Evan Jones
Virginia state employees may see at least a small pay raise under a new proposal by House Republicans. The state workers, including police and teachers, would receive pay raises between and one and two per cent. It’s the result of higher-than-anticipated payroll tax collections since July. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Roanoke is in the early stages of planning a “multimodal” downtown passenger terminal, and later today, the city conducts the first public meeting as part of the planning process. Planners are looking at impacts on those who live and work downtown and for those that will arrive there by train. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
(Continue reading for the full Roanoke City news release and full public meeting information.)
The Norfolk Southern announcement that it will move hundreds of jobs from Roanoke to Atlanta and Norfolk is both an economic and psychological setback to the city founded by railroading. But city leaders say the region’s economy is now much more diverse, offering hope that the region can rebound from the coming loss. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Bob and Maureen McDonnell
(Associated Press photo)
A George Mason University School of Law assistant dean says an appeals court decision to hear former Governor McDonnell’s appeal may have impacts far beyond Virginia — and the judges may be telling McDonnell “we think you might have gotten hosed.” A Richmond-based federal appeals court ruled yesterday McDonnell may remain free while he appeals his corruption convictions, saying the appeal raises a substantial question of law or fact that could warrant a reversal or a new trial. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
TSA photo
The Transportation Security Administration says its screeners discovered 45 firearms in carry-on bags at Virginia airports last year — up more than 50% from the year before. Three of them were discovered by screeners at Lynchburg’s airport and one at Roanoke-Blacksburg. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Jesse Matthew
Alexis Murphy
Nelson County prosecutors say there is no DNA link between Jesse Matthew and the disappearance of Alexis Murphy. The attorney for Murphy’s convicted killer, Randy Taylor, had speculated that Matthew may be connected to the Murphy case, but officials say Matthew’s DNA does not match any found in Alexis Murphy’s car. Matthew is charged with abducting Hannah Graham in Charlottesville.
Click here to read the full Nelson County Commonwealth’s Attorney news release
Many school districts in the region are sending students home early today, with rain, snow and sleet all in the afternoon forecast. Counties north and west of Lynchburg are under a winter weather advisory that goes into effect at 2:00 pm.
Click here for the latest list of school announcements.
The Humane Society of the United States accuses the Natural Bridge Zoo of abuse and neglect, leading to the deaths of a giraffe and other animals. Click here to see our earlier story. The zoo owner calls the accusations “slanderous”. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here to see the the Human Society of the United States report and video.
Associated Press photo
Roanoke region home builders are hopeful single family construction will rebound this year, spurred largely by lower gas prices and low interest rates. Building permits in the Roanoke region were down about 10% last year from the year before, but nationally, permits and housing starts reached a 6 1/2 year high in December. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Roanoke City Council approved an application Tuesday seeking more than $3 million from the state for a downtown “multimodal” facility that could include a new train and bus station — and accommodations for bicycle traffic. The money would be used mostly for land acquisition once potential sites are identified. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the latest.