Evan Jones
A suspicious package led to police tape around a bank, a bomb-sniffing dog, and the closing of a busy city street this morning. News/Talk 960’s Evan Jones on what led to it — and how things turned out.
Brittany and Tina Smith
Roanoke County Police say most of the crime lab evidence is now back in the Tina Smith murder investigation, and detectives say it appears to provide strong support for their case. News/Talk 960’s Evan Jones has the story.
[audio:https://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/05-06-Smith-Murder-Wrap1-WEB.mp3|titles=05-06 Smith Murder Wrap1-WEB]Jeffrey Easley is already charged with abducting Tina Smith’s 12-year-old daughter Brittany and taking her to California. His trial on that set for late July.
Jason Bingham
Roanoke School Board Vice-Chairman Jason Bingham is stepping down, citing growing job responsibilities that leave him unable to attend many board meetings. More from News/Talk 960’s Evan Jones.
[audio:https://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/05-05-Bingham-Wrap1-WEB.mp3|titles=05-05 Bingham Wrap1-WEB]
Heavy machinery is once again at work at South Peak, the long-promised development on the hill across from Tanglewood Mall. And the developer says it’s a tangible sign that construction of the first building will begin this summer. More from News/Talk 960’s Evan Jones.
The Roanoke Rescue Mission today announced the death of John Sylvester-Johnson. News/Talk 960’s Evan Jones reports.
Workers are spending a third day at Salem Stadium preparing for tonight’s Zac Brown Band Concert. News/Talk 960’s Evan Jones reports from ground level.
Click here for full concert information.
Governor McDonnell is making further state funding reductions to public radio and television stations, this time with the line item veto pen. The president of Blue Ridge PBS says this goes beyond cutting to the bone — it’s getting into the marrow. More on the cuts and possible impacts from News/Talk 960’s Evan Jones.
At WVTF public radio, General Manager Glenn Gleixner said he could not comment on possible impacts until he got more detailed numbers from the state.
The Virginia Museum of Transportation plans on using a recently-announced $100,000 grant to step up advertising, add or boost special events, and ultimately benefit the region’s economy. More from News/Talk 960’s Evan Jones.
The public is now permitted to walk on the new William Fleming track, but only until a paved walking path is installed on Fleming property. News/Talk 960’s Evan Jones reports the new path should be ready within a week or two.
A Hollins University professor with first-hand knowledge of America’s fight against terrorism says the death of Osama bin Laden makes our country safer today than it was 24 hours ago, but the danger is hardly over. More from News/Talk 960’s Evan Jones.