Slave Names Will Be 'Unknown No Longer'

This fall, the Virginia Historical Society will launch a free, searchable online database of Virginia slave names called "Unknown No Longer." It will allow people, especially African-Americans, to trace their ancestry without compromising their privacy or paying fees.

Full story »

Users Stocked Up on Synthetic Marijuana

Two months ago, federal and state officials outlawed synthetic marijuana, a potpourri of herbs that anybody could buy at convenience stores and gas stations. But predictably, many young people stocked up on the now-illegal substance before the ban took effect. "People bought as much as they could last month and are still smoking it," said a student in Falls Church, Va.

Full story »

Law Boosts Sign Language, Deaf Culture

American Sign Language courses may grow in popularity and attract more students from different majors under a new state law. It requires Virginia's public colleges and universities to accept ASL, which is used by deaf people, as a foreign language credit.

Full story »

The Rowdiest Ram and VCU's No. 1 Fan

He's known as "Pav" - short for Pavarotti. He's a presence at VCU men's basketball games, home and away. He's recognizable to fans, players, coaches, media and event staff - well, at least when he has his horns on. Chris Crowley has fulfilled the role as leader of Ram Nation four years after his graduation from the university he loves.

Full story »

Fasten Your Bewits for New Falconry Rules

Virginia has overhauled its laws on falconry, once called the sport of kings. Under a bill signed by Gov. Bob McDonnell, Virginians who hunt with falcons and hawks will gain legal protections for their birds that previously applied only to hunting dogs.

Full story »

Her Dream: To Help Other Immigrants

She earned a bachelor's degree in social work in 2007, graduating magna cum laude. She accomplished that feat in just three and a half years while working 30 hours a week. Today, she is a waitress, babysitter and sometime interpreter. She also is an undocumented immigrant.

Full story »
10 May 2012

More for the VPA Data Online Workshop

More data, handouts, resources for the workshop

9 May 2012

Student loan default rates

Example of chart using ManyEyes

9 May 2012

SSA rulings

chart goes here {"dataSourceUrl":"//docs.google.com/spreadsheet/tq?key=0AsvjxcmAioZIdHhncWlueG9qazc5LUxSUzJ2ek1kUlE&transpose=0&headers=1&range=A1%3AD28&gid=1&pub=1","options":{"vAxes":{"1":{"useFormatFromData":true},"0":{"useFormatFromData":true}},"booleanRole":"certainty","animation":{"duration":500},"hAxis":{"useFormatFromData":true,"viewWindowMode":"pretty","viewWindow":{}},"isStacked":true,"width":680,"height":1200},"state":{},"chartType":"BarChart","chartName":"Chart 1"}...

8 May 2012

Health Rankings for Virginia Localities

8 May 2012

No Bullying in Richmond Schools?

The Richmond City Public Schools system hasn't reported a single incident of bullying over the past four years. Local school officials have made a judgment call and classified such offenses as harassment instead.

3 May 2012

Search Rep. Eric Cantor's donations

Here is a tool to search the database of individual contributions to U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia, the majority leader in the House of Representatives.

5 Mar 2012

CNS stories for Feb. 28-March 5

Here are the stories we distributed between Feb. 28 and March 5. Headlines include: "Amazon to Charge Virginians Sales Tax in 2013" ... "From Afar, Sen. Warner Talks to VCU Students" ... "Law Would 'Level Playing Field' for Chemotherapy Pills" ... and "Shipyard Workers Oppose Shift in Workers' Comp."

3 Mar 2012

33 Women's Rights Protesters Arrested at Capitol

Thirty-three demonstrators were arrested Saturday afternoon at the state Capitol during a protest against legislation they said would violate women's reproductive rights.

27 Feb 2012

CNS stories for Feb. 21-27

Here are the stories we distributed between Feb. 21 and Feb. 27. Headlines include: "House Restores Funding for Alicia's Law" ... "History Reconstructed: Assembly Honors Black Lawmakers" ... "Senate Requires Ignition Interlocks for Drunken Drivers" ... "Democrats, Republicans Battle Over Voter ID Bills."

21 Feb 2012

CNS stories for Feb. 14-20

Here are the stories we distributed between Feb. 14 and Feb. 20. Headlines include: "More Than 1,000 Protest Anti-Abortion Bills" ... "Jails Can Shackle Inmates Giving Birth" ... "Bills Would Outlaw New Designer Drugs" ... "House Votes to Redefine 'Triggerman' Rule"

View more CNS stories »

CNS photo site Subscribe to our feed delicious.com links