Tom Perriello | Fifth District Report

AFP

Our region of Virginia that once gave birth to the Declaration of Independence now stands poised to lead a new revolution that grants our nation energy independence. Whether one is for or against the new energy bill, most Americans are sick of going to the gas station to pour our hard-earned dollars to petro-dictators overseas…

Brain-injury group wins state grants

AFP

Crossroads to Brain Injury Recovery Inc. was awarded $144,966 in state general funds to provide case management for individuals affected by brain injury. The funds are administered by the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services, and the contract will run from July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010, with an option to renew for up to…

Charles Goldstein | A Fourth of July for everyone

AFP

This Fourth of July, America celebrates its 233rd birthday. Concurrent with the celebration, over 6,000 immigrants were naturalized as citizens in commemoration programs throughout the United States (including New Jersey’s Liberty Island and Betsy Ross House in Pennsylvania). Unfortunately, millions of American residents who are “yearning to breathe free,” who work hard, pay taxes, and…

Jim Bishop | Reflections on the Fourth of July – Then and Now

Jim Bishop

For many, the Fourth of July, the declaration of the United States’ independence from Mother England, means a day off work, a time for picnics, music festivals, fireworks displays. This time each year always triggers fond memories of childhood gatherings at Doc Brenneman’s farmstead near Doylestown, Pa., with other families from my home congregation. Weather…

In the News

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– Local News: Rose named grand marshal of Valley 4th parade – Local News: Rockingham seeks Auxiliary Deputy applicants – Local News: Drinking Liberally meeting next week – State News: Organizing for America announces Virginia staff 

Chris DeWald | Mini-strokes/TIA

AFP

According to the American Stroke Association, a TIA is a “warning stroke” or “mini-stroke” that produces stroke-like symptoms but no lasting damage. Recognizing and treating TIAs can reduce your risk of a major stroke. TIA is an abbreviation for transient ischemic attack. These are powerful words to be typing. Recognizing you have had one is…

Earth Talk | ‘Clean’ coal?

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Dear EarthTalk: As I understand it, “clean” coal really isn’t—yet the Bush Administration gushed strongly for it. What is Obama’s take on it? – John Zippert, Eutaw, Ala. Barack Obama and George W. Bush differ in many ways, but both have embraced so-called “clean coal” for providing an ongoing supply of cheap and readily available…