RICHMOND â The General Assembly opened its 2021 regular session on a somber note Wednesday by remembering Sen. Ben Chafin, R-Russell, who died a week and a half ago from complications of COVID-19. âSouthwest Virginia is a much better place because of Ben,â Sen. Todd Pillion, R-Washington, said on the Senate floor during a tribute to his friend and colleague. The Senate is meeting in person at the Science Museum of Virginia, while the House of Delegates is conducting its business virtually. Two senators were absent on the first day of the legislative session: Lynwood Lewis, D-Ac...