ACLU seeks details on government’s phone tracking

AFP

In a massive coordinated information-seeking campaign, the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia and 33 other affiliates across the nation today are sending requests to more than 375 local law enforcement agencies large and small demanding to know when, why and how they are using cell phone location data to track Americans. The Virginia affiliate…

New BC residence hall features cutting-edge sustainability

AFP

The dedication of Stone Village – Bridgewater College’s new environmentally sustainable student residences – will be held Tuesday, Aug. 9, at 11 a.m. Featured speakers include representatives of the college and the United States government. The event is free, open to the public and will be held rain or shine. Refreshments and a tour of…

Kathleen Rogers: Don’t turn out lights on bulb innovation

AFP

In a close vote, the House recently passed a provision that undercuts one of the most successful environmental programs of the decade – one that requires all bulbs – including the incandescent – to achieve higher efficiency levels. The amendment, which was tacked on to the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act of 2012, delays…

Kaine, Allen talk debt ceiling

AFP

George Allen sees the debt-ceiling issue as “leverage” for Republicans heading into the 2012 elections. Tim Kaine has raised issue with Allen on that stance, and on Friday Kaine offered a statement of support for Senate Democrats for their 51-46 party-line vote rejecting the so-called “Cut, Cap and Balance” plan that passed the Republican House…

Kaine campaign announces staff additions

Chris Graham

Today, Gov. Tim Kaine announced the second wave of key appointments to his campaign team for U.S. Senator from Virginia. “I’m proud to announce that Mike Henry will be joining our team as campaign manager. His expertise when it comes to Virginia is unmatched. I look forward to seeing the campaign benefit from Mike’s extraordinary…

Pat Byington: Follow the scientists

AFP

Dr. James McClintock, a renowned University of Alabama-Birmingham marine biologist who has conducted research in Antarctica for more than 25 years, told me the following story. “You work in a scientific lab in the quietest place on Earth — Antarctica. “There’s a Crack! Boom! “You rush to the window of your remote lab with a…

Webb, Warner introduce offshore-drilling legislation

Chris Graham

U.S. Sens. Jim Webb and Mark R. Warner today introduced legislation that would allow oil and natural gas exploration and production off of the Virginia coast. Both senators have consistently supported safe and responsible energy exploration on Virginia’s outer continental shelf. The Virginia Outer Continental Shelf Energy Production Act of 2011 would also expand the…