News

Man charged in Suffolk murder pleads guilty

jeff.sheler — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:37:37 -0500

SUFFOLK

The capital murder trial of Christopher J. Artis, accused of killing a Virginian-Pilot newspaper carrier in 2009, ended unexpectedly Friday when Artis pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of second-degree murder. He was sentenced in Suffolk circuit Court to 40 years in prison with 30 years suspended. Other charges against Artis were dropped.

Traffic: Backups at Norfolk and Portsmouth tunnels

jenniferjiggetts — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:31:35 -0500

Here is the latest traffic report from the Virginia Department of Transportation as of 4:32 p.m.: NORFOLK

-Expect major delays on I-264 West at the Downtown Tunnel West because of congestion. Traffic is backed up about two miles. -Expect major delays on US-58 West at the Midtown Tunnel West because of congestion. Traffic is backed up about one mile.

Norfolk church burns from fire starting in kitchen

jenniferjiggetts — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:18:25 -0500

NORFOLK

Firefighters are currently on the scene of a church fire.

Capt. Mike Hicks, a spokesman with Norfolk Fire-Rescue, said the fire is at Churches of God of True Holiness on 1020 Barney Street.

The fire started in the church’s kitchen, he said.

Crews will be on the scene battling the blaze for at least another two hours, Hicks said.

Va. lawmakers back mandatory life term for child rape

Meredith.Kruse — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:26:30 -0500

By Michael Sluss RICHMOND The state Senate passed legislation today to increase criminal penalties for certain sex offenses and to require juvenile sex offenders older than 13 to register with a limited-access state sex offender registry

U.Va. lacrosse-trial jury views emotional interrogation

Mark.Edelen — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:47:24 -0500

By STEVE SZKOTAK

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. A former University of Virginia lacrosse player said he got physical with his former girlfriend but did not kill her, sobbing and saying "she's not dead" when detectives told him she died, according to a videotape played Friday at his murder trial.

Bill to revise Virginia teacher contracts advances

Mark.Edelen — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:23:17 -0500

By LARRY O'DELL

RICHMOND, Va. The House of Delegates has given preliminary approval to a bill that would make it easier to fire public school teachers.

Republican Del. Richard Bell's administration-backed measure would gradually move teachers from a continuing contract, which is akin to tenure, to three-year contracts. After three years, a teacher could be fired for any reason.

Traffic: Crash at HRBT west causing delays on I-64

Cindy.Clayton — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:40:26 -0500

At 1:35 p.m., the Virginia Department of Transportation was reporting the following traffic issues: Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel A six-vehicle crash on the westbound side of the tunnel had traffic backed up to the HOV entrance.

Online sales tax bill passes Virginia Senate

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

RICHMOND 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.

N.C. House panel meets to review death penalty, race

Cindy.Clayton — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:56:48 -0500

By Gary D. Robertson RALEIGH, N.C. The first meeting by a General Assembly committee examining death penalty cases and racial bias in North Carolina again shows sharp differences about whether changes to the Racial Justice Act are needed.

Property rights bill clears Virginia 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.