VaNews
January 11, 2021

Today's Sponsor:


** Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast
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The Virtual 55th Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast ([link removed]) is Wednesday, January 13th at 8:00 a.m., the day the General Assembly convenes. Senate Chaplain Barry Black is our speaker.
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Top of the News


** Big ideas face the hard reality of coronavirus as Virginia General Assembly prepares to convene ([link removed])
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By GREGORY S. SCHNEIDER AND LAURA VOZZELLA, Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

All the pomp and ritual that usually accompanies the start of a Virginia General Assembly session will be compressed into one mundane action this week for Del. Lamont Bagby (D-Henrico) and his colleagues. “I’ll just open up my laptop,” Bagby said. Virginia’s General Assembly kicks off its 2021 session on Wednesday with 402 years of tradition flying out the window yet again because of the coronavirus pandemic.
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** Ongoing problems that hurt Virginia's vaccine rollout cloud its promises to widen eligibility and go faster ([link removed])
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By MEL LEONOR AND SABRINA MORENO, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 7 articles a month)

In the last few weeks of a harrowing year, Virginia’s vaccination campaign was met with a gaping mismatch of supply and demand, fluctuating federal estimates and inconsistent messaging that left it trailing behind the majority of states. For now, its troubled rollout doesn’t reflect the optimistic mass mobilization imagined by state officials. Yet, as Virginia continues to grapple with the missteps that impeded its efforts in the first place, state officials are promising residents the next phase of vaccinations will begin by the end of January and pressuring Virginia health systems to speed up vaccinations to match the ambition.
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** Young students failing to hit literacy benchmarks in Virginia Beach has doubled since the pandemic began ([link removed])
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By PETER COUTU, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

In Virginia Beach public schools, the number of young students failing to hit key literacy benchmarks has nearly doubled since the most recent data before the pandemic began, The Virginian-Pilot has learned. The declines in literacy assessments are a sign that virtual classes and reduced instructional time have hindered the learning of many of the city’s youngest students — particularly impacting low-income students, as well as students of color.
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** In-person SOL tests are still happening. But most can opt out. ([link removed])
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By MATT JONES, Daily Press (Metered Paywall - 1 article a month)

Many schools across the state are still not holding in-person classes as the first semester of the 2020-21 school year draws to a close. But some students will be going to school anyway. In schools that are virtual, districts have made plans to bring small groups of students back for Standards of Learning tests. The tests can’t be taken from home because school officials must supervise testing to ensure “secure, standardized testing conditions,” state Superintendent James Lane has said.
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** Regulators want to extend Virginia’s expiring pandemic workplace safety rules ([link removed])
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By NED OLIVER, Virginia Mercury

Virginia was the first state in the country to mandate emergency workplace precautions against COVID-19 this summer. Now, with the temporary rules set to expire, state officials are weighing whether to make them permanent. The state’s Safety and Health Codes Board is scheduled to take up the issue during a meeting Tuesday, though officials are preparing for multiple days of discussions before making a final decision on the far-reaching standards, which govern social distancing, masks and an array of other pandemic-safety measures.
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** Rocky Mount police officer placed on leave for being at Capitol riot says he and fellow officer did nothing illegal ([link removed])
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By LUANNE RIFE, MIKE ALLEN, KAREN DILLON, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 5 articles a month)

A photograph circulating on social media of two off-duty Rocky Mount police officers inside the U.S. Capitol during Wednesday’s riot sparked a Black Lives Matter protest Sunday outside the department’s building on North Main Street. In the image, Rocky Mount Police Sgt. T.J. Robertson and Officer Jacob Fracker stand before a statue of John Stark, a Revolutionary War officer from New Hampshire. Robertson appears to be pointing at Fracker, while Fracker, who took the selfie, is making an obscene gesture at the camera.
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** One Trump Fan’s Descent Into the U.S. Capitol Mob ([link removed])
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By MICHAEL M. PHILLIPS AND JENNIFER LEVITZ, Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required)

On Doug Sweet’s first trip to the U.S. Capitol, as a 13-year-old in 1975, he tilted his head back, gazed up at the glistening white dome and thought it was the most awesome thing he had ever seen. On his second trip to the Capitol, he joined a mob of Trump supporters who smashed their way into the seat of the U.S. Congress, and finished his visit handcuffed facedown on the floor. The 45-year journey between those two visits was marked by bright idealism and belief in dark conspiracies, by a solitary existence and a newfound fraternity with those convinced there is no way Joe Biden beat Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election.
The Full Report
55 articles, 25 publications
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** FROM VPAP
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** VPAP Visual Winners, Losers in Redistricting ([link removed])
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The Virginia Public Access Project

These interactive maps and accompanying charts estimate how far each legislative district is from the "ideal" population. When congressional and state legislative boundaries are redrawn this year, regions below the ideal population will lose representation (and political power), while those above stand to gain.
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** From VPAP Maps, Timeline of COVID-19 in Virginia ([link removed])
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The Virginia Public Access Project

Our COVID-19 dashboard makes it easy to track the latest available data for tests performed, infections, deaths and hospital capacity. We've added a link the VDH vaccination data. There's also a filter for each city and county, plus an exclusive per-capita ZIP Code map. Updated each morning around 10:30 a.m.


** GENERAL ASSEMBLY
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** Short session, long to-do list: Virginia General Assembly kicks off Wednesday ([link removed])
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By AMY FRIEDENBERGER, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 5 articles a month)

The Virginia General Assembly will kick off its 2021 regular session Wednesday, and the coronavirus pandemic will once again shape not only the policymaking, but the basic operations. Legislators will consider a broad set of issues, with an emphasis on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that has upended the economy and killed more than 5,300 Virginians. Democrats, who control the House of Delegates and Senate, also have priorities of their own, like marijuana legalization, criminal justice reform and expanding voting rights, which they would like to pass before Virginia heads into an election season with the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and all 100 House seats on the ballot.
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** Virginia lawmakers will start the 2021 session this week — mostly virtually, as pandemic continues ([link removed])
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By ANA LEY, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Faced with a persistent pandemic and continued calls for police reform, Virginia lawmakers will convene Wednesday — mostly virtually, but with some in Richmond — to begin considering proposed legislation. This will be the second consecutive year the General Assembly is under the control of Democrats, who, as recently as three months ago, already passed sweeping measures to overhaul the state’s criminal justice system.
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** COVID relief, marijuana legalization key in 2021 session ([link removed])
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By ALAN SUDERMAN AND SARAH RANKIN, Associated Press

Virginia lawmakers are set to start this year’s legislative session focused on COVID-19 relief efforts and legalizing marijuana. The 2021 session will kick off Wednesday, with lawmakers meeting away from the Capitol as the state continues to wrestle with the impacts of a global pandemic that’s shut down schools, closed businesses and left more than 5,000 Virginians dead in last 10 months, including a state senator. The House of Delegates plans to meet remotely, while the Senate will meet at a large conference center near the Capitol.
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** Fairfax County residents call for raises, sick days for essential workers ([link removed])
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By ANDREA CAMBRON, WTOP

During a public hearing Sunday, Fairfax County, Virginia, residents said they want the next legislative session to focus on taking care of essential workers. In the hearing ahead of the upcoming Virginia General Assembly session, David Broder, president of the Service Employees International Union in Fairfax County, said, “The pandemic has shown a spotlight on the inequities in our economy.”
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** Loudoun delegation unites behind new Greenway bill in upcoming session ([link removed])
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By NATHANIEL CLINE, Loudoun Times (Metered Paywall - 5 articles a month)

Armed with a new bill, Virginia state lawmakers and local leaders are proposing new measures to strengthen the powers and duties of the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) and to address concerns about rising toll rates on the 14-mile Dulles Greenway. The first step is introducing legislation in the General Assembly that would amend how the Greenway is regulated.
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** Western Virginia lawmakers file range of bills ([link removed])
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By AMY FRIEDENBERGER, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 5 articles a month)

Lawmakers have been filing bills before the General Assembly convenes Wednesday. Delegates will be allowed to file seven bills apiece, while senators can file up to 12. Lawmakers have 10 days once session starts to file their bills. Here is a look at some of the bills Western Virginia lawmakers have filed so far.
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** Student Council calls on Va. General Assembly to address key issues ([link removed])
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By LUKE STONE, Cavalier Daily

As members of Virginia’s General Assembly prepare to begin the new legislative session Jan. 13, Student Council’s Legislative Affairs Committee plans to pursue its own state-level agenda on behalf of University students. This year, the committee hopes to eliminate discrimination from religious student organizations, end the use of unpaid prison labor and expand voting access. Last month, Student Council passed legislation denouncing discrimination against LGBTQIA+ students in response to an open letter written by third-year College student Alex Briegel, who was asked to step down from a leadership position in Chi Alpha — a Christian fellowship on Grounds — for disclosing that he had a boyfriend.
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** Del. LaRock’s attorney: Charges are ‘baseless’ ([link removed])
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By NATHANIEL CLINE, Loudoun Times (Metered Paywall - 5 articles a month)

State Del. Dave LaRock (R-33rd) is scheduled to appear in Loudoun County General District Court Jan. 13 on four misdemeanor charges, including trespassing and destroying a posted sign. The hearing will occur two days after the state General Assembly session is scheduled to begin Monday. Caleb Kershner, LaRock’s attorney and a Loudoun County supervisor, said the charges are “baseless” and the allegations include a fence that he owns.


** STATE ELECTIONS
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** Va. GOP chair, former delegate alleges without evidence that antifa was involved in attack on U.S. Capitol ([link removed])
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By DANIEL BERTI, Prince William Times

While publicly condemning the violence at the U.S. Capitol, Virginia Republican Party Chair Rich Anderson claimed on social media Thursday there is anecdotal evidence that “antifa” helped storm the Capitol building, despite law-enforcement’s assertions there is no evidence they played a role in the attack. U.S. Department of Justice officials told reporters on Friday that there is no indication that anti-fascist activists were involved in the Capitol attack that left five dead, including a Capitol police officer.


** STATE GOVERNMENT
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** Nine inmates believed responsible for attack at Sussex I State Prison ([link removed])
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By BILL ATKINSON, Progress Index (Metered paywall - 10 articles a month)

A prison guard and a dog were stabbed Saturday night when inmates at the Sussex I State Prison attacked them during a five-hour melee at the facility, the state Department of Corrections said. The unidentified guard was stabbed six times in the hand, arm and side of his body in the uprising, which started around 6 p.m., DOC spokeswoman Lisa Kinney said in a statement. He was treated at a local hospital and released, Kinney said.


** ECONOMY/BUSINESS
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** Virginia fund reaches small, minority-owned businesses struggling during pandemic ([link removed])
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By AMY FRIEDENBERGER, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 5 articles a month)

When the coronavirus pandemic reached Virginia, Mishel’la White had to shut down her business in Roanoke. White runs a dance studio, Mish Moves Dance Co., and she’s among those who have had to completely alter their business model as a result of social distancing and public health guidelines during the pandemic. In March, she had to shut down the studio for a few months. She lost half of her students as dance lessons transitioned to online classes, and parents had to tighten their own belts and couldn’t pay the monthly payment.
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** Rosie’s Gaming Emporium opens in Dumfries despite the pandemic ([link removed])
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By JILL PALERMO, Prince William Times

Friends Yvonne Kay and Belvine Bonner said it was mostly curiosity that drew them to Rosie’s Gaming Emporium Friday morning, the opening day for the new gambling hotspot in Dumfries’ Triangle Shopping Plaza. The two were trying their luck at a few of the 94 “historical horse race betting machines” in the newly remodeled 18,000-foot storefront space. With its black ceilings, black-and-red carpeting and brick walls lined with slot-like betting machines, Rosie’s Gaming Emporium looks a lot like a small casino.
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** Largest solar farm in Southwest Virginia on agenda in Pulaski County ([link removed])
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By SAM WALL, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 5 articles a month)

Pulaski County’s government year will begin with consideration of what would be the largest solar farm in Southwest Virginia — and one of the largest in the state. Hecate Energy and its Virginia affiliate, AgriSunPower, have applied for a special use permit that would allow property owners in the county to lease their land to the Chicago-based company to build a solar farm capable of producing up to 300 megawatts of energy at its peak, enough to power approximately 57,000 homes, according to company spokesman Jay Poole. The project would encompass more than 2,000 acres near the New River Valley Airport and NRV Commerce Park.
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** Upgrades ongoing after nuclear firms BWXT, Framatome swap facilities, resources ([link removed])
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By RACHAEL SMITH, News & Advance (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

After BWX Technologies divested its U.S.-based commercial nuclear services business to Framatome last year, both companies are continuing to invest in their Lynchburg-area facilities. Framatome — which designs and services components, fuel and systems for nuclear power plants, and formerly was known as Areva — and BWXT own adjacent properties on Mt. Athos Road off U.S. 460 in Campbell County.
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** Gov. Northam's suggestion of year-round school concerns tourism industry ([link removed])
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By BRETT HALL, WFXR-TV

While Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is “entertaining” the idea of having year-round classes in schools, to help students make up all the learning time lost due to COVID-19, those who make a living on summer tourism want to make sure there’s room to make up money lost because of the same reason. Northam (D-Va.) made the announcement in his press conference Wednesday when highlighting the importance of teachers receiving the COVID-19 vaccination.


** TRANSPORTATION
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** Metro expects to receive $610 million in federal stimulus, avoiding cuts to service ([link removed])
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By JUSTIN GEORGE, Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

The most recent federal stimulus could keep Metro operating at current levels for a year, eliminating the need for drastic service cuts the transit agency had floated because of declining revenue during the pandemic. Metro expects to receive about $610 million from the $900 billion federal stimulus Congress passed last month, the transit agency said Friday in a statement to The Washington Post


** HIGHER EDUCATION
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** Colleges in Virginia should do more COVID-19 testing to stop transmission, experts say ([link removed])
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By HENRI GENDREAU, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 5 articles a month)

Colleges in Virginia should consider ramping up their COVID-19 testing from the fall semester, some public health experts say, if campuses even reopen at all in the coming months. Across Virginia’s 10 largest universities, more than 7,100 students and about 850 employees tested positive for COVID-19 this fall, according to an analysis by The Roanoke Times of school data. On average, four in every 100 undergraduate students became infected, and at least one in every 100 employees, though many more tests were not logged by the colleges themselves.
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** Dozens of Virginia Tech athletes got COVID-19. Tech still won't say how many. ([link removed])
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By HENRI GENDREAU, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 5 articles a month)

Though dozens of Virginia Tech football players contracted COVID-19 last fall, the public may never know the full extent of the virus’ reach into Tech athletics. Since August, the university has repeatedly refused to divulge information about the number of COVID-19 cases among athletes and athletic staff, citing a mix of federal and state privacy laws. More recently, Tech declined to release data in response to inquiries from The Roanoke Times after a story last month in The New York Times revealed Tech was one of 19 schools out of 130 colleges in the NCAA that did not provide COVID-19 data to the newspaper for what it called “the most comprehensive public measure of the virus in college sports.”


** CORONAVIRUS
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** Coronavirus cases mount in Virginia, as the state begins next phase of vaccinations ([link removed])
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By JENNA PORTNOY, Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

The day after Northern Virginia health districts announced they will move to the next phase of their coronavirus vaccination plans, the state on Saturday reported record numbers of new cases and hospitalizations, underscoring the continued severity of the pandemic. Saturday’s new virus case totals — 5,789 in Virginia, combined with 3,758 in Maryland and 350 in the District — fueled a daily regional caseload of 9,906 and a seven-day average of 8,157, both new highs, data show.
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** 11 health districts will begin vaccinating teachers and other workers Monday ([link removed])
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By KATE ANDREWS, Va Business Magazine

On Monday, 11 Virginia health districts will begin COVID-19 vaccinations of “frontline essential workers,” including police, teachers and grocery store workers, the Virginia Department of Health announced Friday afternoon. Some regions will continue vaccinations of priority group 1a, which includes frontline health care providers and employees and residents of long-term care facilities. But the following health districts will move into the second phase of inoculations, for essential workers and others in priority group 1b, the week of Jan. 11:
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** Virginia pushes back estimate for vaccinating all residents for COVID-19 ([link removed])
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By KATE MASTERS, Virginia Mercury

Every Virginian vaccinated by early to mid-summer? Many experts say it’s no longer likely. Gov. Ralph Northam has also readjusted earlier — and more optimistic — estimates from late November, when he spoke to NPR about the state’s COVID-19 vaccination plans. “Phase three will be the general population and hopefully by, you know, early to midsummer have everybody in Virginia vaccinated,” he said at the time. But after a slower-than-expected rollout — both in Virginia and across the country — the administration has slightly revised its targets.
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** Community clinics essential to vaccinating Black, Latino populations ([link removed])
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By SABRINA MORENO, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 7 articles a month)

The time, 12:37 p.m., was scribbled onto a white sticky note that clung to Bri Avendano’s plaid lapel, indicating the end of a required 15-minute wait to gauge any reaction following the first shot against COVID-19. For months, Avendano had been one of roughly 562 health care workers in Richmond-area community clinics that stabilized a vital medical safety net for Black and Latino populations. Uninsured people. Those experiencing homelessness.
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** Vaccination of essential workers to begin Monday in Roanoke and New River valleys ([link removed])
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By LUANNE RIFE, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 5 articles a month)

Starting Monday, thousands of essential workers living in the Roanoke and New River Valleys will be eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines, but health officials say it will still take many weeks to reach them all. Dr. Cynthia Morrow, director of the Roanoke and Alleghany Health Districts, is concerned that demand and expectations are greater than supplies and logistics.
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** Health experts urge Virginians to keep up prevention measures ([link removed])
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By ELISHA SAUERS, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Just over 11,000 Virginians have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus a month after the state received its initial shipments. In Virginia, where about 8.5 million people live, that number doesn’t come close to hitting 1% of the population. About 167,000 of the roughly 482,000 vaccines Virginia has received have been given thus far, almost all to front-line health care workers, emergency medical technicians and nursing home residents and staff. The vast bulk of those injections were first doses in the two-part series. People who get immunized for COVID-19 require two shots three or four weeks apart, depending on whether they received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.
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** Fredericksburg-area health officials ramp up COVID-19 vaccine efforts ([link removed])
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By CATHY DYSON, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Mary Henderson sees the COVID-19 vaccine as “our ticket out of this terrifying mess.” The Stafford County woman and her husband, Ron, are both over age 75 and filled with anxiety as virus cases, hospitalizations and death tolls continue to rise. Reports about more contagious strains just make it worse, and the Hendersons—like others across the area, state and nation—wonder when it will be their turn to get vaccinated.
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** Local health district will begin vaccinating essential workers and residents over 75 beginning Jan. 18 ([link removed])
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By ROBIN EARL, Fauquier Times

Plans are in the works to expand COVID-19 vaccination efforts for Phase 1a participants -- at risk health care workers and first responders -- before expanding to Phase 1b (which includes essential workers and all residents older than 75) on Jan. 18. Nearly 1,000 frontline healthcare workers and first responders have been vaccinated at a central location in the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District, according to Dr. Wade Kartchner, health director of the RRHD.
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** Free COVID-19 vaccinations for Tier 1B starts at regional sites on Wednesday ([link removed])
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Page Valley News

Valley Health and the Lord Fairfax Health District have announced they will begin offering free COVID-19 vaccinations to some individuals in the Virginia Department of Health’s Tier 1b population — specifically those 75 and over, police, and K-12 teachers and staff — at several locations in the region beginning as early as Wednesday, January 13. Starting next week, Valley Health will be opening four vaccination PODs (Points of Distribution) in the Lord Fairfax Health District — Winchester, Woodstock, Front Royal and Luray.
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** Virginia Department of Health: Elderly soon to be able to get COVID-19 vaccine in Virginia ([link removed])
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By ROBERT SORRELL, Bristol Herald Courier (Metered Paywall - 15 articles a month)

Virginia health districts are moving into Phase 1b in the vaccination process and will be assisting front-line workers and elderly residents. The Mount Rogers Health District, which includes Bristol and Washington County, has been vaccinating Phase 1a health care professionals since the end of December. It’s now been given permission to move into vaccinating Phase 1b priority populations. Phase 1a workers can still be vaccinated as the district moves into Phase 1B.


** VIRGINIA OTHER
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** Prosecutors seek to revoke bail of Va. man who appeared at Capitol siege ([link removed])
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By TOM JACKMAN, Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

A Virginia man, free on bail after appearing outside a Philadelphia election center with a concealed handgun, was outside the Capitol during the siege by Trump supporters Wednesday and posted video of himself, leading Philadelphia prosecutors to request his bail be revoked. Joshua Macias, 42, of Virginia Beach, is a co-founder of Vets for Trump and served six years in the Navy.


** LOCAL
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** All Fairfax County school employees eligible for COVID-19 vaccine as soon as Jan. 16 ([link removed])
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Inside NOVA (Metered Paywall)

Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand announced Sunday that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available to all school employees as a part of the 1b group of other essential workers. The vaccine will be administered through Inova Health in partnership with the Fairfax County Health Department, he said in a note to families and staff.
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** Tax Hike Likely as Loudoun Supervisors Launch Budget Work ([link removed])
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By RENSS GREENE, Loudoun Now

The Board of Supervisors has given County Administrator Tim Hemstreet his instructions for proposing the next annual county budget, which will likely see homeowners paying more on their real estate tax bills. Loudouners are seeing two things pushing their tax bills up: a gulf between residential and commercial real estate appreciation, and a continually growing cost of government as the county itself continues to grow.
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** School Board Seeks Higher Vaccination Priority for Teachers ([link removed])
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Loudoun Now

The Loudoun County School Board on Thursday adopted a resolution calling for on state leaders to move teachers to the head of the line when the next round of COVID-19 vaccines roll out. Currently, public health officials are limiting vaccinations to frontline healthcare workers and nursing home residents. Gov. Ralph Northam this weekannounced that K-12 teachers would be includedin the next round, dubbed group 1B. However, there are 1.2 million Virginians in that group, including 285,000 teachers.
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** Newport News City Council returning to online meetings ([link removed])
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By JESSICA NOLTE, Daily Press (Metered Paywall - 1 article a month)

Newport News City Council will cancel its work session Tuesday and return to electronic meetings because of increasing coronavirus cases in the region and the current restrictions limiting gatherings to 10 people. Citizens can watch the meeting on the city’s TV channel (Cox 48, Verizon 19), on the city’s website and through Facebook Live. The council will accept comments for the scheduled public hearings via email, voicemail, website and mail.
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** Bolstered by $156K grant, broadband expansion efforts bearing fruit in Campbell County ([link removed])
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By SARAH HONOSKY, News & Advance (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Wireless internet access should hit some Campbell County homes in the next several weeks as 11 new wireless sites begin to come online, part of a rapid effort to buoy broadband access and accommodate distance learning and remote work. Campbell supervisors began their partnership with Salem-based internet provider B2X online in August, and the $1.4 million project has the potential to reach more than 2,000 homes in underserved and unserved areas of the county such as Evington, Red House, Brookneal and Gladys.
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** Region 2000 discusses pending litigation over landfill money ([link removed])
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By SARAH HONOSKY, News & Advance (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

A dispute over $2.5 million in undistributed Region 2000 Services Authority funds will be handled in court after authority members gave Region 2000 staff the greenlight to hire an attorney in response to the pending excess revenue litigation.
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** Augusta County backs off in courthouse fight ([link removed])
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By BRAD ZINN, News Leader (Metered Paywall - 3 to 4 articles a month)

Augusta County has withdrawn its appeal, stalling a county courthouse project that some argued would severely alter the character of downtown Staunton. On Friday, the Historic Staunton Foundation announced Augusta County has withdrawn an appeal concerning its certificate of appropriateness applications for all nine buildings surrounding the Augusta County Circuit Courthouse in the Beverley Historic District.
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** Despite record highs in COVID-19 activity, Danville, Pittsylvania County public schools sticking with in-person learning ([link removed])
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By PARKER COTTON, Danville Register & Bee

Cases of COVID-19 have reached new highs in Danville and Pittsylvania County since the start of the year, but public schools in the region have no immediate plans to revert to an online-only learning environment. Three of Danville’s four highest days of reported positive tests were recorded in the first week of 2021: 80 cases on New Year’s Day, 94 cases Wednesday and 54 cases Friday. Pittsylvania County’s four worst days have come in the same timeframe:

Today's Sponsor:


** Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast
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The Virtual 55th Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast ([link removed]) is Wednesday, January 13th at 8:00 a.m., the day the General Assembly convenes. Senate Chaplain Barry Black is our speaker.


** EDITORIALS
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** Botetourt County faces an unusual debate over its Confederate monumen ([link removed])
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Roanoke Times Editorial (Metered Paywall - 5 articles a month)

Sometime this month, Botetourt County supervisors will be formally presented with a proposal to move the Confederate monument in front of the courthouse. After awhile, all these debates over Confederate statues start to sound the same: Are we honoring the Confederate dead or the Confederate cause? This one, though, could be quite different — and quite instructive — because of three little words. That’s because this isn’t just a Civil War monument, it’s also a Reconstruction monument.
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** Virginia must step up vaccinations ([link removed])
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Daily Progress Editorial (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

Virginia suffered a black eye when it was reported early last week that the state had parceled out only 20% of the COVID vaccine dosages in its possession. And this in a state governed by a physician. Meanwhile, the COVID positivity rate — the percentage of people testing positive for the virus — had climbed to nearly 17% by midweek.
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** How Elon Musk got paired up with Wise County ([link removed])
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Roanoke Times Editorial (Metered Paywall - 5 articles a month)

Elon Musk is a celebrity billionaire who stays busy making high-priced electric cars, dating a pop star and figuring out ways to send humans to Mars. Sometime next month, he’ll also be responsible for at least 45 students and their families in Wise County to have something that’s now beyond their reach — internet access.
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** Kudos and good luck to redistricting panel ([link removed])
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Free Lance-Star Editorial (Metered Paywall - 10 articles a month)

Congratulations to Jose Feliciano Jr. of Fredericksburg, one of eight citizens chosen unanimously by a panel of retired judges to serve on the new Virginia Redistricting Commission. The commission was approved by voters last November to draw new legislative and congressional district maps based on the 2020 census. Feliciano, a military veteran and an agent at the Federal Communication Commission’s public safety bureau, was nominated by House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert, R–Shenandoah, out of a group of 1,200 applicants who volunteered for redistricting duty.
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** The value of steady leadership has never been clearer ([link removed])
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Virginian-Pilot Editorial (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

At the same time as a mob of violent insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., at the encouragement of President Donald Trump, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam was speaking to the commonwealth about vaccine distribution. It was a jarring juxtaposition, with Northam’s dulcet explanation about how his administration planned to ramp up vaccinations coming as the president released a video repeating his false and reckless claims about the 2020 election.
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** After a shameful week in Washington, Virginia lawmakers have to set the standard for good governance ([link removed])
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Richmond Times-Dispatch Editorial (Metered Paywall - 7 articles a month)

When the Virginia General Assembly set its calendar for the 2021 regular session, lawmakers across the commonwealth knew they would be governing in a time of crisis. Due to COVID-19, the state Capitol and the Pocahontas Building are “temporarily closed for public safety” and rightfully so. Ten months into the pandemic, we mourn the loss of more than 5,300 Virginia lives and 365,000 American lives. “These decisions are being made with the goals of limiting the congregations of people in public places and protecting our employees,” the General Assembly’s website explains.
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** No excuses for mob violence ([link removed])
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Free Lance-Star Editorial (Metered Paywall - 10 articles a month)

Wednesday’s violent rampage at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump—while members of Congress were there counting the nation’s electoral votes—was not only a disgrace, it was also a serious crime. All those who broke into the building where the nation’s laws are made should be arrested and punished to the full extent of those laws.


** COLUMNISTS
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** Schapiro: Trapped in a Trumpian web of their own making ([link removed])
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By JEFF E. SCHAPIRO, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

This past Wednesday, nearly 45 Republican legislative aides connected via Zoom to discuss the General Assembly session that opens this Wednesday. Because of the pandemic, the staffers met as most lawmakers will — remotely. The aides talked about the bills their delegates and senators were proposing, the uncertain calendar for the session because of a partisan hissing match over its length and the two topics that have preoccupied the political class: legislative and congressional redistricting and the statewide and House elections.


** OP-ED
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** Dunnavant, Morrissey and Petersen: It's time to open Virginia's schools ([link removed])
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By DUNNAVANT, JOE MORRISSEY AND CHAP PETERSEN, published in Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 7 articles a month)

Ongoing school closures across the state are having a dramatic impact on Virginia’s students and families. Most directly, our students are falling behind in school. Indirectly, we are seeing mental health, social-emotional and abuse issues increase. The Richmond Times-Dispatch recently reported steep drops in academic performance among children in high-poverty districts such as Richmond Public Schools, disproportionately affecting Latino and Black children. Fairfax County Public Schools — the largest school district in the commonwealth — published an analysis showing an 83% increase in middle school and high school students earning Fs in at least two classes.

Dunnavant, R-Henrico, represents the 12th District in the Virginia Senate. Morrissey, D-Richmond, represents the 16th District in the Virginia Senate. Petersen, D-Fairfax City, represents the 34th District in the Virginia Senate.
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** Coyner: Covid-19 shows that student testing must evolve ([link removed])
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By CARRIE COYNER, published in Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall - 7 articles a month)

As a parent, a former Chesterfield County School Board member and now a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, I deeply am saddened by COVID-19’s negative impact on the education and futures of so many of our students. The pandemic has confirmed what many Virginia parents, students and teachers already knew — educational opportunities for children in Virginia profoundly are inequitable.

Coyner, R-Chesterfield, represents the 62nd District in the House of Delegates.
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** Clark: Griffith's conduct is disappointing ([link removed])
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By MARTIN CLARK, published in Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 5 articles a month)

A letter to Morgan Griffith, my congressman: Dear Morgan: I am a Barry Goldwater/Bill Buckley conservative. Deana and I have voted for you many times, and she’s sent you modest contributions in the past. I was not enthusiastic about either candidate in the recent election. I described it as a choice between Caligula and Mr. Magoo. That said, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris won, and this was a free and fair election. As a conservative and a judge, I trust the states and my brothers and sisters on the bench to resolve election disputes, not you.

Clark is a retired circuit court judge in Patrick County
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** Stackpole: Roanokers and the polio vaccine ([link removed])
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By DERICK STACKPOLE, published in Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 5 articles a month)

Roanoke residents in the 1950s faced the same questions we do today regarding the risks and benefits of a vaccine. Despite concerns they opted to vaccinate. Here is why. An insidious virus, polio wrought dread yearly as warmer weather approached. Although it killed fewer victims than other childhood diseases, the only public fear greater in the mid-twentieth century was the atomic bomb. Unlike the bomb, however, one could not dig deep enough to escape the almost miasma-like spread of the disease.

Stackpole is a Physician Assistant at Carilion Clinic Velocity Care.
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** Morse: Violence at U.S. Capitol must never be repeated ([link removed])
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By GORDON C. MORSE, published in Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Virginia to the rescue. It was heartening to see Virginia State Police officers on TV, with their easily recognizable shoulder patches, making their way through the labyrinthian corridors of the U.S. Capitol complex during Wednesday night’s fiasco.

After writing editorials for the Daily Press and The Virginian-Pilot in the 1980s, Gordon C. Morse wrote speeches for Gov. Gerald L. Baliles.
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** Luria: Bipartisan effort needed to heal the nation’s wounds ([link removed])
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By ELAINE LURIA, published in Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

On Wednesday, the U.S. Capitol was attacked and overrun by an unruly mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters. While many failures contributed to this incident — the biggest has stared us in the face for four years — the appeasement by Republicans of Donald Trump. While I did not vote for Trump and did not want him to win, I did want him to be successful for the sake of our nation and I prayed that he would rise to the responsibility of the office.

Luria represents Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District.
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** Lovelace: McAuliffe betrayed Virginia communities and the environment ([link removed])
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By STACY LOVELACE, published in Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

For more than two years, I spent every Wednesday, rain or shine, protesting outside the Virginia governor’s office for justice from Gov. Ralph Northam (D) around the Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast pipelines. And while our group was protesting Northam’s support for these pipelines, it is the example set by his predecessor, Terry McAuliffe, who actively supported these community- and climate-devastating projects, that showed us we had to take further action.

Lovelace is co-founder of Virginia Pipeline Resisters, an advocacy group started in central Virginia in opposition to the Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast pipelines.
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** Rozell: Northam — and the Democrats — face an election-year challenge in the vaccine distribution ([link removed])
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By MARK J. ROZELL, published in Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

Forecasting the next election from factors that dominated the one just completed has always been a fool’s errand. Not only will those factors — and the public’s perceptions of them — change over time, but they are also likely to be an afterthought before Virginia elects its next governor in November. The coming campaign will focus not only on events now in play and those we can anticipate but also those that crash-land out of the blue in the coming months. Recent years have given us examples.

Rozell is the dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University


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