It’s no secret that active shooter situations have become a problem all across the country.

After starting the process over two years ago, lawmakers and advocates are one step closer to renaming the Poff Federal Building after Roanoke civil rights lawyer Reuben Lawson.

“It’s another tool in our toolbox," said Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Information Officer, Dr. Stephen Morga. The grant allows Carilion to create Virtual Care Centers so patients who live far away from specialty doctors can go to a medical office closer to home. “Folks that have to take a bus or don’t have their own transportation really find it hard to get in routinely for medical care. Carilion plans to educate patients about the technology so they could use it from home. Carilion plans to implement the changes and technology starting at the beginning of 2021.

LYNCHBURG, Va. A group of armed citizens volunteered as security at the Lynchburg restaurant that was at the center of protests, which turned violent overnight. Fifth & Federal (@Fifthandfederal) May 27, 2020The business has since issued a statement apologizing to anyone who thought they were supporting racism. A number of area militias were asked to come help by the armed citizens working to protect Fifth and Federal, and some are still at the restaurant as of 5:30 a.m. Originally, there were around a dozen armed citizens at the restaurant. Alexander says that if he and the other armed citizens were not there along with the militias, he believes that protesters would have broken in and destroyed the restaurant.