Grant E. Smith

Journalist & Media Specialist

United States of America

Hi! I'm Grant Smith and I am a graduating senior within the Robertson School of Media & Culture at Virginia Commonwealth University.

I pride my writing skills as my strongest asset and love to write news. My goal is to influence the perspective of my readers by formulating a comprehensive understanding of any topic.

Portfolio
Medium
05/06/2016
Is the Appalachian Trail Getting Too Crowded?

When Richard Gehring began his thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in April 2010, he did so with memories of hikes decades earlier, when the AT was relatively unknown. Back in the summer of 1976, he had set out on a southbound thru-hike, starting in Baxter State Park in Maine, hoping to make it to Springer Mountain in Georgia.

Shaferbird
Remember the Alamo

By Grant Smith A smokey, pungent haze fills the air, shimmering in the sunbeams as the sun draws low in the western sky. Passing an eclectic assembly of gentleman and outlaws, you approach the counter of the terra-cotta dive. Sweat drips down your brow as you examine the chalkboard menu.

Potomac Local
03/24/2016
Activists teed off at Dominion's gift to environmental official - Potomac Local

A score of environmental activists practiced their putting Wednesday outside the headquarters of the state Department of Environmental Quality, highlighting the recent controversy over Dominion Virginia Power's paying for DEQ Director David Paylor's trip to the Masters golf tournament in 2013.

Nbc12
Senate panel OKs bill to defund Planned Parenthood

By Grant Smith Capital News Service In an 8-7 vote along party lines, a Senate committee on Thursday approved a bill to prohibit the Virginia Department of Health from funding Planned Parenthood and other groups that provide abortions. The full Senate is expected to vote on the bill Monday. The...

WTVR.com
02/12/2016
Smoking in a car with children may soon be illegal

RICHMOND, Va. - Smoking in a car with children younger than 8 soon could be a crime in Virginia under a bill passed by the House of Delegates on Friday. The offense would involve a fine of $100 under House Bill 1348.

Woodbridge, VA Patch
01/16/2016
Despite Protests, State OKs Drainage of Coal Ash Ponds

Capital News Service RICHMOND - A procession of more than 100 disappointed citizens filed out of a Virginia State Water Control Board meeting late Thursday afternoon after the agency approved permits for Dominion Virginia Power to begin draining water from coal ash ponds on sites in Fluvanna and Prince William counties into the James and Potomac rivers.

RVA Magazine
Environmentalists blast Dominion's response to energy plan

Posted by: Amy - Jan 27, 2016 RICHMOND - In an open letter to Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a coalition of environmental activists and other community leaders said Tuesday that Dominion Virginia Power's response to the federal Clean Power Plan is "fundamentally contrary" to President Obama's goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy.

WRIC
03/16/2016
Environmental official received gifts from Dominion

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC/CNS) - The water might drain from Dominion Virginia Power's coal ash ponds, but the plot has thickened. Documents brought to light this week show that the director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, David Paylor, accepted gifts from Dominion in 2013, including a trip to the Masters golf tournament in Georgia.

Shaferbird
Classic Rock Coffee, A One-Hit Wonder

Contributing Writer Grant Smith In a city brimming with coffee shops newcomers need to stand out to have success in the Richmond market. At first glance, Classic Rock Coffee seems to have what it takes. Located just off campus on the north side of Broad street near Kroger, Classic Rock Coffee brings the nostalgia of Rock n' Roll's golden age to your morning routine.

WRIC
01/27/2016
House Republicans outline education agenda

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC/CNS) - House Republicans outlined their agenda for education on Tuesday, saying they want to expand early education and charter schools and give parents more options on where to send their children to school. Speaking before the House, Del.