DOWN: To the continued use of time and resources in the pursuit of an absolutely nonsensical distraction by lawmakers, and now Gov. Jim Justice, himself, who are pretending they believe there are counties in Virginia that would like to join West Virginia. In fact, Justice, who is of course hoping to maintain his position in the upcoming elections, went so far as to drag Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. into the discussion for a photo-op. For goodness sake, folks, let’s talk about some REAL ways to stop the population hemorrhaging in our state — diversification of the economy, better education and job opportunities, improved quality of life, real solutions to the substance abuse epidemic, doing what we said we were going to do with our infrastructure … If you are finding it difficult to muster the strength to do what is necessary to achieve THOSE goals, and are more comfortable making a show of some B-level political theater, voters will be happy to relieve you of the responsibility.

UP: (Speaking of the Commonwealth) To the Virginia General Assembly, which voted for the 38th ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, clearing the way for the possibility that the measure could be added to the U.S. Constitution, if it survives court battles over a 1982 deadline for ratification.

UP: To Jackson County officials who have ensured their county is StormReady, according to the National Weather Service. That means the county is certified to have “the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property before, during and after (an) event,” according to the NWS. Kudos to emergency management director Walter Smittle, who helped make it happen.