Abigail Spanberger becomes Virginia's 1st female governor in historic inauguration
Read full article: Abigail Spanberger becomes Virginia's 1st female governor in historic inaugurationAbigail Spanberger is set to become Virginia's first female governor after centuries of men holding the state's top office.
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.
Governor Youngkin announces Virginia Grand Basin Clean Water Farm Awards, including winners in our region
Read full article: Governor Youngkin announces Virginia Grand Basin Clean Water Farm Awards, including winners in our regionGovernor Glenn Youngkin announced the 10 winners of the Virginia Grand Basin Clean Water Farm Awards for 2025 earlier this month.
$5 million in matching grants available to Virginia Dam Owners
Read full article: $5 million in matching grants available to Virginia Dam OwnersThe Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation announced earlier this month the opening of a new grant round for the Virginia Dam Safety, Flood Prevention and Protection Assistance Fund.
Virginia offshore wind developer sues over Trump administration order halting projects
Read full article: Virginia offshore wind developer sues over Trump administration order halting projectsThe developers of a Virginia offshore wind project are asking a federal judge to block a Trump administration order that halted construction of their project, along with four others, over national security concerns.
Roanoke Rescue Mission brings Christmas cheer to more than 500 neighbors in need
Read full article: Roanoke Rescue Mission brings Christmas cheer to more than 500 neighbors in needVolunteers and staff at Roanoke Rescue Mission work tirelessly to provide meals and companionship, ensuring everyone feels included and loved during the holidays.
How Roanoke families keep Christmas spirit alive through traditions and kindness
Read full article: How Roanoke families keep Christmas spirit alive through traditions and kindnessWith Christmas around the corner, people across Roanoke are celebrating in their own unique ways. For some, itโs all about keeping traditions alive.
Radford student gives back to Giles County community for Christmas
Read full article: Radford student gives back to Giles County community for ChristmasA 19-year-old nursing studentโs childhood vision has grown into an eight-year tradition of serving free Christmas dinners to her community in Giles County, Virginia.
Virginia family says they were swarmed and bitten by bedbugs on flight, sue Delta and KLM airlines
Read full article: Virginia family says they were swarmed and bitten by bedbugs on flight, sue Delta and KLM airlinesDelta Air Lines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have been named as defendants in a lawsuit from a Virginia family who allege they were โbitten and injured by bed bugs that had infested the cabinโ of a flight they took earlier this year.
A warm and muggy start to Christmas Eve: Hereโs your full holiday forecast
Read full article: A warm and muggy start to Christmas Eve: Hereโs your full holiday forecastIf youโve got some super last-minute shopping to do, the weather will once again not get in the way. It will be a bit on the warmer side all day long.
Last-minute shoppers in Roanoke face crowded stores, rising prices as they hunt for Christmas gifts
Read full article: Last-minute shoppers in Roanoke face crowded stores, rising prices as they hunt for Christmas giftsDespite economic pressures, Roanoke shoppers are determined to keep the Christmas spirit alive, with local businesses hoping for a seasonal boost.
2026 โJaws of Justiceโ K9 Calendar now available for purchase
Read full article: 2026 โJaws of Justiceโ K9 Calendar now available for purchaseIf youโre looking to start your day on a โpaw-sitiveโ note, local law enforcement agencies have announced the sale of the 2026 โJaws of Justiceโ K9 Calendar.
Record-breaking $154.5 million in affordable housing loans to support nearly 50 Virginia projects
Read full article: Record-breaking $154.5 million in affordable housing loans to support nearly 50 Virginia projectsA record-breaking $154.5 million in Affordable and Special Needs Housing loans will support nearly 50 projects across the Commonwealth, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced.
Warm and windy conditions return; We have an update on holiday travel!
Read full article: Warm and windy conditions return; We have an update on holiday travel!If you were hoping for a white Christmas, we have bad news for you. It will be exceptionally warm across the majority of the country for the holiday this year.
Virginia receives $1.5 million in multistate settlement with Mercedes-Benz on emissions violations
Read full article: Virginia receives $1.5 million in multistate settlement with Mercedes-Benz on emissions violationsVirginia Attorney General Jason Miyares announced today that the state is part of a coalition of 50 attorneys general that reached a $149.7 million settlement with Mercedes-Benz USA and Daimler AG.
