Evan Jones

Roanoke’s newest renovated downtown living space is set to open in August, and the developer says there’s no sign yet that demand is running out for center city apartments.  The former Ponce de Leon Hotel will hold 90 apartments, and leasing agents say more than a third are already leased.  As WFIR’s Evan Jones reports, the building’s art deco elements that had been covered up for decades are all coming back.

Click here for the Ponce de Leon web site.

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Liberty University logoWomen make up just six per cent of the country’s aviation industry, and Liberty University’s School of Aeronautics is hosting a weekend event in hopes of getting more girls interested.  It’s called “Women Can Fly”, and it features free airplane rides, a tour of Lynchburg Airport’s control tower and time in one of Liberty’s aircraft simulators. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.

Click here for full event information.

Boston-StrongHow can a sports team help a community in shock and mourning — the question that faced the Boston Red Sox after last year’s marathon bombings. A member of the Red Sox’ management team will speak in Roanoke tonight on how the team responded as best it could. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.

Click here for full information on tonight Roanoke Regional Forum event.

WINGS photo

WINGS photo

A Virginia-based charity is creating and distributing kits specifically designed for women in developing countries, to help them handle monthly menstrual cycle challenges made more difficult by cultural taboos and their living conditions. The kits are made in central and southwest Virginia, and as WFIR’s Evan Jones reports, each one can help a woman for up to three years.

Click here for Gleaning for the World’s WINGS website.

 

WFIR-LOGO-1Pro-choice advocates applaud Governor McAuliffe for ordering a review of abortion clinic regulations that took effect under the McDonnell administration, but pro-life advocates say the decision could be harmful to many Virginia women. The regulations were adopted amid considerable controversy in the McDonnell administration. They require existing clinics offering abortions to meet the same building standards as newly-constructed hospitals.  WFIR’s Evan Jones brings us reaction from both sides.

Roanoke-CountyRoanoke County Police say a school bus carrying Glenvar Middle and High School students home today was involved in a minor accident shortly after leaving school. Police say the bus driver made a left turn in front of a tow truck. Damage to both vehicles is listed as minor; no students were judged to be in need of medical attention, and the bus was allowed to continue on its route.

(Continue reading for the full Roanoke County Police news release.)

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