ACLU asks U.S. Supreme Court to uphold freedom of the press on college campuses

Chris Graham

The ACLU of Virginia today asked the U.S Supreme Court to review a ruling by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals that allows restrictions on alcohol-related advertising in college publications in Virginia. In April, on a divided vote, the Fourth Circuit upheld the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board’s prohibition on the advertising of beer, wine,…

Roads report

The latest updated list of road work scheduled in the local area from the Virginia Department of Transportation.   ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY Interstate 64 * Mile marker 41 to 56 eastbound and westbound – Debris removal, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Interstate 81 * Mile marker 173 to 205 northbound and southbound…

Cuccinelli opinion pushes abortion clinics to the brink

Chris Graham

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has issued a legal opinion that there is authority in state law to place greater restrictions on abortion clinics. The opinion, issued late Friday, says the state “has the authority to promulgate regulations for facilities in which first trimester abortions are performed, as well as for providers of first trimester abortions,…

Independents face uphill battle against Goodlatte

The Sixth District is a safe one politically, so safe that Republican incumbent Bob Goodlatte does not have a Democratic Party opponent on the ballot in the November elections, though there are two independent candidates vying for the seat. The challenge ahead for Stuart Bain, a Libertarian, and Jeff Vanke, a self-described “Independent-Centrist,” is pretty…

Building a program, and a new culture, at UVa.

Chris Graham

It’s not easy rebuilding a culture. “I make the joke that I’ve spoken to the Boys Club, the Girls Club, the Rotary Club, the Hair Club for Men, I’ve done all those things, from Rhode Island to Florida. But that’s necessary, I think, when there’s change,” said Mike London, the new football coach at the…

WIll UVa. D be better in 4-3?

Chris Graham

Depending on how you account for things, around half of the NFL uses a 3-4 defensive front – featuring three down linemen and four linebackers. The scheme is popular with pro coaches looking for ways to slow down West Coast offenses that rely on timing in the passing game and quick hitters on the ground….

VaSportsOnline.com: Tech extends Beamer’s contract

Chris Graham

The Virginia Tech Athletics Department announced on Friday the extension of head football coach Frank Beamer’s contract through Dec. 31, 2016. Beamer’s contract had been set to expire on Dec. 31, 2012. “I appreciate Virginia Tech’s confidence in me leading this program,” said Beamer, who is entering his 24th season heading up the Virginia Tech…

Tech extends Beamer's contract

Chris Graham

The Virginia Tech Athletics Department announced on Friday the extension of head football coach Frank Beamer’s contract through Dec. 31, 2016. Beamer’s contract had been set to expire on Dec. 31, 2012. “I appreciate Virginia Tech’s confidence in me leading this program,” said Beamer, who is entering his 24th season heading up the Virginia Tech…

Cline gives thumbs-up on rail news

Chris Graham

State Del. Ben Cline, R-24th, today applauded the elimination of a critical choke point with a reconfigured rail junction on Norfolk Southern’s Crescent Corridor near Front Royal. This was the final of six capacity improvement projects in Northern Virginia that will help more trains travel at higher speeds and ease traffic congestion on I-81. “Ensuring…