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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Tuesday, January 25, 2022:
Legal Debates Rise as Student Masking Executive Order Takes Effect
Reported by VPM News’ Megan Pauly
Some experts are questioning legality of the Gov. Glenn Younkin's executive order on school masking. State lawmakers passed a law last year requiring school boards to follow CDC guidelines, which currently recommend universal masking for all students, staff and school visitors – regardless of vaccination status. Rich Schragger, who teaches constitutional law at the University of Virginia, told VPM that, “the question here is whether the governor can override the state law.”
New Lawsuit Challenges Governor’s Executive Order
Reported by WHRO’s Ryan Murphy
Seven school boards from around the state want to stop Gov. Youngkin’s executive order on school mask mandates. The school boards argue that Youngkin’s executive order, which lets parents opt their children out of local mask mandates, is unconstitutional.
Local Teachers’ Unions Raise Concerns Over COVID-19 Safety
Reported by VPM News’ Ian Stewart
Teachers' union leaders from Chesterfield, Henrico and Richmond asked their school districts yesterday to step up support for students and staff, amid rising COVID-19 cases and teacher shortages. They suggest creating better safety protocols will help keep schools open, such as providing more take home COVID-19 tests and K-N95 masks. The education associations also say complete virtual instruction should only be used as a last resort.
Local Starbucks Join Growing Unionization Movement
Reported by VPM News’ Meg Schiffres
Two Starbucks locations in the Richmond-area recently filed paperwork to begin the process of forming a labor union. The stores are following the lead of dozens of other Starbucks locations across the country. The first to officially unionize is in Buffalo, New York.
In Other News:
New Attorney General fires UVa’s chief counsel – The Daily Progress
Youngkin breaks precedent, proposes $3.5 billion in budget amendments without saying how to pay for them – Richmond Times-Dispatch
In Case You Missed it:
Amanda Chase denies knowing indicted Oath Keeper who appeared in her Jan. 5 video – VPM
Richmond mayor tests positive for COVID again – Richmond Times-Dispatch
Petersburg Public Library will help you order free COVID-19 tests – The Progress-Index
