Virginia

Online sales tax bill passes Va. Senate

PilotonPolitics — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:02:10 -0500

With little discussion, the Virginia Senate today overwhelmingly approved legislation to close a tax loophole that enables online retailers such as Amazon.com to avoid collecting state sales taxes.

Property rights bill clears Va. House panel

Cindy.Clayton — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:51:56 -0500

By Bob Lewis RICHMOND An amendment to Virginia's Constitution that would make it harder for governments to take private land is on its way to a House floor vote and, most likely, November's ballot for voters to have their say.

The measure cleared the House Privileges and Elections Committee on an 18-3 vote.

Jurors in lacrosse trial watch police interview

Mark.Edelen — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:47:24 -0500

By Steve Szkotak CHARLOTTESVILLE A former University of Virginia lacrosse player on trial for killing his ex-girlfriend told police he wrestled with and shoved her but did not punch or strangle her.

Va. House panel OKs private-school tuition tax credits

Bill.Sizemore — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:45:21 -0500

RICHMOND

A legislative proposal offering private-school tuition tax credits to corporations has begun advancing through the Virginia House of Delegates.

Del. Jimmie Massie’s bill, HB321, was approved 4-1 by a House subcommittee this morning.

Life sentence for man in killing of U.S. airmen

Cindy.Clayton — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:21:37 -0500

FRANKFURT, Germany An Islamic extremist who admitted killing two U.S. airmen at Frankfurt airport last year has been convicted of murder.

The state court in Frankfurt found 22-year-old Arid Uka guilty Friday and sentenced him to life in prison for the March 2 attack on Afghanistan-bound servicemen as they boarded a bus at the airport.

Officials: Public-private projects will be more open

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:54:40 -0500

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.

Conservatives cheer victories; foes decry social push

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:36:38 -0500

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.

Obama birth control mandate puts Kaine in corner

lauren.king — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:43:05 -0500

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.

Ex-Hokie Morgan eager for return to 49ers

Matt.Logan — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:18:19 -0500

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.

Va. Tech president dismissed from wrongful death suits

lauren.king — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:41:13 -0500

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.