VaNews
July 15, 2020

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Top of the News


** Governor orders crackdown as coronavirus spikes in Hampton Roads ([link removed])
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By MARIE ALBIGES AND JESSICA NOLTE, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

With coronavirus cases in Hampton Roads increasing at concerning rates, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Tuesday the state will step up enforcement of mask and social distancing rules. Health and liquor inspectors and other officials will conduct unannounced visits to establishments “as needed” to ensure that businesses are adhering to face-covering and physical distancing rules, Northam said.
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** Arlington Public Schools switches to remote learning for fall, reversing course ([link removed])
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By HANNAH NATANSON, Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

In a surprise move, Arlington Public Schools is scrapping a plan to offer in-person and virtual learning this fall and will instead require its 28,000 students to start the school year 100 percent online. The district’s superintendent, Francisco Durán, announced the switch in an email to families Tuesday afternoon, citing a recent increase in coronavirus cases nationwide.
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** Lack of social distancing, facial masks during U.Va. midsummers celebration raise concerns ([link removed])
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By SEVY VAN DER WERF, Cavalier Daily

Following a weekend of students partying during the annual midsummers celebration at the University — many without masks and disregarding social distancing guidelines — Dean of Students Allen Groves sent an email to undergraduate students Tuesday evening condemning the social gatherings in Corner bars, rental houses and apartments and fraternity houses. He affirmed that in-person courses on Grounds will only be possible in the fall if students commit to observing social distancing and wearing masks.
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** House budget leader seeks hazard pay, sick leave for home health workers ([link removed])
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By MICHAEL MARTZ, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

House Appropriations Chairman Luke Torian, D-Prince William, is intensifying pressure on Gov. Ralph Northam to use federal emergency coronavirus aid to provide hazard pay and paid leave to health attendants who have no backup if they get sick while caring for elderly and disabled Virginians in their homes.
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** Labor groups warn of loophole in Virginia’s COVID-19 workplace safety rules ([link removed])
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By NED OLIVER, Virginia Mercury

With a vote expected Wednesday on Virginia’s first-in-the-nation workplace pandemic safety regulations, employers and labor groups are at odds over a provision that would allow businesses to disregard the new rules if they instead follow all CDC guidelines for their industry. Advocates for workers, including the AFL-CIO and Legal Aid Justice Center, called the language a loophole that will allow employers to skirt otherwise strict regulations that mandate social distancing, employee training and workplace hazard assessments.
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** Griffith tests positive for coronavirus after Freedom Caucus appearance ([link removed])
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By LAURA VOZZELLA, Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

Rep. H. Morgan Griffith, a Virginia Republican and Freedom Caucus member who days ago urged schools to reopen in the fall, announced Tuesday that he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The news was posted on Griffith’s Twitter account. “Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today was informed that he tested positive for COVID-19,” the tweet said. “Upon developing possible symptoms, he took the test over the weekend and has since been self-isolating. Although he does not currently have significant symptoms, he will continue to self-isolate as he performs his duties on behalf of Virginia’s Ninth Congressional District.”
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** In 4-3 vote, Hanover renames two schools ([link removed])
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By C. SUAREZ ROJAS, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

A pair of Hanover County schools will no longer be named for Confederate leaders, the Hanover School Board decided Tuesday in a split 4-3 vote. The decision followed years of debate that again boiled over this summer following nationwide protests over racial injustice prompted by the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd. The board did not discuss any possible replacement names.
The Full Report
49 articles, 18 publications

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** EXECUTIVE BRANCH
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** Northam adopts hard line against bare-faced partiers and the bars that serve them ([link removed])
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By LUANNE RIFE, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Wear a mask, or else. Gov. Ralph Northam on Tuesday said businesses that don’t enforce his mask mandate risk losing their licenses, and patrons demanding service without face coverings could be charged with misdemeanors. “I want to make it clear: These enforcement actions are to stop the people who are clearly flouting the rules. You are being selfish, and you are hurting everyone who is doing the right thing to help us all beat this virus,” he said.
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** Virginia to boost enforcement at businesses as COVID-19 cases rise ([link removed])
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By MEL LEONOR, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

Virginia plans to step up enforcement of its COVID-19 restrictions following a surge of new cases largely concentrated in the state’s eastern region, including Hampton Roads, a hot spot for beach tourism. Gov. Ralph Northam said Tuesday that he is directing three state agencies to step up enforcement of business guidelines and the state’s face mask order, with particular focus on areas seeing outbreaks.
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** Virginia boosts enforcement as virus cases rise near beaches ([link removed])
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By ALAN SUDERMAN, Associated Press

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam says he’s ramping up enforcement of a mask mandate and social distancing measures at restaurants and stores because he’s concerned about a rising number in cases, particularly among young people, in areas near the state’s beaches. Northam said Tuesday the state is doing well overall but he wants to avoid a spike in cases that other southern states, like Texas and Florida, are currently experiencing.
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** Hogan, Northam shorten the leash ([link removed])
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By ANTONIO OLIVO, DANA HEDGPETH, ERIN COX AND OVETTA WIGGINS, Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

The governors of Virginia and Maryland moved Tuesday to enforce mask and social distancing requirements inside bars and other businesses after an increase in coronavirus cases stirred worries that the region is facing a resurgence of the virus seen in other parts of the country. The seven-day average of new infections in the District, Maryland and Virginia increased for an eighth consecutive day Tuesday, jumping to 1,421 — about where the region stood last month before shutdown restrictions for nonessential businesses were further loosened.


** STATE ELECTIONS
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** Delegate Hala Ayala announces bid for lieutenant governor ([link removed])
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By JUSTIN MATTINGLY, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Three years after flipping a seat in the House of Delegates, Del. Hala Ayala, D-Prince William, is running for lieutenant governor. Ayala announced her candidacy for the post on Tuesday, becoming the second candidate in the race. If elected, Ayala, who is Afro Latina, would be the first woman and first woman of color to hold the position.


** FEDERAL ELECTIONS
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** DCCC sues Virginia elections board after panel allowed Freitas, Good to qualify for ballot ([link removed])
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By JUSTIN MATTINGLY, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

A national organization that seeks to elect Democrats to the U.S. House of Representatives is suing Virginia’s Board of Elections after the panel allowed congressional candidates, including five in swing districts, to qualify for the November ballot despite not filing paperwork on time. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee filed the lawsuit Tuesday in Richmond Circuit Court, a week after the state elections board’s split decision.


** STATE GOVERNMENT
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** Judge: Background checks on under-21 gun purchasers unconstitutional ([link removed])
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By AMY FRIEDENBERGER, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

A Lynchburg judge mostly upheld a new state law that went into effect at the beginning of the month expanding background checks for purchasing firearms, but ruled that restrictions on those under 21 from purchasing handguns was unconstitutional. Lynchburg Circuit Court Judge Patrick Yeatts agreed with much of the commonwealth’s arguments that the law, which expands background checks to all gun sales, did not violate the Virginia Constitution.
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** Judge: Virginia's new universal background check law is 'facially' valid but unconstitutional for adults under 21 ([link removed])
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By MARK BOWES, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

A Lynchburg judge has ruled that Virginia’s new universal background check law is “facially” valid in most respects but is unconstitutional as currently applied to adults under 21 seeking to purchase handguns. In a ruling released just after noon on Tuesday, Circuit Judge F. Patrick Yeatts upheld the law as it applies to both private and retail sales for adults over age 21.
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** Virginia inmate survives serious bout with COVID-19, credits prison with recovery ([link removed])
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By FRANK GREEN, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

In mid-May, Malik Morris, a 58-year-old inmate in one of Virginia's highest-security prisons, could barely breathe. "I done been through a lot, but I never in my life felt like I was going to die," recalled Morris. "It was like somebody was choking me." He was sent by ambulance to an ICU at the Southside Regional Medical Center, where he spent 12 days under care — and under guard.
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** Spotsylvania fails state erosion control audit ([link removed])
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By SCOTT SHENK, Free Lance-Star (Metered Paywall - 10 articles a month)

Spotsylvania County’s erosion and sediment control program fell far short of compliance in all four categories in a recent audit by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. The county earned a 55 for administration, 35 for plan reviews, 25 for inspections and a zero for enforcement. A locality must earn a 70 out of 100 in each category to be considered in compliance by DEQ.


** CONGRESS
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** Warner touts bill to push economic opportunity for low-income communities ([link removed])
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By TYLER HAMMEL, Daily Progress (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

Sen. Mark Warner outlined plans for a bill to expand economic opportunity in low-income and minority communities during a virtual meeting with the Piedmont Housing Alliance and other regional financial institutions Tuesday. The bill, which Warner said he has been working on with his Senate colleagues, is more targeted than previous bills and is part of efforts to help low-income communities and communities of color after the CARES Act expires.
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** Griffith tests positive for COVID-19 ([link removed])
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By AMY FRIEDENBERGER, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, learned Tuesday he has tested positive for COVID-19. Griffith began developing some cold-like symptoms recently, so he took a test over the weekend, Griffith said. He has been self-isolating. “I was really hoping it would be negative, because I was ready to go,” Griffith said Tuesday.


** ECONOMY/BUSINESS
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** Some Bristol business owners raise concerns about race fans ([link removed])
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By TIM DODSON, Bristol Herald Courier (Metered Paywall - 15 articles a month)

Races at Bristol Motor Speedway normally bring a welcome boost to the region’s economy, but a recent survey revealed that several local business owners criticized the decision to welcome up to 30,000 fans at tonight’s NASCAR All-Star Race, with some calling the decision “irresponsible” and “dangerous.” Tonight, BMS could see the country’s largest in-person sports crowd since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down almost all professional athletic events this spring.


** HIGHER EDUCATION
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** VCU details August return with in-person, online courses, free COVID-19 testing ([link removed])
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By HANNAH EASON, Commonwealth Times

VCU’s fall semester classes are slated to begin Aug. 17 with a mixture of in-person, hybrid and online courses, per a release from President Michael Rao on Tuesday. Students will receive updated information soon regarding courses and resources available to “navigate any changes.”


** CORONAVIRUS
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** Portsmouth, Suffolk set record highs as Virginia reports 801 new coronavirus cases ([link removed])
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By SALEEN MARTIN, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Virginia reported 801 new coronavirus cases Tuesday, bringing the state’s total to 72,443. Tuesday’s numbers were the fifth straight day of more than 800 positive tests, as Virginia’s cases have started to trend back upward, according to data from the Virginia Department of Health.
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** Five Charlottesville-area long-term care facilities dealing with new COVID outbreaks ([link removed])
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By BRYAN MCKENZIE, Daily Progress (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

Virginia health officials say five Central Virginia long-term care facilities are dealing with new COVID-19 outbreaks, but so far no deaths have been reported as a result. Those reporting outbreaks include Albemarle Health and Rehabilitation, with six cases; Heritage Hall, in Albemarle County, with an undisclosed number of cases; and Cedars Healthcare in Charlottesville, with 10 cases.
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** 'I'm really worried,' says Danville vice mayor after COVID-19 cases spike ([link removed])
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By JOHN CRANE, Danville Register & Bee

The recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the Dan River Region has local officials concerned. Vacations and community spread are blamed in a surge of COVID-19 cases in the Pittsylvania-Danville Health District. Danville Vice Mayor Gary Miller, a cardiologist, said he knew of a family who traveled to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, around June 20 and some of them tested positive for the coronavirus when they returned.
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** 9 Southwest Virginia law enforcement staff members test positive for COVID-19 ([link removed])
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By ROBERT SORRELL, Bristol Herald Courier (Metered Paywall - 15 articles a month)

While most law enforcement agencies say they’ve been blessed to have healthy employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, at least nine law enforcement staff members in the Mountain Empire have tested positive for the coronavirus — including eight employees at the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies in Smyth County and Wythe County have tested positive within the last two weeks, authorities said.
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** State officials urge Virginians to avoid transmission risks, but details on COVID-19 outbreaks remain sparse ([link removed])
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By KATE MASTERS, Virginia Mercury

Virginians took a scolding on Tuesday as Gov. Ralph Northam linked rising COVID-19 caseloads, particularly in the Hampton Roads region, with a failure to obey the state’s mask order and other social distancing guidelines. “They’re occurring when people are gathering, especially in areas around a bar,” Northam said at a press briefing where he announced plans to ramp up enforcement of the mask mandate. In Virginia, though, more specific details remain elusive, even in communities facing rising cases.


** VIRGINIA OTHER
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** Virginia Beach protesters demand creation of third-party review board for police complaints ([link removed])
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By ALISSA SKELTON, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

More than 100 people seeking police department reforms held a rally at the municipal center on Tuesday evening. Damien Stennett, the organizer, said the group wants the city to create a third-party board to review allegations of police misconduct.
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** Hampton police announce charges for Black Lives Matter 757 organizer after protest ([link removed])
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By JESSICA NOLTE, Daily Press (Metered Paywall - 1 article a month)

Hampton police announced charges Tuesday for a Black Lives Matter 757 leader after protesters marched Friday on Mercury Boulevard and blocked traffic at a major intersection. Police charged 35-year-old Aubrey “Japharii” Jones, of Newport News, with one count each of obstructing the free passage of others, improper use of a highway by a pedestrian and failing to obey the lawful order of police.
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** Williamsburg City Council votes to remove Confederate memorial ([link removed])
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By ALEXA DOIRON, Williamsburg-Yorktown Daily (Metered paywall - 3 articles per month)

The people spoke and the Williamsburg City Council listened. The council voted following an hours-long public hearing Tuesday for the removal of the Confederate memorial at Bicentennial Park — it’s been there for two decades. The vote was unanimous.
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** Statues moved to Richmond Wastewater Treatment Plant ([link removed])
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By ALI SULLIVAN, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Photos taken Monday night by a Richmond Times-Dispatch photographer show various removed Confederate statues are being stored at the Richmond Wastewater Treatment Plant on the city’s South Side, but a spokesman for the mayor’s office declined to confirm any of those details.
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** ‘Dirty Dancing’ lake in Virginia mysteriously filling back up after being dry for over a decade ([link removed])
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KTLA

In 2008, Mountain Lake, made famous by the 1987 film “Dirty Dancing,” dried up and remained that way for over a decade. But this summer, it’s starting to fill back up, astonishing both locals and visitors. Mountain Lake Lodge is a mecca for true “Dirty Dancing” fans who travel to the Pembroke, Virginia, resort to see the various landmarks featured in the film. There’s the cabin that “Baby” and her family stayed in and the gazebo where guests took dance lessons.


** LOCAL
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** Fairfax Co. teachers split 50-50 on returning to school buildings ([link removed])
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By NICK IANNELLI, WTOP

Families in Fairfax County are leaning toward choosing schools to reopen for the coming academic year while teachers in Virginia’s largest school system are more wary of the idea. According to new figures released by the county’s public school system on Monday, 59% of families want students to return to in-person education, versus 41% who want virtual learning — while teachers are more evenly split.
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** Randall Switches Push for Police Referendum to Government Structure Study ([link removed])
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Loudoun Now

Plans for Board of Supervisors to seek a voter referendum for authority to establish a Loudoun County police department have been put on hold in favor of a study on the county’s form of government instead, County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) said Tuesday night. Randall said the hundreds of emails she’s had on the topic since announcing the proposal Friday have been split more or less evenly between those opposing and supporting the idea of a police department, but the majority of all of them had one thing in common. “Almost all of them said we want to see more figures and numbers,” Randall said.
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** Manassas schools to begin year with virtual-only instruction ([link removed])
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By JARED FORETEK, Inside NOVA (Metered Paywall)

The Manassas City School Board voted Tuesday night for full distance learning to begin the 2020 fall semester, with a delay for the first day until Aug. 31. Some special education students and level one and two English-as-second-language students will be allowed to return for some in-person instruction to begin the school year, but the remainder of students will begin the school year entirely through online learning.
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** Board OKs “compromise” plan: 2 days in classrooms ([link removed])
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By LAWRENCE EMERSON, Fauquier Now

Voting unanimously Monday night for a plan that will have most students in classrooms two days a week this fall, Fauquier school board members described themselves as “distressed” and “frustrated.” Most parents — 52.4 percent, representing 3,436 students — who responded to the system’s most recent online survey wanted their children in the county’s public schools four days a week.
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** Richmond Public Schools will have fully virtual learning in the fall ([link removed])
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By KENYA HUNTER, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

After spending hours listening to parents, staff and teachers’ fears about returning to school as the number of COVID-19 cases in Virginia ticks up, the Richmond School Board decided Tuesday to have fully virtual learning in the fall. The board voted 8-1 to forgo in-person instruction for the fall semester. The lone no vote was cast by Jonathan Young of the 4th District.
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** Many in Henrico voice support for virtual learning ([link removed])
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By JESS NOCERA, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

As the sun beat down on Glen Allen High’s parking lot Tuesday afternoon over Henrico County Public Schools teachers, parents and students chanting “First nine online” — a nod to begin the school year virtually — the school system announced two draft reopening plans that would bring students back into the classroom.
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** Stoney tells police he saw nothing criminal in officer's actions ([link removed])
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By ALI ROCKETT, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

Four days after asking for a criminal investigation into a Richmond police officer who drove a marked SUV through protesters blocking an intersection on Monument Avenue, Mayor Levar Stoney said in a private meeting with police that he saw nothing criminal in the officer’s actions.
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** Hanover schools to offer families option of virtual learning or full-week classroom instruction ([link removed])
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By C. SUAREZ ROJAS, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

Hanover County Public Schools families will have the option to continue online learning or return to schools five days a week when the academic year begins in September. Under the tentative plans the Hanover School Board endorsed Tuesday, students and teachers who return to school when classes begin again on Sept. 8 will be required to wear masks.
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** Virginia Beach protesters demand creation of third-party review board for police complaints ([link removed])
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By ALISSA SKELTON, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

More than 100 people seeking police department reforms held a rally at the municipal center on Tuesday evening. Damien Stennett, the organizer, said the group wants the city to create a third-party board to review allegations of police misconduct.
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** Norfolk to spend $1 million to boost police transparency, treatment of mentally ill ([link removed])
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By JONATHAN EDWARDS, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Norfolk will spend more than $1 million to increase police transparency and create a team of mental health workers to accompany officers on emergency calls involving the mentally ill. City council members voted 7-1 to spend $200,000 to commission an analysis of five years’ worth of policing and crime data, with the help of a third-party and an unspecified “citizen panel.”
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** Maury High and other Norfolk schools named after Confederates will be renamed. But when is unclear. ([link removed])
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By SARA GREGORY, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Norfolk School Board members agreed Tuesday that the city’s three schools named for Confederates should be changed. When that could happen is another question. The board spent the afternoon hearing from local historians about how Maury High School, Ruffner Academy and Taylor Elementary got their names, as well as the connections that five other schools’ names have to either the Confederacy or slavery.
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** Newport News City Council bans open carry of weapons in city buildings; many speak against change ([link removed])
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By JOSH REYES, Daily Press (Metered Paywall - 1 article a month)

Newport News on Tuesday banned the open carry of firearms in city buildings and other city property. Mayor McKinley Price said he suggested the bill because he heard from city employees who said they’ve felt intimidated by visitors who have openly carried guns into their offices while complaining or raising an issue. Councilwoman Pat Woodbury was the only member to vote against the ban.
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** Albemarle to draft online-only reopening plan following pushback from staff ([link removed])
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By KATHERINE KNOTT, Daily Progress (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

After hundreds of division employees signed an open letter calling for a virtual return to school, Albemarle County schools Superintendent Matt Haas said he’ll present an online-only option for the School Board to consider at the end of this month. “[The letter] tells me that there is a real fear that our employees are feeling about returning to school in the fall,” Haas said Tuesday.
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** Roanoke unveils plan to send students back to the classroom 4 days per week ([link removed])
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By CLAIRE MITZEL, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Roanoke students would be back in school four full days per week under a proposed reopening plan presented Tuesday to the Roanoke School Board. The board plans to vote on the plan at a special meeting in August. The plan calls for sending students of all grades back to the classroom four days per week, with a virtual school day on Fridays. An RCPS Virtual Academy will be available for the 30% of students who indicated they prefer an all-remote option.
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** Salem adopts schools reopening plan ([link removed])
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By RALPH BERRIER JR. AND SAM WALL, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

The nearly 4,000 students in Salem’s school system will have attendance options when schools reopen Aug. 31 as the city’s school board voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the district’s hybrid plan that allows for in-class and online learning. Salem’s plan calls for pre-kindergarten through second-grade students to be in school five days a week, third through 12th graders will be in school two days a week. Additionally, students in grades 3-12 will receive three days of online learning.
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** Pittsylvania County School Board OKs hybrid reopening plan ([link removed])
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By CALEB AYERS, Danville Register & Bee

The Pittsylvania County School Board unanimously approved a reopening plan Tuesday night that involves a hybrid approach with students in class between two and four days a week. Under the approved plan, grades K-three, English learners and special education students will attend school Monday and Tuesday as well as Thursday and Friday.
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** Former Danville superintendent gets raise upon move to Stafford County, will collect double paychecks ([link removed])
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By PARKER COTTON, Danville Register & Bee

Former Danville Public Schools superintendent Stanley Jones will collect two paychecks for the rest of 2020 and half of 2021: one from the city school system and one from his new employer, Stafford County Public Schools. Jones served as superintendent of Danville Public Schools for five years before resigning from the position in June.
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** Speakers address Washington County supervisors over Confederate statue ([link removed])
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By JOE TENNIS, Bristol Herald Courier (Metered Paywall - 15 articles a month)

More than 20 speakers addressed the Washington County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, debating the future of a Confederate statue. That monument of a soldier holding a rifle, once standing at the center of Main Street, has stood for decades on the grounds outside the Washington County Courthouse.
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** Bristol approves adding casino referendum to November ballot ([link removed])
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By ROBERT SORRELL, Bristol Herald Courier (Metered Paywall - 15 articles a month)

Voters in the city of Bristol, Virginia are closer to deciding whether to allow the opening of a casino at the vacant Bristol Mall after City Council approved the referendum Tuesday. The board unanimously approved a resolution seeking a referendum, which would be held Nov. 3 during the general election.


** EDITORIALS
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** A deeper debate over the pros and cons of a cashless economy ([link removed])
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Richmond Times-Dispatch Editorial (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

As consumers shopping through a pandemic, our payment experiences have changed. Interactions with cashiers now include Plexiglas barriers and social distancing markers. Contactless transactions that require a fingerprint and smartphone are encouraged over physical money.
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** Federal anti-lynching law long overdue ([link removed])
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Virginian-Pilot Editorial (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Passing a federal anti-lynching bill may be more of a symbolic achievement than a substantive measure that balances the scales of justice. It comes about a century too late to provide the protection that Black Americans deserved under the Constitution. Still, even a symbolic measure against this abhorrent practice has meaning, especially if it comes with broad bipartisan support from federal lawmakers. That should make it a Congressional priority when members return to Washington next week.
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** Lessons from the Washington NFL name change ([link removed])
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Roanoke Times Editorial (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Facebook Twitter Email Print Save Did a left-wing mob pushing “political correctness” just force Washington’s National Football League team into changing the name it had used since 1933? Let’s play sportscaster and take a look at the instant replay to break down what happened. There’s the Washington football franchise — let picture the team as the quarterback, standing its ground in the pocket. And coming in to sack the “Redskins” name are . . .


** OP-ED
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** Copty: In defense of VMI ([link removed])
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By JAKE COPTY, published in Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Over the past month there has been a discussion taking place about the Virginia Military Institute and its connection to the Confederacy. The opinion most amplified across various publications is that VMI must grapple with, then remove its connection to it. I am hopeful that this point of view also finds its way into the discussion.

Copty is a life long Roanoker. He graduated from North Cross School in 1998 and VMI in 2002.
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** Gallagher: Art project elevates expression of area youth ([link removed])
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By PATRICK GALLAGHER, published in Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Can art really make a difference in our lives? Can a police department inspire the youth of its community to create something positive while building trust through collaboration? It is my belief that the answer to both are the exact same. I’ll share my answer at the end. During the early planning phases of constructing the newest Virginia Beach Police precinct, located in the Kempsville district, the design team focused on the functionality of the building and its surrounding area — requiring the structure to support community engagement and accessibility options.

Deputy Chief Patrick Gallagher is a 30-year veteran of the VBPD and is currently the commander for the Investigative Division.
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** Rollins: Repeal of laws revoking driver’s licenses for nondriving convictions is real progress ([link removed])
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By O. RANDOLPH ROLLINS, published in Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

In the early 1990s, Virginia and the nation were in the middle of a crime wave involving illegal drugs and guns. This made for a deadly mix. Many remember President George H.W. Bush’s war on drugs as the federal remedy. As a condition for receiving federal highway funds, states were required to adopt legislation that revoked a person’s driver’s license for six months if convicted of a drug violation.

O. Randolph Rollins is a Richmond lawyer, former Virginia secretary of public safety under Gov. L. Douglas Wilder and founder of Drive-To-Work, which assists low income and previously incarcerated individuals.


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