Jim Bishop: Drive, They Said – Miata Madness Strikes the Valley

Jim Bishop

Column by Jim Bishop Twenty-one Mazda Miata convertible sport coupes departed Harrisonburg for “Wild, Wonderful West Virginia” on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 7; twenty returned. This columnist, who confesses to a four-and-a-half year love affair with his miniaturized motorcar, wondered if anyone would respond to an announcement in the News-Record and other outlets to join a…

Kaine introduces transportation-funding bill

Chris Graham

Item by Chris Graham [email protected] An increase in the motor-vehicle sales tax, a hike in annual vehicle-registration fees, and a 1 percent increase in retail sales taxes in Northern Virginia and Hampton Road are among the highlights of Gov. Tim Kaine’s proposed solution to the state’s transportation-funding crisis. Kaine introduced legislation that he wants to…

Webb lauds Hallowed Ground legislation

Chris Graham

Item by Chris Graham [email protected] Legislation sponsored by Virginia senators Jim Webb and John Warner to designate a 175-mile corridor along U.S. 15 in Northern Virginia and Central Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic as a National Heritage Area passed the U.S. Senate today. The region designated by the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area Act…

Cambria has been there before

Chris Graham

Story by Chris Graham [email protected] He has represented Larry Flynt – which says most of what you need to know about the legal background of Paul Cambria. Let’s just say that he’s done this – defending someone standing accused on obscenity charges dealing with the production or sale of pornography – before. Which could explain…

O ‘Shenandoah,’ how long to hear you? Controversy over state-song pick rages on

Chris Graham

The Top Story by Chris Graham   “Shenandoah” is a fine tune – on that point, few will disagree. As fine a tune as it might be, though, is “Shenandoah” – which is, depending on who you believe, either about the Shenandoah Valley, a Native American tribal chief or life on the Western frontier –…

Senator discusses state tax reform

Chris Graham

Column by Emmett Hanger  Wait a minute! We are talking about reforming Virginia’s antiquated tax system, and I mean really, actually debating the pros and cons of revising Virginia’s tax structure. For years, the need has been there, but it was more convenient to sweep things under the carpet rather than talk about it. Now it’s…