JAMESTOWN The Jamestown-Scotland Ferry is back to full capacity. The Pocahontas was taken out of service earlier this morning because of mechanical problems, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.  

Virginians strongly favor drug tests for welfare recipients and support repealing a requirement that young girls be vaccinated against a virus that can cause cervical cancer, according to a new poll conducted by the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. They also want public schools to be allowed to open before Labor Day and be able to more easily fire teachers, the poll found.

LEXINGTON Washington and Lee University has canceled the appearance of an elephant in a parade at a mock political convention after a national animal-rights group objected.

The convention in Lexington is being held this week to predict the 2012 Republican presidential nominee.

By Bob Lewis  RICHMOND Two bills have advanced to a final House vote to restate more than 400 years of common law that shield from prosecution people who protect themselves from intruders in their homes.

Democrats say the bills go too far in writing into Virginia law civil and criminal immunity for people defending themselves from others illegally in their dwellings.

No winning ticket was sold for the top jackpot in Wednesay's Powerball drawing increasing the size of the top prize to an estimated $310 million.

AKRON, Ohio

There won't be a trial soon for an Ohio man suspected in the shooting deaths of three men lured to a rural area by bogus job listings on Craigslist.

Fifty-two-year-old Richard Beasley appeared in court Wednesday in Akron and waived his right to a speedy trial, a common move that allows more legal preparation time.

By Jeff Lawson A storm is moving out and along with it we are seeing the precipitation rapidly head out into the Atlantic as well. During the morning any clouds that are still around will leave and it should be at least partly sunny during the day. It will also be breezy in the morning but the winds should die down later in the day. Highs will be in the mid-40s.

CHESAPEAKE It became official two weeks ago: City Manager William Harrell was leaving his post. The next day, Harrell tendered his letter of resignation: "As you know, I have been selected as the president and CEO of Hampton Roads Transit."

RICHMOND Gov. Bob McDonnell's aides have dangled millions in toll-reducing road funds in front of a local Democrat in hopes of avoiding a Senate stalemate over his proposed two-year state budget.

PORTSMOUTH The school budget would increase by $1 million and include a 1 percent employee pay increase under the proposal Superintendent David Stuckwisch will present to the School Board today. The $140 million budget for 2012-13 also asks the city to contribute $54.1 million, an increase of $2,492,593.