Evan Jones
Roanoke firefighters will soon have more equipment to help find fire victims when visibility is poor from darkness, thick smoke or both. WFIR’s Evan Jones reports on this morning’s announcement:
Virginia Tech administrators say the latest ranking from U.S. News and World report is much more than a better number — it can help attract better students and add to the value of a Tech degree. Virginia Tech has moved into the magazine’s list of top 25 public universities . WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here for full U.S. News and World Report college rankings.
Photo: rickmasttour.info
Former NASCAR driver Rick Mast says racing team efforts to fudge the system are nothing new, but what happened in Richmond last weekend was uncalled for. NASCAR imposed unprecedented penalties against a racing team for its efforts to manipulate the race outcome. Mast says as a driver, he is disappointed in what happened and applauds the penalties. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Martinsville Speeedway President Clay Campbell says the uproar caused by Saturday’s race finish in Richmond is unfortunate for the sport. NASCAR ruled last night that driver Clint Bowyer intentionally spun out in hopes of helping a teammate become eligible for the season-long championship. Campbell says he hopes the NASCAR nation will now return its attention to the remaining ten races, including one at Martinsville late next month.
Click here for full information on NASCAR’s decision and its impact on the remainder of the season.
H&C Coffee photo
Part of the H&C Coffee sign in downtown Roanoke remains out at the moment — as it has for much of the summer — and the repairs don’t happen overnight. Center in the Square has been responsible for the sign’s operation since its restoration in 2005, and Center officials say the small number of qualified neon sign repair experts means lengthy delays in fixing the iconic Roanoke landmark. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
A new study will revisit the potential transportation and economic impacts of an intermodal rail terminal at Elliston. What seems clear at the moment is that Norfolk Southern does not have it as a top current priority, but the region’s economic development leaders want to know whether and how to adapt future strategies in light of conditions that have changed since the intermodal yard was first proposed. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Rep. Bob Goodlatte
Congressman Bob Goodlatte says constituents are expressing “overwhelming” opposition to any U.S. military strike on Syria, and he is not yet sure how he will vote. Goodlatte says he wants to learn more from administration briefings and see the its specific request before deciding, but for now, he remains “skeptical” that such military action is the best option.WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Chief Chris Perkins
Roanoke and state public safety officials want to reduce the reluctance of many Hispanics to seek help when it is needed over fears they will be asked about immigration status. It’s one of the reasons behind a public safety outreach seminar tomorrow. WFIR’s Evan Jones has more.
Rep. Morgan Griffith
9th District Congressman Morgan Griffith says he needs to learn more before deciding whether to support a U.S. military strike against Syria. Griffith says this gets a lot more complicated, with far more serious implications to consider, than most of the issues that come before Congress. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Virginia’s major party candidates for governor are devoting a lot of attention this week to public education. Democrat Terry McAuliffe did so today in Roanoke County, presenting his education proposals — and criticizing those of Republican Ken Cuccinelli. WFIR’s Evan Jones reports
Click here for McAuliffe’s education proposals.
Click here for Cuccinelli’s education proposals.