Evan Jones
The Virginia Supreme Court has ruled that negative on-line reviews on sites like Yelp cannot be removed just because a business claims they are defamatory. The case involves a Fairfax woman who claims a contractor stole items from her home and posted those claims on an Internet review site. The contractor is still free to seek damages for defamation. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here for the full American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia news release.
Roanoke Police are looking for a man who tried to steal a 72-year-old woman’s purse new year’s eve. Police say it happened on Rutgers Street, in the Crossroads area near Hershberger Road. Another person saw it happen and tried to catch the snatcher, but he got away — without the purse. The woman was cut and bruised a bit, but not seriously hurt.
(Continue reading for the full Roanoke Police news release.)
Rep. Bob Goodlatte
Roanoke Congressman Bob Goodlatte begins a much more powerful position in Washington Thursday when he becomes Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. It oversees legislation on front-burner issues like immigration and gun control, but Goodlatte sees another primary mission: enabling economic growth and more jobs. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Giles County Schools have delayed the students’ return by at least one day — the result of a map in a “Batman” movie and a website that pointed to its contents. The movie “Dark Knight Rising” had a map in one scene that included a site called “Sandy Hook”, the name of the Connecticut school where dozens were gunned down last month. The same map also has a site called “Narrows”, and an Internet web site surmised it might refer schools in Narrows in Giles County. In a note to parents, school officials say there is no direct threat, but they are taking precautions and additional safeguards, and for now, the start of school is pushed back at least one day.
Click here to read the full letter to Giles County parents.
The President of Martinsville Speedway say NASCAR’s next generation of race cars is likely to help increase overall fan interest — and attendance — in 2013. Clay Campbell says they look more like the cars we drive ourselves, and you can once again tell the difference between the name brands on the track. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
2012 will do go down as bringing the highest year-long average gas prices ever, but experts say the recent drops may signal a lower average trend for next year. The big reason: increased domestic oil production, especially in North Dakota. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
The Better Business Bureau will remember 2012 as the year of the stormchaser. Even experienced consumer rights workers had never before seen what happened after the derecho swept through in late June: hordes of out-of-state roofing contractors quickly moving in. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
There are twelve new officers celebrating their graduation from the Roanoke Police Academy. At graduation, Roanoke City Police Chief Chris Perkins congratulated the 65th Basic Recruit class graduates and then reminded the new officers their job is very important to the community but it is a dangerous profession. WFIR’s Starr Anderson has the story.
Roanoke County property tax notices are ready to go out next week, and almost all county homeowners will see lower property tax bills next year — if county supervisors keep current tax rates as they are. It’s the result of lower property values for the second straight year. County assessors say the overall decrease is more than 2% and affects almost all homes in all corners of Roanoke County. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Appalachian Power has its local line crews on standby in case they are needed anywhere across the region this weekend. Strong winds through tomorrow present the risk of trees and limbs falling onto power lines. Apco officials say they’re not expecting widespread damage this time, but they’ll be ready just in case. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.