Proposed VA “personhood” bill enters US Senate debate
Image courtesy: Donkey-Hotey
This year’s debates in Richmond on social issue legislation are turning into campaign material in the race for U.S. Senate. Virginia’s proposed “personhood” bill in particular has Tim Kaine and George Allen presenting very different points of view. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
Green Academy starting up soon
Roanoke’s popular Green Academy returns next week. Classes begin on March 1st at Fishburn Park Elementary and will be held on consecutive Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. through the 29th. WFIR’s Timothy Martin has details.
Click here for more information.
UPDATED: Missing teen found
Nathan Mailliard
Roanoke Police say a teen missing since last night was found safe earlier today at the intersection of 22nd Street and Cove Road. 16-year-old Nathan Mailliard has a “cognitive delay” and takes medication. A passerby spotted him and called police. He’s been taken to the Alleghany Department of Social Services. He had been staying with a foster family.
Report: VA foreclosures falling, but vacant homes remain a big problem
A report from HOMES — Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia — says while foreclosure numbers are starting to level off and even decline across much of Virginia, their lingering impacts could last for years. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
HOMES also proposed using government grants to rehabilitate many vacant properties.
Click here to read the entire report. It includes foreclosure and vacancy rates for each city and county in Virginia.
Wounded Eagle Fund to help FCHS students involved in January crash
Students involved with Future Farmers of America at Franklin County High School have created a Wounded Eagle Fund to help those involved in a January car accident. WFIR’s Timothy Martin has details.
Elton John tix selling well, but this time, no immediate sellout
Elton John has twice sold out at the Roanoke Civic Center — and done so almost as soon as tickets went on sale. It is a different story for his third performance in the Star City, but as WFIR’s Evan Jones reports, Civic Center officials still expect a full house.
No sign of break in Senate budget impasse
The State Senate appears headed for a budget impasse as Democrats in the evenly-split chamber seem ready to use their leverage. Republicans call the process “collaborative”, but Democrats say there is nothing collaborative about refusing to share power. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the latest.
Deadline nears for business licenses
The law requires businesses to have a license in order to operate, and the deadline for applying for that license is just ahead. March 1st is the deadline for filing for a business license, the annual cost based on the previous year’s gross receipts. WFIR’s Steve Mabry reports.
Pet ID tags can help reunite lost pet with anxious owner
Animal control officers say purchasing pet ID tags is more than just the law — in many cases, they can help reunite pet and owner. WFIR’s Steve Mabry has the story.
Budget time in Richmond; all eyes on Senate
The General Assembly takes up Virginia’s next budget this week — and all eyes are likely to be focused on the State Senate, where the 20-20 party split means something has to give to ensure passage. So far, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling has been able to cast tie-breaking votes, but when it comes to the budget, there must be a majority of Senators — at least 21 — voting yes.WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
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