Oh, what joy it is to have Christmas music playing throughout the Holidays. But did you know many of those favorite classics were written during wartime?

Over the past few years, leaders at Radford University have focused on creating an accessible path through higher education like their tuition promise.

Radford University leaders have started a program to educate and keep Western Virginians in the region.

On both sides of the political spectrum, the rhetoric between candidates has evolved from respectful debates to antagonistic attacks.

When you’re out on a river, especially the New River, situations can turn dangerous extremely fast, and that is exactly what happened to two Radford University students while they were out fishing.

After a Radford University coach saved a man in the New River on Tuesday, safety is definitely at the top of everyone’s minds. The U.S. National Park Service has a set of guidelines that may help you stay safe when you’re having some fun in the New River.

For the 2024 fall semester, Radford University has recorded freshmen enrollment up 28%, and new transfer students up 39%. This growth comes as other universities across the country are struggling to attract students.

For this academic year, Radford University has seen more students enroll than ever before, and with their new building the Artis Center, students are seeing the university is investing in their future.

Move-in started earlier this week, but students and families continue trickling into their residence halls.

All eyes are on Southwest Virginia as Vice Presidential Nominee JD Vance will be at Radford University late tonight.

JD Vance, Donald Trump’s pick for Vice President, held a campaign rally at Radford University on Monday, July 22, and viewers had a chance to watch it as it unfolded.

14 guys representing Commonwealth schools heard their names called on Day 2 of the MLB Draft

Over the past year, leaders at Radford University have made it their mission to get enrollment up, and with recent reports, it looks like they are headed in the right direction.

The man who was convicted in the murder of a Radford University student more than four decades ago has been denied parole once again, according to Justin Griffith, Pulaski County Commonwealth’s Attorney.

Christiansburg holds signing day for ten heading to next level

Sen. Warner will address business, higher education, and community leaders as well as elected officials from the City of Radford, Pulaski County and Montgomery County at an economic development luncheon hosted by Radford University.

A charge against Radford University’s men’s head basketball coach has been dismissed, court records indicate.

Radford University hosted a viewing party for the solar eclipse on Monday.

Many college students eventually have to take part in an internship program and Radford University wants to ease the financial stress students face when doing this.

Students at Radford University are in Alaska for a research project.

Radford University has partnered with local school divisions to help resolve the growing teacher shortage.

Radford University contributes millions of dollars to the Commonwealth according to a new economic impact study.

Radford University has received $1,500,000 to support pilot programs designed to help Pell Grant-eligible students.

The school has had a nursing program for 50 years but with the approval from the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia, the change creates a dedicated department focused solely on nursing.

The NIL landscape has been described by some as the Wild West. It started in 2021, with college athletes across the country signing endorsement deals.

Radford University’s president announced Virginia students can get their tuition covered if their household makes less than $100,000 per year.

Officials from the university said the new logo is meant to recognize the region and the history of the school.

According to the university’s president, the goal is to have zero students living in the building by 2024 and to be completely decommissioned by 2028.

Thousands of students are making their way into the New River Valley as college classes get ready to start.

It has been one year since the James Webb Space Telescope began capturing stunning images of the universe.

Prank 911 calls can now come with anywhere from a Class One Misdemeanor to a Class Five Felony.

"I don't know everything, I'm still learning every day but I'm not selfish with any of my knowledge or my wisdom."

Just months after being convicted of DUI, Radford University’s Men’s Head Basketball Coach is headed back to court.It’s all because of a positive interlock reading, the device used to test if there is alcohol on someone’s breath before driving.

Tod Burke taught criminal justice at Radford University for several years.

Radford one of eight teams internationally to compete in World University Basketball Series in Tokyo

Radford students feared the possibility of an active shooter Monday, but later discovered it was a prank call.

Radford University is under a secure in place, according to its Facebook page.

Students at Radford University say they're shaken up after news of a sexual assault on campus. Radford University Police share what technology they are using to keep students safe.

The Radford University Police Department is searching for three suspects who are accused of sexually assaulting a Radford University student.

After years of planning, the Highlander Hotel is officially open.

The head men’s basketball coach at Radford University is set to resume his full duties just over two weeks after being charged with driving under the influence, according to Radford University Athletics.

A Radford University men’s basketball coach has had his license suspended for 12 months after pleading guilty to driving while under the influence.

Radford University men’s basketball head coach Darris Nichols’ blood alcohol concentration was triple the legal limit when it was taken after he was pulled over, according to arrest warrants.

A Ukrainian orchestra is slated to perform at Radford University on Tuesday (Feb.21), just three days prior to the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Roanoke native earned Big South honors during his senior season under then head coach Mike Jones.

Radford University and the City of Radford are partnering to launch a new initiative: The Hub at Radford.

The game was played in front of nearly 2,000 local kids on what was Education Day.

Radford University Police say a University-owned building was struck by gunfire.

Radford Highlanders Festival Celebrates 25th Anniversary

A plan for student success: Radford University’s new president outlined his goals for the future during Friday’s inauguration ceremony.

A local look into an out-of-this-world event.

From sweet to savory, Arabica Cafe and Bakery covers it all

Boys soccer program sending three to the division one ranks.

Ron Peterson Jr. is a best-selling author known for his true crime books, and one of them is about to hit the big screen.

Radford University recently named Alex Guerra as the next baseball head coach. The Highlander alum spent the last six seasons at James Madison as an assistant, and returns to the area with a clear vision of what his program will look like.

As college graduates walk across the stage, a promising job market is waiting for them.

Here's a look at some of the stories we'll be following today as they make headlines in Southwest Virginia.

On Friday, soon-to-be doctors, nurses and other medical professionals got a taste of what to expect once they graduate and enter the world of emergency medicine.

Radford City Police are investigating a possible shooting.

Last month, nearly 55 American Robins were found dead at Radford University. Now, that number has increased to 80, according to the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke.

Radford University students were shocked Thursday afternoon to see a slew of dead birds on the ground.

Radford University is joining the list of Virginia colleges dropping its COVID-19 vaccine mandate for students.

Highlanders held a slim lead entering the fourth quarter of their Big South opener but the Runnin' Bulldogs prevailed 77-74.

In a game they trailed by as many as 12 points, the Radford Highlanders showed perseverance late by putting together a late 12-2 run. But in the end two missed three pointers in the closing seconds led to a 73-72 North Carolina A&T victory.

The Highlanders put together a crucial 14-0 run in the second half on their way to an 82-77 win.

Radford University has announced its next president.

Radford University is set to announce its eighth president on Thursday at 2 p.m.

The Highlanders Festival takes place at Radford University and is a change to celebrate Scots-Irish Heritage.

If you’re still in need of weekend plans, don’t worry because we’re working for you to find out what’s happening ‘round town.

Dedication to academic success and innovation: that was the message during Radford’s State of the University Address Friday morning.

Radford University broke ground on its first-ever hotel Tuesday.

Radford University students who want to return to in-person classes for the upcoming fall semester will be required to get a coronavirus vaccine.

There seems to be more confusion than clarity on Virginia college vaccination plans.

Justin Griffith, the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Pulaski County, isn’t mining words.

The Radford Highlanders now have a man who knows the city quite well leading the men’s basketball program.

Two minutes after a Radford University student fired a gun on campus, he was in police custody, according to police.

RADFORD, Va. – Radford University is preparing to hold in-person graduation ceremonies this spring. This comes after the governor’s latest guidance, allowing for 30% capacity at ceremonies, up to 5,000 people outdoors and up to 500 people indoors. Radford plans to honor graduates from 2020 and 2021 in multiple outdoor ceremonies. “Commencement is so important to us that we were very committed to figuring out how to host the ceremonies in person if at all possible and permissible by local governing authorities. Click here to learn more about Radford’s graduation plans.

Following Virginia’s draft plan that’ll allow more people at graduations, Radford University has announced that it will have in-person graduations on its main campus and at the Radford University Carilion campus. The undergraduate and graduate ceremonies for the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021 will be held April 29 through May 2. Graduates will be allowed up to four guests and must complete a Commencement RSVP Form by April 16. The university said that people will be required to follow Radford University protocols, wear masks and social distance.

Education officials have looked over the plan and it’s expected to be added to Third Amended Executive Order 72 on April 1. “We are releasing this guidance early to allow schools to begin planning for this year’s events. Prior to the mandate, several Virginia Tech parents such as Nicole Kreamer organized a petition for an in-person graduation. “Anyone who has made it to graduation in the middle of a global pandemic truly deserves to be honored,” Kreamer said. You can click here to see preliminary guidance for safely holding graduation and commencement events.

Thirteen people have been charged in connection to a fight in Radford that was caught on video last month, according to police. The video has been seen thousands of times since the fight on Feb. 22 at a house on Fairfax Street. As such, these individuals have been placed on interim suspension and are no longer currently active at Radford University pending the outcome of established procedures and protocols associated with the Standards of Student Conduct. The incident does not reflect the caring and compassionate nature of the Radford family or the individual and important responsibilities of all Highlanders. Radford University does not and will not tolerate such senseless and violent acts.

3 Campbell, 78-60, in Thursday’s Big South Semifinal game, the Radford men’s basketball team solid 2020-21 season came to an end. Ali kept the team within striking distance in the first half with 16 points and Hart caught fire in the second half with 13. The Highlanders finished the game with a 42.9 3-point percentage, with Ali and Hart knocking down seven of the nine. Even though Ali went 4-for-4 from the 3-point line in the first half, Campbell shot 55.6 percent from the floor and from beyond the arc. The Camels used strong shooting in the second half to push the lead to a game-high 24 points.

7 Hampton, 67-52, on Monday night and into the semifinal round of the 2020-21 Hercules Tires Big South Championship. Radford held the Pirates to a 35.7 percent in the first half and just 33.3 percent for the game. AdRadford maintained a double-digit lead from the 9:40 point in the second half to the end of the game. The lead was built thanks to tenacious defense that held Hampton without a field goal for nearly eight minutes from 17:11 to 9:27. Radford held the Pirates to just a 16.7 3-point percentage in the game – the lowest an opponent has shot all season long against the Highlanders.

RADFORD, Va. – The Dedmon Center is the home of Radford University basketball, but it hosted a more important series of shots on Saturday. The New River Valley Health District and Radford University joined forces on a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the arena. “Let’s just keep celebrating the vaccines as they go into arms, as they complete the series, as they get people vaccinated,” said New River Valley health director Dr. Noelle Bissell. They feel like there is an end to this.”Bissell said about 2,500 people in the New River Valley were eligible for the clinic. She now reports 12,000 people in the New River Valley have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Police are investigating a fight involving Radford University students at this off-campus house on Fairfax Street. RADFORD, Va. – A fistfight involving Radford University students was caught on camera and shared on social media. Radford University says the incident happened off-campus and involved multiple students. In a statement, Radford University writes:“Radford University has been made aware of an isolated, off-campus incident that occurred earlier this week and involved multiple students. As this is an off-campus incident, University officials are fully committed to supporting the Radford City Police Department’s investigation and holding any and all students accountable in accordance with the Standards of Student Conduct.

RADFORD, Va. – The Radford women are hosting Charleston Southern in a 2-game series this weekend and got things started on a good note Saturday. The Highlanders trailed by as many as 10 in the second quarter, following a poor shooting performance in the opening quarter of play. Charleston Southern had 4 players score in double-figures, including Alyssia Faye who had a double-double (20 points, 11 rebounds). Coming out of a timeout, Radford trailed 73-71. On the inbounds play, Kyanna Morgan knocked down a three-pointer from the wing, 74-73 score to send Radford to victory at the buzzer.

RADFORD, Va. – Radford University’s president is leaving to be a bit closer to the beach. Dr. Brian Hemphill will become the ninth president of Old Dominion University this summer. Hemphill was named Radford’s president in December 2015 and took office in July 2016. At ODU, Hemphill will succeed President John Broderick, who is retiring after 28 years at Old Dominion and 13 years as its president. “It is both an honor and privilege to be selected as the ninth president of Old Dominion University, a dynamic public research institution that has proudly served the Hampton Roads region and positively impacted the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Hemphill.

He says it’s an easy and important way to share the messages of the people whose impacts can still be felt all over the city every day. RADFORD, Va – Radford Mayor David Horton wanted to do something special for Black History Month, so he got in touch with his community in the fastest way he could, through Facebook. “It provides an avenue for conversation for people to share their memories, their stories and to connect over wonderful people who’ve done so many wonderful things in our community,” Radford Mayor David Horton said. AdCarter said the posts have started important conversations for the community about representation and inclusion. He said it’s an easy and important way to share the messages of the people whose impacts can still be felt all over the city every day.

ROANOKE, Va – Hundreds of graduates from Radford University Carilion are now on the frontlines in treating coronavirus patients. When Radford University first merged with Jefferson College, the goal was to create more opportunities for students looking to get into the medical field. When the plans for Radford University Carilion were announced about three years ago students had no idea that they would be preparing to be on the frontlines of a global pandemic. About 86% of Radford University Carilion students continue their medical careers in Virginia, according to Hemphill. Students are also looking at what happens after the pandemic, focusing on areas like expanding telemedicine or more research on respiratory issues.

RADFORD, Va – A new art exhibit at Radford University is aiming to educate students about pieces of art from across the world. Hundreds of pieces are on display inside The Art Museum at the Covington Center at Radford University. The pieces come from places like Mexico, Africa, and Asia and even include prints from Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. Anyone can visit the free exhibit from now through April 17, although there is an occupancy limit of 10 people. Before going to the museum, make sure to register yourself online as a visitor to Radford’s campus.

RADFORD, Va. – Shots fired in Radford early Sunday morning left neighbors and students at Radford University feeling uneasy. Sunday morning, just after 1 a.m., Radford City police responded to reports of a shooting in the 100 block of Madison Street. You know, just five or six ‘Pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, pop.’ You know, really loud,” recalled Lawson. Police believe the two shootings are connected but do not believe the public is in any danger. “This is a pretty unusual event for the city of Radford,” said Jenni Wilder, the city and police department’s public information officer.

RADFORD, Va – Students at Radford University returned to campus for the start of the spring semester on Tuesday. Campus officials are treating this semester much like the fall, testing students for the coronavirus who come from areas with high case-counts. “When our students wear face coverings maintain physical distance, wash their hands frequently and limit their gathering sizes, we can do this we can maintain the semester here on the Radford campus. And that’s our goal we want everyone healthy and well here with us on the campus,” said Radford University spokesperson Caitlyn Scaggs. Virginia Tech students also returned to classes Tuesday but will be online-only through Jan. 25.

Happy birthday, MLK: A look back at the extraordinary life of Martin Luther King, Jr., in photosThe community is not letting the pandemic stop celebrations of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Like a lot of events during this pandemic, MLK Day celebrations are virtual this year. Here is a list of events:Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, 10:30 a.m. in LexingtonMartin Luther King Jr. Lynchburg Community Council’s virtual celebration at 1 p.m. Live streamed on Facebook and Instagram from the Academy Center for the Arts. Virginia Western launched a virtual day of service where students create messages for seniors, active members of the military and veterans. The day also features a series of virtual events and discussions including a keynote speech by Dr. Judith R. James.

Radford (7-6, 6-1 Big South) shot 56.7 percent from the floor (17-of-30) and was efficient from beyond the arc making 4-of-8 in the first half. The defense stepped up in a big way and held the Bucs to just 24 points and 30.8 percent shooting in the second half. The second half was a lot of the same as the first for Radford as the team pushed its lead to 22 points late in the half. The Highlanders shot 50.0 percent in the second half and ended with a 53.7 percent shooting performance, including 42.9 percent from beyond the arc. Stat of the GameFreshman Fah’Mir Ali’s season-high 20 points marks the first time this season that any player has scored 20 or more points.

RADFORD, Va. – Ashley Tudor scored 18 points off the bench, Bryonna McClean added 14 and Radford rallied from a nine-point deficit to defeat Presbyterian, 61-55, Thursday afternoon inside the Dedmon Center. The win was the first of the season for the Highlanders, who have now won nine of the last 10 meetings against Presbyterian. Tina Lindenfeld scored 10 points for Radford. Presbyterian kept its lead throughout the second quarter but Radford remained in striking distance as well, never trailing by more than six in the frame. Five different Highlanders scored in the quarter, including a Danielle Montelbano 3-pointer that cut the Blue Hose lead to just two.

CLINTON, S.C. – Quinton Morton-Robertson posted 18 points as Radford got past Presbyterian 71-65. Lewis Djonkam added 16 points, Dravon Mangum chipped in 11, and Chyree Walker had 10 for Radford. Fah’Mir Ali, the Highlanders’ leading scorer heading into the contest at 10 points per game, shot only 14% in the game (1 of 7). Owen McCormack added 14 points and seven rebounds, and Rayshon Harrison had 12 points and six rebounds. The Radford women came up short to Presbyterian 62-51, falling to 0-5 on the season.

RADFORD, Va – A Radford University student who has dedicated his life to music is now getting international recognition for his work. “I used to live in a region that is really...I wouldn’t say famous but it’s well known to be like, culturally rich,” Radford music student Octavio Deluchi said. Deluchi came to the United States from Brazil to study music at Radford University in hopes of expanding his horizons. His professors say his creativity and passion for music has rubbed off on his classmates. It’s just groundbreaking work,” Radford University professor Robert Trent said.

RADFORD, Va – Students at Radford University with a green thumb will be in for a treat next semester. After nearly two years of renovations, the greenhouse at the Artis College of Science and Technology has gotten a complete upgrade. The diverse collection includes plants with medicinal properties, herbs, spices, and fruiting plants. “It’s here for students to come visit and enjoy there are also classes that utilize the greenhouse... so a lot of hands on in the greenhouse and there’s also student and faculty research that goes on in the greenhouse,” Greenhouse Manager Stephanie Huckestein said. Staff plan to start offering tours of the greenhouse once it’s safe to do so after the coronavirus pandemic.

MONGOMERY COUNTY, Va – Health officials in the New River Valley are working out their plans for COVID-19 vaccine distribution. New River Health Director Doctor Noelle Bissell explained while the first batches of the vaccine will go to at-risk populations and health care workers, the health district is also working on plans to hold vaccination events for students at Radford University and Virginia Tech. Bissell says the health district has been using flu clinics to prepare. “You know we have a pretty honed process of doing a drive-thru or a walkthrough process so I imagine that we would work with our universities and our schools and our other entities on offering it that way, there’s also logistical issues because all of the vaccines in consideration right now, our two-part vaccines,” Bissell said. Classes at both Radford University and Virginia Tech are set to start again on January 19.

GREENVILLE, N.C. – A first half run by East Carolina erased a nine-point Highlander lead and the Radford men’s basketball team was unable to come back falling 63-50 on Saturday afternoon in Williams Arena. After the dunk, the Pirates scored nine in-a-row and pushed their lead to 29-21 with a 19-2 run over 8:20. The Highlanders scored six of the final eight points of the first half and cut the deficit to four, 31-27. Stat of the GameRadford outscored East Carolina, 26-22 inside the paint, but the Pirates scored 17 points off Radford’s 14 turnovers. Radford shot 37.5 percent from the floor and shot less than 20 percent from beyond the arc.

RADFORD, Va. – As Thanksgiving week approaches, it marks the end of a semester full of challenges for college students across the country. To limit the potential spread of COVID-19, students will remain home at most colleges through the end of the year. Many college towns were hit early with COVID-19 case surges, like in Radford, but with that in the rearview mirror, students are optimistic moving forward. “I will say that there has been many sleepless nights studying and trying to retain information, but it’s totally worth it,” said Radford University senior Samantha Powell. It was one of the changes that was the greatest thing to help me through this semester,” said Powell.