INSIDER
WATCH: City Council Member and Mayoral Candidate Stephanie Moon Reynolds on new Roanoke College poll
Read full article: WATCH: City Council Member and Mayoral Candidate Stephanie Moon Reynolds on new Roanoke College pollRoanoke College released itsย pollย for the upcoming races in the Star City Wednesday.
Virginia city repeals ban on psychic readings as industry grows and gains more acceptance
Read full article: Virginia city repeals ban on psychic readings as industry grows and gains more acceptanceThe city of Norfolk, Virginia, has repealed a 45-year-old ban on palm reading and clairvoyance for money.
โFind the moneyโ: Lynchburg parents receive sign of hope schools may remain open for one more year
Read full article: โFind the moneyโ: Lynchburg parents receive sign of hope schools may remain open for one more yearT.C. Miller and Sandusky Elementary may remain open for one more year if the city finds the money.
Black immigrant rally in NYC raises awareness about racial, religious and language inequities
Read full article: Black immigrant rally in NYC raises awareness about racial, religious and language inequitiesBlack immigrants have turned out in the hundreds across from a City Hall, drawing attention to racial inequities in the cityโs shelter and immigrant support systems.
Can homeless people be fined for sleeping outside? A rural Oregon city asks the US Supreme Court
Read full article: Can homeless people be fined for sleeping outside? A rural Oregon city asks the US Supreme CourtThe rural city of Grants Pass in southern Oregon has become the unlikely face of the nationโs homelessness crisis as its case over anti-camping laws goes to the U.S. Supreme Court.
NYPD officers will have to record race of people they question under new police transparency law
Read full article: NYPD officers will have to record race of people they question under new police transparency lawNYPD officers will have to record the race of people they question under new police transparency law.
NYC mayor vetoes bills banning solitary confinement in jails and expanding reporting of police stops
Read full article: NYC mayor vetoes bills banning solitary confinement in jails and expanding reporting of police stopsNew York Cityโs mayor has vetoed bills aimed at banning solitary confinement in city jails and requiring more transparency in police encounters with civilians.
Frustration eases one year after ABC store opens in Roanoke
Read full article: Frustration eases one year after ABC store opens in RoanokeRoanoke police say crime is down from last year. They recently presented numbers to City Council and shared how they are working with organizations to make sure crime is down all across the city.
Kansas newspaper's lawyer says police didn't follow warrant in last month's newsroom search
Read full article: Kansas newspaper's lawyer says police didn't follow warrant in last month's newsroom searchThe lawyer for a small Kansas newspaper raided by police last month said he believes officers didn't follow the search warrant's requirements to only seize computers believed directly involved in suspected identity theft.
Kansas reporter files federal lawsuit against police chief who raided her newspaper's office
Read full article: Kansas reporter files federal lawsuit against police chief who raided her newspaper's officeOne of the reporters who works at the small Kansas newspaper that was raided by authorities earlier this month filed a federal lawsuit against the police chief Wednesday.
'Get out of my house!' Video shows 98-year-old mother of Kansas newspaper publisher upset amid raid
Read full article: 'Get out of my house!' Video shows 98-year-old mother of Kansas newspaper publisher upset amid raidNewly released video shows the 98-year-old mother of a Kansas newspaper publisher confronting police officers as they searched her home in a raid that has drawn national scrutiny.
Atlanta organizers unveil plan to stop 'Cop City' at the ballot box
Read full article: Atlanta organizers unveil plan to stop 'Cop City' at the ballot boxActivists have announced an effort to force a referendum that would allow Atlanta voters to decide whether the construction of a proposed police and firefighter training center should proceed.
$63M verdict against Miami commissioner accused of political retaliation
Read full article: $63M verdict against Miami commissioner accused of political retaliationA federal jury in Florida has awarded $63.5 million to a pair of businessmen who claimed a city of Miami commissioner used his office to harass them after they supported the commissionerโs political opponent.
New York City has a right to shelter, but will it establish a right to sleep outside?
Read full article: New York City has a right to shelter, but will it establish a right to sleep outside?Democratic leaders in major U.S. cities are finding themselves politically squeezed when it comes to addressing homelessness.
White House vows more federal aid to reduce homelessness in 5 cities and California
Read full article: White House vows more federal aid to reduce homelessness in 5 cities and CaliforniaFive major U.S. cities and the state of California will receive federal help to get unsheltered residents into permanent housing.
In ailing LA, Mayor-elect Karen Bass promises unity, change
Read full article: In ailing LA, Mayor-elect Karen Bass promises unity, changeLos Angeles' new mayor has outlined her vision to turn around a troubled City Hall and restrain an out-of-control homeless crisis in the nation's second-largest city.
Voters OK drastic overhaul of City Hall in Portland, Oregon
Read full article: Voters OK drastic overhaul of City Hall in Portland, OregonVoters in Portland, Oregon, have approved a ballot measure that will overhaul the city's government, spurred by growing concerns over homelessness and a desire to make City Hall more inclusive.
Search renewed for remains of 4 victims of 1973 gay bar fire
Read full article: Search renewed for remains of 4 victims of 1973 gay bar fireNearly a half-century after arson killed 32 people in a New Orleans gay bar, the City Council has renewed the search for the remains of four victims โ three of them never identified.
Roanoke approves grant, provides housing opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities
Read full article: Roanoke approves grant, provides housing opportunities for people with intellectual disabilitiesThe Roanoke City Council is pushing an incentive forward to increase housing opportunities in the Star City โ City leaders approved a $50,000 grant from the Virginia Housing Development Authority during their session Tuesday.
Roanoke firefighters raise concerns over future public safety pay plan
Read full article: Roanoke firefighters raise concerns over future public safety pay planThe Roanoke Fire Fighters Association spoke at Mondayโs city council meeting to address the proposed Public Safety Pay Plan before the official budget is voted on in May.
Roanoke City Council considers new rule to outlaw sleeping on downtown sidewalks
Read full article: Roanoke City Council considers new rule to outlaw sleeping on downtown sidewalksHomeless people may soon be banned from sleeping on sidewalks in downtown Roanoke because of a newly proposed ordinance presented at Mondayโs City Council meeting.
Lynchburg City Council to consider real estate tax increase at next meeting
Read full article: Lynchburg City Council to consider real estate tax increase at next meetingLYNCHBURG, Va. โ Lynchburg residents have the chance to attend a public hearing on March 30 and express their thoughts over the cityโs budget. One major item is a possible increase in real estate taxes. Preston said his valuation went up 16%, and heโs already paying about $1,100 a year. This comes as the city council considers raising real estate taxes because Lynchburgโs total assessment went up to $428 million. โFor the city government to now come in and say, โokay, weโre going to add an extra burden, another $4.2 million of tax increase on these citizens and businesses?
Defense in ex-cop's trial fears impact of $27M settlement
Read full article: Defense in ex-cop's trial fears impact of $27M settlementDefense attorney Eric Nelson also raised the possibility of renewing his previously unsuccessful motion to move Derek Chauvin's trial to another city. AdMayor Jacob Frey deferred questions about the timing of the settlement to City Attorney Jim Rowader, who declined to comment. Potential jurors questioned later didn't mention hearing of the settlement, and neither attorneys nor the judge directly asked if they were aware of it. At least four potential jurors dismissed Monday said they couldnโt be impartial. Three other former officers face an August trial on charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter.
Lynchburg leaders want public feedback on proposed real estate tax increase
Read full article: Lynchburg leaders want public feedback on proposed real estate tax increaseLYNCHBURG, Va. โ Real estate tax prices could go up, but before that happens, the city council wants you to weigh in. Leaders say the majority of people in the Hill City saw a rise in real estate assessment. While the current rate is $1.11, the city council would need to lower it to $1.03, otherwise, taxes could go up. โDo we really want to be taking more tax dollars from the community? That meeting is on Tuesday, March 30th at 7 p.m. at Lynchburg City Hall.
Martinsville city leaders praise police departmentโs response to restaurant shootout
Read full article: Martinsville city leaders praise police departmentโs response to restaurant shootoutMARTINSVILLE, VA. โ Martinsville city leaders are hailing their police department for their response to the shootout at a local bar and restaurant over the weekend. City Council met Tuesday night for its regular meeting and when it came time for member comment, they had a lot to say. Martinsville City Councilman Danny Turner said Tuesday night the police department prevented something even worse. Vice-Mayor Jennifer Bowles shared her frustration with racially charged comments shared by community members on social media following the shooting. And for those who think one incident defines the entire Black community, theyโre wrong,โ Bowles said.
Minneapolis approves cuts to police budget, not staffing
Read full article: Minneapolis approves cuts to police budget, not staffingMINNEAPOLIS โ The Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved a budget early Thursday that will shift about $8 million from the police department toward violence prevention and other programs โ but will keep the mayor's targeted staffing levels for sworn officers intact, averting a possible veto. โTonight the City Council passed a budget that represents a compromise, and also a big step forward into a more compassionate and effective public safety future,โ said City Council member Steve Fletcher, co-author of the proposal to lower the cap on staffing. The plan cuts nearly $8 million from Freyโs $179 million policing budget and redirects it to mental health teams, violence prevention programs and other initiatives. Those against the plan said the City Council was acting irresponsibly and has bungled its attempts to bring change. Such cuts have led some departments to lay off officers, cancel recruiting classes or retreat from hiring goals.
Netflix to expand production hub in New Mexico
Read full article: Netflix to expand production hub in New MexicoThe footprint of the production hub will grow with a private land purchase and a lease involving state trust land. She said the partnership with Netflix should send a signal that New Mexico is the place to be for film and television production. As part of the proposed investment, Netflix has committed to providing training programs in partnership with the New Mexico Film Office, local universities and industry organizations. Since coming to New Mexico in 2018, Netflix said it has spent more than $200 million, used more than 2,000 production vendors and hired more than 1,600 cast and crew members. Netflix is in production in New Mexico on the original films โThe Harder They Fall" and โIntrusion" and is expected to soon begin filming โStranger Things 4" in Albuquerque.
Richmond renames Confederate Ave as part of larger reckoning
Read full article: Richmond renames Confederate Ave as part of larger reckoningRICHMOND, Va. โ The City Council in Richmond, Virginia, has renamed a stretch of four residential blocks that had been known as Confederate Avenue. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported Monday that its name is now Laburnum Park Boulevard. The renaming is part of a much larger and ongoing reckoning over the cityโs history of slavery and racial discrimination. Laburnum Park Boulevard is in a historic district with the same name. Democratic U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine lives on Laburnum Park Boulevard with his wife Anne Holton.
Minneapolis to name stretch of street for George Floyd
Read full article: Minneapolis to name stretch of street for George FloydMINNEAPOLIS โ A stretch of a Minneapolis street that includes the place where George Floyd was killed will soon be named in his honor. Although the street will still be called Chicago Avenue, the city will refer to the blocks between 37th and 39th streets as George Perry Floyd Jr. Place, the Star Tribune reported. Floyd, a Black man who was handcuffed, died May 25 after Derek Chauvin, a white officer, pressed his knee against Floydโs neck even as Floyd said he couldnโt breathe. Floydโs death was captured in widely seen bystander video that set off protests around the world. Months after Floydโs death, the intersection remains barricaded and now holds a memorial.
Masks to be required in North Myrtle Beach starting July 2
Read full article: Masks to be required in North Myrtle Beach starting July 2NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. โ If you have a trip planned to North Myrtle anytime soon, make sure to pack a mask. The North Myrtle Beach City Council passed an emergency ordinance on Tuesday which requires people to wear masks in certain places, including retail businesses like grocery stores and pharmacies. The ordinance goes into effect at 12 p.m. on Thursday. Plus, all restaurants, retail businesses and government offices must require their employees to wear masks at all times while having face-to-face interaction with the public. Each day of a continuing violation would be considered a separate offense, according to the ordinance.
Virginia city removes 176-year-old slave auction block
Read full article: Virginia city removes 176-year-old slave auction blockFREDERICKSBURG, Va. โFREDERICKSBURG, Va. (AP) โ A 176-year-old slave auction block has been removed from a Virginia city's downtown. The weathered stone was sprayed with graffiti twice and chants of โmove the blockโ erupted this week during local demonstrations over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, city officials said in a statement announcing the removal. In 2019, the City Council voted in favor of its removal and relocation to the Fredericksburg Area Museum, and a judge upheld that decision in February after two businesses near the auction block sued to stop the relocation. The museum now plans to display the knee-high stone in an exhibit chronicling the "movement from slavery to accomplishments by the local African American community,โ the Free Lance-Star said. The staff also plans to feature the recent protests in the exhibit, according to the museum's president and CEO.
Martinsville City Council could vote on reversion next month
Read full article: Martinsville City Council could vote on reversion next monthMartinsville City Manager Leon Towarnicki said Tuesday afternoon thatโs when a meeting was expected to be scheduled for City Council members to get feedback from city residents. โTheoretically, (City Council members) could vote at that meeting,โ Towarnicki said. At Tuesday nightโs council meeting, officials gave a presentation about how reversion works. City Council members started preparing for a vote about a year ago when they decided to have the 2013 reversion studies updated. 2013 was the last time the city took a vote on reversion, choosing not to revert.
Las Vegas bans sleeping on city sidewalks
Read full article: Las Vegas bans sleeping on city sidewalksGetty Images(CNN) - In an attempt to get homeless people off city streets, the Las Vegas City Council has passed an ordinance that makes it a crime to camp or sleep on a city sidewalk. The city council said Las Vegas has committed $16 million to the Courtyard Homeless Resource Center, which provides housing and a range of other services to address chronic homelessness. "The city has always demonstrated compassion for the needs of the growing homeless population, understanding the public safety of everyone is a top priority." In Las Vegas, a 2016 survey of over 400 homeless people found that 84% slept most often outside of a shelter, including 52% who slept on the street, sidewalk or doorway. The charge comes with up to a $1,000 fine or six months in jail, said Diana Paul, public affairs manager for Las Vegas.
What's News Today: future of education, looking to the future
Read full article: What's News Today: future of education, looking to the futureHere's a look at some of the stories we'll be following today as they make headlines across the country and Southwest Virginia. The City of Lynchburg's Task Force on the Future of Education meets today. The town of Christiansburg wants your thoughts as it looks to the future. There's a public meeting tonight where you can give your thoughts about what you want to see in different parts of town, including downtown. You can give your thoughts at a public meeting tonight at 6 p.m. at Recreation Center.
Salem planning legal action against developer that failed to build hotel, restaurant
Read full article: Salem planning legal action against developer that failed to build hotel, restaurantSALEM, Va. - The city of Salem is now planning to take legal action against a developer that bought land to build a restaurant and hotel at the Salem Civic Center in 2016, but never did. The City Council decided in May to buy the nearly 7 acres of land back, but no one from Spartan Development showed up at a meeting to close on the deal last month. City spokesperson Mike Stevens gave 10 News the following statement regarding the controversy:They have not complied with the contract, in which they agreed to reconvey the land to the city. Now, our only recourse is to institute legal proceedings, which is what the city plans to do.Copyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.
Thomas Jefferson's birthday will not be an observed holiday in Charlottesville anymore
Read full article: Thomas Jefferson's birthday will not be an observed holiday in Charlottesville anymoreBEDFORD, Va. - Thomas Jeffersons birthday will not be an observed holiday in Charlottesville eany more..On Wednesday, City Council members voted to discontinue Jeffersons birthday, April 13, as a city holiday and observe emancipated slaves instead. 10 News got local reaction to the decision as many flocked to Thomas Jefferson Poplar Forest for the Fourth of July. Jeffery Nichols, president and CEO of Thomas Jefferson Poplar Forest, says Jefferson believed the only holiday that should be celebrated is Independence Day. He added Charlottesvilles decision doesnt change the work they do at Poplar Forest. But its up to the people of Charlottesville and obviously, thats what they decided to do, Nichols said.
Parking fines could soon help pay for school supplies in Danville
Read full article: Parking fines could soon help pay for school supplies in DanvilleDANVILLE, Va. - Money for parking tickets in Danville could soon be used to pay for supplies for the city's schools. The idea will be discussed at Tuesday night's City Council meeting and then potentially voted on at the next City Council meeting. Danville Vice Mayor Lee Vogler asked the city manager and city attorney to look into the idea after learning about a similar plan in Las Vegas. The parking fines that are paid during that time, we could turn around and donate that money to the local nonprofit that handles getting school supplies to our children," Vogler said. If council members approve the idea, he said it could be used both at the beginning of the school year and around Christmas break, when schools get low on supplies.