Star City Harbinger

• More New River Valley Employers Offer Green and Cost-saving Transportation Benefits to Employees

  Roanoke, VA – Two Blacksburg firms, Draper Aden Associates and Baker Hughes, have partnered with RIDE Solutions to offer environmental- and cost-saving commute options to their employees. These new Workplace Partner participants are working with RIDE Solutions to encourage their employees to carpool, bike, walk, or take the bus to [...]
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  Posted: December 03, 2009, 10:07pm EST
  by Star City Harbinger

• Roanoke Region outperforms many Southern regions, according to latest index of economic growth

  ROANOKE , Va. (Dec. 3, 2009) – A leading index of economic growth shows a dramatic improvement for the Roanoke Region. Roanoke rose 42 positions to No. 126 out of the 200 largest U.S. metro areas, according to the 2009 Milken Institute/Greenstreet Real Estate Partners Best-Performing Cities Index. The [...]
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  Posted: December 03, 2009, 9:52pm EST
  by Star City Harbinger

• ICYMI: Delegate Ware fined $500 for campaign website irregularity

  The following story broke on Thanksgiving eve . . . On October 1, 2009, SCH posted the conclusion of a saga involving several accusations of election law violations by Delegate Onzlee Ware. Those complaints were eventually found to be without merit. However, another complaint was filed by email by the Jeffrey [...]
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  Posted: December 02, 2009, 9:01am EST
  by Hank Bostwick

• RT: “Roanoke parties prep for election”

  Number of comments: 3
  This morning, Mason Adams of The Roanoke Times posted an excellent round-up of local political activity at roanoke.com. [...]
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  Posted: December 02, 2009, 8:38am EST
  by Star City Harbinger

• WDBJ7’s Bob Grebe: “Ideas welcome at reThink Roanoke summit”

  Number of comments: 2
  Read the full article and watch the video (Go, Beth and Jeremy!). A new group, reThink Roanoke, has formed with the goal of engaging citizens in a conversation about what lies ahead for the Star City. According to organizers, reThink Roanoke is a nonpartisan association of residents who want to bring [...]
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  Posted: December 01, 2009, 10:39am EST
  by Star City Harbinger

• Witness for Justice: “Dissatisfied about wealth gap”

  As we struggle toward such a just society, we must work with what the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. called a “divine dissatisfaction.” Therefore, let us be dissatisfied with the disparities in the accessibility to accrue wealth between races. Let us be dissatisfied with a capitalistic system that religiously values [...]
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  Posted: December 01, 2009, 10:23am EST
  by S Rotan Hale

• Day Spa celebrates grand Open House

  November is traditionally observed as Customer Appreciation Month at Brighter Image Day Spa. In celebration of the occasion, a grand Open House was held on Sunday, Nov. 15, on location at 5720 Williamson Road in Suite 102. [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 8:41pm EST
  by S Rotan Hale

• NAACP Youth Forum Selects Officers

  The Roanoke Branch of the NAACP has formally re-organized its Youth Council. At Sunday’s meeting on November 22, the following officers were elected: president, Javontae Patrick – 9th grader, William Fleming H.S.; vice-president, Virginia Harris, 11th grader, North Side H.S.; secretary, Iyannia Simmons-Young who is home schooled; and Treasurer, Javonte MeNear, [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 8:34pm EST
  by S Rotan Hale

• Singer Ray Boltz in Concert – Saturday, Dec. 5 at Metropolitan Community Church of the Blue Ridge

  Roanoke, Virginia – Ray Boltz, renowned Christian recording artist, will be in concert at Metropolitan Community Church of the Blue Ridge on Saturday, December 5, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. A love offering will be received. Ray Boltz--known for songs “Thank [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 3:57pm EST
  by Star City Harbinger

• Bostwick: No more ‘democracy-hating thugs’ and other rhetorical flourishes

  Number of comments: 1
  Alright . . . I suppose I'm not the best person to bring this up. Then again, I suppose I am. As co-creator of and contributor to Star City Harbinger--Roanoke's most controversial source of local political news and information--I've ruffled some feathers (understatement). Oftentimes we use hyperbole at SCH to capture our [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 9:47am EST
  by Hank Bostwick

• Link Museum Welcomes Santa by Rail

  On Dec. 5, 2009, the public is invited to attend Santa Arrives By Rail, On an Evening Express. This event will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the Link Museum’s Norfolk Southern Lobby and will present an evening of holiday cheer in true Roanoke style. The historic Norfolk and Western Passenger [...]
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  Posted: November 27, 2009, 10:35pm EST
  by Star City Harbinger

• Positive Star City Business News: Local ad agency wins 8 trade awards

  tba (the becher agency) WINS MOST PRSA SUMMIT AWARDS: Firm receives eight awards for excellence in public relations ROANOKE, VA – tba (the becher agency) won eight Summit Awards from the Blue Ridge Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America in recognition of excellence in public relations. [...]
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  Posted: November 25, 2009, 4:58pm EST
  by Star City Harbinger

• Could Roanoke’s local elections become ‘post-partisan’?

  Number of comments: 1
  “We still think partisanship has no place in local government. But the system is what it is, and challengers with a party’s backing might stand a better chance than go-it-alone candidates.” The Roanoke Times Editorial Board, June 2009. In the spring of 2010, Roanokers will either return incumbent Council members [...]
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  Posted: November 25, 2009, 4:35pm EST
  by Hank Bostwick

• Monday Night Noir: It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s PALINMAN!

  Number of comments: 5
  SCH's newest contributor gives Roanokers an unvarnished view of last weekend's Palin visit According to Mason Adams of The Roanoke Times, thousands of people gathered outside the Barnes & Noble bookstore near Valley View Mall to catch a glimpse of America's political celebrity of the moment. Sarah Palin was in the [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 11:42pm EST
  by Star City Harbinger

• Downtown Roanoke, Inc. set to decorate the historic Roanoke City Market for the holidays

  Downtown Roanoke, Inc. will host its holiday tradition of Greening the Market on Tuesday, November 24, 2009, at 12:30 p.m. The Historic Roanoke City Market will be transformed in true holiday style! To kick off the holiday season, local greenery will be added to the market stalls, along with [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 8:52pm EST
  by Star City Harbinger

• Mandolin Madness at Kirk Avenue Music Hall

  Adam Steffey and Kym Warner will perform at the Kirk Avenue Music Hall, 22 Kirk Avenue SW, Tuesday, Dec. 8. The two premier mandolin players are touring together as a duo for the first time while their bands are on year-end hiatus. [...]
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  Posted: November 23, 2009, 2:50pm EST
  by Chris Hale

• ICYMI: Grandin Children’s Parade is bigger than ever

  For over three decades, children have marched between Brandon and Memorial along Grandin Avenue the weekend before Thanksgiving for the Grandin Children's Parade sponsored by Grandin Village Business Association. This year parade attendance is estimated to have eclipsed previous years. [...]
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  Posted: November 22, 2009, 9:25pm EST
  by Star City Harbinger

• Tribune publisher honored as JA Hall of Fame Laureate

  First African American woman laureate It was a most auspicious occasion as Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia hosted its 19th Annual Business Hall of Fame awards dinner. The grand affair held November 10 at the Jefferson Center was extremely well attended and proved to be a gathering of Roanoke’s who’s who [...]
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  Posted: November 22, 2009, 8:45pm EST
  by S Rotan Hale

• An Evening with Natalie Cole simply “Unforgettable”

  A sell-out crowd enjoyed An Evening with Natalie Cole at the Pop Series with The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra on Nov. 5 at the Salem Civic Center. The classic diva of Pop who is the daughter of legendary jazz great Nat “King” Cole performed a series of those songs for which she’s [...]
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  Posted: November 22, 2009, 8:34pm EST
  by S Rotan Hale

• William Fleming High School to remain fully accredited

  At a morning meeting in Richmond last Tuesday, full accreditation was unanimously awarded William Fleming High School by the Virginia Board of Education. According to State Superintendent Patricia Wright, the school still would have passed even had all of the students in question failed their respective SOLs. Attending the meeting was [...]
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  Posted: November 22, 2009, 8:25pm EST
  by S Rotan Hale

• Roanoke City Dems to select new leader, reorganize

  Number of comments: 2
  The Democratic Committee for the City of Roanoke is undergoing a mandatory reorganization in December--an event which occurs every two years. Last night, the Committee chose its primary method for the upcoming council election. Rather than a so-called 'firehouse primary' or mass meeting, the Democrats will choose their candidates [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 12:26pm EST
  by Hank Bostwick

• Bostwick: This Council election, avoid the ’single-issue’ trap in Roanoke City politics

  Number of comments: 5
  They will come in all shapes and sizes. The 'small government' contingent will tell us that the cure to our ills is further reduction in City services and less City employees. Tighten up, Roanoke, they will say. Read our lips. The 'Countryside lobby' will tell us that we owe them a [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 10:12am EST
  by Hank Bostwick

• reThink Roanoke announces upcoming summit

  ROANOKE, VIRGINIA–In just over five months, Roanokers will choose three city council candidates to lead them for the next four years. They will decide whether to continue on the path they’ve been on, or take a new direction. With the last city council election drawing less than 20% of the [...]
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  Posted: November 19, 2009, 2:54pm EST
  by Star City Harbinger

• Study Team presents recommendations for Route 419 corridor

  Citizens encouraged to attend meeting December 3 SALEM – The Roanoke Valley Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will hold a citizen information meeting to present recommendations to address transportation needs along the Route 419 corridor from Route 311 to Route 220 in the [...]
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  Posted: November 19, 2009, 2:38pm EST
  by Star City Harbinger

• T-Rex sighting on Jefferson?

  Well, there very well might be, says River J. Laker, Development Coordinator for Roanoke Public Libraries. 9 foot "Baby" T- Rex is coming to Roanoke Main Library (outside), Thursday, November 19 at 3:30pm He will only be here for about 10-15 minutes as he's still a baby and needs his sleep, so don't' [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 7:35pm EST
  by Star City Harbinger

• Roanoke Women’s Foundation doles out $164,000 in donations

  $164,000 in Grants to benefit Mission of Mercy and CHIP The Roanoke Women’s Foundation was established in August 2004 by Ginny Jarrett and Kandy Elliott based on a model established in Seattle , Wash. , 14 years ago to give women of all ages and income levels an opportunity to [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 10:18am EST
  by Thomas Becher

• Join the conversation at The Big Read Roanoke Valley

  Number of comments: 1
  Maybe the best post on The Big Read is Dan Smith's here. I like this line: While the Roanoke Valley went semi-ga-ga a couple of weeks ago over the announcement of a marathon on the Blue Ridge Parkway, my guess is the Read--which will exercise a different part of your' [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 9:40am EST
  by Hank Bostwick

• When should women start screening for breast cancer? Roanoke’s Komen for the Cure has an answer

  As the two largest organizations in our region dedicated to educating the public on all issues concerning breast cancer, we have come together to clarify yesterday’s news about the USPTFS guidelines, and to explain why our guidelines have not changed. Yesterday, the US Preventive Task Force on Screening issued a [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 8:23pm EST
  by Star City Harbinger

• Star City’s SoftSolutions to toast ‘81 Reasons to Connect’ at NCTC’s Technology & Toast this week

  Jay Foster of Old Southwest's SoftSolutions will present the efforts of his group 81 Reasons to Connect at The NewVa Corridor Technology Council's Toast & Technology breakfast this Thursday. Toast & Technology provides a forum for the exchange of ideas about regional economic development in the Roanoke and [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 4:18pm EST
  by Star City Harbinger

• Marcus Borg to speak at St. John’s Roanoke tonight

  Do you feel an attraction to the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth but are turned off by institutional Christianity? Do you love Jesus but loathe the close-minded and antagonistic statements of some of his most strident followers? Do you feel a kinship with the stories of the Gospel but do [...]
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  Posted: November 16, 2009, 9:09am EST
  by Hank Bostwick

• City Democratic Committee chair Tony Reed will not stand for reelection in December

  Number of comments: 1
  Reed ends his two-year term next week as chair of one of the most successful Democratic executive committees in recent party history ROANOKE, VIRGINIA--Tony Reed has served as the leader of City Democrats for the past two years. Reed is focusing his efforts on other community service projects and will not [...]
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  Posted: November 15, 2009, 11:22am EST
  by Hank Bostwick

• Claudia Whitworth’s Turtle Talk Editorial

  n February of 1941, the Reverend F.E. Alexander founded The Roanoke Tribune. Since its inception, The Roanoke Tribune has remained one of the longest continuously operating African American newspapers in the United States. Tribune Publisher Claudia Whitworth, daughter of the late Rev. Alexander, purchased The Roanoke Tribune from [...]
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  Posted: November 14, 2009, 10:24am EST
  by Star City Harbinger

• “Swiss Army Musician” to Play Rocky Mount

  Number of comments: 2
  In 2005, Roanoke musician Al Coffey signed on with “The Feel Good Tour,” which traveled to New Orleans to bring music and instruments to children affected by Hurricane Katrina. So far, he’s made eight trips with the tour. These days, you can find him at the Applebees in Rocky Mount. He’ll [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 3:39pm EST
  by Chris Hale

• Rev. Steve Publicover: “Open Doors” Brings Roanokers Together to Discuss Community and Diversity

  There's a new conversation going on in the Roanoke Valley and it's all about community and diversity. A new outreach project, S.T.A.R. (Spirit of Tolerance and Art in the Region) hosted the first in a series of discussions called "Open Doors" at the Shenandoah Club in downtown Roanoke Thursday night. S.T.A.R. [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 10:03am EST
  by Hank Bostwick

• Roanoke City Council 2010: Meet Mike Hamlar

  Number of comments: 3
  Rumors are beginning to surface about potential candidates for Roanoke City Council. Members David Trinkle, Gwen Mason and Rupert Cutler will face reelection in May of 2010--some six short months away. First, the Roanoke City Democratic Committee (Trinkle, Mason and Cutler rejoined the Committee after they were elected as independents) [...]
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  Posted: November 12, 2009, 10:12am EST
  by Hank Bostwick

• New Horizons for the Rev. Dr. William L. Lee Education Center

  In 1992, Roanoke Times & World News reported that almost 40,000 residents of Northwest Roanoke lacked access to medical care. The ReverendDr. William Lee of Loudon Avenue Christian Church realized then that he had to do something about it. “Without Loudon Avenue Church, there could be no New Horizons,” declared Reverend Lee [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 10:32pm EST
  by Hank Bostwick

• Air Force American Heritage Band to Perform at Kirk Avenue Music Hall

  November 11, 2009 – In honor of Veteran’s Day and in support of the many Americans serving in the armed forces both at home and abroad – Kirk Avenue Music Hall is proud to host The United States Air Force Heritage of America Band Langley Winds ensemble on [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 10:06pm EST
  by Star City Harbinger

• OPEN DOORS: A conversation about the dynamics of difference

  Number of comments: 2
  The world in which we live and work today is increasingly diverse. We all want to be treated with respect, valued and welcomed in our environment --- be it the neighborhood in which we live or the office in which we work. S.T.A.R., The Spirit of Tolerance and [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 9:26pm EST
  by Star City Harbinger

• Liberals left limp by lame local candidates

  Number of comments: 2
  The release of the 'radical thesis' by The Washington Post late last summer caused a demonstrable narrowing of the wide margin that his opponent Bob McDonnell had enjoyed since Deeds' primary upset. Virginians, who individually are largely tolerant and hospitable, responded to the story nervously and McDonnell's well-crafted moderate media' [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 6:16am EST
  by Hank Bostwick

• Link Museum Partners with the Jefferson Center and Roanoke City Schools to Celebrate Hip Hop Culture in Roanoke

  Number of comments: 1
  ROANOKE, Va.—The O. Winston Link Museum with Roanoke City Schools and the Jefferson Center in downtown Roanoke is excited to present “On the Block: Photography and Music” on NOVEMBER 20th at 7 p.m. in the Jefferson Center’s rehearsal hall. This event will feature performances by students from the Music Lab [...]
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  Posted: November 10, 2009, 10:03pm EST
  by Star City Harbinger

• Roanoke Valley’s children create peace and adventure this Fall

  The Conflict Resolution Center and Kids in the Valley, Adventuring! offer a spirit of community and cooperation Roanoke's non-profit Conflict Resolution Center (CRC) seeks innovative ways to resolve differences outside of the traditional court system. The Center offers services in mediation, facilitation, training and restorative justice. Peace by Piece--an art [...]
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  Posted: November 10, 2009, 9:02am EST
  by Star City Harbinger

• What happened at the corner of 2nd and Kirk Sunday night?

  Number of comments: 1
  About six months ago, Roanoke experienced the wonder-filled opening of Car Less Museum and the corner of Kirk Avenue and 2nd Street has not been the same since. Sadly, circumstances have brought an abrupt halt to the merriment and mayhem in the shadows of the Municipal Building. Last night, two masked [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 11:41pm EST
  by Hank Bostwick

• Is the Roanoke Valley’s economic engine revving up? LiteSteel officially opens Troutville plant

  Number of comments: 1
  Cross-posted from The Roanoke Region of Virginia at Blogspot.com: TROUTVILLE, VA – LiteSteel Technologies America LLC on October 29 officially opened its new North American plant. The Roanoke Region plant began production several months ago and is moving toward full production of its signature LiteSteelTM beam (LSB®), a lightweight [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 11:53am EST
  by Star City Harbinger

• Turning the ‘cultural corner’ on the abortion debate

  Number of comments: 3
  Last minute House health care bill amendments signal 'common ground' on contentious issue Last Friday, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops petitioned Congress at the 11th hour to cure what it called a "money-laundering scheme" for using public funds to pay for abortions. Pelosi's House reacted swiftly and pragmatically allowing floor [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 9:50am EST
  by Hank Bostwick

• TAP speaker inspires with redemption story

  Patrice Gaines is a storyteller. She speaks in an eloquent, folksy manner of her life struggles and triumphs, and how people, particularly women, can overcome the bad and flourish in the good. Gaines, a former Washington Post reporter and now author, freelance writer and motivational speaker, shared her story with the [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 7:32am EST
  by S Rotan Hale

• Model Ruth Hunt honored with congressional resolution

  Number of comments: 1
  New York Congressman Charles Rangel was among the honored guests September 19 at the Gran Piatto d’Oro in Harlem, New York, for the first of two elegant affairs celebrating the stellar career of model Ruth Hunt. A proclamation was also presented to Ruth by Brooklyn Borough Pres. Marty Markowitz for [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 7:21am EST
  by S Rotan Hale

• Perriello says ‘yes’; Boucher says ‘no’

  Freshman Representative Tom Perriello's vote can only be described as an act of political courage According to the New York Times which posted the vote tally this morning, Freshman Representative Tom Perriello voted in favor of last night's landmark health care reform. Uber-conservative Democrat from far Southwest Virginia Rick Boucher stood with [...]
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  Posted: November 08, 2009, 7:49am EST
  by Hank Bostwick

• House passes historic health care bill

  39 Conservative Democrats defect; 1 GOP convert from Louisiana House Democrats on a largely party line vote approved HR 3962--Affordable Health Care for America Act--220-215. Almost 40 conservative or Blue Dog Democrats joined a new unanimous Republican front against the bill. One Republican from a district which includes New Orleans--Rep. Anh [...]
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  Posted: November 08, 2009, 7:30am EST
  by Hank Bostwick

• BREAKING: House passes ‘key’ procedural hurdle and begins health care debate

  Number of comments: 1
  President Obama visits the Hill to demonstrate his support The Washington Post estimates that landmark health care legislation (HR 3962) will be debated for the next five hours as Congress braces for a vote later this evening. Last night, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which roundly supports congressional health [...]
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  Posted: November 07, 2009, 2:17pm EST
  by Hank Bostwick

• Message from the Editor: Changing of the Guard

  Number of comments: 4
  One evening in the Spring of 2008, a friend of mine was cycling back from a City Council debate at Patrick Henry High School near our home in the Grandin Village/Raleigh Court section of Roanoke. He was depressed by the low turnout, the shallow questions and the soundbite responses of [...]
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  Posted: November 05, 2009, 6:04pm EST
  by Hank Bostwick