News 2008-07-11 Andanh.com

The road to nowhere: Join us for an online chat Friday morning Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:37:42 -0500
Still fuming over the General Assembly's antics? Think Gov. Kaine screwed it up from the outset? Just grateful that the gas tax isn't going up (yet)? Join me at The Shad Plank Friday morning at 11 for an online conversation with political writers Hugh Lessig and Kimball Payne -- two guys who babysat the General Assembly Wednesday night until 2 in the morning so that the rest of us didn't have to.

Kaine: House Republicans are to blame Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:11:45 -0500
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine spoke with reporters this afternoon to sift through the wreckage of the 2008 special session on transportation. He placed the blame squarely on the Republican majority in the House of Delegates. "They came up with nothing," he said. "It was like a Seinfeld episode, a show about nothing. In the House, it was a roads session about nothing, but how to wrap up nothing to make it seem like it might be superficially something." Kaine blamed Republicans for trying to force a vote on his own bill. Yes, that sounds odd, but Kaine said he and his fellow Democrats had already embraced legislation from Sen. Richard Saslaw, D-Fairfax, as the path to a compromise, a way to success, yada, yada. So...

Hamilton: Democrats are to blame Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:13:52 -0500
This commentary on the no-progress session arrived a short while ago from Del. Phil Hamilton, R-Newport News, and House Speaker Bill Howell of Stafford: After the House Republicans fulfilled its long-standing promise to address regional transportation funding needs of Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia -- brought about by the Virginia Supreme Court’s February decision rendering the regional authorities without transportation funding -- the Senate Finance Committee, dominated by Democrats, defeated HB 6055 introduced by Delegate Phillip Hamilton (R-Newport News). Under Hamilton’s proposal as amended, Hampton Roads would have received up to $300 million per year in transportation funding produced by 30% of the increased economic growth at the public and private ports in Hampton Roads. Northern Virginia would have received up to $600 million per...

Attacking Obama in Virginia Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:51:24 -0500
Sen. Barack Obama brings his Democratic presidential campaign to Virginia today, hosting a ``town hall" style meeting in Fairfax to talk about his economic proposals and how they could help women. The Republican National Committee decided to greet Obama in the Old Dominion with a radio ad charging that the Democrat broke a campaign pledge not to raise taxes on the middle class. ``Barack Obama promises to cut taxes, but he voted to raise taxes on folks earning as little as $32,000," the 30-second ad says. ``Senator Obama is acting like a typical politician. He's promising one thing and he's doing another." So is the accusation true? Yes and no. Obama has pledged not to raise taxes on anyone making less than $250,000 a year....

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling: Kaine, Democrats are to blame Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:26:34 -0500
Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling just released this statement on the no-movement session in Richmond: I am very disappointed that the General Assembly was unable to make any meaningful progress toward addressing Virginia’s transportation challenges during this Special Session. The failure to do so does not reflect well on anyone involved in this process, and it leaves one of the major challenges facing Virginia unresolved. Unfortunately, much of the responsibility for this failure rests on the shoulders of Governor Kaine, who decided to call legislators back to Richmond without building any consensus around a possible transportation solution. In my judgment, the Governor’s decision to call the Special Session without first developing a framework for success was a mistake. In addition, Governor Kaine complicated the effort to...

Lawmakers pulled the plug on a futile session at 1:40 a.m. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:09:25 -0500
An update on last night's/this morning's transportation session: I just rolled in (and I didn't wait it all out last night), but the vigilant ones -- Hugh Lessig and Kimball Payne -- reported at 1:40 a.m. that the session had just ended. Here's a link to their complete coverage. Stay tuned. We'll have a lot more on the latest legislative fiasco as the day progresses.

Art and spirituality meet Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
I often write that the arts can open a window on another world, and that's always the case with the annual visit by the Buddhist monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery in Atlanta. Nine monks will set up camp Aug. 5-11 at The American Theatre in Hampton. Painting, music, dance, lectures, and this year film, will be part of their residency.

Handy guide tells you which tree is which Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
T he next time you look at an unfamiliar tree, think of it as a trivia game.

After special-session flop, time to point fingers Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Not surprisingly, a Republican delegate and the Democratic governor offer differing assessments on how it went.

Now it's a blame game: Republicans and Democrats spent Thursday sifting through the wreckage of their special session on transportation and castigating each other for what amounted to a crash-and-burn at taxpayers' expense. The session ended in the wee hours of Thursday morning.

Rape suspect found hanging in his jail cell Thu, 10 Jul 2008 05:48:00 -0400
A rape suspect was found dead and hanging in his cell at the Norfolk City Jail on Tuesday evening.

GRIDLOCK: What's the cost of doing nothing? Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
What won't happen?

WTKR Live VIPIR forecast: Some rain, cooler days Thu, 10 Jul 2008 06:08:00 -0400
July is usually our hottest month of the year. But it looks like the next few weeks will be surprisingly comfortable. Forecasters at the Climate Prediction Center are telling us to expect below-normal temperatures for the next eight to 14 days. Our typical high temperature right now is around 87 degrees. The weekend is looking hot, but we're forecasting low-to-mid 80s into next week. That may not sound like a huge difference, but in the heat of summer we'll take what we can get.

What's next for Gloucester? Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Recall petitions are likely for four supervisors. A county resident who has researched the process says he will "be following through."

As residents began the process of circulating petitions to remove four members of the Gloucester Board of Supervisors from office, Supervisors Teresa Altemus and Michelle Ressler proclaimed their innocence Wednesday, a day after they were indicted by a special grand jury on misdemeanor charges of malfeasance and misusing their offices.

Lawmakers work late, come up empty on transportation Thu, 10 Jul 2008 05:23:00 -0400
GA fails - again - to compromise; special session ends with no major bill.

The General Assembly ended its futile special session on transportation early Thursday morning without approving a major statewide funding plan or help for congested Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia.

Appeal filed to halt execution set for tonight Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Kent Jermaine Jackson was convicted of the 2000 Newport News slaying of a 79-year-old woman.

Lawyers for a Newport News man scheduled to die by lethal injection tonight urged a federal appeals court to halt the execution.

Hampton Founders Day events canceled Wed, 9 Jul 2008 15:30:00 -0400
Due to inclement weather, the Founders Day festivities scheduled Wednesday for Buckroe Beach have been canceled.

Potential victims turned tables on robbery suspects Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
One person is shot in Newport News, and a 19-year-old was slain last week in Hampton.

An armed-robbery suspect was shot by his potential victim Tuesday, the second time in a week where the tables were quickly turned, police said.

House advances Kaine's funding plan for transporation Wed, 9 Jul 2008 15:23:00 -0400
The General Assembly resumed its special session on transportation Wednesday by unexpectedly reviving the funding plan put forth by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine.

Woman pleads guilty in shooting Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Nyesha Valentine fired shots after a boy threw rocks at her 7-year-old daughter. Cocaine was found in her home.

— Nyesha Nicole Valentine was ticked at a woman whose son threw a rock at Valentine's daughter.

News now Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Faith-based organizations can take advantage of a free federal grant-writing workshop July 18.

Suffolk School Board member resigns Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A Suffolk School Board veteran has resigned.

Citizens group will discuss Eagle Harbor Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The next Eagle Harbor phase will be up for discussion Monday, when the Isle of Wight Citizens Association meets.

School Board member John Riddick resigns Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A Suffolk School Board veteran has resigned.

Lane closures on James River Bridge canceled Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:42:00 -0400
Lane closures on the James River Bridge Sunday were called off.

Man killed in single-car crash; speed a factor Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A Smithfield man died Tuesday in a single-car crash in Isle of Wight County.

'Clean Comedy Night' to feature impersonator Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Saturday's "Clean Comedy Night" at The Kimball Theatre in Colonial Williamsburg will feature Paul Aldrich.

Council praises Busch for community role Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The City Council passed a resolution Thursday praising Anheuser-Busch for the positive role that it plays in the community and calling on the federal government to closely scrutinize any potential takeover by Belgian brewer InBev.

Williamsburg City Council praises Anheuser-Busch Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:50:00 -0400
The City Council passed a resolution Thursday praising Anheuser-Busch for the positive role it plays in the community and calling on the federal government to closely scrutinize any potential takeover by Belgian conglomerate InBev.

New remedial program sought Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The Williamsburg-James City County School Board is exploring another proposed change to the alternative education program.

Group proposes new youth career forum Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The Peninsula Council for Workforce Development has proposed a new venue for Williamsburg-area youths to receive career advice. A Youth Career Cafe would provide a place for people ages 14-21 to get advice on choosing careers, searching for jobs and writing resumes.

Incoming W & M freshman 1st recipient of new scholarship Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Morgan Faulkner, 18, of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe gets the Anne Trevarthen memorial award.

She's just 18, but Morgan Faulkner has been an ambassador for the Upper Mattaponi Tribe for a while.

What some Gloucester residents are saying Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
"I don't feel like we can move forward with these four as part of the picture. What company would want to come here to bid on a job? What person would want to serve alongside them?

Altemus and Ressler respond to indictments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Statement of Teresa Altemus, chairwoman of the Gloucester County Board of Supervisors, concerning the misdemeanor indictments issued against her:

A sample of online comments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
More than 470 comments were posted to the Topix board at www.dailypress.com for the Daily Press coverage of Tuesday's actions from the Gloucester Courthouse. Here's a sampling:

State settles with Allied Cash for $38,000 over violations Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The Virginia State Corporation Commission has entered into a settlement agreement for $38,000 with payday lender Allied Cash Advance for violating multiple sections of the state's payday lending laws.

FiOS TV service aimed at businesses Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Verizon has started selling its FiOS television service to businesses in Virginia and 12 other states where the company has installed its new fiber optic service.

Fannie, Freddie plummet on rescue fears Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Fears that the government will be forced to rescue Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could well become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

$4 gas might help rural towns thrive Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
High fuel prices mean that many stores in small places — from small independent shops to local chains — are starting to enjoy renewed life.

Residents in once-sleepy Thomasville have started complaining about traffic jams on Route 43, which runs through town.

Smithfield directors buy more shares Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The company's stock has hit five-year lows, spurring a few insiders to purchase shares on the open market.

Smithfield Foods board members apparently think the recent beating the market has given to the company's stock price was excessive.

Agriculture Department announcing meat recall rule Fri, 11 Jul 2008 05:08:00 -0400
Next time there's a meat recall, you may be able to find out if your local grocery store received any of the tainted meat.

Foreclosure rescue to pass Senate; House next Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:39:00 -0400
Struggling homeowners who can't afford their mortgages and banks facing big losses would get government help under a foreclosure rescue that has broad bipartisan support.

Fannie, Freddie sink on government rescue fears Fri, 11 Jul 2008 05:39:00 -0400
Fears that the government will be forced to rescue Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could well become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Hollywood producers say SAG rejects contract offer Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:25:00 -0400
The Screen Actors Guild rejected the latest contract offer from Hollywood studios on Thursday but claimed it was willing to negotiate and presented a counterproposal.

Indians beat Rays to snap 10-game slide Fri, 11 Jul 2008 05:51:00 -0400
Cleveland had lost 10 straight, traded away arguably its best player and was welcoming to town the team with the best record in baseball. Just figures the Indians would finally get a win.

Fellow ex-POW eager to back McCain against Obama Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:04:00 -0400
In the decades since they shared a prison cell in North Vietnam, George "Bud" Day has remained a close friend of Republican John McCain and emerged as a staunch opponent of Democrats seeking the presidency.

South Korean fatally shot by North Korean soldier Fri, 11 Jul 2008 05:14:00 -0400
A North Korean soldier fatally shot a South Korean tourist Friday at a mountain resort in the communist North, prompting the South to suspend the high-profile tour program just as South Korean's new president sought to rekindle strained ties between the divided countries.

Will these supes know when to go? Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
T he visual image of the moment is a beaut:

Today's Regional Mystery Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Q : I've seen signs and heard on Virginia Department of Transportation's radio broadcast about Hampton Roads being "America's First Region." Why is that, since St. Augustine, Fla., is the oldest city in America, founded in 1565?

Gloucester 'hijacked' Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The report said the supervisors "crossed the line into criminality in several respects."

Last summer, Newport News resident Lacy Smith knew something was astir in Gloucester County.

Gloucester indictments: Who's involved, what happened and what's next Wed, 9 Jul 2008 09:48:00 -0400
Who's involved

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