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Proposed VA “personhood” bill enters US Senate debate

Evan Jones — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:01:55 +0000

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.

Download audio file (02-23-Kaine-Allen-Wrap1-WEB.mp3)

Green Academy starting up soon

Timothy Martin — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:55:13 +0000

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.

Download audio file (Green-Academy-Wrap-1-WEB.mp3)

Click here for more information.

UPDATED: Missing teen found

Evan Jones — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:30:58 +0000

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

Evan Jones — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:20:13 +0000

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.

Download audio file (02-22-Foreclosures-Wrap1-WEB.mp3)

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

Timothy Martin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:05:29 +0000

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.

Download audio file (Wounded-Eagle-Wrap-2-WEB.mp3)

Elton John tix selling well, but this time, no immediate sellout

Evan Jones — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:00:09 +0000

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.

Download audio file (02-Elton-John-Wrap2-WEB.mp3)

No sign of break in Senate budget impasse

Evan Jones — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:01:23 +0000

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.

Download audio file (02-21-Budget-Impasse-Wrap1-WEB.mp3)

Deadline nears for business licenses

Web Staff — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:00:20 +0000

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.

Download audio file (02-21-business-WRAP-1-WEB1.mp3)

Pet ID tags can help reunite lost pet with anxious owner

Web Staff — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:40:16 +0000

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.

Download audio file (02-20-Pet-Tags-WRAP1-WEB.mp3)

Budget time in Richmond; all eyes on Senate

Evan Jones — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:01:14 +0000

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.

Download audio file (02-20-XGR-Budget-Wrap1-WEB.mp3)

Registrars work to keep the dead off voting rolls

Web Staff — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:00:52 +0000

A Pew Center study has reported that over 20 million US voter registrations have significant errors, ranging from wrong addresses to out-of-state moves to a voter’s death. Local registrars say they scan death notices and change of address orders to keep their records as accurate as possible. WFIR’s Steve Mabry has the story.

Download audio file (02-20-Vote-Report-WRAP1-WEB.mp3)

Popular Salem restaurant still closed after early February fire

Timothy Martin — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:05:50 +0000

The Pizza Pasta Pit in Salem is still closed after a basement fire back on February 1st. WFIR’s Timothy Martin spoke with one of the owners and has an update on repairs to the building.

Download audio file (PPP-Update-Wrap-1-WEB.mp3)

VA teachers wear black in “Statewide day of mourning”

Evan Jones — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:01:16 +0000

Many public school teachers across the state say they are wearing black today in what the Virginia Education Association calls a “statewide day of mourning.” Teachers are showing their unhappiness with state funding levels that have left many without pay increases for several years. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.

Download audio file (02-17-TeachersInBlack-Wrap1-WEB.mp3)

Police hope surveillance photos help nab ATM holdup suspects

Evan Jones — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:56:25 +0000

Roanoke Police hope these surveillance photos will help them find the people wanted for robbing a man outside an ATM. Police say it happened in the early-morning hours of February 1st at the Roanoke-Salem Plaza, near Melrose and Peters Creek. A Roanoke man had just withdrawn money from the ATM when a car drove up, two men got out and assaulted the victim, took his money, then took off in a car with a third person at the wheel. The getaway car is described as a green Honda. Police ask anyone with information to call them.

(Continue reading to see more surveillance photos)

Consumer Reports CEO: digital age helps consumers fight back

Evan Jones — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:26:54 +0000

Jim Guest

The CEO of Consumers Union, which publishes Consumer Reports, says the digital age is empowering consumers to more effectively battle well-funded corporate interests. Jim Guest speaks tonight at Virginia Tech. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
Download audio file (02-16-Consumer-Reports-Wrap1-WEB.mp3)

Jim Guest will be the inaugural speaker for the Alfred and Shirley Wampler Caudill Lecture in Consumer Affairs tonight at 7:30 pm. He will speak at Virginia Tech’s Graduate Life Center auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

VA Catholics urged to contact DC on mandated birth control coverage

Web Staff — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:01:29 +0000

Virginia Catholics will receive a letter from their Bishop when they attend services this weekend, part of the Chuch’s ongoing battle over federally-mandated birth control coverage for its workers — even if the Church does not pay for it directly. As WFIR’s Steve Mabry reports, US Catholic bishops still call it an assault on religious freedom.

Download audio file (02-15-Dioceses-Wrap-1-WEB.mp3)

Black Student Leadership Conference starts tomorrow at Virginia Western

Timothy Martin — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:55:42 +0000

High school and college students from around the state will gather this weekend at Virginia Western for the 5th annual Black Student Leadership Conference. WFIR’s Timothy Martin reports.

Download audio file (Black-Leadership-Wrap-1-WEB.mp3)

Click here for more information.

House GOP hopes teacher tenure bill gets second chance in Senate

Evan Jones — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:32:45 +0000

House Republicans in Richmond are still holding out hope that the Senate will approve a bill to end tenure job protection for Virginia public school teachers. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
Download audio file (02-15-House-GOP-Wrap1-WEB.mp3)

The Senate voted down its version of the tenure bill Tuesday. But since the House approved its version earlier this week and sent it to the Senate, the bill may get a second consideration there.

Bill opponents say effective mechanisms are already in place to identify and dismiss poor teachers, and several said the bill would disproportionately impact poorer areas of the state where low salaries already make attracting teachers difficult.

The tenure bill is part of Governor McDonnell’s proposed education overhaul.

“Personhood” bill advances to State Senate

Evan Jones — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:01:30 +0000

The House of Delegates has given final approval to what’s been called the “Personhood” bill, despite dire predictions from its opponents. The bill’s real test lies ahead in the Senate, where it has died in the past when Demcrats held control. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Download audio file (02-15-Personhood-Wrap2-WEB.mp3)

The bill would grant legal rights of “personhood” to a human embryo at the moment of conception. Sponsors say it creates a legal remedy for parents whose unborn child is killed by a negligent or criminal act. Opponents say the bill could bar women from abortions or even some forms of contraception and creates a myriad of unforeseen consequences.
Click here for full information on House Bill 1.

Urban Professional League growing in Roanoke

Timothy Martin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:55:33 +0000

A newly formed league in the area is gaining members and celebrating Black History Month with a concert this Friday. WFIR’s Timothy Martin has details.

Download audio file (Urban-PL-Wrap-1-WEB.mp3)

Click here for more information about the Urban Professional League and concert featuring Bettye LaVette.

Warm winter means early start for spring allergies

Evan Jones — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:24:46 +0000

If you suffer from springtime allergies, be prepared for an earlier start this year — perhaps in the next few weeks. Our warm winter means many trees will have an early start to spring, and as a result, so will the allergies. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.

Download audio file (02-14-Allergies-Wrap1-WEB.mp3)

Another Senate tie on proposed changes to VA election law

Evan Jones — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:01:02 +0000

The State Senate remains split down the middle on changes to state election law. First was the bill requiring voters to show ID at the polls; now there is one Republican backers say prevents double voting — both absentee and in person — but Democrat opponents say there is no need for the bill. The latest election debate from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
Download audio file (02-14-Absentee-Ballots-Wrap1-WEB.mp3)

Click here for full information on Senate Bill 536

Free eye care for the homeless in Roanoke

Timothy Martin — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:55:23 +0000

Vision help for the homeless is on the way! The Rescue Mission’s Free Clinic for the Homeless is launching its first on-site eye clinic tomorrow at 5 p.m. WFIR’s Timothy Martin has details.

Download audio file (RM-Eye-Clinic-Wrap-1-WEB.mp3)

Click here for more information.

Proposed plate would help fund domestic violence prevention

Evan Jones — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:20:09 +0000

Virginia lawmakers are considering a specialty license plate designed to help prevent domestic and sexual violence. It would say “Peace Begins at Home” , and funds generated would help support domestic and and sexual violence prevention programs across Virginia.

Download audio file (02-13-License-Plate-Wrap1-WEB.mp3)

Click here for more information or to sign up for the plate. The sign-up cost is $25.

New library already plans a change: creating space for “tweens”

Evan Jones — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:01:41 +0000

Roanoke County’s new South County Library appears to be an immediate success. It is certainly so if you measure it by the jump in visitors and circulation. But library officials quickly realized there is one age group without its own space — the “tweens”, and that’s where the building’s promised flexibility will be quickly put to use. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Download audio file (02-13-Library-Wrap1-WEB.mp3)
First-month library use is well above expectations, even for a new building. Circulation is about 40% higher than a typical month in the past, and the visitor number is up close to 60%.

Roanoke Police: Facebook page is paying off

Timothy Martin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:55:39 +0000

Roanoke Police say the use of Facebook has been a success so far. WFIR’s Timothy Martin has more on how the page is being used to solve crimes and answer citizen complaints.

Download audio file (Safer-City-FB-Wrap-1-WEB.mp3)

Click here for more information.

Apco: more lines, facilities needed to meet region’s power demand

Evan Jones — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:32:56 +0000

Appalachian Power’s application to build a new transmission line in Montgomery County is the latest of several area projects the company says are needed to meet the region’s demand for power and improve reliability. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.

Download audio file (02-10-Power-Gride-Wrap1-WEB.mp3)

VA set to enact law impacting gay adoptions

Evan Jones — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:01:12 +0000

Virginia is now virtually certain to become the second state allowing private adoption agencies to deny placements that conflict with their religious or moral beliefs — including opposition to homosexuality. The State Senate approved a bill yesterday, the House has already passed similar legislation, and Governor McDonnell says he will sign it. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.

Download audio file (02-10-VA-Adoptions-Wrap1-WEB.mp3)

Click here for full information on Senate Bill 349

Saturday is a day for train lovers

Timothy Martin — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:55:23 +0000

If you love trains, tomorrow is your day. The Virginia Museum of Transportation is hosting its second annual Train Lovers’ Day. The museum’s Peg McGuire says the tomorrow’s event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. WFIR’s Timothy Martin reports.

Download audio file (Train-Lovers-Day-Wrap-1-WEB.mp3)

Click here for more information.

Millions of dollars on the way to Virginia after mortgage settlement

AP — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:38:03 +0000

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ Virginian and home borrowers in the state will receive about $479.6 million in relief from a $25 billion settlement between states and five mortgage lenders over foreclosure abuses. Federal and state officials announced the deal Thursday.

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli says the banks will make cash payments totaling more than $31 million to Virginians who experienced foreclosure abuses from Jan. 1, 2008 to Dec. 31, 2011. Under the agreement, the banks also will modify loan terms and provide other relief to Virginia home borrowers. Cuccinelli says this relief totals more than $409 million. The banks will pay the state more than $69.6 million. The banks are Bank of America, JPMorgan, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citigroup and Ally Financial. Oklahoma is the only state that didn’t agree to the deal.