Share
Interest in collecting payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) from charitable nonprofit organizations is likely to grow as cash-strapped municipalities seek additional revenue, according to a new report by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. But cities and towns should collaborate with colleges, universities, medical facilities and other nonprofits that are exempt from paying property…
Share
Over 50,000 Americans paid the ultimate sacrifice in the Korean War. For the first time, jets were used in war and integrated units fought together; however, Korea’s timing between WWII and Vietnam makes this war a footnote in history. On holidays to honor veterans, we think of men like PFC John Hubbard, who jumped into…
Share
“Any idiot can face a crisis,” declares the noted Russian playwright, storyteller and physician Anton Chekhov. “It’s this day-to-day living that wears you out.” Ain’t that the truth? Well, maybe not the whole truth, but I certainly identify with the sentiment. When tough situations arise, I wonder at the time how in the world I’ll…
Share
A new program involving state government and a group of Virginia banks and credit unions aims at protecting consumers and financial institutions from fake-check scams. Sixty-one banks and credit unions participating in this effort will hand out a brochure created by Consumer Federation of America about fake-check scams and similar frauds to every consumer who…
Share
With the Thanksgiving holiday right around the corner, Allstate Insurance is talking turkey. Deep frying a turkey can be a hazardous endeavor, and Allstate wants consumers to be sure that they focus on safety. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were more than 100 reported fire incidents involving turkey fryers since 1999….
Share
No. 21 Richmond used a dazzling 77-yard TD pass from John Laub to Donte Boston to take the lead in the fourth quarter and the defense forced seven turnovers, allowing the Spiders to overcome their five giveaways in a wild, 15-6 victory over Rhode Island Saturday at Robins Stadium. The victory keeps the Spiders (6-4,…
Share
The Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir, in its 19th year, has released its 14th compact disc, “Songs from the Heart,” a general collection of recordings from the last two choir years. Released Oct. 15, the newest recording includes favorites such as “Jubilate Deo” with the Washington Symphonic Brass and John Fast, organist, and “The Garden Song”…
Share
When I come to the second of three amendments to the Virginia constitution on next Tuesday’s ballot, I hope I don’t punch a hole in the machine when I vote “No.” This proposal aims to help disabled veterans by exempting them from property tax. How could anyone oppose so worthy, so charitable a goal for…
Share
The phone rang. No, it was not three in the morning. It was a far more civilized hour. And a more civilized time. It was 1992. However, as far as I was concerned it was a political wake-up call. “Dave, this is Vivian, how would like to be a Bill Clinton delegate at the Democratic…
Share
Before Wall Street drove our economy off a cliff, bullish Citigroup strategists dubbed the United States a “plutonomy.” They said, “There are rich consumers, few in number, but disproportionate in the gigantic slice of income and consumption they take. There are the rest, the ‘non-rich,’ the multitudinous many, but only accounting for surprisingly small bites…
Independent media doesn’t belong to billionaires or big companies – it belongs to you. If you find value in our work, please consider a contribution.