School resumes today for students in many area schools, among them Roanoke, Botetourt, Franklin and Craig Counties. Many school systems will begin their year with some teaching positions still open, but there is at least one exception in our region: as the week began, Roanoke County schools had exactly one teaching position still unfilled. Superintendent…… Continue Reading
More than 300,000 Veterans Administration workers nationwide now have a new labor agreement after a signing ceremony today in Salem. As contract talks go, this was an unusually long process, starting in 2017 and not culminating in a tentative agreement until this spring. The union represent close to 80% of VA workers. More from WFIR’s…… Continue Reading
The union that represents rank-and-file Federal veterans affairs employees – including those that work at the Salem VA Medical Center and similar facilities – didn’t get everything they wanted, but this morning they’ll hold a signing ceremony in Salem after wrapping up the latest round of negotiations. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano: The post…… Continue Reading
State game officials are seeking public review before approving a new bear management plan for Virginia’s black bears, and one of the newest issues involves is a skin disease that is afflicting some bears along the Appalachians and other portions of northwest Virginia. Bear mange has slowly been working its way southward from the Winchester…… Continue Reading
Donations are down, demand is up and current economic conditions like inflation and supply chain issues aren’t make it easier for food banks like Feeding Southwest Virginia. Salem-based Congressman Morgan Griffith was among those who took part in a community conversation this morning at the Salem warehouse – where he spoke about the upcoming Farm…… Continue Reading
A Liberty University professor of government says there is no question in his mind that Governor Youngkin is preparing a run for president, but a key element for any chance of success depends upon this fall’s election. Youngkin has been unable to see much of his agenda passed because the General Assembly is under split…… Continue Reading
With the release of its 35th anniversary edition, the Editor-in-Chief for “Blue Ridge Country” magazine hails the people going back over three decades that helped BRC get off the ground – as it continues to thrive. The story from WFIR’s Gene Marrano: The post Blue Ridge Country turns 35 – and still going strong…… Continue Reading
The Virginia Museum of Transportation expects the return of 611 steam excursions to bring many visitors to the the region. It’s a complicated challenge; Museum Executive Director Mendy Flynn says it starts with finding a railroad to run such excursions — and developing a plan likely to make such excursions profitable. After that, there are…… Continue Reading
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Friday set a special election to fill the few remaining months in the term of a southwest Virginia lawmaker who recently resigned to become a judge. Voters will choose former Republican Del. Jeff Campbell’s successor in the 6th House District on Aug. 29, according to the…… Continue Reading
On August 6, 2023 at approximately 1:25 a.m., Roanoke Police were notified by the City of Roanoke E-911 Center of shots fired in the area of 8th Street and Gilmer Avenue NW. Responding officers searched the immediate area, eventually locating an adult male with what appeared to be serious gunshot wounds outside of a residence…… Continue Reading