VaNews
May 27, 2020

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** Dominion Energy
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During these challenging times, we remain committed to transforming our business to build a more sustainable future. Learn more about our net zero commitment. ([link removed])

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Top of the News


** Northam says Northern Virginia can begin reopening on Friday ([link removed])
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By GREGORY S. SCHNEIDER AND ANTONIO OLIVO, Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

Communities in Northern Virginia can begin easing their pandemic-related shutdowns on Friday, Gov. Ralph Northam said, arguing that the region is seeing a decline in hospitalizations and the percentage of positive tests for the novel coronavirus even as the rate and overall number of infections remain far higher than in the rest of the state.
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** Masks to be required inside public places starting Friday, Northam says ([link removed])
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By MARIE ALBIGES, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Everyone over age 10 will be required to wear face masks starting Friday inside public spaces in Virginia, an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, Gov. Ralph Northam said Tuesday. As the state inches toward the second phase of reopening, Northam said people should wear masks “anywhere people can congregate" inside. That means brick-and-mortar retail spaces, restaurants, personal care and grooming salons, government buildings, and on public transportation.
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** ‘The status quo isn’t working’: Carroll Foy launches run for Va. governor ([link removed])
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By GRAHAM MOOMAW, Virginia Mercury

No black woman has ever been elected governor of any state. Jennifer Carroll Foy, a 38-year-old attorney and member of the Virginia General Assembly, thinks she could be the first. “The road to politics is a difficult one,” Carroll Foy said in a recent interview when asked about that statistic. “And it’s not easy to run for office when you don’t come from power and prestige and wealth.”
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** Local election wins give Virginia Republicans hope amid Democratic domination of top posts ([link removed])
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By KERRY PICKET, Washington Examiner

Republican victories in recent municipal elections reflect the success of resistance to Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam’s COVID-19 lockdown policies and gun control laws enacted by Democrats in the legislature, GOP leaders said. Republicans last week flipped control on the city council in the Democratic stronghold of Staunton by winning three seats. The Shenandoah Valley city of about 25,000 people has recently backed Democrats for high office, including presidential nominees Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012 and Hillary Clinton in 2016. Northam won the city in his 2017 election, as did his Democratic gubernatorial predecessor, Terry McAuliffe.
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** The Virginian-Pilot switching to Richmond printing facility, eliminating 132 jobs ([link removed])
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By SALEEN MARTIN, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

The Virginian-Pilot will soon be printed at the Richmond Times Dispatch’s facility near Richmond, eliminating some 130 full-time and part-time positions, according to an announcement from Tribune Publishing executive Par Ridder.
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** Crowded housing and essential jobs: Why so many Latinos are getting coronavirus ([link removed])
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By ANTONIO OLIVO, MARISSA J. LANG AND JOHN D. HARDEN, Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

Inside crowded courtyard buildings, where blue-collar Latino families share apartments meant for one, the sick are multiplying. Isabela Rivera was the first in her home to test positive for the novel coronavirus. Unable to fully isolate in the three-bedroom apartment she and her husband, Danilo, share with two other Northern Virginia families, the Riveras sent their 7-year-old son to live with a family friend. Danilo sleeps on the couch, unsure whether he is infected.
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** Members Of Congress Call On President Trump To Cancel July 4th Event, Citing Health Risks ([link removed])
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By MIKAELA LEFRAK, WAMU

With fewer than six weeks until Independence Day, local and federal officials are growing increasingly concerned about the possibility of a Fourth of July event on the National Mall. President Donald Trump has made no indication that he plans to cancel the second annual “Salute to America” Independence Day event. However, the National Park Service has not received details about what the event will entail and how attendees will be kept safe from coronavirus. It appears the event will also violate D.C.’s rules for reopening.
The Full Report
47 articles, 23 publications

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** FROM VPAP
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** VPAP Visual Money Chase May be Closer than it Appears ([link removed])
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The Virginia Public Access Project

The Trump and Biden presidential campaigns have released fundraising totals from Virginia donors through April. However, a lag in Trump's reporting skews the results in Biden's favor. So far, a majority of the president's Virginia donations have been passed through a joint fundraising PAC called Trump Make America Great Again Committee. There is a delay between when a donor gives money to the joint committee (which discloses quarterly) and when the money is transferred to and reported by the Trump campaign committee (which discloses monthly).
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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 includes a timeline of when COVID-19 cases were confirmed, a statewide map showing the number of cases and deaths by locality and per-capita cases by ZIP Code. VPAP has added daily hospital utilization numbers from the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association. Updated each morning before 10:00 am.


** EXECUTIVE BRANCH
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** Northam orders mask use in businesses, starting Friday ([link removed])
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By LUANNE RIFE, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Gov. Ralph Northam on Tuesday ordered everyone older than 10 to begin on Friday wearing face coverings when they enter a business, but it is unclear how the mandate will be enforced. Northam said the Virginia Department of Health would investigate businesses it licenses that defy his executive order. The goal is to lessen the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and to protect workers from unmasked customers.
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** Northam says Virginians must wear masks in public buildings and businesses starting Friday ([link removed])
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By MEL LEONOR, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

Gov. Ralph Northam announced Tuesday that the state will require anyone over the age of 10 to wear a face mask while inside a public building or business establishment to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The new guidelines will go into effect on Friday and apply to any indoor place where people congregate, including all brick-and-mortar retail, personal care and grooming businesses.
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** Northam orders mask use in stores, other public spaces ([link removed])
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By ALAN SUDERMAN AND DENISE LAVOIE, Associated Press

Gov. Ralph Northam is ordering that Virginians wear masks while in public indoor spaces, saying the measure is needed to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Northam said at a news conference Tuesday that he’s ordering masks be worn starting Friday inside all retail stores, while using public transportation, and in any other indoor places where people congregate.
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** Still not enough testing, tracing capacity as Northern Virginia prepares to restart ([link removed])
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By MICHAEL MARTZ, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

As Northern Virginia prepares to restart the economic engine that powers the rest of the state, public health officials say the Greater Washington region still does not have adequate supplies for testing to know who is carrying the coronavirus disease or tracing the people they have potentially infected.
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** Northam says northern Virginia likely to reopen Friday, orders face masks to be worn in public ([link removed])
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By NATHANIEL CLINE, Loudoun Times

Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announced on Tuesday that northern Virginia can begin to reopen under the state’s “Forward Virginia Phase One” guidelines starting on Friday. Northern Virginia, including Loudoun County, will join most of the rest of the commonwealth in gradually restarting the economy, something that started in other parts of the state May 15.
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** NoVa localities, Accomack expected to start Phase One on Friday ([link removed])
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By KATE ANDREWS, Va Business Magazine

Northern Virginia and Accomack County are expected to move out of “Phase Zero” by the end of the week, while Richmond’s mayor is asking for a slower reopening plan that would keep houses of worship and barber shops closed for the time being.
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** Richmond should reopen Friday while easing all Phase One restrictions, Northam says ([link removed])
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By MARK ROBINSON AND JUSTIN MATTINGLY, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

Gov. Ralph Northam on Tuesday rebuffed a call from Mayor Levar Stoney to maintain some COVID-19 restrictions as Richmond begins reopening Friday.


** STATE ELECTIONS
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** Carroll Foy begins run for governor ([link removed])
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By MEL LEONOR, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy, D-Prince William, on Wednesday is formally launching her campaign for governor, pitching herself as the “right leader for this moment.”
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** Carroll Foy announces bid in Virginia governor’s race ([link removed])
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By LAURA VOZZELLA, Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy will formally kick off her bid for Virginia governor Wednesday, becoming the first Democrat to take that step ahead of the 2021 election.
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** Carroll Foy makes it official. She’s running for governor ([link removed])
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By JILL PALERMO, Prince William Times

As a mom of 2-year-old twin boys, a state legislator and a court-appointed defense attorney, Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy already has a lot going on. But she’s not letting any of that that stop her from pursuing her next big goal: to become the first woman – and woman of color – to be elected governor of Virginia.


** STATE GOVERNMENT
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** COVID-19 cases in state prisons top 1,100 ([link removed])
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By FRANK GREEN, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

As of Monday evening 1,141 of Virginia’s nearly 30,000 prison inmates had tested positive for COVID-19 and six inmates had died, according to the Virginia Department of Corrections. The department’s website shows that 12 inmates remain hospitalized while 590 prisoners currently have the virus — the rest who tested positive have either recovered, been released or died.
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** Virginia officials don't plan on releasing recovery rates ([link removed])
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By DAVID MCGEE, Bristol Herald Courier (Metered Paywall - 15 articles a month)

Virginia health officials have no plans to report the number of COVID-19 patients who have recovered from the disease. Other states, including Tennessee, regularly update the number of patients who have recovered, which also provides an indication of the number of active cases. On its website Tuesday, the Tennessee Department of Health listed 20,965 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began, 13,344 recovered, 343 total deaths and 1,609 hospitalized since it began.
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** Schools are some families’ best hope for Internet access, but Virginia laws are getting in the way ([link removed])
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By HANNAH NATANSON, Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

Yenifer Alvarado Portillo liked doing homework. School, the 5-year-old said, made her feel good. But ever since Arlington Public Schools shuttered, kindergarten has become a cause for tears. While other kids find their assignments online, Yenifer’s teacher has to relay them by phone. Even then, she can’t complete most of them because her family’s Northern Virginia home lacks Internet.


** ECONOMY/BUSINESS
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** Chesapeake Bay blue crab numbers are down but still in healthy range ([link removed])
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By DAVE RESS, Daily Press (Metered Paywall - 1 article a month)

The number of Chesapeake Bay crabs dropped over the winter, but the totals for juveniles and female adults are still healthy, according to the latest winter blue crab dredge survey. The survey found the total crab population fell by just under one third, to 404 million.
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** Major Amazon investors want the company to disclose Covid-19 numbers ([link removed])
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By JONATHAN CAPRIEL, Washington Business Journal (Subscription required for some articles)

Amazon.com Inc. will again face investors during its annual shareholders meeting, though, for safety reasons, they won’t actually be physically in front of them. For the first time in the company’s history the meeting will be held virtually due to Covid-19 concerns. (If you happen to be a shareholder who has access to this and would like to share, my email remains open.) While none of the shareholder proposals, which are determined well in advance of the meeting, mention the global pandemic, it's very likely the subject of warehouse worker safety will take center stage Wednesday.
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** Monogram Snacks in Henry County will shut down voluntarily for COVID-19 testing after positives tests ([link removed])
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By BILL WYATT, Martinsville Bulletin (Metered Paywall - 5 articles a month)

Angela Hairston’s brother is living in isolation at a hotel, separated from his 81-year-old mother at their home in Henry County. He is listed statistically as a “confirmed COVID-19 male, 56 years old,” along with five of his coworkers at Monogram Snacks in Martinsville. But Hairston’s brother not only contracted the coronavirus, he also continued to work after being tested because he said he feared loss of income or being fired by Monogram if he didn’t.
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** Passenger traffic at Richmond International Airport plunges 96% in April ([link removed])
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By GREGORY J. GILLIGAN, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Richmond International Airport experienced dramatic declines in passenger travel in April — and it is expected to have similar drops in May — caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Passenger traffic at the airport plunged 96.4% last month compared with the same month a year ago as airlines reduced flights by historic levels, the Capital Region Airport Commission reported Tuesday.
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** Norfolk Airport expects nearly 600,000 fewer travelers to depart in upcoming year ([link removed])
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By KIMBERLY PIERCEALL, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Norfolk International Airport is expecting an austere year ahead as the COVID-19 pandemic has led to far fewer people taking to the skies to travel. The airport’s budget forecast for the fiscal year beginning July 1 anticipates just $34.4 million in operating revenue, off by $10.3 million from the budget for the current year, according to a staff report ahead of the Norfolk Airport Authority’s meeting Thursday afternoon.
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** Lynchburg Regional Airport projects surplus due to coronavirus aid ([link removed])
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By RICHARD CHUMNEY, News & Advance (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Despite seeing a dramatic decline in ridership amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Lynchburg Regional Airport will likely end the fiscal year with a more than $500,000 surplus thanks to millions of dollars in federal aid.
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** Potomac Mills mall plans to reopen Friday, but with big changes ([link removed])
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Inside NOVA (Metered Paywall)

Potomac Mills plans to reopen Friday, but your shopping experience at the sprawling outlet mall will look a lot different. Simon Property Group said its properties in Northern Virginia, including Potomac Mills mall, the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City in Arlington and the Leesburg Premium Outlets, will "comply with all state and local orders," in reopening.


** TRANSPORTATION
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** Study suggests six changes for two-mile stretch of Va. 28 ([link removed])
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By STAFF REPORT, Inside NOVA (Metered Paywall)

The Virginia Department of Transportation has completed a study of two miles of Va. 28. Officials are offering six suggestions for how to address traffic and safety concerns.


** HIGHER EDUCATION
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** Will colleges in the D.C. region reopen campuses in the fall? ([link removed])
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By NICK ANDERSON AND LAUREN LUMPKIN, Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

Georgetown University sent incoming Hoyas a most unusual greeting this month, simultaneously enthusiastic and vague. “We hope to welcome you face-to-face,” the university provost wrote May 12 to the Class of 2024. “But should we find ourselves also working in other modes, know that Georgetown’s faculty is eager to engage you and ready for your arrival.”
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** Radford University to freeze tuition for most, reduce it for in-state students ([link removed])
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By SAM WALL, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Radford University announced Tuesday it will not increase tuition for most students in 2020-21. The news comes more than two weeks before a June 12 board of visitors meeting, when a decision on tuition rates was expected.
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** UMW to offer "COVID-19 in Context," a free course, to the community ([link removed])
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By ADELE UPHAUS–CONNER, Free Lance-Star (Metered Paywall - 10 articles a month)

The University of Mary Washington is opening up to the community an eight-week summer course that will explore how the COVID-19 pandemic affects all aspects of society.


** CORONAVIRUS
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** 1,615 new coronavirus cases, 28 new deaths in Virginia, health officials report Tuesday ([link removed])
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By ROBYN SIDERSKY, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Virginia officials reported 1,615 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, according to the state’s department of health. The update brings the state total to 39,342 cases. Of those, 37,440 are confirmed and 1,902 are probable cases.
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** Testing Up, Deaths Now Over 100 As Reopening in Sight ([link removed])
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ArlNow

Arlington and other Northern Virginia localities say they’re ready to reopen by the end of the week. That’s according to a letter signed by Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey and other elected officials, sent to Gov. Ralph Northam and posted by Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson on Monday evening.
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** Community Testing Efforts Ramp up Statewide ([link removed])
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By MALLORY NOE-PAYNE, WVTF

Richmond City and Henrico County Health Director Danny Avula stands inside Diversity Thrift, a store and community center in the city. They’re hosting their tenth community testing event here today. The large open space is staffed with health department employees and volunteers from the Medical Reserve Corps. One of the volunteers, wearing a gown and speaking through a full face mask, shows how the testing procedure works.
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** Local COVID-19 cases see greatest rise; lab error and more people out may be factors ([link removed])
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By CATHY DYSON, Free Lance-Star (Metered Paywall - 10 articles a month)

Local COVID-19 cases jumped between Monday and Tuesday by their biggest margin since the pandemic began, and it’s not because more people have been out and about. Or is it? Some of the increase—105 more local cases in a 24-hour period—was caused by a private lab’s errors that have since been corrected, said Allison Balmes–John, spokesperson for the Rappahannock Area Health District.
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** Poultry worker advocates urge city council to act after spike in COVID-19 cases ([link removed])
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By RANDI B. HAGI, Harrisonburg Citizen

Concern about the spread of COVID-19 in area poultry plants came to the forefront of Tuesday’s Harrisonburg City Council meeting, as 12 city residents representing a variety of grassroots organizations petitioned the council to ask Gov. Ralph Northam to dial back reopening of businesses in order to protect workers. The council gave the members of the public opportunities to have their say — and voiced their concern and support for poultry workers — but took no action directly on the residents’ requests.
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** Giving feedback on re-opening Virginia schools, education work group starts listening sessions ([link removed])
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WSLS

Discussions kick off Wednesday as leaders try to work through the challenges of students and staff returning to school in the fall. The Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Education Work Group is made up of superintendents, college leaders and the Virginia Department of Health.


** VIRGINIA OTHER
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** Virginia school board defends transgender bathroom ban ([link removed])
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Associated Press

A Virginia school board defended its transgender bathroom ban before a federal appeals court Tuesday, as a transgender man barred from using the boys bathroom in high school argued that the policy discriminated against him and violated his constitutional rights. A judge ruled last year that the Gloucester County School Board had discriminated against Gavin Grimm, but the board appealed that ruling to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond.


** LOCAL
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** County: Census Response Low in Arlington’s Minority Communities ([link removed])
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By VERNON MILES, ArlNow

As Arlington County continues to push locals to respond to the census, the County has highlighted areas where significant portions of the local population remain uncounted. A map published by the County last week showed low census response — less than 61.5% responding — from the western end of Columbia Pike and throughout Crystal City.
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** Richmond City Council Delays Vote On Getting New Navy Hill Proposals ([link removed])
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By ROBERTO ROLDAN, WCVE

Richmond City Council is pushing back a vote that would declare the Coliseum and city-owned land surrounding it surplus. Officials from the Stoney administration and the Economic Development Authority asked to delay the vote on the resolution. Moving forward, they want City Council to consider getting developer bids on the 10 properties individually, rather than as a group.
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** Virginia Beach cancels July 4th fireworks at Oceanfront and Mount Trashmore ([link removed])
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By JANE HARPER, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

There won’t be any fireworks lighting up the sky at the Oceanfront or Mount Trashmore Park this summer. Virginia Beach city officials announced Tuesday that they’ve canceled Fourth of July fireworks at both locations in an effort to keep residents safe and comply with the governor’s orders during the coronavirus pandemic.
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** Portsmouth, Norfolk move forward on casino projects ([link removed])
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By KATE ANDREWS, Va Business Magazine

On Tuesday, the Portsmouth City Council approved Rush Street Gaming’s casino proposal and the Norfolk City Council selected the Pamunkey Indian Tribe as its preferred casino operator, as the two Hampton Roads projects move toward a November referendum vote on the cities’ ballots. Chicago-based Rush Street Gaming expects to invest at least $300 million, the minimum investment in the state’s legislation allowing five casinos in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Richmond with city councils and voters’ approval. Gov. Ralph Northam signed the bill last month.
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** Danville councilmen look to spread growth outside of downtown with Caesars Entertainment's plan to revive Schoolfield mill site ([link removed])
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By JOHN R. CRANE, Danville Register & Bee

Some city officials like the idea of an such an iconic name as Caesars Entertainment casino coming to Danville and possibly resurrecting Schoolfield and the area farther down West Main Street toward the North Carolina border.
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** Bristol, Virginia's city council approves Hard Rock Int'l as preferred casino operator ([link removed])
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By ANGELIQUE ARINTOK, WCYB

Talks about the casino project are not slowing down in Bristol, Virginia. In a 5-0 vote Tuesday night, city council endorsed Hard Rock International, along with The United Company and Par Ventures, as the preferred casino gaming operator.

Today's Sponsor:


** Dominion Energy
------------------------------------------------------------

During these challenging times, we remain committed to transforming our business to build a more sustainable future. Learn more about our net zero commitment. ([link removed])


** EDITORIALS
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** No mask, no service ([link removed])
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Roanoke Times Editorial (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Gov. Ralph Northam began his news briefing Tuesday with something unusual, even extraordinary, for a politician. An apology. Our society would be better off if other politicians — on all sides — showed that kind of humility.
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** Can mass transit survive COVID? ([link removed])
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Free Lance-Star Editorial (Metered Paywall - 10 articles a month)

In April, Congress allocated $25 billion to help mass transit agencies nationwide pay their operating costs as they try to cope with the devastating loss of ridership and revenue from the coronavirus pandemic. But the future of mass transit in the Age of COVID-19 is uncertain at best.
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** Leadership key to port’s success ([link removed])
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Virginian-Pilot Editorial (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Virginia Port Authority chairman John Milliken has been telling people that John Reinhart, the VPA’s CEO, “was the right man at the right time.” Reinhart last week announced his retirement and what Milliken says is indisputable. You have to sell the ports and make sure what you’re selling holds up against best facilities in the world.
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** Wear a mask and help contain COVID-19 ([link removed])
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Richmond Times-Dispatch Editorial (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

It’s simple: Wear a mask when you’re in public. We’re in a global pandemic, fighting a highly contagious virus that knows no boundaries. Covering your face with a mask, bandana or any sort of barrier goes a long way toward blocking the transmission of COVID-19.
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** A harder look at Virginia's aging dams ([link removed])
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Richmond Times-Dispatch Editorial (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

On May 17, central Michigan residents saw heavy rain in their weather forecast. Within 48 hours, the precipitation created historic levels of panic. Just after midnight on May 19, Midland County emergency officials sent an alert warning of an “imminent dam failure.” Homes in Edenville along Sanford and Wixom lakes had to evacuate to emergency shelters at two area schools.


** OP-ED
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** Hall: Parole Board is releasing violent criminals, endangering the public ([link removed])
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By HOWARD HALL, published in Free Lance-Star (Metered Paywall - 10 articles a month)

We've recently learned of numerous disturbing decisions by the Virginia Parole Board, including parole for Vincent Martin, who murdered a Richmond police officer. The Connors family and the Richmond commonwealth’s attorney confirm that they were not allowed to provide input before the decision was made.

Howard Hall is the chief of police in Roanoke County and president of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP).
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** Snyder and Petersen: Time to get back to business, Virginia ([link removed])
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By PETE SNYDER AND CHAP PETERSEN, published in Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

We don’t often turn to Barstool Sports for guidance on important policy matters, but a rant posted last week by Barstool “El Presidente” and successful entrepreneur Dave Portnoy captured the frustration of small business owners and millions of struggling moms and dads across the country.

Pete Snyder, a Virginia technology entrepreneur, and his wife Burson launched the nonprofit Virginia 30 Day Fund. State Sen. Chap Petersen and his wife Sharon serve on the fund’s advisory board.
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** Chapman: A grave injustice ([link removed])
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By MIKE CHAPMAN, published in Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

On April 10, Virginia’s Parole Board, under the direction of Chair Adrianne Bennett, voted 4-0 to grant parole to Vincent Martin, who shot and killed Richmond Police Officer Michael Connors on a cold February evening in 1979.

Mike Chapman is the Loudoun County sheriff.
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