COVID-19

KEY MEASURES: Virginia Department of Health

Dashboard updated 4/30/2021. Case counts reflect what has been reported to VDH by healthcare providers and laboratories.

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Richmond and Henrico: direct vaccine appointments

“…health districts removed the need to preregister for a vaccine on Monday, opening a pathway for residents to directly schedule appointments instead.“

Read the full story in the RT-D

State eases outdoors mask policy for vaccinated people

“Gov. Ralph Northam on Thursday updated the state’s rules on mask-wearing in order to match new federal guidelines …”

View the RT-D story

Some Virginians not returning for second dose

“Nearly 10 percent of Virginians who received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine haven’t returned for their second one, according to data from the Virginia Department of Health.”

Legislation

After tough year for families, ‘more help on the way’ from Richmond and Washington

In one day, Gov. Ralph Northam highlighted state legislation temporarily increasing financial assistance for families to pay for child care, and President Joe Biden proposed to raise the eligibility level by 75% and make the change permanent.

Accompanied by first lady Pamela Northam, the governor on Wednesday ceremonially signed legislation, sponsored by House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, D-Fairfax, to raise the income threshold for child care assistance to 85% of median household income.

View the full story in the RT-D »

Statewide Races

Northam, other top Democrats back Hala Ayala for Virginia lieutenant governor

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and the Democratic leaders of the House of Delegates on Monday endorsed Del. Hala S. Ayala for lieutenant governor, boosting her profile in a crowded primary election race where she has trailed in fundraising.

View coverage in The Washington Post »

Full story

Government

Virginia AG’s office vows report on Parole Board probe will be independent

The law firm hired for an investigation into how Virginia’s watchdog agency reviewed a controversial parole decision last year won’t be allowed to speak to the media without permission from Attorney General Mark Herring’s office and would have to turn over its “work product” to state lawyers upon request, according to a hiring letter released by Herring’s office.

However, the firm’s final report, which will examine how the Office of the Inspector General delved into complaints about the Virginia Parole Board’s decision to grant parole to Vincent Martin and how the IG’s office released its findings, won’t be treated as a record belonging to the attorney general.

Elections 2021

Infighting and voter exclusion: A look at the Republican nominating convention in Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — On May 8, the future of the Republican Party of Virginia is on the ballot.

Conservatives are choosing which candidates for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general they want to compete in a high-stakes general election. The goal for the GOP is to take back power in a state that has been redefined by complete Democratic control.

Yet months of infighting leading up to the contest has been a consistent source of distraction and frustration for party faithful.

Congressional

Census data kicks off partisan brawl in statehouses over U.S. House seats

KEY TAKEAWAY: Virginia holds its 11 congressional seats

WASHINGTON — The announcement of which states will lose and gain U.S. House districts in 2023 was the opening bell for the cutthroat, once-a-decade process of redrawing district boundaries.

More information available from the Virginia Mercury »

Business, Economy, & Labor News

A sign of the times: Christiansburg businesses enjoying some good humor

CHRISTIANSBURG — The last time war came to this small Southwest Virginia hamlet was April 5, 1865, when 4,000 Union troops under Gen. George B. Stoneman swept through the region intent on destroying the town’s railroad depot. Now a new battle is raging here and even spilling into neighboring communities. This one is being fought with words. On signs. And means to spread goodwill. FULL STORY IN THE ROANOKE TIMES

Jobless claims soar in Virginia as fraud cases increase, but claims in U.S. drop as economy heals

RT-D »

Virginia’s minimum wage rises to $9.50 an hour on Saturday — the first increase in over a decade

Virginia Mercury »

SCC grants Dulles Greenway rate increases for next two years

LOUDOUN TIMES »

NEW! Visit our 2021 Elections page to see current listings for statewide candidates, read brief bios, and review the latest fundraising data. We’re proud to offer this hub as a dynamic resource for our clients — and will be updating the page regularly, as we approach the party nominations and General Election!

2021 Virginia General Election

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RECAP: Virginia This Week (April 30, 2021)