Former DNC chairmain McAuliffe pledges to support man who beat him in Va. primary for governor

RICHMOND, Va. — After losing in Virginia’s primary for governor, former Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe is pledging to do whatever he can to help the man who beat him.

Lawmaker, country lawyer defeats Clinton confidante Terry McAuliffe in Va. governor primary

RICHMOND, Va. — A state senator and small-town lawyer pulled off a surprising win in Virginia’s Democratic primary for governor, besting a former legislative colleague and the well-funded Terry McAuliffe, the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

State Sen. Creigh Deeds defeats Clinton confidante Terry McAuliffe in Va. primary for governor

RICHMOND, Va. — State Sen. R. Creigh Deeds dominated Virginia’s three-way Democratic primary for governor Tuesday, defeating a much better financed Clinton White House insider and a former legislative colleague.

Navy reports 21 sailors, Marines aboard USS Iwo Jima had swine flu; all cases mild

NORFOLK, Va. — The Navy is reporting 21 cases of swine flu on board the USS Iwo Jima.

Suspended NFL star Michael Vick back in Virginia court for hearing on bankruptcy status

NORFOLK, Va. — Suspended NFL star Michael Vick is back in bankruptcy court in Virginia.

Former DNC chairman among 3 candidates vying for Democratic nomination for Virginia governor

RICHMOND, Va. — Turnout was light Tuesday as voters chose a Democratic nominee for governor in Virginia’s primary.

Suspended NFL star Michael Vick returning to Virginia court for hearing on bankruptcy status

NORFOLK, Va. — Suspended NFL star Michael Vick is returning to bankruptcy court in Virginia.

Some Va. attractions offer 40 percent off for 40th anniversary of “Lovers” slogan

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the state’s famous “Virginia is for Lovers” tourism slogan with discounts at 200 hotels, museums and attractions.

Long overlooked law lets anyone sue companies over expired patents, split cash with feds

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Look carefully at the lid to your coffee cup or the handle of your disposable razor. A recent ruling on an obscure, century-old statute has opened the door for people familiar with the finer points of patent law to sue companies that stamp their products with expired patent numbers.

Archaeologists discover centuries-old tablet at Jamestown site, inscribed with flora and fauna

RICHMOND, Va. — Archaeologists have pulled a 400-year-old slate tablet from what they think was an original well at Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America, a historic preservation group announced Monday.

Military spouses lobby Congress for same residency rights given to military members

SPRINGFIELD, Va. — Don’t expect a rush order if you call Joanna Williamson’s jewelry business. She’s a military spouse, and it’s moving season.

Stowaway discovered among baggage at Dulles International Airport after flight from Ethiopia

CHANTILLY, Va. — Federal authorities say they’ve discovered a stowaway who arrived at a Washington-area airport in the cargo hold of a flight from Ethiopia.

Ex-US Rep. Jefferson to be tried on bribery charges, 4 years after $90K found in freezer

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Former U.S. Rep. William Jefferson faces several obstacles to being acquitted of bribery, racketeering and other federal charges — and topping the list is explaining the $90,000 cash stashed in his freezer.

On D-Day’s 65th anniversary, French to honor vet from all-black unit that went unrecognized

ROANOKE, Va. — As a soldier in World War II, William Dabney was used to the military’s segregated quarters. An African-American, he had no contact with his white counterparts.

Life sentence for Va. death row inmate whose case led to national ban on executing retarded

RICHMOND, Va. — A Virginia death row inmate whose case led to the national ban on executing the mentally retarded will spend life in prison because prosecutors withheld evidence in his 1998 trial, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

It’s a security thing: Some states cracking down on cracking smiles for driver’s license photo

RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles would like to clear this up: You really are allowed to smile for your driver’s license photo.

On anniversary of invasion, National D-Day Memorial risks financial ruin, possible closure

BEDFORD, Va. — On the eve of the 65th anniversary of D-Day, the foundation that runs the National D-Day Memorial is on the brink of financial ruin.

Navy chaplain accused of soliciting young female sailors for sex convicted of rape in Va.

NORFOLK, Va. — A Navy chaplain accused of soliciting female sailors for sex has been sentenced to 10 years confinement and was kicked out of the service after being convicted of rape.

Romney: Winning Va. and NJ governor races could help give the GOP a unified voice again

RICHMOND, Va. — The nation’s Republican Party has a chance to reclaim its voice in governors’ elections this fall in Virginia and New Jersey, former Republican presidential prospect Mitt Romney said Friday.

Va. health secretary: Extent to which prescription system was compromised still not known

RICHMOND, Va. — State officials still don’t know the extent to which a hacker compromised Virginia’s prescription drug monitoring system.

Alpha Natural to buy Foundation for about $1.4B creating one of biggest US coal producers

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Alpha Natural Resources said Tuesday it plans to buy rival Foundation Coal Holdings for about $1.4 billion in stock in a deal that would transform two regional companies into one of the nation’s largest coal producers.

Alpha Natural to buy Foundation Coal for about $1.4B, create one of biggest US coal producers

ABINGDON, Va. — Alpha Natural Resources says it will buy Foundation Coal Holdings for approximately $1.4 billion, creating one of the nation’s largest coal producers.

Contrite Mass. library trustee returns book checked out in 1978 to Va., with a $25 check

ARLINGTON, Va. — Jimmy Carter was in the White House and Dick Cavett was on late night TV when Sarah McKee borrowed a book about American Indian leaders from a northern Virginia library.

Cristie Kerr’s birdie at No. 15 helps her win LPGA’s Michelob Ultra Open for 2nd time

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — There was a time not too long ago when Cristie Kerr’s confidence was tenuous enough that she didn’t allow herself to admit she was an elite golfer.

Kerr’s birdie at No. 15 helps her win Michelob Ultra Open for 2nd time

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — Cristie Kerr stood in the fairway on the par-5 15th hole knowing it was time to make her move. Calmed by a few deep breaths as part of her recent attention to mental training, she used her 3-wood to send the ball soaring toward the green.

Gulbis hopes for LPGA victory beer-dousing before heading to NY for ‘Apprentice’ finale

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — Natalie Gulbis has a busy Sunday.

Wright shoots 64, Kerr has 66 for share of Kingsmill lead as top-ranked Ochoa falters to 74

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — Lindsey Wright shot a 7-under 64 and Cristie Kerr had a 66 to share the third-round lead as Lorena Ochoa faltered Saturday in the Michelob Ultra Open.

Lorena Ochoa shoots 6-under 65 to stretch Kingsmill lead to 3 strokes

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — Lorena Ochoa is threatening to turn the Michelob Ultra Open into a runaway in another of her annual dominating runs.

Three times a bridesmaid at Kingsmill, Ochoa shoots 7-under 64 to take first-round lead

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — Lorena Ochoa knows first-hand that a fast start at Kingsmill guarantees nothing, and she needs to think back only a year to remember the disappointment.

Ex-NASCAR driver Kevin Grubb found dead in Virginia motel room; police investigating

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia police say former NASCAR driver Kevin Grubb died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.