virginia poultry plants; some members of Congress seek better protections ([link removed])
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By SARAH VOGELSONG AND ROBIN BRAVENDER, Virginia Mercury

COVID-19 cases continue to rise at Virginia’s Eastern Shore poultry plants, with Gov. Ralph Northam on Monday reporting more than 260 cases associated with two facilities run by Tyson Foods and Perdue Farms in Accomack County. “We are also still closely tracking cases in the Shenandoah Valley, which has a large number of plants — cases that have increased as well, but the increase is smaller and could be leveling off,” said Northam. “Our focus right now remains on the Shore.”
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** Relaunch Chesterfield Seeks to Help Local Businesses Reopen Safely ([link removed])
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By IAN M. STEWART, WCVE

The group is calling their initiative “Relaunch Chesterfield.” Led by the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce, the coalition also includes ChamberRVA and Chesterfield County’s Economic Development Authority. Danielle Fitz-Hugh, president of the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce, says the group is creating workshops with elected officials and businesses from several industries. Those include retail, restaurants and hospitality.
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** When Eye Care Goes "Drive Through" ([link removed])
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By ROBBIE HARRIS, WVTF

Telemedicine can only go so far. For something like eyecare, you usually have to make an ‘in person’ visit to the doctor’s office. But in an effort to see patients and keep infection from spreading, a Blacksburg Ophthalmologist will be doing drive-through appointments.
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** Advance Auto to cut 50 jobs in Roanoke ([link removed])
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By ALICIA PETSKA, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

A restructuring of accounting operations within Advance Auto Parts is slated to eliminate about 50 jobs in its Roanoke office. The changes are set to take effect Aug. 14, according to a statement issued by the company.
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** D&H Mining, owner, foreman plead guilty to conspiring to defraud U.S. ([link removed])
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Bristol Herald Courier (Metered Paywall - 15 articles a month)

D&H Mining, a Grundy-based coal company, its owner and a foreman pleaded guilty Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Abingdon to conspiring to defraud the United States by cheating on underground coal mine dust sampling procedures. Those procedures fall under the federal Mine Safety and Health Act, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen and Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) David G. Zatezalo.


** TRANSPORTATION
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** ‘This must stop’: Reckless driving soars amid COVID-19 closures ([link removed])
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By ROB WOODFORK, WTOP

The global coronavirus pandemic has eased traffic congestion in the D.C. area but has led to a dramatic rise of excessive speeding at a time when more people are walking or riding bicycles. AAA Mid-Atlantic said in a news release Tuesday that local police departments, which are still ticketing drivers despite the coronavirus concerns, are cracking down on aggressive drivers excessively exceeding the speed limit during the shutdown.
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** Metro to shut down parts of Silver, Orange lines starting May 23 ([link removed])
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By NATHANIEL CLINE, Loudoun Times

As a result of declining ridership amid the coronavirus pandemic, Metro has announced it is shutting down parts of the Orange and Silver lines to begin two key capital priorities, including connecting the new Silver Line to the Metro’s network.


** HIGHER EDUCATION
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** Top MBA Programs Split on Whether Accepted Students Can Skip the Fall ([link removed])
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By PATRICK THOMAS, Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required)

Business schools are weighing whether to allow admitted students to postpone enrollment by a year or two as colleges and universities across the U.S. grapple with whether and how to reopen campuses this fall. ...Virginia’s Darden School of Business is offering a delayed start option for a limited portion of its incoming class of 2022. The group will start first-year core classes in January 2021 and take classes into the summer.
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** Marymount Planning for Students to Be Back in Class This Fall ([link removed])
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ArlNow

Arlington-based Marymount University says it is planning for face-to-face classes in the fall, despite the pandemic. Marymount’s Tuesday morning announcement comes as some universities consider keeping students off campus or even holding classes in tents instead of indoor classrooms, in order to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. While the virus typically affects older people and those with preexisting conditions more severely, college-aged adults can get sick — and can spread the disease to others.
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** College's Reopening Plan Includes Testing, Tracing and Plenty of Space ([link removed])
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By JEFF BOSSERT, WVTF

Most US colleges and universities are waiting for guidance on how to plan for fall classes amid the pandemic. But one small women’s college in Central Virginia says it’s a unique position to resume in-person instruction. Sweet Briar College President Meredith Woo says social distancing won’t be a concern this fall, with 350 students on a 3,200 acre campus. The school also plans to offer single dorm rooms to each student.


** CORONAVIRUS
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** As nursing homes face COVID-19 outbreaks, staffing is a challenge ([link removed])
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By LUANNE RIFE, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Robin Wertz Craig found out April 28 that her mother had tested positive for COVID-19 when she called the South Roanoke Nursing Home on a daily check. Outside of one brief video chat with her soon-to-be 94-year-old mother, Elsie Wertz, Craig has not been able to communicate with her directly. She has had to rely on a staff that she says is still stretched thin.
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** Latino And African American Activists Say ‘Way Too Early’ To Reopen Virginia ([link removed])
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By DANIELLA CHESLOW, DCist

Advocates for immigrants and African Americans say more testing, economic support, and worker protection must be in place before it is safe to reopen businesses, as Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam says he expects to do so as early as May 15. One local government leader sided with Latino and black activists who say they already suffer the brunt of COVID-19 infections, and will further struggle should the state ease pandemic restrictions.
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** As deaths rise, hospitalizations may be at peak ([link removed])
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By BRIDGET BALCH AND MEL LEONOR, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

Deaths from the coronavirus have continued to rise in Virginia even as the number of hospitalizations appears to be flattening, according to data released by the state Tuesday. The Virginia Department of Health reported its highest weekly average death toll from COVID-19 to date on Monday.
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** Va. private ambulance companies in desperate need of protective gear ([link removed])
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By MICHAEL MARTZ, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

Private ambulance companies handled almost half of all emergency medical services transports in Virginia last year, but now they’re scrounging for gowns and other protective gear from local retailers because they say they’re not getting emergency supplies purchased by the state to fill a deep shortfall during the coronavirus crisis.
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** Pandemic hammers local healthcare industry revenue ([link removed])
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By LAWRENCE EMERSON, Fauquier Now

Even far removed from the coronavirus pandemic’s worst outbreaks, Fauquier medical businesses, doctors and patients continue to suffer. Those seeking treatment have waited through the state ban on non-emergency procedures — often in pain and deteriorating health.
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** Health district to offer drive-thru testing clinic in Louisa ([link removed])
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Daily Progress (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms can get tested Friday at a free drive-thru testing clinic at the Louisa County Health Department. People must call in advance to be screened to determine eligibility for testing and to schedule an appointment since the number of tests is limited.
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** How well are people social distancing in the Historic Triangle and elsewhere? ([link removed])
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By ALEXA DOIRON, Williamsburg-Yorktown Daily (Metered paywall - 3 articles per month)

The coronavirus pandemic has altered the way we communicate, work and interact with one another as social distancing becomes the first line of defense. But even with encouragement from local, state and federal governments, there is still a struggle to collect data on information about social distancing and contact tracing once someone has contracted the virus.
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** Bakery on pace to make 5,300 loaves for needy ([link removed])
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By DON DEL ROSSO, Fauquier Now

As of Monday, the Old Town Warrenton bakery had received about $26,500 in donations to make bread for food pantries facing great challenges because of the coronavirus pandemic. Pablo Teodoro, owner to Great Harvest Bread Co. at 108 Main St., launched the project about seven weeks ago, after a customer complained that she couldn’t buy bread at local supermarkets because of hoarding.
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** COVID-19 testing this week at three sites ([link removed])
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Bristol Herald Courier (Metered Paywall - 15 articles a month)

Mount Rogers Health District is offering drive-thru COVID-19 testing this week in Bristol, Galax and Washington County. Anyone wishing to be tested must call in advance for a screening interview and be approved, according to a written statement.


** VIRGINIA OTHER
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** Pipeline protester pleads guilty to assault in thrown-water case ([link removed])
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By MIKE GANGLOFF, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

A protester who threw water on two Mountain Valley Pipeline workers ended an appeal of assault convictions Monday, pleading guilty and accepting a suspended jail sentence and an order to stay away from pipeline property — and out of Virginia — for two years. Evin Tyler Ugur, 23, of Worcester, Massachusetts, faced an assortment of minor charges in Montgomery County courts after joining protests of pipeline construction.


** LOCAL
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** Virginia Beach approves additional $2 million for tourism advertising ([link removed])
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By STACY PARKER, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

The City Council approved on Tuesday a transfer of $2 million from the Tourism Investment Program to an advertising fund for a campaign that will promote the resort area this summer in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
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** Independent Candidate Announces for County Board Special Election ([link removed])
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ArlNow

There will likely be at least one independent candidate in the upcoming Arlington County Board special election. While Arlington Democrats work to select a nominee internally, Susan Cunningham — a civically-involved mother of two — has announced her intention to run as an independent to fill the seat of the late Erik Gutshall.
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** Fairfax County moves toward more austere budget amid coronavirus crisis ([link removed])
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By ANTONIO OLIVO, Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

Fairfax County’s Board of Supervisors moved toward adopting a budget Tuesday that factors in the economic damage caused by the coronavirus crisis by scaling down a host of spending initiatives, such as affordable housing.
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** Fairfax County board approves slimmed-down fiscal 2021 budget proposal ([link removed])
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Fort Hunt Herald

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has taken a wait-and-see approach to budgeting for fiscal year 2021 as its number-crunchers weight the true cost of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to the region’s bottom line. On May 5, 2020, the Board marked up and adopted without changes a slimmed-down fiscal year 2021 budget proposal that had been revised by County Executive Bryan Hill in the wake of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam’s state-wide stay-at-home order.
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** Virginia Supreme Court approves town petitions to move election day to June 4 ([link removed])
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By KAREN GRAHAM, Loudoun Times

After the towns of Middleburg, Lovettsville and Purcellville last week petitioned the Virginia Supreme Court to move town elections from May 19 to June 4, the court has granted the delay and set the elections for June 4.
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** Richmond mayoral candidate wants ballot requirements reduced because of pandemic ([link removed])
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By MARK ROBINSON, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

A candidate for Richmond mayor is suing to lessen requirements for people aiming to qualify for the November ballot while contending with the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayoral hopefuls in Richmond must gather 500 signatures from registered voters, including 50 in each of the nine City Council districts, by June 9 to qualify for the ballot. One of those candidates, Tracey Mclean, filed a lawsuit in Richmond Circuit Court last week asking a judge to reduce the number of signatures required and extend the deadline to submit them by two months.
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** Amid lawsuit and coronavirus, Norfolk will put the brakes on St. Paul's relocations ([link removed])
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By RYAN MURPHY, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Norfolk’s housing authority will suspend the relocation of residents and most redevelopment efforts in the St. Paul’s area until at least October, after a legal agreement with residents and advocates sparked by coronavirus. Hundreds were expected to move out of the area’s public housing in the coming months, as the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority aims to get the brick-and-mortar overhaul under way after years of discussion and preparation.
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** No tax increase, but no employee raises in York County budget hit by COVID-19 ([link removed])
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By DAVE RESS, Daily Press (Metered Paywall - 1 article a month)

York County expects coronavirus to hammer tax collections from its tourism dependent businesses, but supervisors voted to weather the storm without raising homeowners’ taxes or fees, while canceling a hoped-for pay increase for county workers.
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** 2 Republicans enter Roanoke council race ([link removed])
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By RALPH BERRIER JR., Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Two Republicans have entered the race for the Roanoke City Council. Peg McGuire and Maynard Keller are the first two Republicans to announce their candidacies for the Nov. 3 election, when three seats on the seven-person council will be filled. Both are running on platforms that include support for gun owners’ rights, law enforcement, lower taxes and fewer regulations on businesses, elected school boards and moving the municipal elections away from presidential election years.

Today's Sponsor:


** Cathy Mayes
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In honor of the Virginia Native Plant Society for encouraging us all to grow native plants and preserve precious native plant habitats.


** EDITORIALS
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** Governor moves to reopen Virginia safely ([link removed])
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Virginian-Pilot Editorial (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Gov. Ralph Northam on Monday announced that Virginia would soon take its first tentative steps to loosen restrictions in place to slow the spread of coronavirus, with some of those measures set to expire next week. It’s a welcome development, assuming that the process is done cautiously, deliberately and with trustworthy medical data guiding the way forward.
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** Our message to baseball's brass is simple — don't take the easy way out ([link removed])
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Richmond Times-Dispatch Editorial (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

In Tuesday’s New York Times, Scott Boras — one of baseball’s most powerful agents — made his case for why the sport must return. “In some of America’s darkest moments, the country has turned to Major League Baseball to bring hope and normalcy back to everyday life,” Boras wrote. Boras notes that weeks after Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt penned the “Green Light Letter,” endorsing the continuation of games despite players juggling war duties.


** OP-ED
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** Watts: Justice system reforms will help protect children ([link removed])
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By VIVIAN WATTS, published in Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

In my career as the former executive director of Fairfax CASA, as well as my work as the former secretary of Transportation and Public Safety and in the Virginia House of Delegates, I have fought to protect vulnerable children from abuse and exploitation knowing that our failure to do so has catastrophic consequences.

Vivian Watts represents the 39th District in the Virginia House of Delegates.
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