Politics

Sen. Louise Lucas and Del. Luke Torian tell the governor that his interest in negotiating the budget is “unprecedented.” Governor’s spokesman says Democrats wanted tax increases kept secret.

The latest round of vetoes bring the governor’s total veto count this year to 50. The governor said the bills undermine public safety; criminal justice advocacy groups say he is playing “politics of fear.”

Martinsville has grappled with the question of reversion since the 1980s. New legislation would require a referendum if it comes up again.

License plate cameras, narcotics analyzers and a crime-scene laser camera were among the items the department purchased with the help of a state grant.

He vowed to cut tax increases from the spending plan and made it clear he wants to see the proposed sports arena in Alexandria.

A Guatemalan woman who was the victim of domestic violence in Roanoke in 2012 alleges that the Roanoke Police Department violated state law in refusing to reissue her visa.

The budget includes more than $2.5 billion in new funding for K-12 public education, a 3% salary increase for teachers and state employees, $2.5 million for a proposed inland port and $70 million for an Interstate 81 widening project.

Here’s a rundown of some of the bills drafted this year by lawmakers from Southwest and Southside Virginia.