News briefs
Protesters gather to support the 'Jena Six'
Thousands of protesters are gathering in Jena, La. to support six black teenagers who were charged with beating a white student last December. The group is being called the Jena Six.
Ten months ago, white students at Jena High School hung nooses on a tree after black students ate lunch beneath it. The white students had considered the tree their territory. When the black students retaliated by beating a white student unconscious, they were charged with attempted murder.
The white students were punished with in-school suspension, but the six black youths were charged with attempted murder. The local district attorney said he could not find a law to prosecute the white students. Protesters believe the law is treating the black students unfairly.
In Virginia, students at Norfolk State University and the University of Virginia attended a rally at noon. Students at Hampton University gathered to sign a petition, read a monologue and observe a moment of silence.
Federal Reserve cuts interest rates;
Local impact not yet known
The impact on local home sales remains unclear after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half a percentage point Tuesday. Associate real estate broker Robin Eddy of Mead Associates said the cut might affect short-term loans, but she said it would not have long-term effects on Rockbridge area residents unless more cuts are made.
YMCA moving to new location
The Rockbridge County YMCA has found a new home in the Stonewall Shopping Center, off Rt. 60. The decision came after years of searching and a $20,000 market study. The organization’s current home is at 126 Walker Street in Lexington.
Produced by Washington and Lee journalism students.
Lead supervisor: Prof. Brian Richardson
Reporting supervisors:
Technical supervisor: Michael Todd