What's News Today: October 17, 2016

(Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

(WSLS 10) - A federal jury in Roanoke will begin hearing arguments today in defamation lawsuit over a retracted Rolling Stone Magazine article. University of Virginia Associate Dean of Students Nicole Eramo is suing, saying that the article portrayed her as the "chief villain." Last year, Eramo's attorneys were dealt a setback after a deposition tape was leaked to a national news network. The judge ordered that Eramo's attorneys cannot show any part of that video to the jury. She is suing for nearly $8 million.

Today is the last day of business for a Roanoke ice cream shop. The owners of Hit's Frozen Treats will retire and close the shop today. Hit's started serving ice cream sandwiches in 1981. Since then, the owners have created and expanded their flavors which are made with local products.

Recommended Videos



We will learn today who the 2017 Virginia Teacher of the Year. The final eight teachers in the running were interviewed and had their portfolios reviewed by a panel. Three teachers from our region are in the running for the award: Crystal DeLong, a social studies teacher at Liberty High School in Bedford County, Jason Ince, an agricultural education teacher at Chatham High School in Pittsylvania County and Katie McCann, a language arts and teading teacher at Appomattox Elementary IN Appomattox County.

[Notes:https://www.tsa.gov/precheck]

If you are a frequent flyer, an event kicks off today at the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport that could make security screenings easier for you. A TSA Pre Check enrollment center will be set up at the airport this week. You can make an appointment or walk with to complete the application. You can start the application process online.

The Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce holds a job fair today. Dozens of employers will be there to talk about career opportunities. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lynchburg Campus of Central Virginia Community College.

The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance and E.C. Glass High School will hold a debate today for 6th District candidates. The business community and students will get to hear answers to questions about education, workforce readiness and more. Incumbent Republican Bob Goodlatte faces off against Democrat Kai Degner for the seat.

The Lynchburg Humane Society offers a deal today at its spay-neuter clinic. It will perform the operation on 150 feral cats for $5. It's the agency's way of celebrating National Feral Cat Day. In addition to the surgery, the animals will receive vaccinations and microchips.

Roanoke's Permit Center will be closed today through Thursday. City staff will install a new software system. The office will reopen on Friday.