Evan Jones
A Roanoke College poll finds Virginians are generally optimistic about the current and future housing market, but the optimism is not shared across the entire state. The poll shows greatest optimism in northern Virginia and Hampton Roads — but considerably less in southwest Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here to see full poll results and methodology.
Two law enforcement officers who rescued a father and his adult son from a Bedford County pond last month will be recognized Friday for their efforts. Sheriff’s Deputy Tim Shull and Game and Inland Fisheries Conservation Officer Dallas Neel helped save the two as they held on to an overturned boat. The officers swam to 83-year-old Constantine Rosko and Curt Rosko age 54, and brought both back to shore. Family members will be present Friday to show their appreciation.
(Continue reading for the full Sheriff’s office news release.)
Virginia State Police promise increased patrols on Interstate 81 in coming weeks, part of what they call “Operation Blue Light”. The goal is to reduce traffic deaths this year by 15%, and troopers say they will focus especially on tailgating, aggressive driving and seat belt use. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Gov. Terry McAuliffe
Governor Terry McAuliffe says that he will sign the state’s two-year budget, but he has vetoed a provision seeking to tie his hands on Medicaid expansion. McAuliffe says he is moving forward on that expansion on his own, he has options available, and he has directed officials submit a plan to his desk by September 1st.
House of Delegates Republican leaders say McAuliffe has no authority to expand Medicaid coverage on his own or without the specific approval of the General Assembly. They say it’s a clear case of executive overreach, and they are prepared to challenge it through all available avenues, including the court system.
As for the budget, McAuliffe says time is now too short, and too many local governments, school systems, state workers and citizens depend on state funding to risk a government shutdown that would occur without a new spending plan in place by July 1st.
The Roanoke Valley SPCA is set to open new quarters for its cats awaiting adoption. It’s designed to improve their lives, reduce their stress, and ultimately shorten their average wait for adoption.WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
The SPCA willl hold an open house for the new Lucky Cat Room Saturday from noon until 4:00, and they will waive the $99 adoption fee if you take home a cat one year or older this month.
Governor McAuliffe’s office say Roanoke is in line for state matching funds to help pay for a new Franklin Road bridge over the railroad tracks. The state is committing $2.75 million to the project; the current total projected cost is about $15 million. In all, the state will provide Roanoke $10 million in the coming year for road construction and maintenance projects.
Stores specializing in licensed sports team merchandise paint a gloomy picture if courts uphold a Patent Office ruling cancelling trademarks for the Washington Redskins. B&C Sports has stores in Roanoke, Lynchburg and Charlottesville, and it sells a lot of Redskins merchandise. WFIR’s Evan Jones spoke with the stores’ owner.