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    <title>State &amp; Regional Politics for Richmond Times-Dispatch</title>
    <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/</link>
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        <title>State &amp; Regional Politics for Richmond Times-Dispatch</title>
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    <dc:language>en</dc:language>
    <dc:creator>Richmond Times-Dispatch</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights>Copyright 2009</dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2009-07-09T18:50:48-05:00</dc:date>

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         <item>
          <title>Key African American history source now online, governor&#8217;s office says</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/key_african_american_history_source_now_online_governors_office_says/279015/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine announced today that the historic Virginia Freedmen&#8217;s Bureau records are now available online to historians, family history researchers and others.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:08:01 EDT</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Ex&#45;Va. volunteer firefighters accused of arson</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/ex-va._volunteer_firefighters_accused_of_arson/279010/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A Rockingham County grand jury will consider arson charges against two former New Market volunteer firefighters accused of setting several fires.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:29:47 EDT</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Washington Metro announces zero&#45;tolerance policy on driver texting, mobile use</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/washington_metro_announces_zero-tolerance_policy_on_driver_texting_mobile_u/279007/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Metro has a new zero-tolerance policy on talking on the phone, texting or otherwise using a mobile device while operating a train or bus.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:25:53 EDT</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Virginia set to compete for high&#45;speed rail funds</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/RAILGAT09_20090709-102201/279005/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The state will take the first formal step tomorrow in seeking more than $1.5 billion in federal stimulus money to develop high-speed rail corridors.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:22:01 EDT</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama&#8217;s popularity slipping, according to poll of Va. voters</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/POLL09_20090708-222404/278902/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A new poll shows President Barack Obama&#8217;s popularity slipping in Virginia. Obama had an approval rating of 48 percent and disapproval rating of 46 percent in the Public Policy Polling survey of people who are likely to vote in this year&#8217;s general election for statewide offices. Obama carried the state in November with 52.6 percent of the vote.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:01:15 EDT</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Prince William program offers teens, former gang members tattoo removal</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/TATT09_20090708-222206/278892/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Elizabeth Walter spent a week in the hospital after her boyfriend stabbed her 14 times. She was 14 years old. Since then, her boyfriend has been sent to prison and now, four years later, Walter spends her time highlighting the dangers of becoming involved with gangs. She speaks to children and teenagers at local schools, and though she never officially joined a gang, her boyfriend was a gang member. She said she was drawn to him and the dangerous lifestyle when she was younger. While she was with her boyfriend, Daniel, she had his name tattooed on various spots on her body, most prominently on her right shoulder.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/TATT09_20090708-222206/278892/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Sneak Peek</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/sneak_peek/278833/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Civil War isn&#8217;t over in Orange County, where some say Wal-Mart is invading historic ground near a battlefield.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:58:46 EDT</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Poll shows Obama popularity slippage in Va.</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/OBAM_20090708-120401/278739/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A new poll shows President Barack Obama&#8217;s popularity in Virginia has slipped below 50 percent. The Public Policy poll of 617 likely general election voters showed Obama with a 48 percent approval rating, which is within the poll&#8217;s margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent. The survey showed 46 percent disapproval and 6 percent not sure.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:04:17 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/OBAM_20090708-120401/278739/#When:16:04:17Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Study says Richmond traffic congestion not getting worse</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/d.c._area_traffic_congestion_second_only_to_l.a/278727/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Richmond area&#8217;s traffic congestion is holding steady, with the average driver wasting about 20 hours per year, according to a national traffic study released today.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:23:39 EDT</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Former Bedford County volunteer fire chief accused of embezzlement</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/former_bedford_county_volunteer_fire_chief_accused_of_embezzlement/278726/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A former volunteer fire chief, his wife and son has been indicted on forgery and embezzlement charges by a Bedford County grand jury.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:13:59 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/former_bedford_county_volunteer_fire_chief_accused_of_embezzlement/278726/#When:11:13:59Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Metro operator disciplined for texting on job</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/metro_operator_disciplined_for_texting_on_job/278722/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Metro officials say a train operator has been disciplined after video showing him apparently texting on the job was posted online.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 06:58:32 EDT</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Church offers police cruiser in gun surrender drive</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/GUNGAT08_20090708-060402/278718/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
LYNCHBURG&#8212;In a twist on gun-buyback programs, a church group in Lynchburg is offering an unusual incentive to clear the streets of guns. A 2000-vintage former police cruiser with a new paint job is up for grabs Saturday during a gun surrender drive. The Chevrolet Impala is being given away by Churches United for Service, which aims to curb street violence by taking guns out of circulation.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 06:04:02 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/GUNGAT08_20090708-060402/278718/#When:10:04:02Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Mortuary worker says he was fired</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/FUNE08_20090707-214202/278593/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
FALLS CHURCH&#8212;A National Funeral Home employee who publicly accused the company of mishandling bodies at its Falls Church facility says he was fired for speaking to the media. Robert Ranghelli, 20, of Manassas Park said Monday that he was told it was because he violated company policies by talking to the media and appearing with a company van in a photograph in The Washington Post.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:01:58 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/FUNE08_20090707-214202/278593/#When:04:01:58Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Grogan will run against Loupassi</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GROG08_20090707-214202/278594/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
William K. Grogan, a Richmond lawyer, is running as an independent against Republican Del. G. Manoli Loupassi in the 68th House of Delegates district. The district covers the West End of Richmond and a portion of northern Chesterfield County. Grogan, 63, has run twice before for the House, once as a Democrat and then as an independent.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:01:37 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GROG08_20090707-214202/278594/#When:04:01:37Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Man on plane sought help before crash</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/PLAN08_20090707-223008/278673/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Tampa, Fla., businessman Daniel Dorsch asked Washington air traffic control for help in the direction of flight just before his Pilatus PC-12 plane crashed Sunday morning in Rockbridge County. The crash killed Dorsch, his wife, Cynthia, and two others. National Transportation Safety Board investigator Tim Monville said the pilot, believed to be Dorsch, radioed Washington about 9:55 a.m. to ask the air controller about adverse weather.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/PLAN08_20090707-223008/278673/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Poll: McDonnell at 49% and Deeds at 43%</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/SURV08_20090707-214202/278596/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The latest survey by Public Policy Polling shows Republican Bob McDonnell has the support of 49 percent of those polled, and Democrat R. Creigh Deeds has 43 percent, in the race for governor. The result follows polling right after the June 9 Democratic primary that showed Deeds, a state senator from Bath County, with an edge over McDonnell.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/SURV08_20090707-214202/278596/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama&#8217;s grass&#45;roots network builds Va. staff to promote agenda</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/E-OBAM08_20090707-214202/278592/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
They elected him to the White House, and now they&#8217;re pushing his agenda. Voters who made up President Barack Obama&#8217;s corps of supporters are again huddling in living rooms and community centers, but this time, it&#8217;s to promote the administration&#8217;s political wish list. Organizing for America, which is basically a transformation of the Obama campaign&#8217;s grass-roots network, is building staff in Virginia as it prepares to organize community events across the state.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/E-OBAM08_20090707-214202/278592/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Jeff&#8217;s Notes &#45; July 8th</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_july_8th/278623/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Who&#8217;s on second? Political columnist Jeff Schapiro says the race for lieutenant governor may come down to a referendum on Virginia&#8217;s budget mess.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:16:04 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_july_8th/278623/#When:02:16:04Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Grisham working on screenplay of Norfolk rape&#45;slaying case</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/grisham_working_on_screenplay_of_va_rape-slaying_case/278500/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Author John Grisham is turning his talents to the big screen with a high-profile Norfolk rape and slaying case.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:12:46 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/grisham_working_on_screenplay_of_va_rape-slaying_case/278500/#When:12:12:46Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>James River &#8216;Ghost Fleet&#8217; to lose 2 more ships</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/james_river_ghost_fleet_to_lose_2_more_ships/278497/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The James River &#8220;Ghost Fleet&#8221; is losing two relics.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 07:47:41 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/james_river_ghost_fleet_to_lose_2_more_ships/278497/#When:11:47:41Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Group calls pollution a threat to people, too</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/BAYY07_20090706-221405/278402/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Pollution threatens not just the Chesapeake Bay but the people around it, a new report says. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, an environmental group, is scheduled to release the report, &#8220;Bad Water 2009,&#8220; this afternoon. Pollution contributes to health threats such as Vibrio&#8212;salt-water bacteria that can cause life-threatening infections in people who eat contaminated shellfish or who have cuts exposed to tainted water, the report says.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:01:16 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/BAYY07_20090706-221405/278402/#When:04:01:16Z</guid>
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          <title>10 killed in holiday&#45;weekend crashes in Va.</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/ACKS07_20090706-234201/278478/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia State Police responded to 562 highway crashes over the July Fourth weekend that left a total of 10 people dead. One of the fatalities was in Henrico County and involved a bicyclist. A fatality in Chesterfield County involved a motorcycle, in which the rider was wearing a helmet, police said. The 10 deaths for the Friday-to-Sunday reporting period match the same number of deaths as last year&#8217;s four-day holiday weekend.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/ACKS07_20090706-234201/278478/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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          <title>Bolling, Wagner spar on finances</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/LGOV071_20090706-233602/278476/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, running for re-election, is blaming Democratic challenger Jody Wagner, a former state finance secretary, for Virginia&#8217;s budget woes. In a newspaper column and a fundraising appeal, Bolling links departing Gov. Timothy M. Kaine&#8217;s former finance chief to the continuing cash crunch, faulting her for flawed revenue projections.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/LGOV071_20090706-233602/278476/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Bolling, Wagner spar on finances</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/LGOV07_20090706-222604/278443/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, running for re-election, is blaming Democratic challenger Jody Wagner, a former state finance secretary, for Virginia&#8217;s budget woes. In a newspaper column and a fundraising appeal, Bolling links departing Gov. Timothy M. Kaine&#8217;s former finance chief to the continuing cash crunch, faulting her for flawed revenue projections.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/LGOV07_20090706-222604/278443/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Repair continues at bridge&#45;tunnel</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/HRBT07_20090706-222205/278421/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Repair work will continue tonight on the westbound tube of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. A sudden, harsh storm and a malfunctioning water main pump inside the tube created havoc last week, causing traffic backups of more than 10 miles for much of the day Thursday. Crews from the Virginia Department of Transportation spent much of the weekend and last night overnight working on the repairs. The work will continue from 7:30 tonight until 5:30 a.m. tomorrow, depending on rush hour traffic.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/HRBT07_20090706-222205/278421/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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          <title>Va. high court considers proposal to keep jurors anonymous</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/JURY07_20090706-221405/278404/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A proposal to keep jurors anonymous in all criminal trials is under consideration by the Virginia Supreme Court. The Advisory Committee on Rules of the Court is proposing to keep confidential jurors&#8217; names, ages, occupations, telephone numbers, addresses and other identifying information. Jurors would be assigned numbers by the clerk of the court for use in open court during jury selection and the trial.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:59 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/JURY07_20090706-221405/278404/#When:04:00:59Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>UPDATE: Manassas woman pleads guilty in death of daughter</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/manassas_woman_pleads_guilty_in_death_of_daughter/278314/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A Manassas woman pleaded guilty today to killing her 13-year-old adopted daughter, whose body was found in a creek earlier this year           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:20:07 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/manassas_woman_pleads_guilty_in_death_of_daughter/278314/#When:16:20:07Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Counterfeit clothes seized from Newport News store, merchant jailed</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/counterfeit_clothes_seized_from_newport_news_store_merchant_jailed/278313/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The manager of a Newport News store faces charges after $340,000 worth of clothing that police say is counterfeit was seized.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:50:22 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/counterfeit_clothes_seized_from_newport_news_store_merchant_jailed/278313/#When:15:50:22Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Man accused of killing opossum on Danville police ride</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/man_accused_of_killing_opossum_on_danville_police_ride/278311/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A Vernon Hill man is facing an animal cruelty charge after police say he killed an opossum while on an approved ride along with a Danville police officer.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:22:30 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/man_accused_of_killing_opossum_on_danville_police_ride/278311/#When:15:22:30Z</guid>
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          <title>VDOT begins warnings of interstate rest stop closures</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/vdot_begins_warnings_of_rest_stop_closures/278308/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Virginia Department of Transportation began putting up electronic message signs today warning motorists that 18 rest areas will close July 21.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:34:35 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/vdot_begins_warnings_of_rest_stop_closures/278308/#When:14:34:35Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Barge strikes Chesapeake Bay Bridge&#45;Tunnel, causing minor damage</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/chesapeake_bay_bridge-tunnel_hit_by_2_barges/278303/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel suffered minor damage when it was hit by a barge this morning.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:34:10 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/chesapeake_bay_bridge-tunnel_hit_by_2_barges/278303/#When:13:34:10Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>State expects to continue working on Hampton Roads Bridge&#45;Tunnel repair</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/state_expects_to_continue_working_on_hampton_roads_bridge-tunnel_repair/278296/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Virginia Department of Transportation says it&#8217;s going to do more work on the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:59:11 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/state_expects_to_continue_working_on_hampton_roads_bridge-tunnel_repair/278296/#When:11:59:11Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Florida business executive, wife, killed in Rockbridge plane crash</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/plane_that_crashed_was_registered_to_company_owned_by_ex-fast_food_executiv/278293/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A Florida business executive and his wife died in a small plane crash in Rockbridge County, family members confirmed today.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:13:46 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/plane_that_crashed_was_registered_to_company_owned_by_ex-fast_food_executiv/278293/#When:11:13:46Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Fourth worker dies after Outer Banks fireworks explosion</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/FIRE06_20090705-221006/278215/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Death toll rises to 4 after Outer Banks fireworks explosion B3 OCRACOKE, N.C.&#8212;Two more workers who had been preparing for an Independence Day celebration died of injuries suffered when a truckload of fireworks exploded on a dock, authorities said. One of the workers died at the scene Saturday, and three others died later at area hospitals, including one who died yesterday, said Hyde County spokeswoman Jamie Tunnell.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/FIRE06_20090705-221006/278215/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>VCU student Caressa Cameron begins reign as Miss Virginia</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/E-MISS06_20090705-221006/278213/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
On stage for her fourth try at becoming Miss Virginia on June 27, 21-year-old Caressa Cameron was hit with a heart-stopping interview question. A judge asked her about California&#8217;s controversial Proposition 8, an initiative against same-sex marriage. In April&#8217;s Miss USA pageant, Miss California Carrie Prejean faced a similar query on same-sex marriage. Prejean ignited a firestorm when she said marriage should be strictly between a man and a woman&#8212;an answer that she claims cost her the Miss USA crown.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/E-MISS06_20090705-221006/278213/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>UPDATE: 4th worker injured in fireworks blast dies</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/FRWKGAT05_20090705-174601/278189/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Four workers who had been preparing for an Independence Day celebration have died of injuries suffered when a truckload of fireworks exploded on a dock, authorities said.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 05 Jul 2009 17:46:45 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/FRWKGAT05_20090705-174601/278189/#When:21:46:45Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>UPDATE: Pilot reported problem before fatal Rockbridge plane crash</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/1_dead_in_rockbridge_county_plane_crash/278181/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A Rockbridge County official says one person has died in a small plane crash.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:59:46 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/1_dead_in_rockbridge_county_plane_crash/278181/#When:17:59:46Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>N.Va. woman drowns at Virginia Beach</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/VBCH05_20090704-212805/278094/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A 33-year-old woman from Northern Virginia drowned Friday night in the Atlantic Ocean at Virginia Beach. Officials said Sujana Umesh of Ashburn was swimming with her family near 36th Street when a rip current pulled them away from shore just after 8 p.m. Lifeguards and other beach-goers went into the water to help pull them out and began rescuing people, but they were unable to get to Umesh in time, said officer Adam Bernstein, a police spokesman.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:01:34 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/VBCH05_20090704-212805/278094/#When:04:01:34Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Virginia&#8217;s AES plans Indiana wind farm</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/WIND05_20090704-211402/278070/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The parent company of Indianapolis Power &amp; Light Co. is planning a wind farm with 200 or more towers that could become Indiana&#8217;s largest generator of the alternative energy. AES Corp. plans to build the wind turbines in a 75,000-acre area along the Clinton-Tipton county line north of Indianapolis, The Indianapolis Star reported yesterday. The project would cost up to $1 billion and mark central Indiana&#8217;s entry into the growing market.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:01:23 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/WIND05_20090704-211402/278070/#When:04:01:23Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Stakes high for Kaine&#8217;s DNC duties</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAIN05_20090704-213002/278097/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
He didn&#8217;t ask for this job. The job of chairman of the Democratic National Committee, that is. Now that he has it, six months later, even an outsider might understand why Gov. Timothy M. Kaine was somewhat reluctant to take it in the first place. He has been dogged by state Republican leaders, eager to find an opening in a pivotal state election year to reverse the tide of political success that has given Virginia Democrats control of the governor&#8217;s office, two U.S. Senate seats, the state&#8217;s House of Representatives delegation and the state Senate.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:01:16 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAIN05_20090704-213002/278097/#When:04:01:16Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>More work needed at Hampton Roads Bridge&#45;Tunnel</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/TRAF041_20090703-233402/278014/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
More work is needed to repair a pump that closed the westbound tube of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, but authorities believe all lanes will be open today and tonight. &#8220;The last thing we want to do is close a lane on the tunnel on the Fourth of July evening,&#8220; said Lauren Hansen, a Virginia Department of Transportation spokeswoman. Both lanes were open much of yesterday and traffic generally moved steadily compared with the massive jams that snarled the area Thursday. There were some backups of up to 6 miles near the bridge-tunnel.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:01:54 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/TRAF041_20090703-233402/278014/#When:04:01:54Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Analyst says Palin could be done with politics</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/PALI04S1_20090703-233202/278012/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin&#8217;s decision to step down during her first term could signal that she&#8217;s done with elective office, a Virginia political analyst says. &#8220;You shouldn&#8217;t dismiss that possibility if she&#8217;s fed up, and that came across at the press conference,&#8220; the University of Virginia&#8217;s Larry Sabato said last night. If she does plan future campaigns, Sabato thinks Palin has made a major error. &#8220;This will prove very useful to her opponent&#8212;she&#8217;s up and quit the only statewide office she&#8217;s ever held, in midterm. That&#8217;s not much of a qualification if you&#8217;re running for president,&#8220; Sabato said.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:01:42 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/PALI04S1_20090703-233202/278012/#When:04:01:42Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Cross&#45;examination ruling unsettled in Virginia</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/CORT04_20090703-234201/278015/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia courts are feeling the impact of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that prosecutors must make forensic examiners available for defense cross-examination about lab reports on drugs, ballistics and other trial evidence. Defense attorneys began citing the ruling soon after it was issued June 25, even though the attorney general&#8217;s office contends that state courts are still bound by a somewhat different Virginia Supreme Court decision.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/CORT04_20090703-234201/278015/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>More work needed at Hampton Roads Bridge&#45;Tunnel</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/TRAF04_20090703-222202/277961/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
More work is needed to repair a pump that closed the westbound tube of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, but authorities believe all lanes will be open today and tonight. &#8220;The last thing we want to do is close a lane on the tunnel on the Fourth of July evening,&#8220; said Lauren Hansen, a Virginia Department of Transportation spokeswoman. Both lanes were open much of yesterday and traffic moved steadily.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/TRAF04_20090703-222202/277961/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Barber&#8217;s joy: Helping those who can&#8217;t leave home for a trim</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/HAIR04_20090703-220602/277932/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
SPOTSYLVANIA&#8212;For Johnnie Wood, there&#8217;s no greater joy than helping people on fixed incomes who have trouble getting out of their homes. The Spotsylvania County man is willing to drive within a 25-mile radius of Fredericksburg to cut the hair of men and women who are elderly or disabled. He&#8217;s not interested in making a lot of money&#8212;he charges $10 a cut&#8212;or working full time. He&#8217;s after a different payment.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/HAIR04_20090703-220602/277932/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>One westbound Hampton Roads Bridge&#45;Tunnel lane will close again tonight</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/one_westbound_hampton_roads_bridge-tunnel_lane_will_close_again_tonight/277852/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
One of two westbound lanes of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel will close again at 7 p.m. and not reopen until 9 a.m. tomorrow, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:22:57 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/one_westbound_hampton_roads_bridge-tunnel_lane_will_close_again_tonight/277852/#When:20:22:57Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Oregon woman on bike dies after being struck by dump truck at Va. Tech</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/oregon_woman_on_bike_dies_after_being_struck_by_dump_truck_at_va._tech/277841/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
An Oregon woman has died after a dump truck struck her bicycle on the Virginia Tech campus, an official said.

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:27:33 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/oregon_woman_on_bike_dies_after_being_struck_by_dump_truck_at_va._tech/277841/#When:16:27:33Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Vick amends bankruptcy plan, awaits judge&#8217;s ruling</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/VICK03_20090702-223204/277823/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Suspended NFL quarterback Michael Vick has submitted a revised bankruptcy plan that funnels more of his future earnings to creditors, though a judge did not immediately rule on the proposal. Vick filed the new Chapter 11 plan yesterday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Newport News. A judge rejected Vick&#8217;s original plan in April. The new plan also ensures creditors will get some money even if Vick can&#8217;t resume his NFL career.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:01:51 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/VICK03_20090702-223204/277823/#When:04:01:51Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Westbound side of Hampton Roads tunnel reopens</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/TUNN03_20090702-223003/277818/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Standing water inside the westbound side of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel prompted the Virginia Department of Transportation to partially close the tunnel for most of the day yesterday, sending drivers scrambling and clogging alternate routes. And closer to Richmond, a multivehicle wreck temporarily shut down all southbound lanes of Interstate 95 near state Route 288 in Chesterfield County.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:01:42 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/TUNN03_20090702-223003/277818/#When:04:01:42Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Lynchburg native says big gains being made in malaria fight</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/LYNC03_20090702-223204/277821/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
In Lynchburg, a mosquito is a nuisance, said city native Col. Donald &#8220;Gray&#8221; Heppner Jr. &#8220;In Kenya, it&#8217;s a potential death sentence,&#8220; he said. One of the world&#8217;s most devastating diseases could be on the verge of eradication&#8212;and Heppner is on the front lines. Last week, Heppner was awarded the 2009 World Service Medal from Kiwanis International for his chief role in developing a promising vaccine against malaria.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/LYNC03_20090702-223204/277821/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Blue Ridge Parkway ranger says man&#8217;s snakebite report false</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/BITE03_20090702-223003/277813/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A man airlifted from the Blue Ridge Parkway this week falsely reported being bitten by a snake, authorities determined today. &#8220;Based on information developed in our investigation, on the scene and speaking to folks, things are not pointing toward snake envenomization,&#8220; said Ridge District Ranger Kurt Speers. Rescuers found a 48-year-old man lying semiconscious in the Dripping Rock area near mile marker 9 on the parkway Tuesday afternoon. A passer-by told authorities the man had been bitten five times by a timber rattler, information later passed on to another man who photographed the victim being airlifted to the University of Virginia.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/BITE03_20090702-223003/277813/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Downed power lines halt James River water traffic  in Hampton Roads</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/downed_power_lines_close_james_river_in_hampton_roads/277648/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Coast Guard has halted all water traffic within a half-mile of the James River Bridge while utility crews remove downed power lines from the water.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:49:34 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/downed_power_lines_close_james_river_in_hampton_roads/277648/#When:15:49:34Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Newport News man accused of pulling girlfriend&#8217;s breathing tube from her throat</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/newport_news_man_accused_of_pulling_girlfriends_breathing_tube_from_her_thr/277647/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A Newport News man has been charged with attempted manslaughter after police said he pulled his girlfriend&#8217;s breathing tube out of her throat during an argument.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:46:29 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/newport_news_man_accused_of_pulling_girlfriends_breathing_tube_from_her_thr/277647/#When:15:46:29Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Defect cited in Southest Virginia pedestrian bridge collapse</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/defect_cited_in_western_va._pedestrian_bridge_collapse/277646/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A metal defect in an anchor bolt and a higher-than-typical load contributed to a Southwest Virginia pedestrian bridge collapse that injured nine people, the state Transportation Department says.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:32:49 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/defect_cited_in_western_va._pedestrian_bridge_collapse/277646/#When:15:32:49Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>UPDATE: Both lanes open at I&#45;64 West Hampton Roads Bridge&#45;Tunnel; still congested</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/westbound_hampton_roads_bridge-tunnel_closed_for_repairs_congestion_severe/277643/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
 Both lanes of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel&#8217;s westbound tube are now open but area highways remain clogged with traffic.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:22:41 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/westbound_hampton_roads_bridge-tunnel_closed_for_repairs_congestion_severe/277643/#When:15:22:41Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>66 to take citizenship oath at Monticello</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/NATGAT02_20090702-054802/277622/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
CHARLOTTESVILLE&#8212;Sixty-six people from 35 countries will be sworn in as U.S citizens at Monticello on the Fourth of July. U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello, D-5th, will be the guest speaker at the annual Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony at the home of Thomas Jefferson. Since 1963, more than 3,000 people have taken the citizenship oath at Monticello. The event on the estate&#8217;s west lawn is free and open to the public.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:48:02 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/NATGAT02_20090702-054802/277622/#When:09:48:02Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Wintergreen donates 1,400 acres for preservation</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/WINTGAT02_20090702-054401/277620/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WINTERGREEN&#8212;Wintergreen Resort has donated more than 1,400 acres around Crawford Knob for preservation in exchange for $3 million in state tax credits. Officials say Crawford Knob, which sits at 3,000 feet above sea level in Nelson County, will be preserved through a state conservation easement. The tract joins an additional 4,500 acres of undeveloped land already being held by the nonprofit Wintergreen Nature Foundation.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:44:01 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/WINTGAT02_20090702-054401/277620/#When:09:44:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama makes health&#45;care pitch in N.Va.</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/OBAM02_20090701-222807/277590/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia took center stage in the national debate over health-care coverage yesterday when Debby Smith rose to tell her story to President Barack Obama. &#8220;Good afternoon, Mr. President,&#8220; the 53-year-old resident of Appalachia, in Southwest Virginia, said at the president&#8217;s health-care forum at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:01:44 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/OBAM02_20090701-222807/277590/#When:04:01:44Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>&#8216;Virginia is for Lovers&#8217; slogan is honored</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/B-LOVE02_20090701-215405/277500/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Forbes.com has rated &#8220;Virginia is for Lovers&#8221; as one of the world&#8217;s top 10 tourism campaigns. &#8220;Who, after all, is against love?&#8220; said travel journalist Rudy Maxa, one of Forbes.com&#8217;s judges for the top 10 campaigns. &#8220;Virginia is for Lovers&#8221; debuted in 1969. It has become the longest-running state tourism slogan. &#8220;This is a huge honor,&#8220; said Tamra Talmadge-Anderson, public-relations director for the Virginia Tourism Corp., the state&#8217;s tourist promotion agency. She noted that Virginia is celebrating the slogan&#8217;s 40th anniversary this year.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:01:26 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/B-LOVE02_20090701-215405/277500/#When:04:01:26Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Second Va. death linked to swine flu</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/SWIN02_20090701-222807/277592/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia health officials have confirmed the second death in the state related to the swine flu. State Health Commissioner Karen Remley said yesterday that while the cause of death as not been confirmed, the H1N1 virus appears to have been a factor. The male patient in the Arlington Health District had an underlying medical condition that put him at greater risk of complications from the flu.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/SWIN02_20090701-222807/277592/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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          <title>Hatton Ferry wins temporary reprieve</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/FERY02_20090701-222602/277575/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The nation&#8217;s last known hand-poled ferry has gotten a reprieve to keep it afloat for three more months. The 140year-old Hatton Ferry on the James River faced extinction after the Virginia Department of Transportation cut its funding last month. The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors came to the rescue yesterday, unanimously approving $9,340 to cover the ferry&#8217;s costs through September.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/FERY02_20090701-222602/277575/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Jeff&#8217;s Notes &#45; July 3rd</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_july_3rd/277518/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Cold campaign. Political columnist Jeff Schapiro wonders why Republican Bob McDonnell is pulling his punches in the governor&#8217;s race against Democrat Creigh Deeds.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:04:20 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/jeffs_notes_-_july_3rd/277518/#When:02:04:20Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Camp for people with disabilities closes after undisclosed medical incident</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/camp_for_people_with_disabilities_closes_after_undisclosed_medical_incident/277351/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A camp for people with disabilities in Bedford County has closed for the rest of the summer after what its operators call a medical incident involving a camper.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:57:23 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/camp_for_people_with_disabilities_closes_after_undisclosed_medical_incident/277351/#When:14:57:23Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>From driving to voting, many new laws in effect today</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/many_new_state_laws_are_in_effect_today/277341/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Among 879 bills approved by the General Assembly are new laws ranging from banning text messaging while driving to allowing voters to wear T-shirts with images of candidates when they go to the polls.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:36:04 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/many_new_state_laws_are_in_effect_today/277341/#When:13:36:04Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Condemned killer of 16&#45;year&#45;old girl wants to be electrocuted</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/condemned_killer_of_16-year-old_girl_wants_to_be_electrocuted/277340/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Paul Warner Powell, set to be executed July 14 for the 1999 slaying of a 16-year-old girl, has chosen electrocution as his means of death.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:19:44 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/condemned_killer_of_16-year-old_girl_wants_to_be_electrocuted/277340/#When:13:19:44Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Slight chance of thunderstorms later today</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/slight_chance_of_thunderstorms_later_today/277339/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The National Weather Service says there is a 20 percent chance the Richmond area will see showers and thunderstorms this afternoon, when the high is projected to be near 90 degrees. 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:15:18 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/slight_chance_of_thunderstorms_later_today/277339/#When:13:15:18Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>State accuses Northrop Grumman of breach</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA01_20090630-222603/277299/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The state now is accusing Northrop Grumman of failing to deliver computer services and hinting at unspecified action against the giant company. In a shift yesterday, the state&#8212;which has been defending its disputed 10-year, $2.3 billion deal with Northrop Grumman&#8212;said the Chantilly-based firm is in breach of contract. Further, the state is demanding a plan from Northrop Grumman within 60 days for ending delays&#8212;some that have continued two years&#8212;and for completing an inventory of computer equipment that was supposed to be finished yesterday.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:01:14 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA01_20090630-222603/277299/#When:04:01:14Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Richard Evelyn Byrd of Berryville dies at 86</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/RBOB01_20090630-222803/277302/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Scion of a Virginia clan synonymous with politics and newspapers, Richard Evelyn Byrd, who died Sunday at his home in Berryville, preferred another family business: apples. A son of a governor and U.S. senator, Harry F. Byrd Sr., Mr. Byrd ran the orchards and cannery during a career with H.F. Byrd Inc. that began in 1948. Mr. Byrd, who had been in declining health for about a year, was president of the firm from 1966 to 1980.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/RBOB01_20090630-222803/277302/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Wilson Bridge drawbridge to remain closed longer</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/wilson_bridge_drawbridge_to_remain_closed_longer/277172/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The U.S. Coast Guard says the Wilson Bridge drawbridge will remain closed to large vessels for 15 consecutive hours on weekdays, beginning at 5 a.m.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:19:20 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/wilson_bridge_drawbridge_to_remain_closed_longer/277172/#When:15:19:20Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Va. issues nearly all &#8216;08 income tax refunds</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/va._issues_nearly_all_08_income_tax_refunds/277170/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Virginia Department of Taxation has issued nearly all the state income tax refunds from 2008.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:32:11 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/va._issues_nearly_all_08_income_tax_refunds/277170/#When:13:32:11Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Page County cockfighting charges sent to grand jury</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/page_county_cockfighting_charges_sent_to_grand_jury/277167/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The case against four men accused of participating in a Page County cockfighting ring has been sent to a grand jury.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:34:07 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/page_county_cockfighting_charges_sent_to_grand_jury/277167/#When:12:34:07Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Man gets 3 life terms in death of Fredericksburg Chinese&#45;restaurant delivery driver</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/man_gets_3_life_terms_in_death_of_fredericksburg_chinese-restaurant_deliver/277165/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A man who robbed, abducted and fatally stabbed a Chinese-restaurant delivery driver has been sentenced to three life terms.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:29:48 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/man_gets_3_life_terms_in_death_of_fredericksburg_chinese-restaurant_deliver/277165/#When:12:29:48Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Va. Republicans drop fight over access to Kaine&#8217;s DNC travel records</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAIN30_20090629-221603/277101/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia Republicans will appeal to the court of public opinion instead of a court of law to fight over access to Gov. Timothy M. Kaine&#8217;s out-of-town travel records as Democratic National Committee chairman. &#8220;To continue our pursuit of the documents in question would leave us with the only option of taking the issue to litigation,&#8220; state GOP Chairman Pat Mullins said in a statement released yesterday, responding to a letter sent by Kaine&#8217;s office late last week denying his request for the records.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:01:47 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAIN30_20090629-221603/277101/#When:04:01:47Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Virginia considering regulating car title loans</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/TITL30_20090629-222804/277121/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia is considering putting the brakes on the repo man, but there&#8217;s disagreement on how to do it. A General Assembly panel yesterday opened hearings on a possible clampdown on car-title loans, under which borrowers&#8212;often with poor credit histories&#8212;use their cars as collateral and lose them if they fail to repay. The industry, which typically charges 300 percent to 350 percent in annual interest, operates in Virginia with few restrictions.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/TITL30_20090629-222804/277121/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>VITA contract is six months late, says official</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA30_20090629-221603/277106/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia&#8217;s computer agency is six months behind schedule in putting in place a $2.3 billion contract with Northrop Grumman for info-tech services. Leonard M. &#8220;Len&#8221; Pomata, acting head of the Virginia Information Technologies Agency, disclosed the delay yesterday in the opening of House of Delegates and state Senate inquiries into the controversy engulfing the sprawling department.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/VITA30_20090629-221603/277106/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Va. Republicans drop fight over access to Kaine&#8217;s DNC travel records</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAINGAT29_20090629-165001/277051/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia Republicans will appeal to the court of public opinion instead of a court of law to fight over access to Gov. Timothy M. Kaine&#8217;s out-of-town travel records as Democratic National Committee chairman. &#8220;To continue our pursuit of the documents in question would leave us with the only option of taking the issue to litigation,&#8220; state GOP chairman Pat Mullins said in a statement released today, responding to a letter sent by Kaine&#8217;s office late last week denying his request for the records.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:50:01 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/KAINGAT29_20090629-165001/277051/#When:20:50:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>UPDATE: Doctors reluctant to prescribe painkillers because of hacker</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/some_painkiller_prescriptions_in_va._halted_because_of_hacker/277041/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A state official says there are reports that some doctors are reluctant to prescribe powerful painkillers after an April hacker attack on a massive state-run drug database.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:19:48 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/some_painkiller_prescriptions_in_va._halted_because_of_hacker/277041/#When:16:19:48Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Mary Lou Forbes, winner of 1959 Pulitzer for Va. civil rights coverage, dies at 83</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/mary_lou_forbes_winner_of_1959_pulitzer_for_va._civil_rights_coverage_dies_/277039/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Longtime Washington Times commentary editor Mary Lou Forbes, whose reporting on Virginia&#8217;s civil rights struggles won a Pulitzer Prize in 1959, has died. She was 83.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:28:48 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/mary_lou_forbes_winner_of_1959_pulitzer_for_va._civil_rights_coverage_dies_/277039/#When:15:28:48Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Legislative hearings begin on state IT problems</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/legislative_hearings_begin_on_state_it_problems/277036/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The state&#8217;s computer super-agency is running about six months behind schedule putting in place a $2.3 billion contract with Northrop Grumman for information technology servvices.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:52:58 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/legislative_hearings_begin_on_state_it_problems/277036/#When:14:52:58Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Police says father who killed family members had lured son home</title>
          <link>http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_FAMILY_SHOT?SITE=VARIT&amp;SECTION=HOME&amp;TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&amp;CTIME=2009&#45;06&#45;29&#45;13&#45;57&#45;17</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A college student played dead to escape a family shooting by his father, who killed the other son and their mother before setting their house on fire and taking his own life, investigators said.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:09:57 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_FAMILY_SHOT?SITE=VARIT&amp;SECTION=HOME&amp;TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&amp;CTIME=2009&#45;06&#45;29&#45;13&#45;57&#45;17#When:11:09:57Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Va. Railway Express fares go up today</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/VREGAT29_20090629-060001/277017/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia Railway Express is raising fares to help offset a projected $1 million budget gap. VRE officials say that beginning today, fares will increase by 6 percent. It will be the second time this year that the commuter line has raised prices. The changes mean that the cost of a trip from Fredericksburg to Union Station will go from $9.75 to $10.30. A monthly pass will now cost $285, a $15 increase.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:00:01 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/VREGAT29_20090629-060001/277017/#When:10:00:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Va. IT agency probe today</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/ITGAT29_20090629-054601/277015/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A state Senate panel today will be scrutinizing cost overruns and delays involving Virginia&#8217;s six-year-old information technology superagency. The Finance Committee&#8217;s technology subcommittee is tasked to find out why the Virginia Information Technologies Agency has failed to meet several important deadlines. The agency created to streamline operations and unify the state&#8217;s computer system is a common target of complaints.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 05:46:01 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/ITGAT29_20090629-054601/277015/#When:09:46:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Sniper case raises issues about police overtime</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/SNIP29_20090628-213802/276966/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
CHARLOTTESVILLE&#8212;In the hours after 911 calls came in about shots fired at cars on Interstate 64, dozens of Albemarle County police officers worked on the crime scene, tracked leads and worked with other law-enforcement agencies to try to find the shooters. The bill came later. Of the 1,124 hours that Albemarle police worked in the first week of the I-64 investigation, 580 of those hours were overtime. Based on the average officer&#8217;s pay, that overtime cost the department $19,551.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/SNIP29_20090628-213802/276966/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Six killed in Va. crashes</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/ACKS28_20090627-215004/276819/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
State police reported the deaths of six people after four vehicle crashes on state roads Friday. That brought the 2009 Virginia highway death toll to 333, compared with 400 at the same time last year.   Haven L. Dobbins, 62, of Narrows died at 3:47 p.m., about 15 minutes after he crashed his motorcycle on Interstate 77, just north of Interstate 81 in Wytheville. The motorcycle ran off the road and struck a culvert.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:01:56 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/ACKS28_20090627-215004/276819/#When:04:01:56Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>New state laws take effect Wednesday</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/LAWS28_20090627-221404/276837/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
New state laws that ban text messaging while driving and get tougher on drunken drivers take effect this week. In a 46-day session, the General Assembly approved 879 bills, most of which take effect Wednesday. The session will probably be best known for a measure prohibiting smoking in most restaurants and bars in Virginia. This measure will not take effect until Dec. 1 to give restaurant owners more time to prepare for the ban.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:01:39 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/LAWS28_20090627-221404/276837/#When:04:01:39Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Social worker fired after death of Virginia girl, 13</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/GIRL28_20090627-222603/276855/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A social-services employee has been fired and two others disciplined in Prince William County for mishandling the case of a 13-year-old girl who authorities say was abused and killed by her adoptive mother, officials said. After Alexis &#8220;Lexie&#8221; Agyepong-Glover was found slain in a creek in January, many people said they had reported signs of abuse by her mother, Alfreedia Gregg-Glover, but the teen was not removed from the home. Gregg-Glover faces murder charges in the girl&#8217;s death.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:01:16 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/GIRL28_20090627-222603/276855/#When:04:01:16Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Supreme Court isn&#8217;t setting school rules, chief justice says</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/JUDG28_20090627-222603/276856/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Don&#8217;t look to the Supreme Court to set school rules, only to clarify them when officials have abdicated that responsibility, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said yesterday. Roberts took part in a question-and-answer session with Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson of the Richmond-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. It came on the second day of the 4th Circuit Court&#8217;s conference at The Greenbrier resort.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:01:09 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/JUDG28_20090627-222603/276856/#When:04:01:09Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Albemarle wine festival gets a tasty start</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/WINE28_20090627-222603/276857/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Wine lovers twirled their glasses between sips and raved about quality and unique taste yesterday at the first Virginia Wineworks Wine Festival in Albemarle County. &#8220;For me, it&#8217;s a lot about: What can I eat with this wine?&#8220; said Therese Verkerke, 21, adding that good wine must have a refreshing taste that&#8217;s &#8220;not too sweet.&#8220; Verkerke&#8217;s mother, Tracy Verkerke, is a partner for Well Hung Vineyards in Charlottesville, one of nine vineyards offering dozens of wine samples yesterday.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:01:07 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/WINE28_20090627-222603/276857/#When:04:01:07Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Two killed, one injured in Hanover crash</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/ACKS281_20090627-234401/276878/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Two people were killed and another injured in a fiery head-on collision yesterday afternoon in Hanover County. The crash occurred shortly after 5 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. 301 and Georgetown Road. U.S. 301 was shut down for hours as investigators worked the scene, said Sheriff&#8217;s Office Capt. Mike Trice. A car with two occupants heading south on U.S. 301 struck another car heading in the other direction. The car traveling south caught fire, and the two people died at the scene. They had not been identified late last night.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/ACKS281_20090627-234401/276878/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Interstate rest areas to stay open through July Fourth holiday weekend</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/REST27_20090626-222606/276690/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia will keep its interstate highway rest areas open through the Fourth of July holiday weekend, even though money to operate them has run out. Virginia Department of Transportation spokeswoman Britt Drewes said that the 19 rest areas scheduled to be closed will stay open until later in July. Exact closing dates have not been decided.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:01:29 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/REST27_20090626-222606/276690/#When:04:01:29Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Kaine refuses to give GOP travel records</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DNCC271_20090626-234202/276747/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine is refusing to turn over to the Republican Party of Virginia records of his out-of-state travel as chairman of the Democratic National Committee. In a letter late yesterday afternoon to state GOP Chairman Pat Mullins, Kaine communications director Lynda Tran said Kaine has no legal obligation to make public such documents.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:01:16 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DNCC271_20090626-234202/276747/#When:04:01:16Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>2 Herndon men hurt in plane crash</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/PLAN27_20090626-234403/276751/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Two Herndon men were seriously injured yesterday afternoon when their small plane crashed into a wooded area near the Manassas Regional Airport. The men had taken off from the airport just before 5 p.m. when the plane began experiencing trouble, said Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller. The pilot tried to return to the airport but lost altitude and crashed about a half mile from the airport&#8217;s south runway. Initial reports from the scene described one of the men as being in critical condition and the other with injuries that appeared to be non life-threatening.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/PLAN27_20090626-234403/276751/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Museum of Confederacy plans Appomattox expansion</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/CONF27_20090626-222606/276680/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Museum of the Confederacy&#8212;in Richmond since its inception&#8212;definitely is coming to Appomattox, museum and town officials say, but it may take a little longer than first anticipated because of fundraising issues. Thursday, the museum&#8217;s board of trustees voted to continue moving forward with plans to build an expansion site near where the Civil War ended.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
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          <title>Trooper, 4 others killed in wrecks</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/ACKS27_20090626-222606/276679/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A Virginia State Police trooper was killed yesterday afternoon in a crash in Henry County. Trooper Ralph W. Carroll Sr. was riding a motorcycle along U.S. 220 in Henry County when a car driven by 20-year-old Christopher A. Cunningham turned in front of Carroll&#8217;s southbound motorcycle about 1 p.m., said state police Sgt. Bob Carpentieri.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/ACKS27_20090626-222606/276679/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Deeds, McDonnell discuss energy, roads</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS27_20090626-221605/276662/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Gubernatorial hopefuls R. Creigh Deeds and Bob McDonnell, in their first back-to-back appearances on the same stage, told Boys State attendees in Lynchburg yesterday that they could improve transportation in Virginia without raising taxes. Deeds, a Democrat, said he would seek to pay for better roads by promoting business growth that would increase state revenues, but ultimately that growth depends on better roads.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/GOVS27_20090626-221605/276662/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>State gets first stimulus money for energy</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/ENGY27_20090626-221605/276659/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia has received the first $28 million in federal stimulus funds to pay for energy conservation programs, including rebates to homeowners to make energy efficiency improvements to the residences. The federal allocation is part of $70 million in stimulus funds that the state will receive to carry out an array of programs in its energy plan, with investments planned for solar and wind energy at businesses and public institutions, biomass energy production, and clean energy grants to businesses.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/ENGY27_20090626-221605/276659/#When:04:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Va. to receive first batch of stimulus money for energy conservation</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/KAINGAT26_20090626-124801/276526/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia will receive the first $28 million in federal stimulus funds today to pay for energy conservation programs, including rebates to homeowners to make energy efficiency improvements to the residences. The federal allocation is part of $70 million in stimulus funds that the state will receive to carry out an array of programs in its energy plan, with investments planned for solar and wind energy at businesses and public institutions, biomass energy production, and clean energy grants to businesses.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:48:01 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/KAINGAT26_20090626-124801/276526/#When:16:48:01Z</guid>
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          <title>Planners OK Wal&#45;Mart near Civil War battlefield</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/WALGAT26_20090626-060802/276509/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
ORANGE&#8212;Wal-Mart&#8217;s proposal to build a Supercenter near a hallowed Civil War battlefield won the backing of Orange County planners last night. The 5-4 vote by the planning commission sends the proposal to the Board of Supervisors, which is believed to be leaning toward approval of the 138,000-square-foot store within a cannon shot of the Civil War battlefield.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:08:02 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/WALGAT26_20090626-060802/276509/#When:10:08:02Z</guid>
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          <title>State to keep 19 rest areas open through July Fourth</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/RESTGAT26_20090626-060402/276508/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
ROANOKE&#8212;Virginia will keep its interstate highway rest areas open through the Fourth of July holiday weekend, even though money to operate them has run out. Virginia Department of Transportation spokeswoman Britt Drewes said yesterday that the 19 rest areas scheduled to be closed will be open until later in July. The decision to close the rest areas came as the Commonwealth Transportation Board earlier this month pared $538 million from the state highway system&#8217;s six-year spending plan.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:04:02 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/RESTGAT26_20090626-060402/276508/#When:10:04:02Z</guid>
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          <title>Drunken boating crackdown this weekend in Va.</title>
          <link>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/BOATGAT26_20090626-055401/276506/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia authorities are planning a weekend crackdown on drunken boating. They&#8217;re calling it &#8220;Operation Dry Water.&#8220; Officers from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission will be patrolling waterways today through Sunday, looking for boaters with blood alcohol levels of .08 or higher.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:54:01 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/BOATGAT26_20090626-055401/276506/#When:09:54:01Z</guid>
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