Category: Local

Opinion, please: economics and personal finance course

The Virginia Department of Education has released a draft (pdf) of the framework of the Economics and Personal Finance course to be taught in Virginia's schools beginning with the 2011-2012 school year. The resulting Curriculum Framework addresses concepts and principles that are important to economics at the macro level, but also direct attention to understanding … Continue reading Opinion, please: economics and personal finance course →

Whistleblower’s job cut

Interesting: Since 2008, Charles Roberts has kept an eagle-eye on the pre-K-8 school construction in Hampton to make sure it ran smoothly and taxpayer money wasn't wasted. Throughout the process, he alerted his boss about mismanagement on the $100 million projects that led to the schools opening a year late and costing $2 million in … Continue reading Whistleblower’s job cut →

Norfolk Federation of Civic Leagues

Guest post by Eric Heard The concept of bringing government back to the people is discussed on a daily basis throughout democratic nations. There is still the feeling that this cannot be done. This is far from the truth.  There is still that right to make a decision for what you believe in, who you … Continue reading Norfolk Federation of Civic Leagues →

Johnson rally Saturday

Mamie Johnson, candidate for Norfolk council in Ward 3, is having a campaign rally Saturday morning from 10am to noon at Richard Bowling Elementary School UPDATE: Location moved to Woodlawn Baptist Church, 2736 Woodland Avenue, Norfolk. The rally is free and open to the public.

Why I care about the Norfolk schools’ mess – and why you should, too

I don't have any children in the Norfolk Public Schools, never have and never will. Yet I am dismayed to learn of the ever-widening scandal related to "irregularities" on the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests that seemingly hits the front page of The Virginian-Pilot almost daily. Not because it reflects poorly on the school system, … Continue reading Why I care about the Norfolk schools’ mess – and why you should, too →

Harsh realities

It's campaign season* - which means the politicians are out in full force, promising things to the voters. And the voters are lapping it up, depending upon their point of view.  Promises of additional spending - whether it be for schools or neighborhoods or anything else - garners support from those who would like to … Continue reading Harsh realities →

2nd Annual Civic Engagement Summit

Civic Summit Set for April 10 and You're Invited! --Hampton Roads citizens to gather for 2nd annual civic engagement summit “Today’s challenges require the informed participation of the public and government organizations that are proactive about the engagement of their citizens.” —Jim Oliver, HRCCE Chair We hope you're planning to join us for the 2nd … Continue reading 2nd Annual Civic Engagement Summit →

Broadband Is Job Stimulant For Virginia

Guest post by Timothy J. Early The National Telecommunications & Information Administration has awarded $21.5 million in broadband stimulus projects in southern Virginia. Although these projects are directed specifically at connecting Virginia Tech campuses and bringing broadband to public schools in Blacksburg, Bedford and six counties in the Appalachian region of Virginia, one report states … Continue reading Broadband Is Job Stimulant For Virginia →

Sine Die

At a little before 6pm Sunday, both houses of the legislature completed this session and adjourned sine die. The extra day of session was to deal with the budget, which covers the next two years of operations for the Commonwealth. With a $4.2 billion shortfall, some hard choices had to be made.  The budget is … Continue reading Sine Die →

Saunders campaign kickoff Sunday

Barbara Saunders, candidate for the Norfolk council seat in Ward 1, will have a campaign kickoff this coming Sunday, March 14. The event begins at 1pm and will be held at Ocean View Baptist Church. More details are available in the flier (pdf).