The director of a regional health district says there is a potentially welcome trend in new COVID-19 cases; they are already leveling off in some places and could start generally declining in September. Doctor Noelle Bissell leads the state health department’s New River District, and she says this latest major wave may come and go…… Continue Reading
UPDATE: State Police say a driver who led them on a high-speed chase on Interstate 81 fatally shot himself inside his vehicle near Christiansburg. Troopers say the pursuit began as Botetourt County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to arrest a man wanted in Pennsylvania. It then went southbound on 81 until State Police were able to stop…… Continue Reading
The Virginia Department of Health is now breaking down its daily count of COVID-19 cases by vaccination status. The goal is to show how many infections, hospitalizations, and deaths occur among those who are fully, partially or not vaccinated. The department reports from mid-January through mid-August, well under .3% of the 4,700,000 fully vaccinated Virginians…… Continue Reading
Virginia First Lady Pam Northam says she and her husband both face continuing impacts from COVID-19. She and Governor Ralph Northam were both diagnosed with COVID-19 last September — before vaccines were generally available. The governor said initially, he had no symptoms, but that changed within a week, and Pam Northam tells us they both…… Continue Reading
One of our own reporters found himself unexpectedly in the path of a projected hurricane over the weekend. Clark Palmer was in Montauk, Long Island when forecasters issued hurricane warnings at Henri headed northward toward the northeastern U.S. Palmer reports some disruptions to everyday life there before the storm made landfall as a tropical storm…… Continue Reading
Roanoke County Administrator Dan O’Donnell will retire next winter, completing a career in public management that goes back 35 years, the last 21 of them in Roanoke County. O’Donnell was named Assistant County Administrator in 2000 and then appointed County Administrator in January 2019. He counts among his most satisfying memories in the assistant’s role…… Continue Reading
The fall campaign for Virginia governor traditionally gets into full swing on Labor Day, and that is just two weeks away. Virginia Tech Political Science Professor and WFIR Political Analyst Bob Denton says it is becoming increasingly clear that national issues are likely to play an important role, and with national issues likely to carry…… Continue Reading
ANNANDALE, Va. (AP) — Hundreds of Afghan refugees are staying at a northern Virginia campus as they await relocation to a more permanent destination. After arriving at Dulles International Airport Friday night, refugees spent the night at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale, newsoutletsreport. A college spokesperson said the refugees will stay at the campus anywhere…… Continue Reading
LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Rookie running back Jaret Patterson did a little bit of everything and scored the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter in Washington’s 17-13 preseason victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday night. Patterson, an undrafted free agent from Buffalo, ran for 71 yards, caught three passes for 25 yards and had…… Continue Reading
BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) — Few Power Five programs struggled through the pandemic more than Virginia Tech. Coach Justin Fuente and the Hokies hope to restore order this season. Over the course of a 5-6 season, the Hokies often went to practice not knowing who would be available, and eventually said they lost more than half…… Continue Reading