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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Pending Court Case Could Overturn Virignia Marriage Ban

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Thursday, July 24, 2014   

RICHMOND, Va. - A federal court in Richmond is expected to arrive at a decision on the commonwealth's ban on same-sex marriage this week.

James Parrish, executive director of Equality Virginia, says the ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit could overturn same-sex marriage bans now in place in four of the five states in the district.

"That would provide for the freedom to marry in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and it would then set the precedent for West Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Maryland," says Parrish.

Same-sex marriage is already legal in Maryland.

While opponents of marriage equality argue it is a moral issue, public opinion seems to be shifting in favor of same-sex marriage. The issue will likely end up before the U.S. Supreme Court, but no one knows when.

Lennie Gerber and her partner of 48 years are plaintiffs in the case. She says time is everything to them as her partner, Pearl, faces failing health.

"I'm fully aware how we've had to fight for every step along the way of everybody's civil rights," says Gerber. "It's just one more stone that has to be turned, and I have every confidence it's going to be so. They only question is whether it will be done in time for us."

Attorney Chris Brook, legal director for the ACLU of North Carolina, says while the trend of overturning same-sex marriage bans seems to be on the fast-track nationally, couples like Lennie and Pearl have been waiting a lifetime.

"It's imperative to remember we're representing clients that do not have the luxury of waiting months or years for this to be resolved in the court system," says Brook. "They need their marriages recognized so they can fully take care of their spouses and children."


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