I could boot into safe mode and access every site.  I noticed that AVG wasn't loading in safe mode.  

I rebooted to normal and turned off AVG.  Then I could access the websites that previously were inaccessible.  

I uninstalled  AVG and installed AVIRA.  Checking his history and cache shows he only visits his bank, library and some how to fix things sites.  I've warned them not to open emails from people they don't know etc.  I think they will be fine now.

AVG had a lot of "extras" to protect them and maybe one of those was blocking perfectly safe and good sites such as the local newspaper.  Or possibly this AVG had a messed up installation and something was wrong with just this one.

I've used AVG in the past but the last couple of years I've used the paid version of Webroot.  As much as I use Malwarebytes I'm tempted to purchase the paid version.

I did try some of the suggestions but without the desired result.  Thank you.