Evan Jones
While abortion rights activists are cheering a decision last week regarding abortion clinic building standards, neither side sounds entirely happy with the outcome. The State Board of Health voted to apply the stricter and more costly standards only to any new abortion clinic buildings, not to those already in operation. WFIR’s Evan Jones has reaction from both sides of the debate.
Heather Hodges
Franklin County investigators say there is evidence of a “violent event” prior to the disappearance of Heather Hodges more than two months ago, and the Sheriff’s office is now officially listing this case as a “criminal investigation.” Hodges was last seen April 9th, reported missing by her boyfriend. Sheriff Bill Overton says they have identified a person of interest and have executed a search warrant, but he cannot provide further details. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
The University of Virginia Board of Visitors is scheduled to meet in Charlottesville this afternoon to discuss interim candidates for University President. It will do so without the support of UVA’s Faculty Senate, which yesterday voted “no confidence” in the board and pronounced support for ousted President Teresa Sullivan. As WFIR’s Evan Jones reports, there is a growing divide on campus between UVA officials and professors.
The Virginia Board of Health has eliminated the most hotly-contested provision in the state’s new abortion clinic regulations. The board voted 7-4 Friday to strike a requirement that existing clinics meet the same strict building standards as new hospital construction. Only newly-constructed clinics would be held to those standards. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
Expect an unprecedented deluge of political ads all the way until election day now that Virginia’s U.S. Senate race is officially squared away. The contest between Republican George Allen and Democrat Tim Kaine is one that could determine which party controls the Senate next year. Experts say spending in this race alone could reach $100 million. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
(Continue reading to see the both political ads referenced in this report)
Buchanan residents are going have to wait longer for a long-anticipated water system upgrade, the result of embezzlement charges placed against former Town Treasurer Wanda Smith. State agencies put a hold on releasing grant money for the $7.2 million water system improvements until a new audit can be conducted. The project was supposed to start this month. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Starting next month, all state liquor stores will be open Sundays — except where local laws prohibit it. The ABC says the stores will be open Sunday afternoons from 1:00 to 6:00. It’s the result of a change in state law enacted earlier this year in Richmond. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
Gas prices are likely to start heading up again shortly, that from GasBuddy.com, which tracks pump prices across the country. Average prices in the region have dropped about 26 cents a gallon just in the last month, but Gas Buddy analysts say summer demand is likely to reverse most of that recent decline through July and August.
Salem appears ready to join the list of cities and towns allowing chickens in the yards of single-family homes. Initial approval came Monday night after a public hearing in which all the speakers supported backyard chickens. No one spoke in opposition, but ordinance still requires a second vote which could come later this month. Advocates of backyard farms applaud the Salem vote, and they say there are certain things city residents can do to allay any neighbors’ concerns. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Almost three dozen rescue personnel worked through the night to bring three stranded hikers to safety in southwest Roanoke County. Heavy rains raised Bottom Creek, and rescuers from Roanoke County, Roanoke City and Salem needed hours to find them, work up a plan, and pull them up steep and rocky terrain. The hikers were brought to safety this morning more than 12 hours after the call for help came in. WFIR’s Evan Jones spoke with the incident commander.
(Continue reading for the full Roanoke County Fire and Rescue news release)