RICHMOND — History told Virginia Democrats it wasn’t going to be easy.

For the past 32 years, the party that wins the White House has lost the governorship — a trend that often portends shifts in national politics.

Fraud artist went on lam as wife, son faced charges, trial

Officials collect twice as many unwanted meds as expected during event at Augusta Health

Learning program reaches decade mark

RICHMOND — Big win notwithstanding, Republican Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell will start his reign hampered by a slashed state budget, a politically divided legislature and a sour economy.

Less than 24 hours after he was elected Virginia’s 71st governor, McDonnell acknowledged that he will face tough economic times when he takes office Jan. 16.

In narrow triumph, Dems push through landmark legislation

A new Harrisonburg-based shuttle service promises to connect the city to Charlottesville and Washington D.C. for a fraction of taxi fare.

Green Shuttle, a new service through the 1-year-old Green Taxi company, will run three days a week to each city and Dulles International Airport.

Heralded for leading wrestlers to 13 state championship matches, a former Fort Defiance High School wrestling coach has filed a lawsuit against Augusta County Public Schools claiming officials fired him for racial reasons.

Where no local burger has gone before, the “Chubby Melt” went this week: straight to the tip of David Letterman’s tongue.

Deputies have arrested a Waynesboro man on charges he clubbed an Eastside Speedway security guard with a metal pipe.

R.E. Lee needs additional space for its football trophies

One of two Staunton men accused of killing a former roommate pleaded guilty Friday to second-degree murder.

NATO is reporting the deaths of two more American service members in Afghanistan.

Deputies arrested a Waynesboro man Thursday night, pinning charges on him for the attack of an Eastside Speedway security guard.

Military officials were starting Friday to piece together what may have pushed an Army psychiatrist and Virginia Tech graduate trained to help soldiers in distress to turn on his comrades in a shooting rampage that killed 13 people and wounded 30 in Texas.

Dominion Virginia Power customers would get back more than $400 million from the company under an agreement the state’s largest utility has reached with the state attorney general’s office and a group of large ratepayers.

Expired medications and illegal drugs will be accepted anonymously and without question for safe disposal Saturday at Augusta Health in Fishersville.

“Our goal is more than 50,000 doses,” said Doug Holroyd, director of pharmacy services at the hospital. “To destroy meds in regular trash, it can either get into the water supply or into the hands of somebody you don’t want them to ... dogs ... kids.”

VERONA – The Augusta County School Board Thursday reversed a decision by Superintendent Gary McQuain and voted 5-2 to grant newly elected House 20 Del. Dickie Bell’s request for an unpaid leave of absence from his special education teaching duties so he can serve in Richmond.

A Staunton teen stole a car to use credit cards he’d stolen from the owner, then found her waiting when he tried to return the vehicle, authorities said.

Augusta County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Bryan Layne, 19, Wednesday. Authorities said they suspect more people are connected to the crime.

Democrat Creigh Deeds wrongly focused on social issues and lost to Republican Robert F. McDonnell in the race for governor in part because young, African-American and other voters who supported Barack Obama a year ago stayed home, a political expert said.

Vaccines arrive for ‘high risk’ patients

House District 20 Del.-elect Dickie Bell expects to resign his Staunton City Council seat by the end of the year, which will give the remaining council members 45 days to appoint a successor.

Virginia-born psychiatrist opens fire on army base

The Austin American Statesman has set up a Twitter feed specifically for this event.
http://twitter.com/fthoodshootings

STAUNTON — Authorities have charged a former county prison guard with bribery as part of a ring they say delivered drugs to inmates.

For months April M. Hogsett, 26, of Doe Hill, used her position at the Augusta County Correctional Center to work as a liaison between prisoners and an outside drug source, according to court records.

House District 20 Del.-elect Dickie Bell plans to appear tonight before the Augusta County School Board to appeal the denial of his request for a leave of absence from his teaching job during the upcoming General Assembly session.

E. Coli, hard water surface during private system tests

Officials work throughout the day for final tallies

Only weeks after their relationship skidded into trouble, a Staunton pair pleaded guilty Wednesday to injuring their infant child.

Richard Lee Steppe, 30, and Patience Dannielle Armentrout, 19, appeared before a Waynesboro Circuit Court judge to admit to felony child abuse of their 2-month-old baby.

An former corrections officer accused of delivering drugs to an inmate now faces a bribery charge.