Evan Jones
It looks like our warm winter will continue right into the start of spring. The 30-day outlook for March calls for a warmer-than-average month ahead but with occasional and brief cold weather visits — and you can never rule out snow in March. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
A political action committee representing the Roanoke region’s business community is endorsing a Republican for mayor — and three incumbent Democrats for City Council. The Business Leadership Fund endorses business owner Republican Mark Lucas for mayor over incumbent Democrat David Bowers. WFIR’s Evan Jones has reaction from both candidates.
The Business Leadership Fund is also endorsing Democrat Council incumbents Sherman Lea, Anita Price, and Court Rosen. The fund is contributing $15,000 to the Lucas campaign and $1,000 each to Lea, Price, and Rosen.
The State Senate has passed legislation that requires women seeking abortions to undergo ultrasound exams first. Approval came after emotional floor debate in which some opponents said it would take Virginia back to the days of back-alley abortions. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Image courtesy: Donkey-Hotey
A Roanoke College poll released today shows George Allen opening at eight-point lead over Democrat Tim Kaine. The two are considered the likely candidates for U.S. Senate in November. Virtually every statewide poll up to now has shown the two in a statistical dead heat. Allen’s 45 to 37% lead in this poll is not part of any overall swing toward Republican candidates; the same people polled have generally negative views of the party’s Republican presidential candidates.
Click here to see the complete poll breakdown. Continue reading for the full Roanoke College Institute for Policy and Opinion Research news release and analysis.
Fund-raising efforts are now underway to bring a private and permanent ice rink back to Roanoke. The projected price tag is at least $4 million, with the hope that paying the up-front costs would let such a facility operate profitably. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
After years of plans and promises, building construction is now underway at South Peak — that big hillside cleared eight years ago across Electric Road from Tanglewood Mall. Crews are laying the foundation and basement for the first building that will contain 32 condominium units. WFIR’s Evan Jones takes you to the top of the hill.
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(Continue reading for photos from the construction site and a look at South Peak plans.)
Brandon Bushnell
Roanoke Republicans made it official last night, selecting business owner Mark Lucas as their candidate for mayor. Lucas faces Democrat David Bowers, who is seeking re-election in May. There is no Republican candidate for City Council, but the three Democrat incumbents seeking re-election will face an Independent — Brandon Bushnell. More on the challenger from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
[audio:http://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/02-24-Bushnell-Wrap1-WEB.mp3|titles=02-24 Bushnell Wrap1-WEB]Click here for Brandon Bushnell’s campaign website.
Image courtesy: Donkey-Hotey
This year’s debates in Richmond on social issue legislation are turning into campaign material in the race for U.S. Senate. Virginia’s proposed “personhood” bill in particular has Tim Kaine and George Allen presenting very different points of view. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
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Nathan Mailliard
Roanoke Police say a teen missing since last night was found safe earlier today at the intersection of 22nd Street and Cove Road. 16-year-old Nathan Mailliard has a “cognitive delay” and takes medication. A passerby spotted him and called police. He’s been taken to the Alleghany Department of Social Services. He had been staying with a foster family.
A report from HOMES — Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia — says while foreclosure numbers are starting to level off and even decline across much of Virginia, their lingering impacts could last for years. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
HOMES also proposed using government grants to rehabilitate many vacant properties.
Click here to read the entire report. It includes foreclosure and vacancy rates for each city and county in Virginia.