Unopposed Rooker sits on biggest war chest

Not only is Albemarle Supervisor Dennis Rooker running for reelection unopposed, he’s also got the most money– $70K as of August 31, according to the Virginia Public Access Project, including $7,500 from author John Grisham.

Over in the Rio District, incumbent and Chair David Slutzky leads with $45K (Grisham gave More… (2)

Prison book ban lifted

The Rutherford Institute is claiming victory for the Virginia Department of Corrections’ reversal of its decision to shut down “Books Behind Bars,” a volunteer program that sends books to inmates. According to a press release from the civil liberties organization, one day after Rutherford’s September 14 letter advising that the ban violated the First Amendment, Gene Johnson, head of the DOC, wrote Books organizer Kay Allison, who owns Quest Bookshop, to say the program has been reinstated and prisoners may receive three books a month. (1)

Fear factor: Jumbo jet turns over Scott Stadium

And then it headed off to CHO.
PHOTO BY HAWES SPENCER

Some UVA football spectators felt fear pangs Saturday when a low-flying jumbo jet appeared over the field. The craft’s large size, slow speed, and appearance over a loaded sports stadium a day after the anniversary of 9/11 combined to stoke concerns More… (44)

Coyote takes Jessica Simpson’s dog

Suburban fears may rise as word spreads that singer (and recent JPJ performer) Jessica Simpson watched in horror as her tiny poodle-maltese slipped into the clutches of a coyote before her eyes at home in California. (15)

Daughtry plays JPJ

He started as a Fluco, befriended Andy Waldeck, got daily gushes in the Progress when he was on American Idol in 2006, came back in triumph in 2007 to Starr Hill Music Hall, back again last year at the Paramount Theater— and now suddenly he leaps to ginormous John Paul Jones Arena. It’s Daughtry, Chris Daughtry; And tickets for the November 20 show ($31.50-$41.50) go on sale this Saturday, September 19 at 10am. (There’s time to buy them online and still rush to Court Square for the unveiling of a bust of Meriwether Lewis at 11am!) (2)