Evan Jones
VDOT is apologizing to the many drivers who faced long morning commutes heading up to Christiansburg, the result of some paving work that didn’t work as planned. The southbound highway was closed overnight with plans to reopen it by 6:00 a.m. But when some important equipment broke down, the work was not completed until 9:15, creating lengthy backups to work. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
(Continue reading for the full VDOT news release.)
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office says two people face charges connected with the killing of a man and woman whose bodies were found in a burning car 17 months ago. Sheriff Lane Perry says the car was found along a Bassett area road the morning of May 23rd, 2011. 33-year-old Robert Lawrence and 31 year old Amanda Massey found dead inside. Sheriff Perry says Darius Younger faces capital murder, robbery and numerous related charges; he is already imprisoned on other charges. Charges against Kayla Mae Bowman include carjacking and concealing evidence. The Sheriff did not release much more information, saying the case is not entirely wrapped up.
(Continue reading for the full news release)
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and college campuses and universities around Virginia are doing their part to help educate and support students who are both victims and perpetrators. Virginia Tech and many other campuses are part of The Red Flag Campaign, a project of The Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance. WFIR’s Evan Jones has more.
The debates are over, and with just two weeks left now until election day, both campaigns say if anything, look for even more activity in Virginia between now and November 6th. Both campaigns brought surrogate supporters to Roanoke yesterday, urging supporters to get out the vote and saying reaching the state’s relatively few undecided voters could determine the election outcome.
WFIR’s Evan Jones reports on former Senator Rick Santorum campaigning in Roanoke for Mitt Romney. He addresses Democratic party charges that Romney has received changed his positions on important campaign issues.
WFIR’s Evan Jones reports on former presidential Press Secretary Robert Gibbs campaigning in Roanoke for Barack Obama. He discusses the president’s campaign plans and a report suggesting they might cut back in Virginia.
The two presidential campaigns are sending processions of surrogates across Virginia today in advance of tonight’s third and final debate, one focusing on national security.
The Romney campaign brought former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum to Roanoke. Santorum says President Obama has been “asleep at the switch” on national security and has politicized intelligence with information leaks. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
The Obama campaign flew in former Presidential Press Secretary Robert Gibbs and five national security advisers for an airport area news conference. They say the Romney foreign policy agenda is bluster, with no credible alternative plan. WFIR’s Evan Jones has more.
The local lawsuits already filed in the wake of contaminated medication are likely to be just among the earliest of many nationwide, and some big personal injury firms are already lining up clients. A Virginia Beach firm says it expects to file its legal actions in Massachusetts, where the tainted medicines were prepared. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
On paper, it looks like a steal: Roanoke City properties assessed at more than$700,000 sold for no more than$60,000 for use as an urban farm. But city officials say the numbers don’t paint a true picture because the industrial tracts are too small, too hilly and too wet to serve as business sites. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
It’s that time of year again for anyone on Medicare: the open enrollment period when Medicare recipients can determine if changes are warranted in their coverage plans. Officials in the Virginia Division for the Aging says it’s important for seniors to re-evaluate each year because their plans sometimes change. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
(Continue reading for information on resources available to help Medicare recipients review their choices.)
The State Board of Elections says at least one southwest Virginia resident is the target of an apparent vote scam attempt. The caller tells whoever answers they can now cast an absentee ballot over the phone. At least 10 people report receiving such a call — it’s unclear who is behind this or why. The only way you can vote absentee is by mail or in person. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
The State Board of Elections asks anyone who suspects any election-related irregularities to contact them toll-free at (800) 552-9745.
A new study for the Roanoke Higher Education Center finds that more adult college students prefer for courses that combine class time and on-line elements as a way to meet their education goals while balancing busy adult lives. About a dozen colleges and universities offer classes at the center, mostly for working adults. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here to read the report’s Executive Summary