Gene Marrano
(AP photo)
Legal opioids – painkillers – have been a gateway to addiction for some. Twice a year the DEA sponsors national Drug Take Back Days. There’s another one in Roanoke tomorrow, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:
You can click here to find the drug takeback locations nearest you.
The National Football League held its first round draft last night and the Edmunds brothers from Virginia tech were both selected – linebacker Tremaine Edwards is going to the Buffalo bills. Terrell, a safety, is now a Pittsburgh Steeler. And checking in with a former Salem Red Sox player – Boston outfielder Andrew Benintendi:
Governor Ralph Northam is scheduled to throw out the first pitch at tonight’s Salem Red Sox home game. In Roanoke earlier this week Northam said he aims to do better than the notoriously bad first pitches thrown by 50 Cent and the Mayor of Cincinnati – among others. Game time tonight in Salem is 7:05. The first pitch from Northam will come right before that.
A man accused of shooting into a vehicle in Pulaski yesterday afternoon was arrested after police responded to a shots fired call at the Washington Square Apartments around 3:40 pm. After getting a description of the suspect, Laredadian Banian was brought into custody about four hours later near Bob White Boulevard after a short chase on foot – and a manhunt by numerous armed officers. He was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
(A statement from Mike Dame, Carilion Clinic’s Vice President for Marketing and Communications, about the Carilion Park View property at 2301 Brambleton Avenue:) “Berkley Hall Companies, of Greensboro, N.C., notified Carilion Clinic that they do not wish to move forward with the development project adjacent to the former Shenandoah Life headquarters at 2301 Brambleton Ave. In 2017, Berkley Hall entered into an agreement with Carilion whereby, following a due diligence period, they would have the option to purchase a 17-acre portion of the property.”
Robert Jeffrey jr
Responding to a post from Robert Jeffrey Jr. on the WFIR news website – denying that he owes money to Colors Virginia magazine contributors – and a Roanoke Times story, Seattle lawyer Gabe Galanda said today that the Roanoke City Council candidate has NOT paid all his back taxes or paid all back child support owed, as he claims. Galanda has represented Jeffrey’s ex-wife. Galanda also says Jeffrey has been held in contempt of court for back child support – something he calls a highly unusual move. The Roanoke City Council election is on Tuesday.
A unique fundraiser for Sabrina’s Place – a safe haven for women as they exchange or visit with children of shared custody – will borrow from a popular TV show for a fundraiser at Jefferson Center. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
Dr. Pepper Park at The Bridges kicks off the 2018 season with the return of the “Star City Cornhole” tournament this Sunday. Sponsor Hounds president Waynette Anderson says there is still time to sign your team up. Hear about that and the entire 2018 season at the Park below:
Former Major League player Brandon Inge will be throwing out the first pitch tonight for the Lynchburg Hillcats against the Winston-Salem Dash. And Virginia Tech’s Tremaine Edmunds is expected to be a high pick when the National Football League conducts its draft in Dallas tonight through Saturday.
The Lead Safe program in Roanoke gets a big boost from federal funds. The story from WFIR’s Bob Clark.