Evan Jones
Virginia Western Community College officials say a $5 million gift for scholarships will have an immediate and important impact. The Horace G. Fralin Charitable Trust is committing the money over the next five years. Western officials say that will allow them to almost double the number of scholarship funds available.WFIR’s Evan Jones has more.
A single gift will provide Virginia Western Community College $5 million to endow new scholarships. The Horace G. Fralin Charitable Trust is committing the money over the next five years for the scholarships, most of them in the areas of science, technology, engineering, math, and health care. The first scholarships from this gift should become available next fall. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
(Continue reading for the full VWCC news release.)
6th District Republican Congressman Bob Goodlatte and his Democratic challenger Andy Schmookler agree that the current 10% ethanol mandate for gasoline needs to go — at least for now. The main reason: a lot of corn that used to go into our food supply is now going instead into gasoline, raising the price of corn and many food and feed products as a result. As WFIR’s Evan Jones reports, the candidates differ on the longer-term government role with ethanol use.
(Continue reading for information on submitting public comments to the Environmental Protection Agency.)
Roanoke College is wasting little time getting the word out on its latest ranking by U.S. News and World Report. The widely-viewed college ranking lists Roanoke among six “up and coming” liberal arts colleges in the country. The college has already put the new ranking on its Facebook and web pages and says it will be included on future admissions brochures. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
It was more than a Facebook “like” that led to a wanted sex offender’s arrest last week near Bluefield. It turns out the woman who “liked” a Sheriff’s Facebook page also had the man’s photo in her Facebook profile and enough profile information to lead investigators to her home — and his arrest. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Building standards for Virginia abortion providers are once again up for a State Board of Health vote today in Richmond. They would require Virginia’s existing abortion clinics to meet standards for new hospital construction. Pro-life supporters say it’s all about women’s health and safety, but abortion rights advocates say it’s nothing more than a costly political ploy. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Some of the best-known national environmental groups now support development of offshore wind energy turbines — something Governor McDonnell has been pushing for Virginia’s waters. The National Wildlife Federation released a report today that says offshore wind energy along the Atlantic coastline would provide many economic and environmental benefits. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here to see the full National Wildlife Federation report.
The role of the federal government in regulating coal mining and power plants is a big campaign issue once again in the 9th Congressional District. Republican Congressman Morgan Griffith and Democratic challenger Anthony Flaccavento call for a balance between environmental rules and preserving coal jobs, but they disagree on what that balance should be. WFIR’s Evan Jones spoke with both candidates.
A key issue in the Chicago teachers’ strike is similar to a growing one in Virginia: how teachers should be evaluated and to what extent student progress in standardized tests determines a teacher’s pay and job security. The Virginia Department of Education is already working to place more emphasis on measurable student growth in teacher evaluations statewide.WFIR’s Evan Jones spoke with the President of the Virginia Education Association.