Results tagged “governortimkaine”

Good morning, Washington. It looks like California's still on fire, and likely to remain so. Most versions of the aforelinked AP story include the phrase "firefighters all but concede defeat," and the Post is calling the resulting evacuation the largest in modern history. It all sounds pretty grim. Good luck, West Coast. Yet More Stadium Parking Controversy: The Post reports on the latest in a seemingly neverending series of deliberations over parking at the...

Virginia Governor Tim Kaine has declared a state of emergency in the Commonwealth after 32 people, mostly students, were killed today in two shootings at Virginia Tech University. Dozens are still hospitalized with injuries ranging from minor to critical. The tragedy is being called the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. Officials say the assailant, described as an Asian man in his 20s, took his own life after the second attack. The first shooting happened...

Well, folks, it's happened. Everyone who lives in, commutes to, travels through, or even gets near Virginia in a car, bus, or train can breathe a little easier. Yesterday, as expected, the Virginia legislature approved Governor Tim Kaine's changes to the transportation bill, which we detailed last week. The expected revenue certainly won't dig Virginia out of the hole it's in with respect to transportation. But hopefully, it can keep the hole from getting any...

Those of you anxiously waiting to hear if you'll have to permanently crush out your butts in Virginia eateries can happily light up another. Yesterday, the state's General Assembly voted to reject Governor Tim Kaine's proposed smoking ban in Viriginia's restaurants. In their very last session before they break for the rest of 2007, Assembly members urged the Governor to reconsider what some claim would be too-widely sweeping a restriction -- making it illegal to...

Whether you are legitimately concerned about the future of transportation development in Virginia or simply sick of the endless debate clogging column inches in your local paper, the end is finally in sight. When the General Assembly finally compromised on a transportation funding package earlier this month, Governor Tim Kaine was not particularly pleased with what he saw. The Governor had promised to exercise his option to amend the bill and send it back to...

When the District floated the idea of a smoking ban in bars and restaurants, opponents warned that business would simply flee to less restrictive locales -- namely Virginia. But that may change, even if slowly.

After talking about it (or not talking about it) for months on end, the Virginia Legislature has finally sent Governor Tim Kaine a package of transportation legislation. Now the question is, does he have the stomach to sign it? Also this week, a reality check for the Purple Line and ticked-off drivers take parking enforcement into their own hands. Photo by andertho...

Ever since legislation was introduced in the D.C. Council that would mandate vaccinations for the HPV virus, the issue has moved to the forefront of the public health debate around the country. With an increasing number of states considering a mandatory vaccine -- at least 20 to date -- debate has raged between advocates that believe that a vaccine could prevent a serious public health crisis, opponents who claim that it infringes upon the rights...

Prince William County is earning itself quite a perplexing reputation. Last Friday, while most of us were recovering from turkey hangovers, the Washington Post reported that Prince William, whose representatives in the Virginia House of Delegates have been instrumental in defeating bills to help pay for Northern Virginia transit improvements, will consider a bill placing a one year moratorium on new home construction. According to county officials quoted in the Post story, the move would...

Though Virginia Governor Tim Kaine gave the proposal to tunnel Metro under Tysons a toe tag two months ago, a coalition of Northern Virginia businesses and residents remain determined to revive it. Even after a panel of experts endorsed the widely-favored tunnel, Kaine was forced to instruct transportation officials to move ahead with plans for overhead tracks, rather than risk almost $900 million, or a quarter of the project's total budget, in federal support. The...

It's been a chaotic month for AOL employees. First came news that the Dulles-based online giant would be cutting 5000 jobs. Today, another shoe is dropping: the company's accidental release of customer search data has finally reached the fall guy phase, resulting in the departure of CTO Maureen Govern and, presumably, others. Here's hoping that those previously laid-off can at least extract a little schadenfreude from the fiasco. Macaca Misstep Takes Toll In Poll: Yesterday WUSA released a new poll, and the news it brings is not good for George Allen. The numbers show that the senator's lead over Democratic challenger James Webb has evaporated from nineteen percentage points to a mere three. Perhaps most stunningly (if not importantly, given their generally low turnout rates), Allen has suffered a 40-point swing among young people. The poll also brings great news for Virginia homophobes: the fall ballot's marriage amendment is poised to pass by a 2:1 margin. Post Mayoral Endorsement Looms: How's this for meta-journalism: we're about to note another news outlet's story about yet another news outlet's potential endorsement in the mayoral race. Pretty ridiculous, we know. Still, there's no denying that the Post's endorsement could be a big deal in the election, and NBC4 does a fine job laying out the case. As you might expect, they identify the middle of the pack — and Marie Johns in particular — as the biggest potential beneficiaries. But it's anyone's guess who'll actually get the nod. Blacksburg Manhunt Starts And Ends Tragically: WTOP reports on yesterday's fugitive spree near Virginia Tech. William Morva escaped from Montgomery Regional Hospital, allegedly killing security guard Derrick McFarland in the process and prompting the nearby university to cancel classes for the day. Morva was recaptured around 3:30 p.m., but not before Montgomery County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Sutphin's life had also been lost. The suspect is now being held at an unnamed regional facility. Traffic Study Prompts Controversy: The Post reports on a spat between Va. Governor Tim Kaine's administration and pro-growth forces in Loudoun. At the center of the dispute is a study conducted by VDOT and released last month that predicts traffic problems if the Dulles South development is allowed to proceed. The newly-formed Right Growth Policy Institute has now released a set of emails between the Kaine administration and study engineers demonstrating a hands-on approach aimed at enhancing the political consequences of the study. However, although the arrangement may have been shady, no one seems to be questioning the validity of the study's conclusions. Briefly Noted: Cropp releases another aggressively anti-Fenty flyer... Deadlock in Richmond over sentence for Arlington man... K-9 unit deployed to identify exact location of Wone murder... Virginia police handed out thousands of tickets last weekend... Georgetown jewelry store robbers were caught on tape... This Day In DCist: One year ago we profiled a jumbo slice alternative, nursed foolish dreams of a Nats playoff appearance, and penned a gloriously immature headline. Image posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user andertho

We've all seen the signs around the District -- by city law, pedestrians in crosswalks without crossing signals have the right of way. But will we ever get caught zooming through intersections while pedestrians try to cross? According to the Post, we just might. Provoked by the 10 pedestrian deaths so far this year, police have started going undercover to enforce the District's pedestrian laws, often to the chagrin of city drivers oblivious to...

Good morning, D.C. It's nearly May, and you know what that means: the region is once again being gripped by baby duck fever. Apparently. It seems that a year ago we were on pins and needles waiting for news of hatching from a nest near the Treasury Department, a nest that was assigned its own security detail. And right on schedule, the Washington Times brings us word of another increase in the city's duckling population. Kaine Takes Aim At Gas Prices: Yesterday Virginia Governor Tim Kaine said that he didn't expect the state legislature to present him with a gas tax increase. Now he's preparing to fight escalating gas prices with new anti-gouging powers that will go into effect July 1, reports WTOP. However, the governor was quick to point out that he wasn't accusing any particular fuel retailers of gouging. With most of the recent price changes coming from higher in the supply chain, it's questionable whether Kaine's use of the anti-gouging measure would — or could — have much of an effect. Md. Teacher Named Best In Nation: Congratulations to Montgomery County's own Kimberly Oliver, who, as WUSA informs us, has won the National Teacher of the Year award. The prize is considered to be the top honor for our country's teachers. President Bush will present Oliver with the recognition today. There must be something about area teachers -- a D.C. public school teacher took the award last year. Stadium Bonds Receive Low Rating: The bonds needed to finance the construction of the new $611 million baseball stadium have received low ratings from Wall Street bond rating firms, notes WJLA. Fitch, Standard & Poor's and Moody's agreed that the business tax is the only reliable stream of revenue to ensure that investors are paid back, and they gave the bonds mediocre rating between triple-B and triple-B-plus. "Grandma's" Alleged Attacker Stands Trial: The Post reports on the progress of the case against James Dorsey, the man accused of brutally attacking and robbing the Foggy Bottom street vendor known by many as "Grandma." The attack occurred nearly a year ago, and was captured on video. Yesterday's opening statements in the trial focused on that video, with the defense maintaining that it is inconclusive and that Dorsey's confession was obtained under duress. Prosecutor Jonathan Haray acknowledged that the video doesn't allow for a definite ID, but expressed confidence in his case. Briefly Noted: Reward increased for information about slaying of 9 year-old... Good news for Maryland teachers, wine lovers and equine-transport-safety enthusiasts... Labor complaint filed against the Post... Pricey artwork damaged by Georgetown fire... Taco Bell worker could face up to ten years for spitting in drink... This Day In DCist: One year ago today the proposed new hospital was already running into trouble. And we were unwittingly getting ourselves into trouble of our own, as we prepared for a happy hour at Chief Ike's that ended up being a little too much fun.

The Washington Post reports that Virginia Governor Tim Kaine spent yesterday trying to track down the traffic that plagues the region. As part of an effort to build public support for his transportation policies, Kaine drove from Richmond to D.C. and spent the day at various locales around the city. The Post notes that his timing was poor; but for a slowdown near the Pentagon and later on I-66, the Governor sailed along. As a result, the Virginia House has recommended cutting taxes and halting all transportation spending until roads have deteriorated to the point that they're busy again.

Back in 1960, when Eisenhower signed into creation the first agency charged with creating a regional rail system for Washington, the city must have looked remarkably different. Having been wholly reshaped by population growth and new construction during World War II and the years that followed, the greater Washington area was still less than half the size it is today. When the first Metro cars opened 30 years ago (nearly to the day), the area...

Hi there, Washington. Check out this lovely photo from Flickr user LaTur. It looks like we're in for more of that kind of sunny weather — today's going to be clear, windy and cold. Kaine Aide's Remarks Draw Republican Ire: William Leighty, Governor Tim Kaine's Chief of Staff has gotten his boss in trouble with Virginia Republicans after implying that the governor would discriminate against legislation drafted by lawmakers hostile to his transportation agenda. Leighty...

Supporters of President Ronald Reagan tried to name a street in the District after him. But failing at that, they've opted for the next best thing -- dedicating a day to his legacy in Virginia. The Washington Times is reporting today that squeaky-clean Republican activist Grover Norquist submitted a request to Virginia Governor Tim Kaine's Office of Constituent Services that February 6 -- the Gipper's birthday -- be designated "Ronald Reagan Day." Kaine politely declined,...

When some Maryland counties passed one, many shrugged and said, "There's always D.C." When the District followed suit, those many seemed rattled, but not defeated, saying, "Thank God there's Virginia." But is Virginia now going down the same road Maryland and D.C. did? It looks like it.

While Washington is embroiled in scandal over lobbyist-funded junkets and gifts for members of Congress, Virginia doesn't much bat an eyelid at similar practices. WJLA is reporting that Virginia lawmakers took in some $315,000 worth of trips, gifts, meals, and transportation last year from lobbyists and wealthy hosts, up from $284,000 in 2004. Among that lavish spending -- which is neither illegal nor unusual in our southern neighbor -- was an $18,000 Caribbean getaway for...

So, The United States is preparing to develop methods for generating fuel from switch grass. I don't know what switch grass is, but my gut tells me it's a lot like brush, and Bush stands to make a killing off this whole arrangement. There is a Better Way: So, Washington was host once more to the State of the Union. We continue to marvel at the fact that once a year, at a predictable time...

Good morning, Washington. The Post reports today that an agreement has been reached on the development of the National Capital Medical Center. Howard University and city officials yesterday told the paper that a deal is complete outlining the placement of the $400 million hospital on the site of the former D.C. General Hospital in Southeast. The city will contribute $212 million toward construction, though Howard remains noncommital on how much care will be made available to the uninsured.

We often flip through the Washington Times, sometimes for some comic relief, sometimes to see how the conservative newspaper views local news. In perusing its pages today, we came across a column written by Tom Knott, the Times' answer to the Post's well-known and well-liked Metro columnist Marc Fisher. Today Knott -- often known for taking some creative license with his writing -- describes a conflict between a neighborhood bar and residents who want it...