By Paul A. Butler This is for my Pops, James E. Washington, a man who married my mother in Philly when she already had three kids. He was our step-father, a rather odd word that lets the world know that there was another man in my mother's life but that's it.

By Brian Kirwin Pirates and Navy SEALs are battling in Virginia Beach these days, but only on the big screen.

By James Lee Witt and James Loy As the first named storms Alberto and Beryl have now passed, we make an urgent call to action to Congress and the president: It is time to better prepare ourselves before the next crisis. America's "Hurricane Roulette," which gambles with lives and livelihoods, can't be allowed to play on anymore.

By Robert C. Parker Two hundred years ago, the United States, independent for less than 30 years, went to war with Great Britain to preserve its economy, its way of life and its independence. This year marks the bicentennial of the War of 1812 - a defining event for our nation and for the U.S. Coast Guard.

By Kenneth C. Alexander Virginia often seems to be the most distinguished state in the country. Our colleges and universities are consistently ranked among the nation's finest, not just in athletics but in academics as well.

By Sen. Mark Warner I have had the honor of representing Virginians in the U.S. Senate for just over three years now, and I guess I never received the memo that says Congress takes off work during presidential election years. China, India, Brazil and the rest of our global competitors certainly are not waiting for us to get our economic act together.

By Mike Crockett and Hannah Crockett

By Thomas R. Frantz and Nicole L. Pugar

By Dr. Howard W. Jones Jr. When did you become a person? Why does that even matter?

By Terry McAuliffe The recent decision by Gamesa to cancel installation of an offshore wind turbine prototype along Virginia's coast is the latest indication that the U.S. is falling behind on renewable energy.