News 2008-06-19 Andanh.com

New push for offshore drilling Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:54:44 -0500
Virginia Sen. John Warner is introducing new legislation today to give Virginia the right to drill offshore for natural gas. Warner, a Republican who retires in January, has been a longtime proponent of offshore drilling for coastal states willing to participate. His latest bill would give Virginia's governor the right to petition the U.S. Interior Department to explore and drill for natural gas only 50 miles or more from shore. The Virginia General Assembly would have to approve of drilling before the federal government could issue a drilling lease. The bill is limited to natural gas. A federal moratorium on offshore oil drilling would remain in effect. Virginia state lawmakers have expressed a strong interest in offshore drilling, saying the state could reap billions of...

For the reporter on your gift list Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:48:07 -0500
If you'll grant me just a moment or two of MSM whining .... I just got a note from my good friends at Amazon.com about a book that I predict will soon be owned by every current or former reporter in the United States. And their mothers. I have no idea if Attack the Messenger: How Politicians Turn You Against the Media by Craig Crawford is any good, but you can bet your nearly worthless newspaper stock that I'm going to buy a copy. Publisher's Weekly describes Crawford as "a TV pundit and Congressional Quarterly columnist" and says his book "asserts that the public's distrust of the news media has reached a high point, an issue he considers one of 'the most hazardous political challenges...

Not exactly high expectations on transportation... Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:55:42 -0500
The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission held it's June meeting this morning and there were a few interesting tidbits involving the General Assembly and the looming special session on transportation. Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim - one of the region's strongest voices for increased funding for Hampton Roads' interstate network - chairs the panel and he introduced Transportation Secretary Pierce Homer. "Secretary Homer is going to bring us the good news from Richmond," Fraim said dryly, triggering a round of laughter. Homer has been Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's main point man this spring, making the administration's case for a major investment in the state's road comlex. Homer said that perhaps regional planners should consider naming a couple of state lawmakers to their board, to increase the...

Offshore drilling vote postponed Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:34:31 -0500
Anyone waiting to see if Congress is ready to move on allowing offshore oil and gas drilling will have to wait a little longer. The House Appropriations Committee had scheduled a meeting for Wednesday that would include a vote on lifting a 27-year-old federal ban on offshore drilling in most U.S. waters. The vote will come as an amendment to the annual spending bill financing the Department of the Interior and envirornmental agencies. But the committee postponed the session Wednesday morning and has not yet rescheduled it. While President Bush endorsed offshore drilling in a Rose Garden speech Wednesday, Democrats in Congress remain opposed to the idea. Last week, a House Appropriations subcommittee voted 9 to 6 against lifting the moratorium. The vote divided strictly...

Democrats target Drake ... again Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:08:02 -0500
The national Democratic Party is once again targeting U.S. Rep. Thelma Drake, R-Norfolk, for defeat in November. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced Wednesday that Democratic challenger Glenn Nye has qualified for party funding and support this fall. Nye is one of 14 Democrats chosen for the latest round of candidates to participate in the committee's ``Red to Blue" program, which seeks to enlarge Democratic ranks in the Congress. ``The candidates for change being named to the DCC Red to Blue program are running strong campaigns and are committed to making things easier for middle-class families in their districts," said Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., the DCCC chairman. ``With less than five months to make their case for change to voters in their districts, the...

Meanwhile, this just in from 2009 .... Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:44:15 -0500
Public Policy Polling has conducted a survey of Virginia in advance of the presidential election. They have some interesting numbers on what would happen if Sen. Barack Obama chose a Virginian as his running mate. Bottom line: Obama is up 2 percentage points with 8 percent undecided. The poll also provides the first peek at the 2009 Virginia governor's race. Republican Bob McDonnell leads both potential Democratic candidates by nearly identical margins, although many voters are undecided. McDonnell leads Sen. Creigh Deeds 32-27 percent and Del. Brian Moran 33-27 percent. This could be good news for the Moran campaign. Consider that Deeds ran a statewide campaign in 2005 and came within a whisker of being elected attorney general, yet that name recognition hasn't translated into...

Another Virginian for VP? Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:37:26 -0500
Now that former Gov. Mark R. Warner has taken himself out of consideration for vice president, Virginia has only two entries in the veepstakes: Sen. Jim Webb and Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, a couple of other Democrats. Right? Wrong. A new website is promoting Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Richmond, to run as vice president with Arizona Sen. John McCain. Cantor has appeared as a McCain surrogate on cable news shows. The group promoting the Cantor movement describes itself as a group of unaffiliated Americans.

Mark Warner rolls out his energy plan. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:46:01 -0500
Democratic Senate candidate Mark R. Warner on Wednesday described a detailed approach to fighting high gas prices and reducing oil dependence while blasting Republican opponent Jim Gilmore for offering "sound bite solutions." Speaking before a technology group in Richmond, Warner said the United States should lift the moratorium on offshore drilling for exploration. States should have the final say in the matter. "I think we need to at least find out, for example, what's off the coast of Virginia," he said. "I believe the threshold on natural gas would be much lower than -- because of the concerns about spillage -- with oil." He said Congress can close loopholes that encourage oil speculation. It can ratchet up pressure on oil-producing nations by using military technology...

A belated good morning Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:20:51 -0500
The editor is, finally, in ... and online. So let's chat!

Chat with the editor Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:09:28 -0500
Have an idea for what should go into the newspaper? Have a question about something that already did? Come on back to The Shad Plank Wednesday morning about 9:30 and join me in my morning online chat. No registration required, nothing to download. Bring your own coffee.

Cyd Charisse dies in Los Angeles at age 86 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:08:00 -0400
Cyd Charisse, the long-legged Texas beauty who danced with the Ballet Russe as a teenager and starred in MGM musicals with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, has died. She was 86.

Newport News author inspired by phantom's story Sun, 15 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
T he characters of Gaston Leroux's classic novel "The Phantom of the Opera," serve as the inspiration for Newport News resident Lucilla Epps' first novel, "Phantom's Legacy" (AuthorHouse, $19.95).

Battle over the gutters has a happy ending Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Company will install historically accurate gutters and keep Kimberly McKnight of Hilton Village out of court.

The company that made the error will install historically accurate gutters and keep Kimberly McKnight of Hilton Village out of court.

300-pound man robs Virginia Beach bank Wed, 18 Jun 2008 05:35:00 -0400
Police are looking for a large man who robbed a bank in Virginia Beach on Tuesday afternoon.

Suffolk man, aiming at tin can, shoots brother in back Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:46:00 -0400
A Suffolk man was arrested on three firearm charges after accidentally shooting his brother in the back while aiming at tin cans propped up in the yard.

Women say dead man 'was one of the nicest people ...' Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Police would not talk about the cause of death or a possible motive. They do suspect foul play is involved.

To the women who worked at Long John Silver's on Merrimac Trail, he was simply Bobby — a gentle soul who helped them take out the trash, scavenged toys for their children and slept behind a Dumpster across the street.

Is offer of Jefferson Davis statue just 'tit-for-tat'? Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The gift to the American Civil War Center is not payback for the Lincoln statue, the SCV says.

A Southern heritage group that opposed a statue of President Lincoln at the American Civil War Center is offering to donate a $100,000 statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis for the same site.

Device keeps track of our loved ones who wander Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Project Lifesaver helps people with diagnosed medical conditions.

It took two days for Edward Tharpe to drive from Hampton to Newport News.

Incumbents, challengers report finances Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The annual disclosures showed that most have strong real estate holdings few debts.

Rep. Thelma Drake, R- Norfolk, a former real estate agent, owns about a dozen properties in the Norfolk area and sold two of them last year for up to $250,000 each.

Proposal would erase ban on tattoo shops in Suffolk Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A ban on tattoo shops in Suffolk could be on its way out.

Officials battle wildfire as smoke invades Hampton Roads Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The week-old blaze is about 24% contained, but it's not known how long it will take to extinguish it.

A wildfire that broke out a week ago has now overtaken 2,400 acres in the Great Dismal Swamp.

More testing shows more problems; 10,604 miles of our rivers polluted Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Nearly 1,700 cleanup plans, including one for the James River, need to be implemented.

A new state report adds about 1,100 miles of rivers and streams to the list of polluted Virginia waters from two years ago, prompting a Chesapeake Bay watchdog group to call for stepped-up protection.

Dismal Swamp blaze rages on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Winds are expected to push smoke away from the Hampton Roads area and into North Carolina today.

Franklin teen, shot by masked men, recovering Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:51:00 -0400
A teen who was shot while fleeing from three masked assailants is recovering at a Richmond hospital.

Va. launches investigation of Dismal Swamp fire Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:02:00 -0400
The Virginia Department of Forestry is investigating a fire that has burned more than 2,700 acres in the

Smaller blaze ignites south of Great Dismal Swamp Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Smoke could threaten visibility and air quality in Hampton Roads through Monday.

Monday night's storm sparked a new fire south of the 2,460-acre blaze raging in the Great Dismal Swamp.

Residents may soon be able to make their mark Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The city's planning commission proposes regulations covering tattoos.

Tattoo parlors and body-piercing shops got the Suffolk Planning Commission's stamp of approval Tuesday.

Condition of man shot in the back unknown Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A 26-year-old man was shot in the back in his Suffolk home on Monday night.

Fire safety topic of department's site Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The James City County Fire Department has launched a new Web site to educate the public on fire safety.

Teen charged with rape after post-graduation party Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:33:00 -0400
A James City County teenager is charged with rape after a post-graduation party early Sunday morning, according to county police.

James City fire Web site educates public on safety Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:28:00 -0400
The James City County Fire Department has launched a new Web site to educate the public on fire safety.

Site for a new library sought Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Gloucester's supervisors like the idea of leasing vacant commercial space for a library.

Supervisors directed county staff Tuesday night to explore the costs associated with leasing the former Sentara Urgent Care Center in Gloucester Point for a new library.

Brothers killed when car struck tree on Route 613 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 05:27:00 -0400
Two brothers were killed in Gloucester County Sunday when their car left the road and hit a tree.

City names assistant superintendent for Middlesex School Division Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A current Hampton City Public Schools middle school principal has been named assistant superintendent for instruction at Middlesex School Division.

Hayes man charged with aggravated sexual battery Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:40:00 -0400
York-Poquoson Sheriff's deputies arrested a Hayes man Thursday and charged him with two counts each of aggravated sexual battery and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Ambassador cites Australia's 'green' efforts at VIMS Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A drought that has gripped Australia for about seven years helped propel climate change and its effects on humans to the forefront of the nation's politics.

Verizon bundles include wireless Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
As more Americans cut the phone cord, the battle over customers must include packages with cell plans.

Verizon said Tuesday that it will let consumers fold their wireless plan into a discounted bundle that includes high-speed Internet and television on one bill.

Verizon planning to roll out faster high-speed internet service Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Verizon will boost the speeds next week for its FiOS Internet service that it has rolled out in Newport News and is building in Hampton, Poquoson and York.

Wal-Mart slows growth of supercenters Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is reducing its capital spending forecast for fiscal 2009, as it slows construction of supercenters amid a weakening U.S. economic environment.

CD is your passport to exploring the city Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The Newport News Tourism Development Office has released an audio guide for locals and visitors.

If you have ever wanted to take a drive throughout Newport News and learn about the city's rich history, grab your passport and start your engines.

FDA warns of bogus cancer treatments Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The Food and Drug Administration is cracking down on teas, supplements, creams and other products that falsely claim to cure, treat or prevent cancer even though they are not agency-approved drugs. All are available for sale on the Internet.

Northrop Grumman subsidiary wins $7.7 million Navy contract Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Virginia Beach-based AMSEC LLC, a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Corp., was awarded a $7.7 million modification to a contract for engineering, technical and maintenance support services for Navy aircraft carriers and battle group support vessels, the Navy said.

Israel-Hamas Gaza truce goes into effect Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A long-sought truce between Israel and Gaza militants went into effect early Thursday, with the aim of halting militant attacks and a bruising Israeli blockade that have made life unbearable for people living on both sides of the border.

McCain calls for building 45 new nuclear reactors Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:10:00 -0400
Sen. John McCain called Wednesday for the construction of 45 new nuclear reactors by 2030 and pledged $2 billion a year in federal funds "to make clean coal a reality," measures designed to reduce dependence on foreign oil.

Obama says bin Laden must not be a martyr Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:13:00 -0400
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said Wednesday he would bring Osama bin Laden to justice in a way that wouldn't allow the terrorist mastermind to become a martyr, but he may be killed if the U.S. government finds him.

Bipartisan accord reached on war funding bill Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:17:00 -0400
President Bush would win $162 billion in long-overdue funding to carry out military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan into next year under a bipartisan agreement sealed on Capitol Hill on Wednesday.

Bush rallies behind McCain at fundraising dinner Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:19:00 -0400
Seeking to energize party loyalists, President Bush on Wednesday gave his most extended public support to Sen. John McCain, his former foe for the White House. The president said McCain is the only candidate in the race who can face tough decisions and "will not flinch."

2 missing women rescued from Alaska national park Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:22:00 -0400
Two women missing in Denali National Park were found Wednesday and reunited with worried family members, six days after heading off on what they thought would be an overnight hike.

Mars lander loses day of work after data glitch Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:21:00 -0400
The Phoenix lander stopped digging soil near Mars' north pole Wednesday as engineers on Earth worked to fix a glitch that caused the loss of a day's worth of photos.

Rapper Young Jeezy charged with DUI in Atlanta Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:42:00 -0400
Rapper Young Jeezy was charged with driving under the influence and speeding after he was pulled over on an Atlanta highway early Wednesday.

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