We remember. And we are grateful.

Have a safe – and meaningful – Memorial Day.

COVID-19

KEY MEASURES: Virginia Department of Health

Dashboard updated 5/28/2021. Case counts reflect what has been reported to VDH by healthcare providers and laboratories.

Visit the VDH Dashboard

Dr. Shelton: Access issues play role in vaccination rate

“A lack of access to COVID-19 vaccines and accurate information is hindering residents of rural areas, but local health departments are taking steps to address that…“

Vaccines not required to attend VCCS schools this fall

“Students, faculty and staff at Virginia’s community colleges will not be required to be vaccinated to be on campus this fall, the state system announced Tuesday…”

Government & Policy

Gov. Northam announces Virginia’s recidivism rate remains among lowest in the country

RICHMOND, Va. (WFXR) – Gov.Ralph Northam has announced that Virginia continues to have one of the lowest recidivism rates in the country at 23.9 percent.

Recidivism refers to an individual committing a new offense within a specified follow-up period that results in a new sentence.

This is the fifth consecutive year that Virginia has had either the lowest or the second-lowest recidivism rate in the nation.

Statewide Races

Democratic Primary: How Many Virginians Have Taken Advantage of Early Voting?

The Democratic primary is two weeks away, although voters can vote early right now if they want.

So far, about 100,000 voters have already cast their ballots for the Democratic primary according to the Virginia Public Access Project. Assuming the turnout for this election is roughly similar to the Democratic primary four years ago, that would be about 20% of voters who have already voted.

Stephen Farnsworth at the University of Mary Washington says that might indicate a lack of enthusiasm.

View coverage from WVTF »

Elections 2021

Census delays mean some Virginia Democrats will be on the June ballot twice

In next month’s primary elections in Virginia, a few Democrats will be appearing twice on the same ballot for separate seats — and it won’t be a typo.

Instead, it’s part of a peculiarity this year stemming from a delay in U.S. Census Bureau population data used for redrawing political maps every 10 years — which political analysts say might hurt House of Delegates incumbents who are running simultaneously for a statewide office and reelection to their existing seats on June 8.

Federal

Redistricting Commission to Begin Drawing Districts by August 16

A US Census Bureau official clarified Virginia’s Redistricting Commission’s timeline for producing new voter districts in the commission’s meeting Monday.

James Whitehorne from the US Census Bureau told commissioners that they’d receive legacy census data by August 16th. That’s in line what they knew before: that they’d have to start work on new maps in mid-August. The Virginia constitution says they need to submit maps to the General Assembly 45 days after receiving census data.

Full story from WVTF »

Business, Economy, & Labor News

Court settlement orders Virginia to resolve most unemployment claims in massive backlog by Labor Day

Washington Post »

Metro CEO hopeful rail operations in Loudoun County will begin early next year

Loudoun Times »

Rural recovery likely will be slower in Virginia

Herald Courier »

DON’T FORGET! Our 2021 Elections hub includes information on both the Statewide and the House of Delegates races. Be sure to keep checking back for additional information and updates, leading into the June 8th primaries!

2021 Virginia General Election

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RECAP: Virginia This Week (May 28, 2021)