ACLU files class action seeking to end Virginia’s ban on gay marriage

Today Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union and the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia are filing a federal class action lawsuit seeking the freedom to marry for all same-sex couples in Virginia as well as an end to Virginia’s refusal to recognize marriages same-sex couples have legally entered elsewhere. The case was filed on behalf of Joanne Harris and Jessica Duff of Staunton and Christy Berghoff and Victoria Kidd of Winchester and seeks to represent all same-sex couples in Virginia who wish to marry here or who have married in other jurisdictions.

Earth Talk: Sea level rises not letting up anytime soon

Roddy Scheer

Since sea level measurements were first recorded, in 1870, global averages have risen almost eight inches. The annual rate of rise has been 0.13 inches over the past 20 years, which is close to twice the average from the previous 80 years. Future estimates for sea levels vary according to region but most Earth scientists agree that sea levels are expected to rise at a greater pace than during the last 50 years.

Bob Goodlatte: Student Success Starts Locally

Nothing is more important to America’s future than ensuring a high-quality education for our nation’s children. While the basic goals of our current education law, the No Child Left Behind Act, are well-intentioned, the law is not working effectively and ultimately lacks critical flexibility and decision-making power for the individual states, parents, and teachers.