Earth Talk | What about the elephants?

AFP

Dear EarthTalk: Are elephant populations stable these days? – Reuben Perrin, Hartford, Conn. Far from it. The double whammy of poaching (illegal hunting) and habitat loss has led to a dramatic decline in populations of both African and Asian elephants in recent decades. In 1930, there were between five and 10 million wild African elephants,…

In the News

AFP

– Local News: Blood drive at Fishburne Military School, posted Wednesday, 3:45 p.m. – Local News: Blue Ridge Food Bank honored nationally, posted Wednesday, 3:45 p.m. – Local News: Augusta, Staunton awarded money for emergency assistance, posted Wednesday, 9:20 a.m. – Local News: Wintergreen kicks off Bear Smart program, posted Wednesday, 9:20 a.m. – Local…

Rick Webb | Bailing out wind energy project is a misuse of stimulus money

AFP

The Highland County Board of Supervisors has unwisely proposed that the Commonwealth of Virginia provide $1.5 million in economic stimulus money to help facilitate the proposed Highland New Wind Development project in order to “enhance the long‐term returns to the county, developer and Commonwealth.”

Shepherd Bliss | Farms heal

AFP

After farming for most of the last sixteen years in semi-rural Sonoma County, Northern California, and being raised partly on our family farm in Iowa, I have come to understand that agriculture can serve many functions, in addition to producing food, fibers, and beverages. Some farms – especially non-industrial small family farms – are places…

The AFP Blog – Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009

Chris Graham

– Perriello criticizes tobacco tax in SCHIP bill, Wednesday, 1:40 p.m. – Conservation easements top 100,000 acres in Valley, Wednesday, 12:50 p.m. – Treasury announces new restrictions on executive compensation, Wednesday, 12:50 p.m. – House GOP pushing mental-health reforms, Wednesday, 12:50 p.m. – House bill allowing government-sanctioned sectarian prayers at government meetings unconstitutional, ACLU says,…

The Valley Blue Dog: Do as I say, not as I do?

Steven Sisson

Column by Steven Sisson It’s becoming clear as mud after last night’s debate that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is worst running mate since Thomas Eagleton in 1972. McCain’s political strategy ensuring women will vote for the Republican ticket because Palin’s sexuality is condescending to say the least. To quote Charlie Chan, the “mud of bewilderment…

The Calendar: What’s Going On This Weekend

AFP

More from our Calendar of Events.    Saturday, Sept. 20 Guest speakers, including several Virginia Indian representatives, artists and dancers offer perspectives on Virginia Indians past and present, Festival Conference and Student Center, James Madison University, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: http://web.jmu.edu/thegallery/new_page_1.htm. Volunteer Firefighter Auction, Waynesboro Fire Department, West Broad Street, Downtown Waynesboro, 10…

Special Commentary: Palin-haters?

Chris Graham

Special Commentary by Chris Graham [email protected] “Sarah Palin represents everything they hate,” conservative radio host Laura Ingraham told an audience at the Republican National Convention this week. Which piqued my interest, because I’m guessing that I’m one of those they that she was referring to – a Democrat, a member of the news media. Come…