BREAKING NEWS
Vanderbilt takes down No. 1 Alabama 40-35 in historic college football victory
Read full article: Vanderbilt takes down No. 1 Alabama 40-35 in historic college football victorySedrick Alexander ran for two touchdowns, Randon Fontenette scored on a pick-six and Diego Pavia outplayed Heisman Trophy candidate Jalen Milroe as Vanderbilt stunned Alabama 40-35 for the Commodores’ first win over the nation’s top-ranked team.
Virginia Delegates for upcoming DNC ‘unanimously’ support Kamala Harris for President
Read full article: Virginia Delegates for upcoming DNC ‘unanimously’ support Kamala Harris for PresidentRoanoke Mayor Sherman Lea is one of the 119 delegates representing Virginia at the DNC who said he supports Harris.
Roanoke mayor details his biggest decisions, hurdles, and accomplishments during 20-year tenure
Read full article: Roanoke mayor details his biggest decisions, hurdles, and accomplishments during 20-year tenure10 News is working for you to highlight some of the biggest decisions and hurdles Mayor Lea has had to face during his 20-year tenure working for the city.
‘What can we do to protect these kids?’: Debate over Roanoke City youth curfew continues
Read full article: ‘What can we do to protect these kids?’: Debate over Roanoke City youth curfew continuesRoanoke City council has talked about expanding the youth curfew for months, and reexamined it during Monday's meeting.
Leaders hear from Roanoke’s Gun Violence Prevention Commission on prevention, intervention programs
Read full article: Leaders hear from Roanoke’s Gun Violence Prevention Commission on prevention, intervention programsAmid growing questions, concerns and criticism of Roanoke’s Gun Violence Prevention Commission, the group came together with city leaders to share their progress and mission on Monday for a gun violence prevention framework meeting.
Roanoke City performing internal audit of Roanoke’s Gun Violence Prevention Commission
Read full article: Roanoke City performing internal audit of Roanoke’s Gun Violence Prevention CommissionRoanoke City Council members are raising concerns over the way the city's Gun Violence Prevention Commission is spending money.
Vanderbilt stuns Kentucky to end 26-game SEC losing streak
Read full article: Vanderbilt stuns Kentucky to end 26-game SEC losing streakMike Wright completed an 8-yard touchdown pass to Will Sheppard with 32 seconds left for a 24-21 win over Kentucky and snap a 26-game Southeastern Conference losing streak.
‘We’ve got to get much more aggressive:’ Roanoke mayor speaks out about the city’s response to gun violence
Read full article: ‘We’ve got to get much more aggressive:’ Roanoke mayor speaks out about the city’s response to gun violenceA teenager’s death over the weekend and other recent shootings have Roanoke city leaders re-evaluating what’s working and what’s not in their efforts to combat gun violence.
Roanoke’s State of the City Address: This year’s accomplishments and challenges
Read full article: Roanoke’s State of the City Address: This year’s accomplishments and challengesRoanoke Mayor Sherman Lea gave an update on the city's recent successes and challenges during Thursday's State of the City Address.
Roanoke City School Board presents new safety measures to City Council
Read full article: Roanoke City School Board presents new safety measures to City Council25 safety recommendations were adopted by the school board at their last meeting, including a new safety tip line, new, more secure classroom door locks, and an additional 15 school resource officers on top of the 11 already on staff.
Roanoke City School Board presents new safety measures to City Council
Read full article: Roanoke City School Board presents new safety measures to City Council25 safety recommendations were adopted by the school board at their last meeting, including a new safety tip line, new, more secure classroom door locks, and an additional 15 school resource officers on top of the 11 already on staff.
Gov. Youngkin, Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea seeking more solutions to gun violence in Roanoke
Read full article: Gov. Youngkin, Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea seeking more solutions to gun violence in RoanokeMore than $500,000 in grants, creative initiatives like the “Groceries not Guns” buyback program, new employees and more have been implemented in Roanoke within the last year to combat gun violence. But is it enough?
Gun violence, affordable housing voiced as top concerns in City of Roanoke’s citizen survey
Read full article: Gun violence, affordable housing voiced as top concerns in City of Roanoke’s citizen surveyEvery two years, the City of Roanoke looks to get feedback from its residents using a citizen survey. Some of the biggest concerns voiced in 2021's survey were crime, housing and downtown parking.
‘Relationships are more important than ever’: Roanoke mayor pens letter to Gov. Youngkin, plans to keep affinity with Russian sister city
Read full article: ‘Relationships are more important than ever’: Roanoke mayor pens letter to Gov. Youngkin, plans to keep affinity with Russian sister cityRoanoke Mayor Sherman Lea isn’t looking to end the Star City’s relationship with its sister city of Pskov, Russia anytime soon.
Councilmember ‘conflicted’ over rejecting controversial Roanoke apartment project
Read full article: Councilmember ‘conflicted’ over rejecting controversial Roanoke apartment projectA request to rezone property along Brandon Avenue to build 54 apartments and 15 townhomes was rejected by Roanoke City Council Monday night with a 4-3 vote.
Roanoke narrows Lee Plaza re-name to four options
Read full article: Roanoke narrows Lee Plaza re-name to four optionsThe City of Roanoke has narrowed it down to four possible names for Lee Plaza. It’s the former home of the Confederate memorial in downtown Roanoke and council wants the name changed.
‘You’ve got to be accountable’: Roanoke mayor disturbed after teenagers involved in two shootings
Read full article: ‘You’ve got to be accountable’: Roanoke mayor disturbed after teenagers involved in two shootingsRoanoke Mayor Sherman Lea feels the community needs to step up to the plate and be accountable following two shootings earlier this week.
Roanoke City Council concerned plastic bag tax will inadvertently impact low-income residents
Read full article: Roanoke City Council concerned plastic bag tax will inadvertently impact low-income residentsRoanoke City Council still plans to implement a plastic bag tax but said they need to figure a few things out. Earlier this week, the council postponed a vote until May amid concerns that the tax would disproportionately affect low-income residents.
Roanoke mayor scorns late night St. Patrick’s Day celebrations downtown
Read full article: Roanoke mayor scorns late night St. Patrick’s Day celebrations downtownROANOKE, Va. – Hundreds of people flocked to downtown Roanoke Saturday night to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea believes their decision may set the city back in its battle against COVID-19. “We do not want another spread that could affect me, you and others if we have a spread in this city again,” Lea said. Lea said while Roanoke’s COVID-19 vaccination rates are improving, they are not high enough in his opinion for gatherings as large as of Saturday night’s festivities. He says he will look to enforce COVID-19 capacity guidelines more harshly in the city after the celebrations. What we want to do is save lives.”Lea said restaurants are liable to face punishment if they violated capacity guidelines on Saturday.
‘Everything won this year needs asterisk’: Roanoke mayor under fire for Facebook post diminishing girls basketball playoff win
Read full article: ‘Everything won this year needs asterisk’: Roanoke mayor under fire for Facebook post diminishing girls basketball playoff winROANOKE, Va. – Mayor Sherman Lea said he meant it as a joke, but he’s now receiving criticism for a recent Facebook comment. After the Patrick Henry girls basketball team won the Region 5D championship Monday night, their excitement soon turned to frustration. Mayor Lea.”On Tuesday, Lea told 10 News that he considers Hedrick a good friend and thought he was private messaging him. He also said that he and the mayor have had a private conversation since the post. The Patrick Henry girls said they’re going to be using this as fuel for their next game, the state semifinal, against Potomac Falls on Wednesday.
Roanoke man thanks Zumiez employees for keeping him safe after gunshots at Valley View Mall
Read full article: Roanoke man thanks Zumiez employees for keeping him safe after gunshots at Valley View MallROANOKE, Va. – Though a shooting over the weekend at Roanoke’s Valley View Mall was isolated, it had many shoppers running for their lives, thinking it was something much worse. [‘I have never in my life been this scared’: Valley View Mall employees react to the shooting]Saturday night’s shooting happened during an argument between two people at the mall, according to the Roanoke Police Department. As chaos ensued, store employees knew Colquhoun was deaf because the word ‘Deaf’ is printed on his face mask. This concern has led to an enhanced law enforcement response, including realignment of certain personnel to increase the resources available to respond to violent crime. This law enforcement response has been accompanied by a non-law enforcement response as well, involving the Gun Violence Task Force, use of a Rapid Response Team, etc.
AP sources: Vandy negotiating to hire Clark Lea as coach
Read full article: AP sources: Vandy negotiating to hire Clark Lea as coachNASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt is negotiating a deal with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Clark Lea to make the former Commodores player its new head coach. The 38-year-old Lea is a Nashville native who played baseball at Birmingham-Southern and Belmont before walking on as a fullback at Vanderbilt, where he played from 2002-04. He started coaching at UCLA and also has coached at South Dakota State, Bowling Green, Syracuse and Wake Forest. The Fighting Irish made the College Football Playoff in 2018 behind a defense that ranked eighth in the nation in yards allowed per play (4.53). ___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25
Sherman Lea, Stephanie Moon Reynolds sworn in as Roanoke mayor, councilwoman
Read full article: Sherman Lea, Stephanie Moon Reynolds sworn in as Roanoke mayor, councilwomanROANOKE, Va. – Roanoke’s mayor is officially back for another term, and a fresh face has now joined Roanoke City Council. Mayor Sherman Lea and Councilwoman Stephanie Moon Reynolds both took their oaths of office Thursday afternoon after winning their respective elections last month. Lea returns for a second term as mayor, while Moon Reynolds transitions to city council from a 42-year career as Roanoke’s city clerk. Lea said he is excited to lead in his new term with new councilmembers Moon Reynolds and Robert Jeffrey. “Roanoke is a resilient city with resilient people, and I’m proud to be mayor of this city.”Jeffrey and fellow councilmember Trish White-Boyd will be sworn into office on Friday.
‘It feels like a holiday’: Roanoke reacts to president-elect Joe Biden’s victory
Read full article: ‘It feels like a holiday’: Roanoke reacts to president-elect Joe Biden’s victoryROANOKE, Va. – When NBC News determined Joe Biden would win the presidential election Saturday morning, it was the moment Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea had waited four years to experience. “I was following this all week, even in the midst of my own election,” said Lea, who was elected for a second term as Roanoke’s mayor this week. Roanoke teenagers Jasmine Rosser and Morgan Fletchall said this was the first election they have ever voted in. Although Biden won the election, Virginia Tech politics professor Karen Hult said Republicans still have a lot to celebrate. Lea said he is looking forward to how the next four years will be under President-elect Biden.
Meet the newest members of a historic Roanoke City Council
Read full article: Meet the newest members of a historic Roanoke City CouncilROANOKE, Va. – For the first time in the Star City, minorities will hold the majority on Roanoke City Council with four African Americans, one Latina and two white members. Democrat Robert Jeffrey Jr. and independent Stephanie Moon Reynolds will join incumbent democrats Mayor Sherman Lea and Councilwoman Trish White-Boyd. “It speaks well to the equity and empowerment that we’re trying to project in our city," said Lea. Council members Michelle Davis and Anita Price did not run for re-election in 2020. Lea said council is going to hold a public hearing on the bus station and council members are going in with open minds.
Sherman Lea declares himself winner in Roanoke mayoral race
Read full article: Sherman Lea declares himself winner in Roanoke mayoral raceROANOKE, Va. – Sherman Lea declared himself the winner Tuesday night in the race for Roanoke Mayor, securing his second term. The two did share some top priorities, including tackling gun violence in the Star City and the downtown bus station. Lea and Bowers both see the downtown bus station as a main concern, but their visions for the project differ. Lea wants to see a new bus station built in front of the Virginia Museum of Transportation, while Bowers wants to renovate the current station on Campbell Avenue. Back in 2016, Sherman Lea won the mayoral election and had no opponents.
Roanoke candidates make final push on election eve
Read full article: Roanoke candidates make final push on election eveROANOKE, VA. – The polls open when the sun comes up Tuesday morning and candidates all over our area made their final push to get out the vote Monday night. Monday night was dark and chilly as the clocks rolled back and a burst of winter moved in, but candidates for Roanoke mayor and city council made their final push. On election eve, Republican candidates for council, Peg McGuire and Maynard Keller knocked on doors in southwest Roanoke hoping to get Republicans on council for the first time in a while. Democrat Sherman Lea, the incumbent mayor, spent election eve making calls to Roanoke citizens asking for their vote. Mayoral candidate David Bowers did most of his work in the afternoon, but like other candidates, will make his final push at the polls Tuesday.
Roanoke City mayoral candidates differ on one controversial issue: the downtown bus station
Read full article: Roanoke City mayoral candidates differ on one controversial issue: the downtown bus stationOne star city. Current Roanoke City Mayor Sherman Lea is facing off against the former mayor, David Bowers, in the 2020 election. The candidates differ on one controversial, key point: the downtown bus station. Bowers wants to focus on jobs and wants Roanoke to take a different route. That will bring a new direction to the Star City,” said Bowers.
Sen. Mark Warner, mayoral candidates talk to Roanoke voters in final push before Election Day
Read full article: Sen. Mark Warner, mayoral candidates talk to Roanoke voters in final push before Election DayROANOKE, Va. – Sen. Mark Warner continued his “Get Out the Vote” campaign and the Star City was one of his several stops on Saturday morning for his final push to garner support. Roanoke’s mayoral candidates also talked with voters and while they differ on their top priorities, both agreed that making your voice heard is important“This is a big election. “People should be very confident of the early voting here in roanoke. The early voting has gone very well,” said David Bowers. Mayor Lea says his focus is helping the city get through the coronavirus pandemic while former Mayor Bowers says he wants to address Roanoke’s gun violence.
Gov. Ralph Northam, Attorney General Mark Herring endorse candidates in Roanoke visit
Read full article: Gov. Ralph Northam, Attorney General Mark Herring endorse candidates in Roanoke visitROANOKE, Va. – On Tuesday, both Governor Ralph Northam and Attorney General Mark Herring visited Roanoke to campaign for local Democrats. Northam greeted the small crowd Tuesday night, while he and other state and local leaders rallied for their candidates. Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea is running for a second term and said it’s a show of support he hasn’t seen in a long time. “Make sure you re-elect your great mayor Sherman Lea, he is a proven leader, he is getting the job done. “I think it’s a sign of desperation, I think our mayor, Mayor Lea is behind the curve, I think he’s unpopular with a lot of people, including Democrats," Keller said.
Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea pushing economic development as part of re-election bid
Read full article: Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea pushing economic development as part of re-election bidROANOKE, Va. – After four years in office, Roanoke City Mayor Sherman Lea said he’s ready for four more. When it comes to jobs, bringing in businesses and economic development, Lea said he collaborates with other localities and gets input from citizens. During the pandemic, he and the Roanoke City Council let citizens help them decide how to spend recovery funding. We’re still opening businesses, small businesses are still happening in our city.”Lea said that building a new bus station downtown will promote economic development. However, Lea said he wants to take a hard look at equity in Roanoke.
Roanoke City Councilwoman talks about ‘tough’ decision to resign
Read full article: Roanoke City Councilwoman talks about ‘tough’ decision to resignROANOKE, Va. – Roanoke City Councilwoman Djuna Osborne announced that she plans to step down from her seat, effective Wednesday at 5 p.m.Osborne told 10 News that the pandemic has taken a toll on a lot of families, including hers. Osborne said it was a very tough decision to make because she’s proud of her work on council to serve citizens. Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea said that he’s sad to see her go. “It’s just a really tough choice. It’s really really hard," said Osborne.
Were in this together: Roanoke State of the City focuses on resilience, equality
Read full article: Were in this together: Roanoke State of the City focuses on resilience, equalityROANOKE, Va. In a year unlike any other, Roanokes State of the City address Wednesday morning took a much different tone. The speech presented a stark contrast between the Star City pre-coronavirus pandemic and now. I think the city needs to have a strategy for new economic growth. Were going to ensure everyone in our city has an opportunity to live in a safe and vibrant environment, Lea said. Bowers told 10 News hes disappointed Lea didnt address increased violence, but agrees equality needs to be a priority moving forward.
‘If it gets too bad, maybe we’ll have to pause’: Virginia officials, businesses prepare for Phase 3
Read full article: ‘If it gets too bad, maybe we’ll have to pause’: Virginia officials, businesses prepare for Phase 3ROANOKE, Va. – Business owners are prepared for Phase Three of Virginia’s reopening plan, which starts on Wednesday. Of those positive cases, 17% are from three local communities -- Roanoke city, and Roanoke and Botetourt counties. “I have my concerns as I’ve stated that publicly,” said Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea when questioned on whether he believes the area is ready for the next phase. Mayor Lea said if things get worse in terms of the number of cases, he will consider pausing or scaling back reopening guidelines. “At some point, if it gets too bad, maybe we’ll have to pause,” said Mayor Lea.
’Are we moving too fast?’ Roanoke mayor expresses concern over move to Phase 3
Read full article: ’Are we moving too fast?’ Roanoke mayor expresses concern over move to Phase 3ROANOKE, Va. – The countdown to Phase 3 is on and the city of Roanoke is preparing to reopen on July 1 following Gov. Are we moving too fast?” asked Lea. As of Thursday, the Star City has had 359 cases, 14 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. The Mayor has no intent to seek any formal actions to defer the City’s movement into Phase 3 of the reopening. I want businesses to get back and come back, but also, at what cost?” said Lea.
’I’m frustrated, angry and saddened’: Roanoke mayor has strong words after weekend of gun violence
Read full article: ’I’m frustrated, angry and saddened’: Roanoke mayor has strong words after weekend of gun violenceROANOKE, Va. – “Just sad, that’s all,” said Qae Copeland, whose mother lives near the scene of Saturday’s deadly shooting. Copeland said gun violence needs to stop. Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea took a shot Monday at the community and legal system. I’m frustrated, angry, and saddened," said Lea. When 10 News asked the mayor for a timeline for the task force implementations he referenced, he said they are ongoing.
Roanoke’s Mayor hosts annual Lea’s High School Winter Classic Tournament
Read full article: Roanoke’s Mayor hosts annual Lea’s High School Winter Classic TournamentROANOKE, Va. – High school basketball players from around the Roanoke Valley played on Roanoke’s largest stage this weekend. The annual tournament at the Berglund Center showcased the area’s largest rivalries, including William Fleming vs. Patrick Henry and North Cross vs. Roanoke Catholic. Lea said he organized the tournament to unite the city and the county through sports. Money received from the tournament will go to non-profits in the Roanoke Valley.
Roanoke City Council consider moving elections from spring to fall amid controversy
Read full article: Roanoke City Council consider moving elections from spring to fall amid controversyROANOKE, Va. - Monday's Roanoke City council meeting got unusually heated over whether the city should move election day for council members from May to November. Those in favor said it will increase voter turnout, while those opposed said local elections would get lost in elections for Congress and president. Council voted to get the wheels moving on the issue, on a 4-2 vote. Councilman Bill Bestpitch and Councilwoman Michelle Davis voted no. Odd-year voting would put local elections in line with state elections rather than federal ones, which some were in favor of.
FBI report: Roanoke, Lynchburg, Blacksburg safer than average
Read full article: FBI report: Roanoke, Lynchburg, Blacksburg safer than averageThe FBI's report says Roanoke's 2018 violent crime rate, which measures murders, rapes, robberies and assaults, is 235.2 crimes per 100,000 residents. Roanoke's violent crime rate is on par with Richmond and Hartford, Connecticut. Lea says the violent crime rate does not matter if homicides keep occurring within the Star City. Lynchburg and Blacksburg both had lower violent crime rates than Roanoke. The violent crime rates for Roanoke, Blacksburg and Lynchburg are much lower than the most violent cities.
Local leaders share solutions, Northam lays out vision for future at Roanoke conference
Read full article: Local leaders share solutions, Northam lays out vision for future at Roanoke conferenceROANOKE, Va. - Local leaders from across Virginia finished a conference on Tuesday that focused on finding solutions to what they consider to be the biggest problems facing their communities. The Virginia Municipal League annual conference is designed to help local governments communicate and share ideas. Inside Hotel Roanoke, he laid out his goals for the future, focusing on improving education and workforce training. Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea and others put their heads together and decided what they want to push lawmakers to change come the next legislative session, which begins in January. Roanoke last hosted the conference in 2014, according to Lea, who said it's been great to show off the Star City to the commonwealth.
'A positive, progressive, successful community': Roanoke mayor gives State of the City
Read full article: 'A positive, progressive, successful community': Roanoke mayor gives State of the CityROANOKE, Va. - Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea maintained his optimism for the city in his annual update. Lea gave his State of the City address to the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce Thursday morning. The mayor drew attention to Roanoke City Schools' 90 percent graduation rate, as well as major projects which finished such as the rebuilt Franklin Street Bridge and the new Melrose library. Lea says he's proud of how far the city has come and believes it will continue to improve. "We can sustain our momentum as a positive, progressive, successful community in which everyone plays a role in making our incredible potential," Lea said.
Roanokers protest in Richmond, disgusted with special gun session outcome
Read full article: Roanokers protest in Richmond, disgusted with special gun session outcomeThey left early this morning on a bus from Roanoke to demonstrate for gun control and Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea went with them. Despite spending six hours on a bus just to turn around with nothing, they felt the trip was worth it. "I was disappointed with the shenanigans and I say that word strongly, shenanigans today to not deal with this opportunity that the governor has given us," Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea said. That bill was exactly what Mayor Lea is advocating for. Roanoke Indivisible hosted the bus trip and was happy to have the mayor along, despite being critical of him in the past.
Roanoke mayor joining those previously critical of the city on trip to Richmond for gun reform
Read full article: Roanoke mayor joining those previously critical of the city on trip to Richmond for gun reformROANOKE, Va. - A busload of people will leave Roanoke bright and early Tuesday morning destined for Richmond to advocate for gun reform, and Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea will be with them. The city has unsuccessfully asked the state to let it restrict guns in the municipal building for a few years now. Roanoke Indivisible organized the bus trip and as a whole has been critical of City Council in recent months on a number of topics. Lea said while he may not agree with all of their ideas, it's important to stand in solidarity with them. Those in Roanoke Indivisible who have been critical of the mayor and council in the past say they're happy to have the mayor in their corner this time around.