Category: Local

Quayle Republican challengers

Bearing Drift is reporting that there may be two Republican challengers to Senator Fred Quayle (R-13th): Delegate Chris Jones (R-76th) and 4th CD chair Wayne Ozmore. The previously announced Democratic challenger is Portsmouth Councilman Steve Heretick.

Unanimous approval on slavery resolution

The Washington Post: The House of Delegates unanimously approved a resolution Friday expressing "profound regret" for Virginia's role in the slave trade, a significant act of contrition by a body that used to start the day with a salute that symbolized the state's Confederate heritage. h/t: RK

OTR: 02/04/07

This week's On the Record features a discussion of the impact of the new media on traditional media outlets, such as newspapers and TV. Joining host Joel Rubin will be Gordon Borrell, an internet consultant who launched Pilotonline for Landmark; Ernie Gates, the editor of the Daily Press; and Pete McElveen, webmaster for WVEC TV. … Continue reading OTR: 02/04/07 →

Mayor’s State of the City Address

I attended the State of the City address, delivered by Mayor Paul Fraim today. (I had hoped to get a copy of his remarks but they haven't come yet. ) For the most part, the mayor portrayed a fairly rosy picture for Norfolk: homicide is down, assessments are up, investment in the city is up, … Continue reading Mayor’s State of the City Address →

To those who ask: Is Black History Month (Still) Necessary?

Guest editorial by John L. Horton In recent years, certain celebrities, like Morgan Freeman and others, have questioned the continuing significance and ongoing commitment for the observance and celebration of Black History Month. They say that the time has come for Black History Month to be absorbed into the overall cultural and historical fabric of … Continue reading To those who ask: Is Black History Month (Still) Necessary? →

Now you know why you’re not invited

Well, I have a 65" widescreen HDTV and I was going to invite all of you over for the game but I guess I can't do it now. Seems the NFL doesn't want folks having SuperBowl watch parties where the TV screens are larger than 55 inches, unless, of course, you happen to have a … Continue reading Now you know why you’re not invited →

US Senate passes minimum wage bill

The US Senate passed a minimum wage bill, raising it to $7.25 per hour over a two-year period. The Senate bill contains several other provisions, which will have to be reconciled with the House version of the bill which contains no additional provisions. Besides increasing the minimum wage from the current $5.15 an hour, the … Continue reading US Senate passes minimum wage bill →

SB 1168: Court-appointed compensation

According to the Virginia Fair Trial Project (formerly the Virginia Indigent Defense Coalition), Virginia provides the lowest compensation for court-appointed attorneys in the country. A court appointed attorney in Circuit Court is paid a maximum of $158 for a misdemeanor punishable by confinement, $1,235 for a felony punishable by more than 20 years confinement, and … Continue reading SB 1168: Court-appointed compensation →

Action needed before Friday

Got an email last night regarding proposed cuts to the FFELP program. It seems that there are those who want to reduce this successful private-public partnership and replace it with increases in the Direct Loan program, which relies on the federal treasury as a source of funds. This makes no sense to me. I'm told … Continue reading Action needed before Friday →