Evan Jones
Gay rights activists applaud Attorney General Mark Herring’s decision to actively oppose Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage. But traditional marriage advocates deplore it. Herring’s office will argue against the state ban in a federal court hearing next week. WFIR’s Evan Jones reports on reaction from both sides of the debate.
Tuesday’s indictment of Governor McDonnell and his wife led to a sharp exchange yesterday in the State Senate as one lawmaker said it reflected the General Assembly’s “institutional failure”
to investigate the matter before federal prosecutors did. But another says it is “irresponsible” to suggest this reflects an indictment against the entire legislative body. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
It’s already illegal for teens with provisional licenses to talk on cellphones while driving; now the State Senate has passed a bill to make it a primary offense. Supporters say it would reduce accidents, but opponents say asking police officers to make subjective judgements — like is the driver really under 18 — opens a greater can of worms, like accusations of profiling. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Virginia Western Community College holds information sessions this week for high school seniors and their families interested in a program that provides tuition-free education for two years. The Community College Access Program is helping more than 400 students this school year. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
The information sessions are scheduled Tuesday through Thursday this week from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Virginia Western’s Whitman Theater. Click here for full information on the Community College Access Program.
Ed Gillespie
Republican activist and strategist Ed Gillespie has announced he will run for Virginia’s U.S. Senate seat. Gillespie is a former GOP National Committee chairman. Republicans will select their candidate at a state party convention in Roanoke in June. Democrats appeared ready and armed for the announcement, as WFIR’s Evan Jones reports.
Rep. Morgan Griffith
An animated Congressman Morgan Griffith had unusually strong words for some of his Democratic colleagues this week after one of them suggested coal country representatives were short-sighted — and “playing to the cheap seats”. Griffith’s response in Congress was “nuts to you”, a reference an American general’s reply to a German surrender ultimatum in World War II. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Liberty University photo
Liberty University dedicates its $50 million dollar Jerry Falwell library today — the first facility on campus named after Liberty’s founder. The university says there’s a lot more than books inside, with plenty of present-day interactive technology and a wide-open feel with 80,000 square feet of glass, all designed to make the building a desirable destination for Liberty students. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Last week’s record low temperatures may have made life difficult for many of us, but don’t expect that to mean a significant impact on insect pest numbers next summer. Local experts tell us insects generally adapt to such extremes, especially this time of year. Their numbers are far more likely to be impacted if record colds hit us in mid to late spring. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Salem police are looking for the driver whose vehicle struck and damaged a World War One era cannon and took off. It happened sometime overnight at College Avenue and Roanoke Boulevard. Police say debris left at the scene indicates the vehicle is a 1997 or 98 Dodge Dakota or Durango pickup. A plaque near the cannon states that the American Legion placed the German 77 Mm cannon in Salem by in 1926 to commemorate World War One. The damaged cannon has been removed from the site. Anyone with any information on the incident is asked to call Salem Police at (540) 375-3084.
Salem Police photo
The General Assembly gets down to business today with a new governor in office — but with plenty of uncertainty remaining in the Senate. For the moment, Republicans have a one-vote majority, but that could change a week from tomorrow when a special election will determine which party holds control.WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.