Another wave of โNo Kingsโ protests draw hundreds across Southwest Virginia
Read full article: Another wave of โNo Kingsโ protests draw hundreds across Southwest VirginiaHundreds of people turned out across Southwest Virginia on Saturday as part of a nationwide โNo Kingsโ protest movement, with demonstrations held in Roanoke, Lynchburg, Rocky Mount, Blacksburg and more.
Meet Ranch! A playful pup at the RVSPCA searching for his โFur-Everโ Home!
Read full article: Meet Ranch! A playful pup at the RVSPCA searching for his โFur-Everโ Home!Meet Ranch! Heโs a playful puppy with lots of energy - and heโs ready to find his โfur-everโ home! You can meet him Saturday, March 28th, at an RVSPCA adoption event from 12 to 2 p.m. at Valley View PetSmart.
WATCH: Ribbon cutting held for dual-language playground at Roanoke City library
Read full article: WATCH: Ribbon cutting held for dual-language playground at Roanoke City libraryThe weather cooperated long enough for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Plaza de Esperanza at Roanoke City Librariesโ Williamson Road location on Friday.
WATCH: Care Cupboard continues to support TSA staff as workers go unpaid
Read full article: WATCH: Care Cupboard continues to support TSA staff as workers go unpaidThere is light at the end of the tunnel for TSA workers waiting nearly a month to receive their first paycheck, as a plan moves forward to fund the Department of Homeland Security. But it will still take some time.
Roanoke proposes $421.5M budget with hiring freeze on 80โ95 city positions
Read full article: Roanoke proposes $421.5M budget with hiring freeze on 80โ95 city positionsRoanoke city leaders presented a proposed budget for the next fiscal year that would keep spending balanced, but it would freeze dozens of vacant jobs and leave other positions unfunded.
The Least of These Ministries facing zoning violations that could end certain services
Read full article: The Least of These Ministries facing zoning violations that could end certain servicesA Roanoke ministry that serves the cityโs unhoused population is now fighting to keep some of its popular services running after the city issued zoning violations targeting key parts of its operation.
Roanoke City Public Schools to cut 170 positions amid budget gap
Read full article: Roanoke City Public Schools to cut 170 positions amid budget gapApproximately 170 positions will be eliminated across Roanoke City Public Schools as the division works to address an ongoing funding gap, according to school officials. Of those, about 65 positions are currently filled.
Roanoke City Public Schools to cut approximately 170 positions amid funding gap
Read full article: Roanoke City Public Schools to cut approximately 170 positions amid funding gapApproximately 170 positions will be eliminated across Roanoke City Public Schools as the division works to address an ongoing funding gap, according to school officials. Of those, about 65 positions are currently filled.
Spanberger weighs contraception rights bill ahead of November reproductive rights amendment vote
Read full article: Spanberger weighs contraception rights bill ahead of November reproductive rights amendment voteWith hundreds of bills awaiting action, Gov. Abigail Spanberger is weighing legislation tied to reproductive rights, including a measure that involves reproductive rights.
Roanoke City Council meets, continues to discuss budget
Read full article: Roanoke City Council meets, continues to discuss budgetOn Monday evening, Roanoke City Council met to discuss the cityโs next budget. Leaders laid out a $421.5 million budget, an increase of about $13 million from last year.
911 Center to roll out new emergency dispatch protocols
Read full article: 911 Center to roll out new emergency dispatch protocolsThe 911 Center will be rolling out new emergency medical dispatch protocols, moving to a more data driven system that dispatchers have completed over 40 hours worth of training for.
High Turnout in Virginia Special Election as Voters Weigh Redistricting Question
Read full article: High Turnout in Virginia Special Election as Voters Weigh Redistricting QuestionMany Virginians have already cast ballots in the stateโs special election, where voters are deciding a single, high-stakes question: whether Virginia should temporarily redraw its congressional map.
Menthol-flavoring add-ons allow for workaround of menthol-flavored cigarette bans, Virginia Tech researcher says
Read full article: Menthol-flavoring add-ons allow for workaround of menthol-flavored cigarette bans, Virginia Tech researcher saysMany states have imposed bans on menthol-flavored cigarettes, but some flavoring products have populated the market, allowing both sellers and consumers to skirt around flavoring bans.
Community honors 10-year-old Autumn Bushman with Memorial Benefit Ride
Read full article: Community honors 10-year-old Autumn Bushman with Memorial Benefit RideOne year after 10-year-old Autumn Bushman took her own life, hundreds of cars and motorcycles left the Salem Civic Center Saturday for a memorial benefit ride organized to honor her and raise money for suicide prevention in the Roanoke Valley.
Deadly Vinton house fire causes $100,000 in damage, victim identified
Read full article: Deadly Vinton house fire causes $100,000 in damage, victim identifiedThe Vinton fire that left one person dead and three people displaced has resulted in $100,000 in damage, according to the Roanoke County Fire Marshalโs Office.
Four data center bills await governorโs signature as Southwest Virginia projects spark debate
Read full article: Four data center bills await governorโs signature as Southwest Virginia projects spark debateFour bills aimed at regulating data centers are now on the governorโs desk as proposals for new facilities fuel debate across Southwest Virginia.
Rescued bobcat finds new home at zoo, two others set to be released this Spring
Read full article: Rescued bobcat finds new home at zoo, two others set to be released this SpringThree bobcat kittens rescued by the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center in 2025 are healthy and doing well. Theyโve grown quite a bit since last summer. They have large claws, teeth and quite the appetite.
Man injured after Roanoke shooting Thursday night, RPD investigating
Read full article: Man injured after Roanoke shooting Thursday night, RPD investigatingThe Roanoke Police Department announced Thursday that a man had sustained non-life-threatening injuries following a reported shooting Thursday night.
Western Virginia Water Authority officials weigh changes amid Google data center concerns
Read full article: Western Virginia Water Authority officials weigh changes amid Google data center concernsThe Western Virginia Water Authority is responding to growing concerns from residents about the regionโs water supply as plans move forward for a proposed Google data center in Botetourt County.
Marijuana retail bill on Spanbergerโs desk could launch legal sales in Virginia by 2027
Read full article: Marijuana retail bill on Spanbergerโs desk could launch legal sales in Virginia by 2027Lots of bills are on Governor Abigail Spanbergerโs desk โ including one dealing with marijuana. The proposal would create an adult-use cannabis retail market by January 2027. In the bill, lawmakers adopted a flat tax rate of 6% and are allowing localities to adopt a tax rate between 1 and 3.5 percent. 40 percent of that revenue goes towards early childhood and education.
VSP issues critically missing adult alert for missing 73-year-old Roanoke woman
Read full article: VSP issues critically missing adult alert for missing 73-year-old Roanoke womanThe Virginia State Police Department has issued a critically missing adult alert on behalf of the Roanoke Police Department.
Budget Stalemate: Data Center Tax Breaks Stall Virginia Spending Plan
Read full article: Budget Stalemate: Data Center Tax Breaks Stall Virginia Spending PlanVirginia lawmakers left Richmond without passing the stateโs budget because lawmakers are at a standstill over whether data centers should receive tax breaks.
Four hospitalized following Roanoke fire Wednesday
Read full article: Four hospitalized following Roanoke fire WednesdayThe Roanoke Fire Department announced Wednesday that three people were transported to the hospital with minor injuries, and one was transported with critical injuries after a fire in Northwest Wednesday morning.
Roanoke man convicted after narcotics and firearms investigation
Read full article: Roanoke man convicted after narcotics and firearms investigationThe Virginia State Police announced Wednesday that a 38-year-old Roanoke man had been convicted following an extensive investigation into illegal narcotics distribution and firearms possession.
How has the recent rain and snow affected Southwest Virginia reservoir levels?
Read full article: How has the recent rain and snow affected Southwest Virginia reservoir levels?Rainwater, melted snow and water run off gets collected into reservoirs and dams. It then gets put through a rigorous filtration system.
Roanoke City leaders work through tensions as budget pressure continues
Read full article: Roanoke City leaders work through tensions as budget pressure continuesRoanoke City Council and School Board held a joint meeting Monday afternoon to talk through where the school system stands, and budget pressure.
Airport staff rescue grounded red-tailed hawk, wildlife center treating for injuries
Read full article: Airport staff rescue grounded red-tailed hawk, wildlife center treating for injuriesA red-tailed hawk that frequents Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport was rescued after airport staff found it unable to gain lift and fly away.
Storms knock down power poles, close road near Martinsville High School
Read full article: Storms knock down power poles, close road near Martinsville High SchoolHeavy rain, high winds and even tornado warnings moved through Southwest Virginia today, impacting Martinsville and surrounding communities.
Patchwork 250: How Roanokeโs Hunton Life Saving Crew paved the way for diversity in emergency services across the U.S.
Read full article: Patchwork 250: How Roanokeโs Hunton Life Saving Crew paved the way for diversity in emergency services across the U.S.In an era of segregated healthcare, Roanokeโs Hunton Life Saving Crew broke barriers as the nationโs first all-Black volunteer rescue squad.
Roanoke celebrates St. Patrickโs Day with 2026 Freedom First St. Patrickโs Day Parade and Shamrock Festival
Read full article: Roanoke celebrates St. Patrickโs Day with 2026 Freedom First St. Patrickโs Day Parade and Shamrock FestivalIt was a great day to get out and enjoy an early St. Patrickโs Day on Saturday!
Few showers later Sunday with strong-to-severe storms on tap for Monday
Read full article: Few showers later Sunday with strong-to-severe storms on tap for MondayQuiet tonight but isolated showers will form on Sunday with the main event coming on Monday. Please stay weather aware early next week as a Weather Authority Alert Day has been issued for Monday due to the potential for strong-to-severe storms.
Should data centers pay sales tax? Data center tax break debate continues.
Read full article: Should data centers pay sales tax? Data center tax break debate continues.The state may be missing out on an estimated $1.9 billion a year because of a sales tax exemption for data centers. Lawmakers are considering scaling back or ending the incentive, which currently exempts certain equipment and software from sales tax.
Womenโs History Month: Women entrepreneurs making their mark in the Star City
Read full article: Womenโs History Month: Women entrepreneurs making their mark in the Star CityWomen are starting businesses at a faster rate than men nationwide, according to recent studies, but many still face financial and structural barriers when trying to launch or grow a company.
Mother Nature will cooperate for your St. Patrickโs Day festivities on Saturday
Read full article: Mother Nature will cooperate for your St. Patrickโs Day festivities on SaturdayThe weekend starts nice but ends with more clouds and a better chance for some showers. And a Weather Authority Alert Day is in effect for Monday due to the possibility of severe weather.
Assistant Commonwealthโs Attorney Jason Morgan selected as General District Court judge
Read full article: Assistant Commonwealthโs Attorney Jason Morgan selected as General District Court judgeThe Roanoke City Commonwealthโs Attorneyโs office announced Friday that Assistant Commonwealthโs Attorney Jason D. Morgan had been selected by the Virginia General Assembly as General District Judge for the 23rd Judicial District.
Audit finds Roanoke Police grant overspending, child labor law violations in youth program
Read full article: Audit finds Roanoke Police grant overspending, child labor law violations in youth programAn internal city audit found the Roanoke Police Department overspent a grant by nearly $100,000, youth mentors did not undergo full background checks before working with children, and there were instances of child labor law violations.
Ferris wheel proposal still alive despite study funding setback
Read full article: Ferris wheel proposal still alive despite study funding setbackYou may have heard about plans to build a ferris wheel on the roof of Center in the Square. While the idea has hit a bit of a hurdle, leaders say the project isnโt going anywhere anytime soon.
Documents reveal key details of proposed Google Data Center Project in Botetourt County
Read full article: Documents reveal key details of proposed Google Data Center Project in Botetourt CountyAgreements tied to a proposed Google data center campus in Botetourt County outline billions in potential investment, new jobs and significant water infrastructure planning for the Roanoke Valley.
Roanoke Valley Speech and Hearing Center to host โSecond Chance Promโ fundraiser Saturday
Read full article: Roanoke Valley Speech and Hearing Center to host โSecond Chance Promโ fundraiser SaturdayThe Roanoke Valley Speech and Hearing Center announced that it would be hosting a โSecond Chance Promโ on Saturday.
Roanoke City audit finds Police Department overspent youth gun violence prevention grant
Read full article: Roanoke City audit finds Police Department overspent youth gun violence prevention grantAn internal audit found spending, oversight and procurement problems tied to a gun violence intervention grant administered through the Roanoke Police Departmentโs RESET program.
Roanoke College receives $274,000 federal award to expand college access for Virginia students
Read full article: Roanoke College receives $274,000 federal award to expand college access for Virginia studentsRoanoke College announced Wednesday that it had been granted $274,000 in federal funding for Explore@RC, its innovative dual enrollment lab school serving high school students in the region.
State Budget Bill Excludes Funding for Downtown Study
Read full article: State Budget Bill Excludes Funding for Downtown StudyDel. Rasoulโs $600K downtown Roanoke study - which would have explored a Ferris wheel, the Berglund Center and the Science Museum - is not included in the state budget bill.
LIST: St. Patrickโs Day events happening across Central, Southwest Virginia โ๏ธ
Read full article: LIST: St. Patrickโs Day events happening across Central, Southwest Virginia โ๏ธSeveral areas across our region are ready to shamrock and roll this weekend with numerous events happening to help people celebrate St. Patrickโs Day.
Wasena businesses feel the pinch as bridge construction enters final stretch
Read full article: Wasena businesses feel the pinch as bridge construction enters final stretchFor nearly two years, many people headed to Roanokeโs Wasena neighborhood have had to find a different way to get there โ and local businesses say theyโve paid the price.
Roanoke City to close lane at the intersection of Campbell Ave. SW and 1st Street SW to allow for construction
Read full article: Roanoke City to close lane at the intersection of Campbell Ave. SW and 1st Street SW to allow for constructionRoanoke City officials announced Tuesday that a lane will be closed at the intersection of Campbell Ave Southwest and 1st Street Southwest during the afternoon and evening on Wednesday, March 11 and overnight Thursday, March 12.
No injuries reported after vacant house fire in Southeast Roanoke Tuesday
Read full article: No injuries reported after vacant house fire in Southeast Roanoke TuesdayRoanoke Fire Crews are currently on the scene of a working fire in the 1600 block of Dale Ave. Southeast Tuesday afternoon, according to Roanoke Fire and EMS.
Roanoke Water Authority highlights long-term planning, infrastructure, data center concerns at open house
Read full article: Roanoke Water Authority highlights long-term planning, infrastructure, data center concerns at open houseThe Western Virginia Water Authority is hosting an open house on Tuesday, March 10, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Green Ridge Recreation Center in Roanoke, giving residents a closer look at the regionโs water system and answering questions about the proposed Google data center in Botetourt County.
I-581 has infamously short weaving sections, here is how to stay safe on the road
Read full article: I-581 has infamously short weaving sections, here is how to stay safe on the roadInterstate 581 has notoriously short weaving lanes for drivers to enter and exit the roadway. Getting on and off 581 can be a bit tricky in many spots.
