News 2008-06-26 Andanh.com

Saslaw got 21 votes.... Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:04:54 -0500
After a little over two hours of hefty debate - the Senate passed Majority Leader Richard "Dick" Saslaw's transportation tax package - complete with gas tax increases statewide and in Hampton Roads. The final tally 21 - 16. And it hasn't even gotten over to the House of Delegates, where "gasoline tax" is near profanity. For Saslaw's bill and to track votes click here. Sure seems like sound and fury right now. I don't think anyone has an exit strategy.

Hurry Up and Wait, Part II Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:16:30 -0500
The House Rules Committee just completed a two-hour meeting on the transportation bill submitted by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine. They didn't vote. We don't know when a vote will happen, except that House Republican leaders want to wait for the Senate to approve something. House Speaker William J. Howell, R-Stafford, told members that Rules would vote on the Kaine bill at the next meeting. When is that? Asked Del. Lionell Spruill, D-Chesapeake. "Don't know yet," Howell answered. "Depends on what the Senate does." See the previous post for more on the Senate. Or just wait for a while. Eventually, we'll figure what's going on and let you know. Oh, and those two hours where your tax dollars were at work at House Rules? It was...

Hurry up and wait.... Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:57:13 -0500
It appears that the Senate is on the verge of voting on Senate Majority Leader Richard "Dick" Saslaw's transportation tax increases. The plan raises more than $1 billion a year through statewide tax increases and local levy hikes in Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia. It just passed out of Senate Finance Committee earlier today - without a smidge of Republican support. Saslaw was just on the floor asking for a little more time while he rounds up all 21 Senate Democrats - Hey who's hiding in the bathroom? As of 2:55 p.m. Saslaw was on the floor making his pitch for the tax hikes. His less ambitious gas tax plan passed the Senate in February 25 - 15. This vote might be a bit closer....

Exxon gets a $2 billion break -- gas prices going down? Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:58:49 -0500
Now here's the way to reduce gas prices. The New York Times reports (here's a link) that the Supreme Court just reduced the damages awarded in the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster from $2.5 billion to $500 million. An appeals court had already reduced the jury verdict from $5 billion to $2.5 billion. So, if Exxon suddenly has $2 billion extra lying around...

More transportation talk on Hearsay today Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:38:41 -0500
At noon today, tune in to "Hearsay with Cathy Lewis" on WHRV (89.5 FM), where the guests are Sen. Frank Wagner of Virginia Beach, former VDOT chief Phil Shucet, the press secretary for Gov. Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania, which is supposedly a leader in public-private transportation projects, and our own Kimball Payne. The topic is transportation, of course. Expect a discussion of Wagner's proposed "Offshore Energy Revenue Fund," which died in the Senate yesterday, and of the calls for an audit of the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Senate Finance Committee passes major tax plan... Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:21:30 -0500
Here we go. On a straight party line vote - the Senate Finance Committee passed out Senate Majority Leader Richard "Dick" Saslaw's transportation tax increase plan - which includes statewide gas tax increases over six years and regional plans in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads. All the Republicans voted against the plan - the final tally was 9 to 5. Sens. Tommy Norment, R-James City and Ken Stolle, R-Virginia Beach, managed to get an amendment passed that removed a proposed hotel room tax of $5 from the Hampton Roads plan, in exchange for a higher regional sales tax. Then they voted against the plan anyway. The plan attempts to offset the higher gas tax - by removing the remaining sales tax on food and groceries....

The editor is in... Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:35:59 -0500
... what's on your mind?

Good morning from Senate Finance Committee... Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:20:26 -0500
We've got quite a docket this morning at the Senate Finance Committee, including the bill to abolish the Hampton Roads Transporation Authority and two major tax increase programs. Sen. John Miller, D-Newport News, is pushing to do away with the HRTA - a campaign promise he repeatedly made last fall. He also has a bill that would force the local metropolitan planning organization to shoot the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel to the top of the list of local construction projects. Miller said that the HRTA bill language is likely to be rolled into one of the tax hike bills - either the one sponsored by Senate Finance Chairman Charles Colgan, D-Manassas, or Senate Majority Leader Richard "Dick" Saslaw, D-Fairfax. "There are a variety of technical reasons...

Some odd moments in the House Transportation Committee Tuesday... Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:02:57 -0500
House Transportation Chairman Joe May, R-Loudoun, spent much of Tuesday's meeting calling on Transportation Secretary Pierce Homer, who was offering perspective on many of the bills. In a comment that underscores House Republicans relationship with Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's administration, May had this to say at one point. "I do this with some trepidation, but Sec. Homer would you like to comment?" May asked. "It doesn't mean we have to believe you." It was a comment clearly in jest - but it just shows that lawmakers are on shaky ground even with the state's top transportation expert. At one point, Homer noted that the state got two unsolicited proposals from private companies to build the third crossing in 2004 and both required tolls and at...

Offshore oil: The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:24:09 -0500
With the state trying to figure out what to do about transportation, and whether money should be raised via a gas tax, and with the federal government debating whether to lift the decades-old moratorium on offshore oil drilling, I was reminded of a story two of our reporters did a few years back. It was March 2005 and the General Assembly session had recently ended. We went back to take a second look at a bit of legislation that went through with little notice and little fanfare. The bill would have instructed the state's lobbyists to work with the congressional delegation and federal agencies to have the moratorium lifted. Our reporters found that the bill was part of a new anti-moratorium effort on the part...

Celebrity Life in Pictures - The Girls Sat, 23 Feb 2008 11:19:39 -0500

Ex-'American Idol' champ Ruben Studdard to wed Wed, 25 Jun 2008 07:48:00 -0400
He won the affection of millions of people on " American Idol," but this weekend, Ruben Studdard is giving his heart to one woman.

Rehab for Army captain easier with dog at his side Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A trainer tutors the Labrador free of charge after he hears of Capt. James "Jae" Barclay IV's ordeal.

— Bryant, a 10-month-old chocolate Lab, panted at his owner's side Tuesday with the serene, glassy stare of the venerable house dog. A moment later, he flashed across a field to retrieve a training decoy, a brown blur of fur and muscle.

Homeless shelters receive grants Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The funds will also be used for child care.

Nine Peninsula area agencies that serve the homeless are among the 122 homeless shelters that received $9 million in state and federal grants Tuesday.

Fire destroys music producer's studio Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
VIRGINIA BEACH Fire destroyed the unoccupied Virginia Beach recording studio of Grammy-winning producer Teddy Riley early Tuesday morning.

Kaine pitches $1.1B roads tax plan Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The Senate Finance Committee is expected to vote on transportation proposals today.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine laid bare the state's transportation woes Monday and pitched his $1.1 billion tax increase plan to all 140 lawmakers in the General Assembly.

Transportation special session starts off in neutral Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Little progress is made on the first day as legislators stake out their positions and one calls for open minds.

Missing Suffolk man 'possibly endangered' Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:28:00 -0400
A 31-year-old man is missing, and police are asking for help in finding him.

Police seek help finding robbery suspects Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A 27-year-old man was robbed Wednesday and police are asking for help in finding the robbers.

Street face-lift to hit $7.7M Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Council members asked that one lane of South Church Street stay open during the next phase.

Cost estimates for the next two South Church Street beautification phases are up to about $7.7 million.

Swamp fire smoke 'isn't going away' Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Though the fire is about 70 percent contained, it will continue to smolder for some time.

The Great Dismal Swamp fire has burned 3,474 acres — nearly 51/2 square miles.

Local briefs Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
You too can be in Kelly Gray's wedding.

Man sought in two attempted abductions Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Chesapeake Police are looking for a man who might have attempted to abduct two 13-year-old boys in Chesapeake last week.

After gun fails, an instant posse helps police nab suspect Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A restaurant manager and her customers chase the man who fled with a Taco Bell bag of cash.

A man accused of holding up a Taco Bell was arrested after he was chased down by the manager and several others.

Hear Virginia Indians talk about 20th Century experiences Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:29:00 -0400
Three Virginia Indian tribal council members will gather at Bruton Heights Educational Center Thursday night to discuss the past century of Native American experience in the Commonwealth.

Developer fined over orchids Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
New Town's builders crossed onto land protected for the flower.

The developers of New Town will pay more than $21,000 in civil fines for inadvertently clearing a little under a quarter of an acre of protected land surrounding a rare colony of endangered orchid, according to a consent order issued this month by the state Department of Environmental Quality.

County tries its luck on YouTube, Facebook Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Have you seen "Land use Applications Explained," the hot new YouTube video from James City County?

Man faces attempted murder, gun warrants Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
James City police have taken out warrants against a Williamsburg man in connection with an argument Thursday night that ended in gunfire.

Applications pour in for Gloucester administrator's position Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Board of Supervisors' chairwoman Teresa Altemus lauds the "excellent response" to the job opening.

The opening for a permanent Gloucester county administrator's position drew 59 candidates who got their applications in before last Friday's deadline.

Consumers have gloomy outlook Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
As the economy faces an uncertain future, confidence falls to a low not seen since 1992.

As the economy faces an uncertain future, confidence falls to a low not seen since 1992.

Smithfield unit eyes Spanish meat processor Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The European subsidiary of Smithfield Foods is attempting to merge with Campofrio Alimentacion, S.A., the largest processed meats company in Spain.

New Web site offers discounts Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Savings are promoted to tourists on trips that combine visits to the region's big-draw locations.

A new Web site is pitching Hampton Roads vacation hot spots with discounts for combining the cost of attending several attractions on a trip.

Chesapeake Hardwood to close plywood plant Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:59:00 -0400
Chesapeake Hardwood Products Inc. plans to lay off 129 workers and close its plywood plant in August.

Company hopes to brew up interest in hard cider Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0400
In early America, the undisputed beverage of choice was hard apple cider--even more so than water.

The Mattel loophole Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Congress may back off pledge of independent toy testing

Some companies would be permitted to skirt independent lab testing of children's products in favor of their own in-house certification, thanks in large part to lobbying by the world's biggest toymaker, the Tribune has found.

Air Pollution Control Board to mull permit for Dominion plant Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Dominion Virginia Power Co. hopes this week to clear the last major hurdle to the construction of a $1.8 billion coal-fired power plant in southwest Virginia.

City signs franchise deal with Verizon Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Poquoson signed a franchise agreement with Verizon this week that will enable the company to sell its FiOS television and high-speed Internet service.

Virginia's tomatoes to be harvested early Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Virginia's tomato harvest is under way on the Eastern Shore, the center of the state's tomato crop.

Your money Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Most people's finances center only on how much money they have to meet today's challenges. Neglected are tomorrow's challenges, which is where the personal side of money management comes in. As the economy expands and contracts, so do our lives. Therefore, combining life planning with financial planning is necessary to protect your future.

345 arrested, kids rescued in prostitution busts Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:32:00 -0400
Hundreds of people have been arrested and 21 children rescued in what the FBI is calling a five-day roundup of networks of pimps who force children into prostitution.

Briton convicted of murdering wife, baby in Mass. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:36:00 -0400
A British man who fled the U.S. after his wife and baby were shot to death was convicted of murder Wednesday by a jury that rejected defense claims that the mother killed her daughter and herself as they snuggled in bed.

Senate nears end of debate over surveillance bill Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:38:00 -0400
The Senate signaled an end Wednesday to months of rancorous debate over surveillance legislation that would protect from civil lawsuits the telecommunications companies that helped the government wiretap American lines.

Obama disagrees with high court on child rape case Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:39:00 -0400
Democrat Barack Obama said Wednesday he disagrees with the Supreme Court's decision outlawing executions of people who rape children, a crime he said states have the right to consider for capital punishment.

US forces face spike in deadly violence in Iraq Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:16:00 -0400
Roadside bombs killed four U.S. soldiers in northern Iraq, the military said Wednesday, in a spike of violence that pushed to at least 10 the number of Americans who have died here this week.

Ky. gunman argued with boss over phone, goggles Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:43:00 -0400
A 25-year-old press operator shot and killed five co-workers and himself at a plastics plant in rural western Kentucky just hours after arguing with his supervisor about not wearing safety goggles and using his cell phone while on the assembly line, police said Wednesday.

Scientists think big impact caused two-faced Mars Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:44:00 -0400
Why is Mars two-faced? Scientists say fresh evidence supports the theory that a monster impact punched the red planet, leaving behind perhaps the largest gash on any heavenly body in the solar system.

Trouble finds Tim McGraw at Washington state show Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:46:00 -0400
If Tim McGraw isn't looking for trouble, it must've been looking for him. Fan video shot Tuesday in Auburn, Wash., shows the country singer help eject an unruly fan.

Yahoo: Pacers to deal Jermaine O'Neal to Raptors Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:36:00 -0400
The Toronto Raptors have agreed in principle to acquire forward Jermaine O'Neal from the Indiana Pacers for point guard T.J. Ford, center Rasho Nesterovic, the 17th pick in the draft and a player to be named, Yahoo reported Wednesday.

Agent: Bonds won't play in minors to spur interest Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:50:00 -0400
Barry Bonds has no desire to play for an independent minor league team in an effort to spur interest among major league clubs. The indicted career home run leader remains unsigned, even though he batted .276 last season with 28 homers, 66 RBIs and a major league-leading 132 walks.

Carlin still gets the last laugh in our debates over indecency Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A rapper from California drops "F-bombs" in Norfolk igniting a firestorm in the blogosphere and somewhere in heaven George Carlin is smiling.

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