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News

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Health

Virginia reorganizes its nursing scholarship programs after a report finds over $10M unspent

Virginia reorganizes nursing scholarship programs after report finds over $10M unspent

Updated: 4 hours ago
|
By WDBJ7 Staff
As we continue our coverage of healthcare concerns across our hometowns, one of the key issues surrounding the stability of hospitals in Southwest Virginia is workforce recruitment and retention.

Politics

Virginia’s new attorney general is out with a stern warning about federal pressure on the...

Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones emphasizes collaboration

Updated: 4 hours ago
|
By Kate Capodanno
Virginia’s attorney general made a stop in the Roanoke Valley and sat down with WDBJ7 to talk about the first six months on the job.

Crime

Curtis McBride

Man arrested after neighborhood shooting and standoff with law enforcement

Updated: 5 hours ago
|
By Leslie Johnson
A man was arrested after a neighborhood shooting and a standoff with law enforcement Tuesday, June 9, according to Patrick County Sheriff Dan Smith.

Crime

Rayshaun Gravely

Martinsville city councilman charged with driving under suspended license

Updated: 6 hours ago
|
By Leslie Johnson
Martinsville City Councilman Rayshaun Gravely was charged with driving under a suspended license and expired inspection sticker, according to Sheriff Steve Draper.

Crime

Generic image

Person hospitalized after NW Roanoke shooting

Updated: 6 hours ago
|
By Leslie Johnson
A person was hospitalized after a shooting Tuesday, June 9, according to Roanoke Police.

Investigation

Federal investigators are once again working at a Bedford County property that has been linked...

FBI returns to Taylor Mountain property tied to decades-old Bedford County case

Updated: 7 hours ago
|
By Leila Mitchell
Federal investigators are once again working at a Bedford County property that has been linked to multiple high-profile cases dating back decades.

Development

The town center is becoming a walkable, one-stop shop community.

Daleville Town Center growing; new grocery store proposed

Updated: 23 hours ago
|
By Tynisha Jackson
The town center is becoming a walkable, one-stop community.

Court

Bedford County is being sued by its former parks and recreation director, who claims he was...

Bedford County sued by former parks and rec director

Updated: Jun. 8, 2026 at 6:45 PM EDT
|
By Colby Johnson
Bedford County is being sued by its former parks and recreation director, who claims he was wrongfully fired for raising concerns about wrongdoing by one of the county’s partners.

Health

Virginia Joint Commission on Health Care meeting

Financial warning signs raise fears of rural hospital closures

Updated: Jun. 8, 2026 at 6:38 PM EDT
|
By WDBJ7 Staff
A rural health care shortage — our hometowns face a dire issue. Maybe you’ve heard about it. Maybe you’ve experienced it yourself. Now, it could get worse.

Crime

Police Lights Generic

Man injured in NW Roanoke shooting

Updated: Jun. 8, 2026 at 4:54 PM EDT
|
By Leslie Johnson
A man was injured in a shooting Sunday, June 7, according to Roanoke Police.
Local Radar
Local Radar

Crime

Generic image

Person injured by glass fragments from bullet fired into car

Updated: Jun. 8, 2026 at 3:44 PM EDT
|
By Leslie Johnson
A person was injured by glass fragments from a bullet fired into in a car at a graduation party Sunday, June 7, according to the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office.

News

The cost of "cooling off" is effecting the Forest Hills Swim Club in Cave Spring, Virginia.

Cooling off may cost more this summer

Updated: Jun. 7, 2026 at 10:53 PM EDT
|
By WDBJ7 Staff
The cost of cooling down this summer may be a little higher than in years past. The U.S. inflation rate currently sits around 3.8%, and the cost of traveling in Virginia is still higher than it was in 2025.

Business News

Fork in the Market on reopening day, six months after a grease fire forced the restaurant to...

Roanoke restaurant changing ownership after recovering from fire

Updated: Jun. 7, 2026 at 6:57 PM EDT
|
By WDBJ7 Staff
Fork in the Market is changing ownership less than a year after reopening from a fire that caused the bar to close for six months.

Community

A pirate-themed boat floats on Smith Mountain Lake at Crazy Horse Marina

Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days 2026 happening at new venue

Updated: Jun. 7, 2026 at 3:07 PM EDT
|
By Leslie Johnson
Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days will take place at a new venue, according to the Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days Facebook page.

News

The Roanoke Civic Center opened in march 1971 after five years of planning and construction.

WDBJ7 Archive: Back to the beginning of Roanoke’s civic center

Updated: Jun. 7, 2026 at 12:30 PM EDT
|
By Joe Dashiell
But in this week’s visit to the WDBJ7 Archive, we go back to the beginning of Roanoke's civic center and the groundbreaking 60 years ago.

Military

The Museum hosted a series of festivities honoring the lives of those who fought on D-Day.

NRV WWII Museum commemorates 82nd D-Day Anniversary

Updated: Jun. 6, 2026 at 11:56 PM EDT
|
By WDBJ7 Staff
The Museum hosted a series of festivities honoring the lives of those who fought on D-Day.

Hometown Veterans: Honoring our Heroes

The National D-Day Memorial marks 25 years in Bedford, Virginia.

National D-Day Memorial marks 25 years in Bedford

Updated: Jun. 6, 2026 at 11:45 PM EDT
|
By WDBJ7 Staff
It’s been 82 years since U.S. and Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy during World War II.

Accident

Fries crash scene with overturned vehicle

Fries Fire and Rescue responds to two crashes and water rescue in one day

Updated: Jun. 6, 2026 at 3:04 PM EDT
|
By Leslie Johnson
Fries Fire and Rescue responded to two crashes and a water rescue in one day.

Memorial

James Clayton Ware

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office mourns former deputy

Updated: Jun. 6, 2026 at 2:43 PM EDT
|
By Leslie Johnson
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office announced the passing of former Deputy James Clayton Ware.

News

WWII D-Day Veterans George Hubbard and James Flinchum were honored ahead of the D-Day anniversary

Two local WWII D-Day Veterans reflect 82 years later

Updated: Jun. 6, 2026 at 5:00 AM EDT
|
By Melissa Gaona
Both George Hubbard and James Flinchum were honored ahead of the D-Day anniversary

Memorial

June is Gun Violence Prevention Month

FEDUP “They Had Dreams” walk honors 80 Roanoke gun violence victims

Updated: Jun. 5, 2026 at 11:27 PM EDT
|
By Tynisha Jackson
June is Gun Violence Awareness Month.

Community

Franklin County mullet competition

Franklin County holds mullet competition

Updated: Jun. 5, 2026 at 8:28 PM EDT
|
By Leslie Johnson
The competition will be held at the Franklin County High School football field at 8 p.m.

Health

Local hospitals release statements as 13 rural hospitals in Virginia at risk of closing

Updated: Jun. 5, 2026 at 8:11 PM EDT
|
By Leslie Johnson
A new report from the Virginia Joint Commission on Health Care (VJCH) finds 13 of the 36 rural hospitals operating in the Commonwealth are at risk of closing.

Politics

State Budget Negotiation Issues Roundtable

Tensions rise as clock ticks toward Virginia budget deadline

Updated: Jun. 5, 2026 at 6:48 PM EDT
|
By Kate Capodanno
After an optimistic start to the week, negotiations appear to have stalled with State Senators taking to social media to share their frustrations.

Memorial

Carroll County Sheriff's Deputy Logan Utt, killed in the line of duty May 29, 2026

Carroll County Deputy Logan Utt laid to rest

Updated: Jun. 5, 2026 at 5:48 PM EDT
|
By Colby Johnson
Carroll County Deputy Logan Utt was laid to rest Friday afternoon after he was killed in the line of duty last Friday night.

Accident

Chatham crash scene

Two hospitalized after fiery crash involving tractor trailer and dump truck

Updated: Jun. 5, 2026 at 4:38 PM EDT
|
By Leslie Johnson
Two people were hospitalized Friday, June 5 after a crash involving a tractor trailer and dump truck, according to the Chatham Volunteer Fire Department.

Traffic

Crashes on Rutgers Road

Roanoke neighborhood asks for help to curb speeding and crashes

Updated: Jun. 5, 2026 at 4:33 PM EDT
|
By Austin Hicks
Residents told WDBJ7 drivers frequently ignore the 25 mph speed limit, and they worry the next crash could have devastating consequences.

Education

Imagination Library

Roanoke organizations partner with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Updated: Jun. 5, 2026 at 3:04 PM EDT
|
By Makayla Shelton
One thousand children in the Roanoke area will soon receive free books every month.

Safety

The new year marked the end to a city-wide curfew for anyone under the age of 18. People who...

Lynchburg curfew shows low violations as summer break raises safety concerns for teens

Updated: Jun. 5, 2026 at 3:01 PM EDT
|
By Leila Mitchell
The citywide ordinance prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from being in public places between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Court

As part of the plea deal and sentencing conditions, Strotman must surrender her nursing...

Former Henrico Doctors’ NICU nurse to serve 3 years in prison

Updated: Jun. 5, 2026 at 1:56 PM EDT
|
By 12 On Your Side Digital Team and Sarah Chakales
A former Henrico NICU nurse has been sentenced in a child abuse case involving newborn babies.

Consumer

wedding rings generic

Cost-cutting available to save money on wedding planning

Updated: Jun. 5, 2026 at 11:18 AM EDT
|
By Makayla Shelton
Wedding season is here and the average price for a wedding these days is $36,000 in the U.S.

Business News

The mill in Elliston operated for over 175 years before closing in 2022.

Big Spring Mill set to reopen under new ownership

Updated: Jun. 4, 2026 at 10:47 PM EDT
|
By Tynisha Jackson
The mill in Elliston operated for over 175 years before closing in 2022.

Business News

Gun Shop

Virginia gun sales up as new restrictions take effect July 1

Updated: Jun. 4, 2026 at 9:45 PM EDT
|
By Austin Hicks
Gun shops across Virginia say they’ve seen a spike in customers and sales in recent months as new firearms restrictions signed by Governor Abigail Spanberger are set to take effect July 1.

Entertainment

The Dog Bowl returns with music that gives back

Updated: Jun. 4, 2026 at 8:44 PM EDT
|
By WDBJ7 Staff
5 Points Music Foundation coordinates the music and helped expand the series this year to include the Sunday brunch performance that puts a focus on giving back.

Crime

Christopher Tolley mugshot

Lexington man arrested after assault and battery involving gun

Updated: Jun. 4, 2026 at 7:00 PM EDT
|
By Pat Thomas
A Lexington man has been arrested in Augusta County on charges connected to an assault and battery.

Court

In 2016, now retired Circuit Court Judge David Williams sentenced Puckett to 40 years in jail...

Retired judge explains 2016 sentencing of Michael Puckett in explosives case

Updated: Jun. 4, 2026 at 6:22 PM EDT
|
By Colby Johnson
In 2016, now-retired Circuit Court Judge David Williams sentenced Puckett to 40 years in jail with all but eight months of the sentence suspended.

7@four

Kaitlyn Kirkpatrick Introduced as New Anchor and Reporter

Kaitlyn Kirkpatrick introduced as new anchor and reporter

Updated: Jun. 4, 2026 at 4:58 PM EDT
|
By WDBJ7 Staff
Help welcome Kaitlyn as your newest weekend anchor and reporter at WDBJ.

Schools

Parents in Bedford County are upset after learning that Bedford County Public Schools is...

Parents continue to challenge Bedford County Public Schools on Stewartsville Elementary closure process

Updated: Jun. 4, 2026 at 4:36 PM EDT
|
By Kaira Willis
A Bedford County parent continues to challenge the school division’s handling of the Stewartsville Elementary School closure process by appearing in court Thursday.

Traffic

The event is expected to be held from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. in the Meadows of Dan Elementary...

VDOT to host public information meeting for Route 58 widening project

Updated: Jun. 4, 2026 at 2:25 PM EDT
|
By Jeff Singer
The project will adjoin the Route 58 Lover’s Leap widening project.

Schools

Glen Chilcote was selected for his 16 years of experience in education, according to the...

Montgomery County Schools hires replacement for principal who was arrested

Updated: Jun. 4, 2026 at 1:26 PM EDT
|
By WDBJ7 Staff
“I am thrilled to be coming home to Kipps."

College

Virginia Tech receives $75 million donation

Updated: Jun. 4, 2026 at 11:06 AM EDT
|
By Jeff Singer
“This historic commitment reflects extraordinary confidence in Virginia Tech’s rising potential in athletics and impactful scholarship.”

Crime

21-year-old Terrence Epperson was apprehended by the Appomattox County Sheriff's Office,...

Deputies confirm Lynchburg man, who escaped court, is in custody

Updated: Jun. 4, 2026 at 9:38 AM EDT
|
By Jeff Singer
On Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at around 8:57 p.m., 21-year-old Terrence Epperson was taken into custody and placed in jail.

Accident

Crews say a heavy-duty rotator was needed to get the pickup truck out from the embankment.

Fincastle Volunteer FD rescues three people from two accidents

Updated: Jun. 4, 2026 at 7:11 AM EDT
|
By Jeff Singer
“These incidents demonstrate the value of a highly trained volunteer fire department..."

Safety

Generic image of text that reads "FOUND SAFE" over a missing person poster.

Campbell County man found safe

Updated: Jun. 4, 2026 at 6:27 AM EDT
|
By Jeff Singer
The man has been found safe, according the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office.

Community

The group pointed to cases where the cameras were used beyond its stated purpose.

‘We Are CASA’ joins Delegate Rasoul in fight against Roanoke Flock cameras

Updated: Jun. 3, 2026 at 10:25 PM EDT
|
By Tynisha Jackson
The group pointed to cases where cameras were used beyond its stated purpose.

Crime

Manhunt in Fairlawn area of Pulaski County

Back to normal is okay, per Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office; search for man and woman continues

Updated: Jun. 3, 2026 at 8:35 PM EDT
|
By WDBJ7 Staff
The Sheriff’s Office said it believes this was an isolated incident and there have been no further sightings of the man and woman.

Safety

Chad Shull, reporting missing from Campbell County

Man reported missing from Campbell County

Updated: Jun. 3, 2026 at 8:12 PM EDT
|
By Pat Thomas
The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance locating a missing man.

Memorial

Carroll County Sheriff's Deputy Logan Utt lost his life in a shooting this week.

Flags in Virginia ordered at half-staff in honor of slain deputy

Updated: Jun. 3, 2026 at 7:19 PM EDT
|
By Pat Thomas
Flags will be lowered June 5, 2026, the day Deputy Utt will be laid to rest.

Traffic

Speed safety cameras go live on Interstate 81 in Roanoke and Botetourt Counties.

Speed safety cameras live on I-81 in Roanoke, Botetourt counties

Updated: Jun. 3, 2026 at 6:35 PM EDT
|
By WDBJ7 Staff
The I-81 widening project in Roanoke and Botetourt counties is moving forward, and Virginia State Police want to ensure safety in the work zone.

National Politics

FILE -- The USS Gerald R. Ford pulls up to Pier 11 at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Va. on...

House approves war powers resolution to halt military action against Iran, in a rebuke of Trump

Updated: Jun. 3, 2026 at 5:47 PM EDT
|
By The Associated Press and LISA MASCARO, AP Congressional Correspondent
The House approved a war powers resolution that would halt the U.S. military action against Iran.
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