News 2008-06-06 Andanh.com

Update from Nissan Pavilion: It's getting hot and crowded Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:24:28 -0500
At 5:15, David Lerman reports, people were streaming into the Nissan Pavilion, the temperature was rising, and people were opening umbrellas against the afternoon sun in the parts of the pavilion not covered by the roof. Benita Bolden, a mortgage banker from Manassas, said, "I am truly looking forward to change. I am tired of the Republicans. The economy is horrible. So many people are losing their jobs. It's time for something different." Whitney Holloway, a 19-year-old student from Old Dominion University in Norfolk who lives in Prince William County, said, "He's new. It's not like the old politics. I think he can change everything. We need something new." Sheila Mitchell, a mother of two from Manassas, waited for five hours for the chance to...

Let's do coffee in the morning Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:49:07 -0500
Hey all. I'll be chatting online as usual about 9 Friday morning so grab a cup of coffee and join me here. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? What should our political writers be covering in the days ahead? I'll be all ears.

Oh what the heck ... let's run a poll - Day 2 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:50:48 -0500
amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href =amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/671149/amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;If the presidential election were held today, who would you vote for?amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/aamp;amp;amp;amp;gt;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp; amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span style=amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;font-size:9px;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; (amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href =amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;http://www.polldaddy.comamp;amp;amp;amp;quot;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp; pollsamp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/aamp;amp;amp;amp;gt;)amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/spanamp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Update: We started running this poll yesterday afternoon, and we'll keep it open till Friday afternoon. Obama's big early lead has dwindled throughout the day. Check it out! ''' A few months back, the big polls were showing John McCain trailing either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama in Virginia by substantial margins. More recent polls have shown McCain with a small lead over Clinton/Obama or in a dead-even race. Well, barring the dramatic, we now know who the Democratic nominee will be. So, Virginia, let's just go ahead and get a completely unscientific read on the situation. Who y'all gonna vote for?

And now, live from the Nissan Pavilion ...... )&#%&#%' Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:20:30 -0500
Daily Press political writer David Lerman just landed at the Nissan Pavilion in Prince William County, where he reports that there will be no wireless connection until the national press corps arrives along with Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. He also reports that it is already sweltering inside the outdoor pavilion. And just as he was about to dictate a description of the scene -- he got as far as "thousands of Obama fans have begun filtering into the pavilion" -- a rock band started to crank out a tune to stir up the crowd. Our connection wasn't exactly lost, but it was certainly rendered useless. More as it becomes possible.....

The first Gilmore-Warner debate is set for July 19 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:38:10 -0500
Jim Gilmore and Mark Warner have scheduled the first debate of the Senate race. The Associated Press reports: They were back-to-back governors from different parties. They don't like each other. And next month, Jim Gilmore and Mark Warner debate one-on-one for the first time ever in the opening debate of the 2008 Senate race. Gilmore, the state's Republican 68th governor, and Warner, the Democratic 69th governor, accepted invitations to the Virginia Bar Association debate July 19. The Homestead Resort event affords the two men the first chance to spar directly over Gilmore's fiscal stewardship of the state during a time of budget shortfalls. Warner, an early favorite, on Thursday endorsed presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama and campaigned with him in Bristol. Gilmore appeared in...

Warner-Lieberman climate change bill is all but dead Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:34:37 -0500
Not a real surprise here, but it seems that the climate change bill co-sponsored by Sen. John Warner and Sen. Joe Lieberman is about to die for lack of oxygen. Or, as the Associated Press put it, after "a week of stalemate and partisan bickering." "Each side," AP writes, "accuses the other of obstruction, trickery and political games." Here's a link. The New York Times did point out this morning (here's a link) that the "debate" seemed to be much more "unilateral jabbering" than anything else, and this Warner-Lieberman interview with Fox News' Neil Cavuto is probably a pretty good reflection of the way the "debate" has gone. Here's a portion of the transcript: CAVUTO: Senator Lieberman.... Many have argued that, while this has good...

Lawmakers are bloggers, too. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:02:07 -0500
An interesting piece on Stateline.org explores the growing trend of state lawmakers who run their own blogs. Some opine on the day's headlines or give constituents an insight into their personal lives. They can communicate directly with voters and bypass the mainstream media filter. And they can get instant feedback on important pieces of legislation. Stateline.org says more than 50 lawmakers are regular bloggers and more are joining the ranks. In Virginia, delegates Kris Amundson and Bob Brink -- fellow Democrats from Northern Virginia -- have joined forces to form the blog Seven West, so named for their offices on the seventh floor of the General Assembly building's west wing. Amundson, Brink and Del. Chris Saxman, R-Staunton, are included in Stateline's list of lawmakers who...

It's definitely a political speech. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:10:47 -0500
Virginia Republicans are not letting Sen. Barack Obama get a free pass into Virginia. The GOP has scheduled an afternoon conference call with reporters to talk about the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, who is making stops in Bristol and Bristow. Weighing in will be U.S. Rep. Thelma Drake, R-Norfolk, and Attorney General Bob McDonnell, whose 2009 gubernatorial bid is all but official. We'll let you know what they say.

Is this a political speech or a rock concert? Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:50:00 -0500
Sen. Barack Obama's first stop after effectively clinching the Democratic presidential nomination could not be more compelling, at least for Virginians. He will visit Bristol and make a direct appeal to the Southwest Virginians who helped propel another Democrat, Mark R. Warner, to victory in 2001. Warner, the governor from 2002 to 2006 and now considered the front-runner for a U.S. Senate seat, provided the blueprint for Democrats to win statewide elections in Virginia. He pitched jobs and investment, and he downplayed social issues. Southwest Virginia seems a bit curious, according to this news brief that crossed the AP wire this morning, courtesy of The Roanoke Times. "The line to hear Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's mid-day speech in Bristol started forming at 4:30 a.m....

Project Vote Smart finds just three "courageous" candidates in Virginia Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:23:14 -0500
Project Vote Smart (here's a link to the group's homepage), which bills itself as "the voter's self-defense system," released its list of "candidates with political courage" this morning ... and in Virginia found only three. The independent organization, which more people should be familiar with -- they really do a great job -- judges "political courage" by the candidates' willingness to answer a Project Vote Smart questionnaire on exactly where they stand on a number of issues ranging from abortion to national security, from health to national security. The three Virginia candidates in this fall's election who were willing to provide answers? Vern McKinley, a Republican running in the 10th Congressional District, and Lori Alexander and Leslie Byrne, Democrats running in the 11th District. In...

Mortgage turmoil snares Ed McMahon Wed, 4 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Johnny Carson's sidekick has defaulted on millions in home loans.

Ed McMahon, the longtime sidekick to Johnny Carson on "The Tonight Show," is fighting to avoid foreclosure on his multimillion-dollar Beverly Hills estate.

Rob Lowe's privacy, nanny woes Wed, 4 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The actor is embroiled in a nightmare version of Hollywood's ubiquitous confidentiality agreement.

Why is Tinseltown such a big, happy family? Every mogul is a fine upstanding citizen, and every diva is really Mother Teresa?

The Big Sleazy Sun, 25 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500
The nation's capital is chock full of scandalous sites to visit

Those who believe in the innate goodness of humankind have never walked the 100 block of D Street S.E. in Washington.

You don't need as much fertilizer as you think Sun, 8 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
G ardeners, please go easy on the fertilizers. E-mails from readers with plant questions convince me that fertilizers are often misused and overused.

Historian traces the 'seeds of genocide' Thu, 5 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The director of Angola's slave museum is fascinated by a cultural exchange.

Simao Souindoula toured historical sites on the Peninsula this week to build partnerships with his museum in Angola, the National Museum of Slavery. He traced the shared culture and the seeds of genocide.

Obama achievement called 'overwhelming' Thu, 5 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Local figures praise the Democrat for inspiring young people.

A day after Barack Obama laid historic claim to the Democratic presidential nomination, recently elected Newport News City Councilwoman Tina Vick was still in awe.

Virginia is central to Obama's strategy Thu, 5 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Democrats see a chance to win the state for the first time since Lyndon Johnson's landslide of 1964.

For the first time in decades, Virginia promises to become a critical battleground in the race for the White House.

Climate change: Is it a hoax or is it true? Thu, 5 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
NASA Langley researcher Bruce Wielicki is convinced the world is warming.

Bruce Wielicki has been researching the Earth's atmosphere and its changing climate since the 1970s, when his fascination with the nascent study of global warming drew him away from his chosen field of oceanography.

Police identify motorcyclist who died at 100 mph Thu, 5 Jun 2008 10:59:00 -0400
A motorcyclist going faster than 100 mph on Interstate 64 crashed and died in a single-vehicle accident in Norfolk early this morning.

WTKR weather: The heat is not done yet Thu, 5 Jun 2008 05:21:00 -0400
Brace yourself for another scorcher today! Highs will soar into the 90s and it will feel more like 100 degrees outside. Record breaking warmth is possible today under sun-filled skies. There is a very slight chance of pop-up thunderstorms this afternoon, about 10%.

Fort Monroe 'unlikely' to become national park Wed, 4 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A National Park Service study says costs would be the biggest barrier to making the post a park.

— It's unlikely the federal government will have money to maintain and operate all or even part of Fort Monroe as a national park, according to a National Park Service study released Tuesday.

Locals may have info about suspect in Calif. cop-killing Wed, 4 Jun 2008 06:41:00 -0400
Police in Walnut Creek, Calif., are asking Hampton Roads residents to provide information that could be helpful to the investigation into the 1988 shooting death of an off-duty police officer.

Kaine: 'You don't have to do exactly what I ask, but let's act' Wed, 4 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Nearly 275 people show up at a Virginia Beach meeting to hear the governor's plan to fix transportation woes.

Anti-tax protesters and signs were waiting for Gov. Timothy M. Kaine on Tuesday outside the Virginia Beach Convention Center, but inside Kaine found a cordial and fairly receptive audience for his push for more money for roads.

Habitat for Humanity helping to change face of a neighborhood Wed, 4 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Crystal Faulkner is excited to be moving into the new home being built in the southeast.

— In Tuesday morning's flickering heat, the sounds of staple guns and saws cutting lumber sliced through the stifling air.

Suffolk city council supports new Bon Secours hospital Thu, 5 Jun 2008 16:06:00 -0400
The Suffolk City Council voted Wednesday night to support Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System in its attempts to build a 60-bed hospital in northern Suffolk -- plans that have already been rejected by the state.

Driver in girl's slaying will serve 10 years in prison Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The 14-year-old victim was killed during a drive-by shooting in July 2005.

Danielle Monique Davis was young, impressionable — and caught up with the wrong kind of guy, her attorney said.

16 families' dreams will come true by week's end Wed, 4 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Massive volunteer force unites to make the nation's most ambitious build a reality.

Jennifer Richey needs a new set of plates. But not just any plates.

Man charged with molesting girl in '06 Wed, 4 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A Suffolk man has been arrested and charged with molesting a 6-year-old girl in 2006.

With changes made, planners OK retirement community Thu, 5 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Supervisors will finally get a shot at the project now.

Mattaponi, Pamunkey river cleanups Saturday Wed, 4 Jun 2008 17:49:00 -0400
The Mattaponi and Pamunkey Rivers Association will hold its 18th annual River Stewardship Day on Saturday to clean up trash and debris along the two rivers.

New Town farmers market opens Thursday Thu, 5 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The New Town Farmers Market opens for the season on Thursday.

Arrest offers a look into potential of gang growth Wed, 4 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
At least one Hampton Roads gang specialist says the area is ripe for MS-13 expansion.

— Williamsburg police arrested a suspected member of MS-13 on May 22, a sign the violent street gang may have gained a toehold in the Williamsburg area.

Board OKs Mathews' contract revision Wed, 4 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The School Board made the superintendent's years in retirement a little more comfortable.

The Williamsburg-James City School Board members approved Tuesday night a modification to district Superintendent Gary S. Mathews' contract that will amplify his retirement package.

Revised plan for senior living center to be submitted Wed, 4 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A new proposal for the News Road center may allow the controversial project to move forward.

Plans for the embattled senior living center at Ford's Colony have been broadly revised and will go before James City County planning commissioners during their meeting tonight.

Supervisors reverse course on cutting Planning Commission Thu, 5 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Board members agree to keep 13 members on the panel, but boot Eric Weisel.

Supervisors reversed course from a month ago and agreed Tuesday night to keep 13 members on the Gloucester Planning Commission, but a reappointment of Eric Weisel to the commission was rejected on a 4-3 vote.

Church View woman pleads guilty in fatal hit-and-run Thu, 5 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Shawna Marie Lindy faces up to 10 years in prison for the November death of a local teen.

A Church View woman pleaded guilty Wednesday to leaving the scene of an accident in the November hit-and-run death of a 17-year-old Middlesex County teenager outside the Urbanna Oyster Festival.

Gloucester installs WiFi network in Court House District Wed, 4 Jun 2008 16:24:00 -0400
No one is changing the county's motto from "Land of the Life Worth Living" to "Land of the Life Worth Surfing."

Travel options shrink as airlines cut back Thu, 5 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Options for travelers are shrinking as planes are grounded and things may get worse.

Options for travelers are shrinking as planes are grounded and things may get worse.

Virginia's economic growth slowed in 2007 Thu, 5 Jun 2008 15:27:00 -0400
Federal data shows Virginia's economic growth slowed in 2007, mirroring a trend in various other states.

Verizon Wireless agrees to buy Alltel for $5.9 billion Thu, 5 Jun 2008 10:14:00 -0400
Verizon Wireless has agreed to buy Alltel Corp. for $5.9 billion, which would make it by far the largest cellular carrier in the U.S.

Smithfield profits drop as cost of raising hogs soars Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
High grain prices cut sharply into profits for the world's largest pork producer.

Smithfield Foods said Thursday that it barely turned a profit in the quarter that ended in April as it lost $129 million because the cost of raising hogs was higher than their selling price.

Charter keeps FOX, NBC stations for now Thu, 5 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The cable provider faces negotiations to carry the local broadcasts. Dispute already exists over HD transmissions.

Cable television provider Charter Communications is facing a threat of losing channels owned by LIN TV in seven markets — but Hampton Roads is not one of them.

Fed chairman reassures grads Thu, 5 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Wednesday he does not believe the U.S. will have the out-of-control prices seen with 1970s oil shocks.

Verizon seeks to purchase Alltel Thu, 5 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Verizon Wireless is in talks to buy Alltel Communications LLC, the country's fifth-largest wireless carrier by subscribers, for $27 billion, according to news reports. If consummated, an acquisition would be the biggest telecom deal since AT&T Inc. bought BellSouth Corp. at the end of 2006. Adding Alltel's 13.2 million subscribers to Verizon Wireless' 67.2 million would create the largest wireless carrier in the country, far ahead of AT&T Inc. with 71.4 million customers.

Hallmark plans to cut 335 jobs Thu, 5 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Hallmark Cards Inc. is cutting 335 jobs in the U.S. and Canada as it consolidates its greeting card manufacturing.

Obama and Clinton meet, discuss uniting Democrats Thu, 5 Jun 2008 23:33:00 -0400
Hillary Rodham Clinton and likely Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama met privately Thursday night to talk about uniting the Democratic Party, an Obama spokesman said.

Gates ousts Air Force leaders in historic shake-up Thu, 5 Jun 2008 23:08:00 -0400
Defense Secretary Robert Gates ousted the Air Force's top military and civilian leaders Thursday, holding them to account in a historic Pentagon shake-up after embarrassing nuclear mix-ups.

Report accuses Bush of misrepresenting Iraq intel Thu, 5 Jun 2008 23:08:00 -0400
A new Senate report gives a fresh shot of adrenaline to the election-year debate over the Iraq war. President Bush and his top officials deliberately misrepresented secret intelligence to make the case to invade Iraq, according to the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Suspected killer in Tenn. caught after manhunt Thu, 5 Jun 2008 23:25:00 -0400
A man suspected of killing a deputy sheriff and wounding another was caught Thursday night after he survived shooting himself at the end of a daylong manhunt, authorities said.

Accused 9/11 mastermind asks judge to be executed Thu, 5 Jun 2008 23:18:00 -0400
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the reputed mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks, told a military judge at his arraignment Thursday that he welcomes the death penalty as a way to martyrdom and ridiculed the proceedings as an "inquisition."

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