On the sidewalk outside the offices for Roanoke Gas, the Cancel MVP movement that includes a coalition of environmental groups looking to stop the Mountain Valley natural gas pipeline was protesting once again yesterday. Roanoke Gas is a minority partner in the project. Dan Crawford is chair of the Sierra Club’s Roanoke group. 3-16 MVP#1-WEB…… Continue Reading
A new report from the Department of Veterans Affairs recommends building a new VA Medical Center in the Roanoke Valley, and closing the current facility in Salem. Virginia’s Junior US Senator weighs in, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports: 3-17 Kaine Wrap#2 The post Kaine: have money in hand before committing to new VA Medical…… Continue Reading
Some cellphone providers are already getting the word out to their customers: 10-digit dialing will become mandatory for all calls you make as of May 14th — including local ones. It’s because a new area code, 826, will join the 540 region later this year. 10-digit local dialing is already possible, and you are urged…… Continue Reading
NEWS RELEASE: RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that he would send a bill to the General Assembly in the upcoming special session to suspend Virginia’s gas tax for 3 months. The Governor proposes using over $437 million in unanticipated transportation revenues to support the gas tax holiday. Data released by the Bureau…… Continue Reading
Air travel is bouncing back in a big way at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, but officials say a pilot shortage may limit the rebound’s continued growth in coming months. The 2022 numbers so far are for January, and they show a passenger count at ROA more than 80% higher than the year before, but Airport Spokesperson…… Continue Reading
A Covington police officer’s shooting death Monday death serves as a reminder that when any law enforcement officer heads for work each day, there is no way to know what he or she might face in the hours to follow. WFIR’s Evan Jones spoke with a former police officer and Radford University criminal justice professor:…… Continue Reading
Roanoke City Councilman Robert Jeffrey Jr. was found guilty today of taking $15,000 in pandemic relief funds by inflating the number of full-time employees and submitting false applications submitted to grant-making authorities. The Roanoke Times reports that a 12-person jury took about 30 minutes to reach a verdict. Jeffrey was taken into custody and will…… Continue Reading
A joint COVID-19 remembrance today at the Berglund Center, two years after the first COVID case was detected in the local health districts – that was in Botetourt County. Inside the Berglund Special Events Center more than 900 chairs were set up – symbolizing the 930 or more that have died locally from COVID-19 since…… Continue Reading
Virginia Children’s Theatre, which is based in Roanoke, is celebrating their 15th season. WFIR’s Caroline Moore spoke with VCT’s director. 3-14 VCT 15th season wrap #2-WEB The post VCT rolls out its 15th season offerings first appeared on News/Talk 960-AM & FM-107.3 WFIR.… Continue Reading
(Roanoke County release) Birmingham, AL-based Blackwater Resources, LLC announces the arrival of Burlington, formerly known as Burlington Coat Factory at Tanglewood, the 800,000 SF mixed use center that sits at what is known as the gateway to Roanoke County. Burlington will occupy the former Stein Mart space with interior redevelopment currently underway. Burlington is an…… Continue Reading