By Steve Szkotak CHARLOTTESVILLE The romantic rival of a former University of Virginia lacrosse player accused of killing his ex-girlfriend testified Thursday that he saw the defendant with his arm around her neck months before her death.

RICHMOND In more fallout from the uproar in Hampton Roads over the imminent re-tolling of the Midtown and Downtown tunnels, Gov. Bob McDonnell's administration has pledged to establish a more open, inclusive process for future transportation projects the state undertakes with private-sector partners.

RICHMOND Mandatory ultrasounds before abortions. Tougher voter identification standards. Repeal of a limit on handgun purchases. In what's shaping up to be a banner year for conservatives, these and other bills have passed the General Assembly this winter - backed strongly by Republicans, with occasional support from some Democrats.

By Bob Lewis RICHMOND A White House mandate that could force Catholic organizations' insurance plans to cover their employees' birth control costs tugs former Gov. Tim Kaine between his Roman Catholic faith and his Democratic ally, President Barack Obama.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Joshua Morgan is running, and even sprinting, again on the surgically repaired right leg that limited him to only five games in 2011 for the NFC West champions.

By Tonia Moxley A judge’s written ruling in two $10 million wrongful death claims against Virginia Tech may change the landscape of the high-profile case that has dragged on for three years.

By Larry O'Dell RICHMOND Legislation to restrict the use of restraints on pregnant inmates in Virginia was rejected Thursday by a House of Delegates subcommittee, which chose to let state prison officials address the issue through regulations that are now being developed.

By LARRY O'DELL

RICHMOND, Va. The Virginia Senate passed legislation Thursday allowing private adoption agencies to deny placements that conflict with their religious or moral beliefs, including opposition to homosexuality.

By Bob Lewis  RICHMOND Virginia's House of Delegates has written into its law books centuries of common law allowing people to kill those who intrude into their dwellings and menace them.

One bill that shields people who kill or maim intruders from civil lawsuits passed 75-22 Thursday.

RICHMOND Virginian and home borrowers in the state will receive about $479.6 million in relief from a $25 billion settlement between states and five mortgage lenders over foreclosure abuses.

Federal and state officials announced the deal today.