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Silence of the Court

Justices deny public access to shield personal conversations.

The Virginia Supreme Court operates in silence, denying public access to audio recordings of its oral arguments. Unlike the U.S. Supreme Court, which denies video recordings but allows audio recordings, the commonwealth's top appeals court has a complete blackout on public access to proceedings. In a written response to questions from Connection Newspapers, the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Virginia Supreme Court explained that audio records were once public, but the installation of new equipment in January 2008 created new concerns for justices.

Keeping Pets Safe

Veterinary experts say common household items can harm animals.

Did you know that a bowl of grapes sitting on your counter can be fatal to your dog or that a bouquet of fragrant lilies could be lethal to a cat? Were you aware that a stick of gum might cause a life-threatening canine emergency? Veterinary experts say that while pet hazards are lurking around almost every home, many pet owners are unaware of them. From favorite foods to over-the-counter-pain relievers, a number of common household items are dangerous to family pets.

Arlington Calendar

Food Truck Thursdays. In the surface parking lot at the corner of Crystal Drive and 18th Street.

Arlington Orange Line

Summer Classes Return Registrations now open for children and teen summer classes at the Arlington Arts Center. Join AAC for classes covering all subjects and mediums. This summer will offer classes from previous semesters and new classes like Developing Nature and Drawing, a class for teens rooted in the principals of drawing and AAC's summer exhibition Green Acres. Classes for Children. Through Aug. 23, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-4 p.m., supervised lunch breaks for students in consecutive classes, complimentary aftercare until 5 p.m. for students in 1:30-4 p.m. classes.

Opinion: Enjoy Tax Holiday, Donate School Supplies

Good timing to help those in need.

It is debatable whether recurring tax holidays for different seasonal needs are good policy. But since this weekend is Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies and clothing, it makes sense to take advantage of the savings, and to spread the wealth around. The savings are more significant this year with the new sales tax increases in effect as of July 1.

Letter to the Editor: Why I Love America.

Last evening, Monday, July 22, I went with our Ugandan guest, Tom Kitandwe Kisolo, to our local McDonald on the corner of George Mason Drive and Wilson Boulevard here in Arlington for a coffee and conversation, and stayed till 11 p.m. I was tired when I came home, went to bed, got up this morning and looked everywhere for my wallet. It was missing. I was sure I had brought it home. After searching everywhere, I decided to pass by the McDonald just to check if anyone had seen it.

Flourishing After 55

Arlington senior centers: Aurora Hills, 735 S. 18th St.; Walter Reed, 2909 S. 16th St.; Culpepper Garden, 4435 N. Pershing Dr.; Langston-Brown, 2121 N. Culpeper St.; Lee, 5722 Lee Hwy.; Arlington Mill at Fairlington, 3308 S. Stafford St.; also Madison Community Center, 3829 N. Stafford St.; TJ Comm. Center, 3501 S. 2nd St.

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Silence of the Court: Virginia Supreme Court Denies Access to Audio Recordings

Lack of transparency is explained as effort to shield personal conversations.

The Virginia Supreme Court operates in silence, denying public access to audio recordings of its oral arguments.

Joining Together To Save Animals

There are dozens of animal welfare organizations across the country working to secure "forever homes" for dogs and cats of all ages. And while there's a general camaraderie amongst them, stemming from their common cause, what's a little friendly competition among peers? For the past few years, the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has sponsored a nationwide contest to challenge shelters to see how many more animals they could adopt between June and August beyond the total the year before.

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TACT Celebrates Traditional and Same-Sex Marriage in 'I Do, I Do'

The times they are a-changin’. When "I Do! I Do!" first opened on Broadway in 1966, the musical by the “Fantasticks” duo Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt was a hit. Based on Jan de Hartog’s popular 1951 play "The Fourposter,” the show chronicles a half-century in the life of a successful marriage.

Orange Line

Performance. Through Wednesday, July 24, the Rosslyn BID provides live music on Monday and Wednesday evenings at the Rosslyn Metro Station. Enjoy a variety of performances during your evening commute from 5-7 p.m.

Arlington Bulletin

Meeting. 12:15 p.m. at La Cote d’Or, 6876 Lee Highway. The Arlington Rotary Club welcomes speakers Mitch Opalski and Carolyn Richar. Visit www.arlingtonrotaryclub.org.

Arlington Calendar

Food Truck Thursdays. In the surface parking lot at the corner of Crystal Drive and 18th Street.

Kitty Kraze: ‘Three Name Your Fee’

League seeks adopters and foster volunteers to home cats and kittens.

There are more than 100 cats and kittens currently at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington or in foster care and approximately 200 more are expected to arrive throughout the summer. The adult cat adoption fee is normally $100, but AWLA is extending a special promotion through the end of August — “Three Name Your Fee.” Folks who adopt cats 3 years old and over not only can name their price, but their adoption fee will also include: a certificate for a free exam with a participating veterinarian, spay or neuter surgery, a feline leukemia and feline AIDS test, a distemper vaccination, a personalized I.D. tag, a microchip, an information packet and an emergency sticker.

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Keep Pets Safe During Dog Days of Summer

Help pets beat the heat and prevent injury or illness.

The dog days of summer are officially here and while yes, the phrase refers to unbearable hot and humid weather, at the Animal League of Arlington (AWLA) it is an eventful season of responding to pets in peril.