Statue a first for Virginia (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
A state once synonymous with flinty defiance of court-ordered school integration is celebrating the latest symbol of its often-difficult embrace of equality: the Virginia Civil Rights Memorial.

About 40 protest Rove's visit to Virginia Beach fundraiser (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS VIRGINIA BEACH -- Karl Rove's appearance at a fundraiser for Congresswoman Thelma Drake drew protesters to the Virginia Beach event. The former White House adviser attended the fundraiser today at a local steakhouse while about 40 people gathered outside. Some carried signs reading "Arrest Karl Rove" and "Shame on Thelma Drake."

Indian juniors score perect 10 over West Virginia (rediff.com)
India U-16 football team mauled West Virginia Olympic Development Team 10-0 at Charleston in their training-cum-exposure tour of United States.

West Virginia: Torture Case Plea (New York Times)
Another defendant has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the torture of a young black woman held captive in West Virginia last summer.

McCain, Obama contest dead heat in Virginia (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
The presidential race in Virginia is a dead heat according to the latest poll. The Rasmussen polling group showed Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, leading Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, 48 percent to 47 percent, within the statistical margin of error. The poll, conducted Wednesday, surveyed 500 likely voters. When "leaners" were eliminated, the poll showed the race tied at 44 percent to 44 percent.