VSP emphasizes illegality of all-terrain vehicles, note increase during snowstorm
Read full article: VSP emphasizes illegality of all-terrain vehicles, note increase during snowstormVirginia State Police emphasized the importance of not driving Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs), side-by-sides, and similar off-road vehicles, even with the current state of emergency in the Commonwealth.
VSP has responded to over 370 crashes across the Commonwealth as of Sunday night
Read full article: VSP has responded to over 370 crashes across the Commonwealth as of Sunday nightThe Virginia State Police announced Sunday night at 9 p.m. that troopers have responded to 378 crashes, including 28 which had injuries.
Most flights canceled at Roanoke, Lynchburg airports amid winter storm
Read full article: Most flights canceled at Roanoke, Lynchburg airports amid winter stormMost flights have been canceled at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport and Lynchburg Regional Airport as a winter storm continues to impact Virginia and beyond.
Federal disaster assistance available to Virginia ahead of winter storm
Read full article: Federal disaster assistance available to Virginia ahead of winter stormPresident Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration for Virginia on Saturday that would allow federal disaster assistance to Virginia โto supplement response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from a severe winter storm beginning on January 22, 2026, and continuing."
Caleb Wilson scored 20 points, Jarin Stevenson added all of his 17 in the second half and No. 22 North Carolina rallied
Read full article: Caleb Wilson scored 20 points, Jarin Stevenson added all of his 17 in the second half and No. 22 North Carolina ralliedTar Heels erase 16 point deficit to complete largest comeback win ever by an opponent in JPJ.
Virginia National Guard ready to assist with winter storm response
Read full article: Virginia National Guard ready to assist with winter storm responseThe Virginia National Guard is staged and ready to assist localities with their response to the incoming winter storm that will impact much of our region.
Danville officials urge drivers to stay off roads this weekend as they treat roads
Read full article: Danville officials urge drivers to stay off roads this weekend as they treat roadsAs winter weather approaches, officials are urging residents to stay off roads this weekend while emergency crews prepare for potential hazards ranging from icy roads to power outages.
Roanoke Blacksburg Regional Airport operations team prepares for winter weather with dry runs, equipment checks
Read full article: Roanoke Blacksburg Regional Airport operations team prepares for winter weather with dry runs, equipment checksThe Roanoke Blacksburg Regional Airportโs operations and maintenance team is gearing up for winter weather by conducting dry runs to simulate storm response and ensure runways stay clear.
Botetourt Supervisors Discuss Development Deal in Closed Session
Read full article: Botetourt Supervisors Discuss Development Deal in Closed SessionA potential development deal in Botetourt Countyโs Valley District will be discussed behind closed doors Thursday, as county supervisors invoke state law allowing private negotiations for competitive financial matters.
State of emergency declared as winter weather expected to impact Virginia this weekend
Read full article: State of emergency declared as winter weather expected to impact Virginia this weekendGovernor Abigail Spanberger declared a state of emergency Thursday as a winter storm is forecast to affect most of Virginia starting Saturday and lasting through Monday morning.
New bill aims to help fund local fire/EMS departments
Read full article: New bill aims to help fund local fire/EMS departmentsFire departments across Virginia are grappling with a mounting crisis of rising costs and dwindling volunteer forces, prompting a renewed legislative push for a $12.5 million annual funding solution.
Roanoke City Council meeting addresses Evans Spring development, school budget cuts, and downtown event policies
Read full article: Roanoke City Council meeting addresses Evans Spring development, school budget cuts, and downtown event policiesCommunity members and business owners voice concerns as Roanoke City Council debates key issues impacting the city's future.
Duke files a lawsuit against QB Darian Mensah to enforce his contract and block a transfer
Read full article: Duke files a lawsuit against QB Darian Mensah to enforce his contract and block a transferDuke has filed a lawsuit against quarterback Darian Mensah seeking to block his efforts to transfer and reach a contract with another school to play elsewhere next season.
Animal control trapping cats due to rabies case in Pulaski, owners asked to keep cats indoors
Read full article: Animal control trapping cats due to rabies case in Pulaski, owners asked to keep cats indoorsPulaski County Animal Control is asking cat owners to keep their vaccinated cats indoors for the next several days.
Franklin County NAACP unveils monument honoring 70 African American Civil War soldiers in Rocky Mount
Read full article: Franklin County NAACP unveils monument honoring 70 African American Civil War soldiers in Rocky MountThe Franklin County NAACP has unveiled a monument honoring 70 African American men who served in the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War, adding to the small but growing number of memorials recognizing these soldiersโ contributions.
Malik Thomasโ 23 points and Thijs De Ridderโs 17 lead No. 16 Virginia past SMU 72-68
Read full article: Malik Thomasโ 23 points and Thijs De Ridderโs 17 lead No. 16 Virginia past SMU 72-68SMU led by as many as seven points during the opening 13 minutes before the Cavaliers went on a 13-2 run.
Virginia lawmakers back redrawing congressional maps, paving the way for a voter referendum
Read full article: Virginia lawmakers back redrawing congressional maps, paving the way for a voter referendumVirginiaโs Democratic-led General Assembly is advancing a constitutional amendment to allow redistricting ahead of the midterm elections. This means Virginia voters will now be tasked with deciding whether lawmakers should redraw the state's congressional map ahead of the midterm elections. Officials say the legislature's proposed congressional map will be made public by the end of January, ahead of the referendum in April. The redistricting resolution has sparked raucous debate among lawmakers on the merits of gerrymandering a battleground state known to have moderate and independent voters. The state currently is represented in the U.S. House by six Democrats and five Republicans.
Judge allows a third offshore wind project to resume construction as the industry challenges Trump
Read full article: Judge allows a third offshore wind project to resume construction as the industry challenges TrumpA federal judge has ruled that work on a Virginia offshore wind project could resume.
Governor-Elect Abigail Spanbergerโs inauguration marks historic moment for Virginia and VMI cadets
Read full article: Governor-Elect Abigail Spanbergerโs inauguration marks historic moment for Virginia and VMI cadetsThree female battalion commanders from the Virginia Military Institute will march in Saturdayโs inaugural parade as Abigail Spanberger becomes the Commonwealthโs first female governor. These cadets are also making history themselves.
Botetourt County residents voice concerns over proposed data centerโs impact on local water supply
Read full article: Botetourt County residents voice concerns over proposed data centerโs impact on local water supplyResidents of Botetourt County packed a meeting to express fears about the proposed data center's potential environmental impact, particularly on Carvin's Cove, the local water supply.
Packaging supply company expanding operations in Danville, creating 150 new jobs
Read full article: Packaging supply company expanding operations in Danville, creating 150 new jobsInfinity Global, a packaging supply company, is expanding its operations in Danville with a $34 million investment that will create 150 new jobs.
Virginia data center industry booming, leaders gather in Lynchburg to plan future
Read full article: Virginia data center industry booming, leaders gather in Lynchburg to plan futureVirginiaโs data center industry is experiencing rapid growth, and leaders from across the commonwealth gathered in Lynchburg to chart its future at the Emerging Industry Summit on Data Center Development.
Vana Verse founder promotes local authors and reading culture in Southwest Virginia
Read full article: Vana Verse founder promotes local authors and reading culture in Southwest VirginiaIvana Sumbundu, founder of Vana Verse, is dedicated to connecting local authors with local readers in Southwest Virginia.
Virginia Lawmakers Return for 2026 Session with Abortion, Taxes, Schools and Redistricting on the Agenda
Read full article: Virginia Lawmakers Return for 2026 Session with Abortion, Taxes, Schools and Redistricting on the AgendaVirginia lawmakers are back in Richmond for the start of the 2026 General Assembly session, with major issues on the table, including abortion access, redistricting, tax relief, and education.
Governor Glenn Youngkin to deliver his final State of the Commonwealth Address on Wednesday evening
Read full article: Governor Glenn Youngkin to deliver his final State of the Commonwealth Address on Wednesday eveningGovernor Glenn Youngkin is slated to deliver his final State of the Commonwealth Address on Wednesday evening, Jan. 14, at the Virginia State Capitol.
Virginia travelers without an acceptable form of ID will have to pay a $45 fee starting Feb. 1
Read full article: Virginia travelers without an acceptable form of ID will have to pay a $45 fee starting Feb. 1If youโre flying out of Virginia and donโt have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, thereโs a new fee you should know about.
Malik Thomas scores 19 points as No. 16 Virginia beats No. 20 Louisville 79-70
Read full article: Malik Thomas scores 19 points as No. 16 Virginia beats No. 20 Louisville 79-70Virginia shot just 40% from the field but led throughout and made 7 of 13 3-pointers after halftime in its first meeting with a ranked foe this season.
WATCH: Boones Mill Town Council gets community feedback on cannabis ordinance needs
Read full article: WATCH: Boones Mill Town Council gets community feedback on cannabis ordinance needsThe Virginia General Assembly convenes Wednesday and a proposed bill would allow for the legal sale of marijuana in the Commonwealth starting Nov. 1.
AARP Virginia pushes for lower drug costs, paid leave and crypto fraud protections at General Assembly
Read full article: AARP Virginia pushes for lower drug costs, paid leave and crypto fraud protections at General AssemblyAARP announced that volunteer advocates will urge lawmakers to act on the organizationโs legislative agenda when the General Assembly convenes on Jan. 14.
Pulaski County Animal Control offering rabies vaccines after cat tests positive for rabies
Read full article: Pulaski County Animal Control offering rabies vaccines after cat tests positive for rabiesPulaski County Animal Control is now offering rabies vaccines after a cat tested positive for rabies on Thursday, Pulaski County Animal Control said.
Protestors gather at Roanoke as part of nationwide protests following fatal shooting by ICE agent
Read full article: Protestors gather at Roanoke as part of nationwide protests following fatal shooting by ICE agentDozens - if not more than a hundred people - gathered at Elmwood Park on Sunday afternoon to take part in a nationwide movement after a deadly shooting in Minnesota involving an ICE Agent.
Virginia Tech experts discuss Maduro capture, political consequences
Read full article: Virginia Tech experts discuss Maduro capture, political consequencesEarlier this month, American strikes were carried out on Venezuelaโs capital that killed civilians and resulted in the capture of the countryโs sitting president, Nicolรกs Maduro, as well as his wife.
Virginia man pleads not guilty to charges in DC pipe bomb case
Read full article: Virginia man pleads not guilty to charges in DC pipe bomb caseA Virginia man has pleaded not guilty to charges accusing him of planting two pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Democratic and Republican national parties on the eve of the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021.
How the Salem Stampede Championship Rodeo began: From the Loretta Lynn Rodeo to a 59-year tradition
Read full article: How the Salem Stampede Championship Rodeo began: From the Loretta Lynn Rodeo to a 59-year traditionThe Salem Stampede Rodeo has been entertaining and thrilling families for decades, celebrating its 59th anniversary this year, but have you ever been curious how it got its start?
Virginia, UK present twin time capsule, capstone for Americaโs 250th anniversary
Read full article: Virginia, UK present twin time capsule, capstone for Americaโs 250th anniversaryTo mark Americaโs 250th anniversary of independence, Virginia and the United Kingdom have presented a twin titanium time capsule and a capstone from the George Washington statue in London to the U.S. Department of Interior.
Transitions after T-Mobileโs acquisition of Lumos leads to unexpected service issues for some customers
Read full article: Transitions after T-Mobileโs acquisition of Lumos leads to unexpected service issues for some customersFormer Lumos customers are facing significant service disruptions and lengthy wait times as their internet and phone services transition to T-Mobile following last yearโs acquisition.
New Virginia law removes cost barriers for breast cancer screenings
Read full article: New Virginia law removes cost barriers for breast cancer screeningsVirginia's new law, effective 2026, prohibits insurance deductibles for breast cancer screenings, aiming to improve early detection and outcomes for high-risk patients like Leanne Keen.
Bell-To-Bell Cellphone Policy: Is it working?
Read full article: Bell-To-Bell Cellphone Policy: Is it working?Virginia schools are reporting positive results halfway through the first academic year of implementing the stateโs new โbell-to-bellโ cell phone policy, with administrators noting improvements in both academic focus and social interaction among students.
Campbell County supervisors vote on new data center regulations
Read full article: Campbell County supervisors vote on new data center regulationsCampbell County supervisors are set to vote on new regulations that would tighten control over data center development, marking a significant shift in how the county approaches these large-scale tech facilities.
Virginia State Police report decrease in violent crime, continuing trend
Read full article: Virginia State Police report decrease in violent crime, continuing trendVirginiaโs Annual Crime Analysis Report was revealed in December, and it showed a continuing downward trend for violent crime in the commonwealth.
Ways to save when traveling via Amtrak in Virginia
Read full article: Ways to save when traveling via Amtrak in VirginiaAmtrak is a cheap and easy way for those around the country to travel without having to take a car, and luckily, there are plenty of deals to make a ride that much more enticing in Virginia.
Woman lands 30-pound blue catfish on James River in Virginia, sets IGFA womenโs line class world record
Read full article: Woman lands 30-pound blue catfish on James River in Virginia, sets IGFA womenโs line class world recordOne lucky woman kicked off 2026 with the catch of a lifetime: a 30-pound blue catfish.
Project Rise takes advantage of grant money to help young entrepreneurs grow
Read full article: Project Rise takes advantage of grant money to help young entrepreneurs growLast week, Governor Glenn Youngkin and GO Virginia granted $6.2 million in grant money for ten projects across Virginia. $648,000 are going towards Project Rise, an initiative that gives a boost to startup tech companies in the Roanoke and New River Valley areas.
Empty storefronts plague downtown Roanoke: What the city is doing to turn things around
Read full article: Empty storefronts plague downtown Roanoke: What the city is doing to turn things aroundKeith Clinton, co-owner of R.T. Smith's Deli, shares insights on the challenges facing downtown Roanoke's business environment, from empty storefronts to decreased foot traffic, while city officials work on solutions.
Funding challenges force Roanoke Diversity Center staff layoffs as Virginia appoints new diversity leader
Read full article: Funding challenges force Roanoke Diversity Center staff layoffs as Virginia appoints new diversity leaderRoanokeโs Diversity Center recently had to lay off its staff, including Bernard Alvarez, who has been with the organization since its beginning. This difficult decision came as Virginiaโs new governor prepares to appoint a new director of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Application deadline for 2026 Virginias Associated Press Broadcastersโ scholarship is Jan. 25
Read full article: Application deadline for 2026 Virginias Associated Press Broadcastersโ scholarship is Jan. 25The deadline to apply for the 2026 Virginias Associated Press Broadcastersโ $1000 scholarship is Jan. 25.
Former Bedford Fire Chief reappointed as Executive Director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs by Spanberger
Read full article: Former Bedford Fire Chief reappointed as Executive Director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs by SpanbergerGovernor-elect Abigail Spanberger announced Monday that she had appointed Brad Creasy as Executive Director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. Creasy began his career with the Bedford Volunteer Fire Department before becoming a career firefighter with the Roanoke Fire and EMS Department.
VDACS accepting pre-applications for 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, due in Feb.
Read full article: VDACS accepting pre-applications for 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, due in Feb.The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced they are accepting pre-applications for the 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant program through January, until Feb. 6. The funding is intended to increase the competitiveness of Virginia specialty crops in the marketplace.
Virginia lawmakers react to capture of Venezuelan President Maduro, respond to President Trump
Read full article: Virginia lawmakers react to capture of Venezuelan President Maduro, respond to President TrumpMany state lawmakers responded to the U.S. strikes on Venezuela that resulted in the capture of the country's president. See what they had to say here.
New River Valley Passenger Rail Project on Track for 2027 Launch
Read full article: New River Valley Passenger Rail Project on Track for 2027 LaunchConstruction advances on Christiansburgโs new train station, marking a significant step toward restoring passenger rail service to the New River Valley after a nearly 50-year absence.
Celebrating Virginiaโs history one patch at a time with Patchwork 250
Read full article: Celebrating Virginiaโs history one patch at a time with Patchwork 250As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States and Virginia, weโre embarking on a journey to celebrate the rich history of the place we call home.
Virginia lawmakers to reconsider eliminating grocery tax
Read full article: Virginia lawmakers to reconsider eliminating grocery taxVirginia families could soon save approximately $150 annually as lawmakers consider eliminating the stateโs 1% grocery tax, though the move could cost the state $250 million in revenue.
Virginia limits social media time for kids under 16 starting next year
Read full article: Virginia limits social media time for kids under 16 starting next yearStarting January 1, children under 16 in Virginia will face new limits on how much time they can spend on social media apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. The new law, signed earlier this year by Governor Glenn Youngkin, aims to help parents manage their kidsโ screen time and promote healthier online habits.
Two Roanoke men arrested following investigation into thefts that spanned multiple Virginia jurisdictions
Read full article: Two Roanoke men arrested following investigation into thefts that spanned multiple Virginia jurisdictionsThe Bedford Police Department announced Tuesday that it had arrested two Roanoke men and charged them with multiple offenses related to destruction of property and larceny following an investigation.
Virginia updates vehicle inspection stickers for 2026, introduces new rejection sticker design
Read full article: Virginia updates vehicle inspection stickers for 2026, introduces new rejection sticker designAs the calendar turns to 2026, Virginia will roll out updated vehicle safety inspection stickers featuring new colors and improved security features, Virginia State Police announced.
Patchwork 250: Washington and Lee Universityโs treasured letter from George Washington
Read full article: Patchwork 250: Washington and Lee Universityโs treasured letter from George WashingtonWashington provided stock to the fledgling Liberty Hall Academy, laying the groundwork for the institution's survival.
Patchwork 250: 1912 Carroll County Courthouse massacre impact still felt in New River Valley
Read full article: Patchwork 250: 1912 Carroll County Courthouse massacre impact still felt in New River ValleyTo this day, it remains unclear who fired the first shot โ whether it was Floyd Allenโs son, the sheriff, or someone else.
Patchwork 250: VMIโs historic integration and its impact on future leaders
Read full article: Patchwork 250: VMIโs historic integration and its impact on future leadersIn 1968, the Virginia Military Institute took a monumental step by becoming the last public higher education institution in Virginia to integrate.
CEOs invest $156 billion in Virginia during Youngkinโs term, exceeding prior six administrations
Read full article: CEOs invest $156 billion in Virginia during Youngkinโs term, exceeding prior six administrationsSince Glenn Youngkin took office as governor of Virginia, CEOs have invested $156 billion in the Commonwealth, more than the previous six gubernatorial administrations combined.
Martinsville Mayor L.C. Jones facing recall effort amid investigation
Read full article: Martinsville Mayor L.C. Jones facing recall effort amid investigationA group of Martinsville residents have initiated a recall effort against Mayor L.C. Jones, citing concerns over transparency in the investigation of former City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides.
Virginia minimum wage rises to $12.77 an hour starting 2026
Read full article: Virginia minimum wage rises to $12.77 an hour starting 2026As Virginia welcomes 2026, a significant change is coming to paychecks across the state. Starting Monday, the minimum wage will increase to $12.77 an hour โ a 36-cent raise.
