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News

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Schools

Leaders say the first year of The Roost was a success.

Virginia Tech’s recovery housing finds strong start in first year

Updated: 21 minutes ago
|
By Taylor Locke
At Virginia Tech, The Roost is redefining what it means to live in recovery on campus, bringing students together with a shared purpose.

Court

Roanoke Police at Ferncliff Apartments... 6.5.24

Teen who pleaded guilty to killing another teen sentenced to prison

Updated: 57 minutes ago
|
By WDBJ7 Staff
Daydrian Martin pleaded to the murder of 15-year-old Isaac Cunningham.

Memorial

Former Virginia Delegate John Cox (R-55)

Flags to be lowered in Virginia in honor of late Delegate Cox

Updated: 4 hours ago
|
By Pat Thomas
Flags shall be lowered at sunrise September 9, 2025, and remain at half-staff until sunset.

Entertainment

Gailard Sartain, who spent two decades on the sketch variety show “Hee Haw,” has died at age 81.

Rick Davies, lead singer of Supertramp, dies at 81

Updated: 5 hours ago
|
By The Associated Press
Rick Davies, the lead singer and co-founder of British band Supertramp, has died after a long battle with cancer, the band said Monday. He was 81.

Crime

Trump on Charlotte CATS light rail stabbing

President Trump reacts to ‘horrible’ Charlotte light rail stabbing after video released

Updated: 8 hours ago
|
By Luke Tucker
A 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee was stabbed to death on a CATS train on Aug. 22.

Safety

Bedford woman found safe

Updated: 22 hours ago
|
By Leslie Johnson
The woman was found safe, according to the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office.

Crime

Roanoke shooting suspect Gilberto Hernandez Rodriguez

Man sought in fatal Roanoke shooting

Updated: Sep. 7, 2025 at 12:12 PM EDT
|
By Leslie Johnson
Roanoke Police are searching for a man after a fatal shooting Sunday, September 7.

Lottery

Virginia tickets score big in Saturday’s Powerball drawing

Virginia tickets score big in Saturday’s Powerball drawing

Updated: Sep. 7, 2025 at 8:50 AM EDT
|
By 12 On Your Side Digital Team
Several lucky ticket holders in Virginia are going home with big winnings after securing a prize in Saturday Night’s Powerball drawing.

Lottery

An electronic sign reads $1.8 billion as crowds wait in line to buy lottery tickets at the...

Powerball lottery players in Missouri and Texas to split $1.8 billion jackpot

Updated: Sep. 7, 2025 at 8:16 AM EDT
|
By The Associated Press
Powerball players in two states overcame astronomical odds to end the lottery game’s three-month drought without a big winner.

Recalls

Baby loungers sold on Amazon have been recalled.

Baby loungers sold on Amazon recalled for suffocation risks

Updated: Sep. 7, 2025 at 7:29 AM EDT
|
By Amanda Alvarado
Baby loungers sold on Amazon have been recalled for suffocation risks.
Local Radar
Local Radar

Fire

Cave Spring house fire

No injuries reported in Cave Spring house fire

Updated: Sep. 6, 2025 at 7:51 PM EDT
|
By Leslie Johnson
Firefighters say damage is estimated at $200,000 and no one was displaced.

Accident

Train crash generic

Person injured in Altavista train crash

Updated: Sep. 6, 2025 at 7:36 PM EDT
|
By Leslie Johnson
A person was injured in a train crash Saturday, September 6, according to Altavista Police.

Accident

Police Lights Generic

Man injured after being rolled over by his vehicle

Updated: Sep. 6, 2025 at 6:47 PM EDT
|
By Leslie Johnson
A man was injured after being rolled over by his own vehicle Saturday, September 6, according to Lynchburg Police.

Memorial

Candlelight vigil honored Blake Sturm

Vigil honors man, his impact on LGBTQ community

Updated: Sep. 5, 2025 at 10:41 PM EDT
|
By Kate Capodanno and WDBJ7 Staff
Blake Sturm was known for entertaining crowds with his drag performances and creating a space of acceptance.

Safety

De'Riona Alexander

Lynchburg Police in search of missing 16-year-old girl

Updated: Sep. 5, 2025 at 9:00 PM EDT
|
By Leslie Johnson
Lynchburg Police are requesting the public’s assistance in searching for a missing 16-year-old girl.

Entertainment

The Tazewell County Public Library is now partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Tazewell County joins Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Updated: Sep. 5, 2025 at 6:32 PM EDT
|
By Taylor Hankins
The Tazewell County Public Library is now partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Community

Camden Thepsimuong

Roanoke Valley showing support by having Christmas for ill student Camden Thepsimuong

Updated: Sep. 5, 2025 at 6:25 PM EDT
|
By Kaira Willis
They’re doing this to show support for Camden Thepsimuong, the William Byrd High School senior who was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma last year.

Business News

Local business managers said football season is their busiest time of year.

“Everybody’s pumped.” Businesses gear up for a busy Virginia Tech football season

Updated: Sep. 5, 2025 at 5:38 PM EDT
|
By Lindsey Cook
It’s a sold-out game for Virginia Tech this weekend with thousands piling into Blacksburg as the Hokies take on Vanderbilt in the team’s home opener.

Investigation

Martinsville’s Commonwealth’s Attorney said he’s struggling to obtain all necessary...

Martinsville Commonwealth’s Attorney talks investigation in city manager case

Updated: Sep. 5, 2025 at 5:24 PM EDT
|
By Colby Johnson
Leading up to and after Benavides’s firing, there has been controversy over the potential misuse of city funds.

Entertainment

Mark Volman, singer and co-founder of the rock band The Turtles and the music duo, Flo &...

Mark Volman, singer and co-founder of The Turtles, dies at 78

Updated: Sep. 5, 2025 at 3:41 PM EDT
|
By Dorothy Sedovic
Mark Volman, a founding member of the rock band The Turtles and the music duo, Flo & Eddie, died on Friday, according to reports.

Business News

Mountain Lake Lodge inducted into Historic Hotels of America

Updated: Sep. 5, 2025 at 3:32 PM EDT
|
By Pat Thomas
Parts of the 1987 movie "Dirty Dancing" were filmed at the lodge.

Court

Nathaniel Pridemore mugshot

Suspect in two murders pleads guilty to charges of assault on law enforcement officers

Updated: Sep. 5, 2025 at 2:13 PM EDT
|
By Leila Mitchell and Pat Thomas
Nathaniel Pridemore pleaded guilty during trial September 5, 2025.

Weather News

Severe weather/tornado

Dozens of trees destroyed in Halifax County tornado

Updated: Sep. 5, 2025 at 1:16 PM EDT
|
By Pat Thomas
The EF1 tornado hit Cherry Hill Church Road at roughly 105 miles per hour.

Recalls

A recall has been issued for more than 60,000 cordless grease guns and grease hoses.

Grease guns recalled after several reports of laceration injuries

Updated: Sep. 5, 2025 at 12:54 PM EDT
|
By Debra Worley
A recall has been issued for more than 60,000 cordless grease guns and grease hoses.

Lottery

A Powerball lottery ticket is printed out of a lottery machine at a convenience store in...

Powerball jackpot rises to $1.8 billion; becomes second largest in lottery history

Updated: Sep. 5, 2025 at 12:19 PM EDT
|
By Dorothy Sedovic
Powerball officials reported on Friday the jackpot rose to $1.8 billion.

Community

Outgoing Lynchburg Police Chief Ryan Zuidema sits down with WDBJ7's Logan Sherrill to reflect...

Outgoing Police Chief Ryan Zuidema reflects on 30 years of service to Lynchburg

Updated: Sep. 5, 2025 at 11:32 AM EDT
|
By Logan Sherrill
Outgoing Lychburg Police Chief Ryan Zuidema sits down to talk achievements, regrets, and donuts.

Weather News

LingoNetworks Damage

Storms tear through Galax, leaving heavy damage

Updated: Sep. 4, 2025 at 9:37 PM EDT
|
By Austin Hicks
Throughout our hometowns, severe weather swept through and caused severe damage, and in Galax, it is no different.

Crime

Generic image

Person sought in Bedford snatch-and-run

Updated: Sep. 4, 2025 at 7:02 PM EDT
|
By Leslie Johnson
Bedford Police are investigating a snatch-and-run at the Shell Station on 856 Burks Hill Road.

Technology

The program caters to workforce professionals pursuing careers in cybersecurity to bring more...

Radford University program offers cybersecurity education to working professionals

Updated: Sep. 4, 2025 at 6:03 PM EDT
|
By Lindsey Cook
Officials with the program said this education is needed now more than ever as we're in a new era of the digital age.

Safety

Law enforcement across the state is beginning to use the Blue Envelope Program in hopes of...

Blue Envelope Program designed to help drivers on autism spectrum

Updated: Sep. 4, 2025 at 5:47 PM EDT
|
By Kaira Willis
The state’s disability commission met to discuss a program that aims to help drivers with autism during traffic stops.

Recreation

A popular stretch of Creekside Trail is finally reopening.

Parts of Creekside Trail reopen stronger years after 2018 flood

Updated: Sep. 4, 2025 at 5:43 PM EDT
|
By Leila Mitchell
A popular stretch of Creekside Trail is finally reopening.

Crime

Jawward Saunders mugshot

16- and 18-year-old charged for Roanoke killing

Updated: Sep. 4, 2025 at 5:30 PM EDT
|
By Pat Thomas
18-year-old Jawward Saunders and his brother, 16-year-old God Saunders, have been charge for the death of Isaac Cunningham.

Crime

Allante Hairston photo

Suspect in Danville apartment shooting arrested

Updated: Sep. 4, 2025 at 5:28 PM EDT
|
By Leslie Johnson
A man wanted in a shooting at a Danville apartment complex was arrested Thursday, September 4, according to Danville Police.

Development

Amazon facility headed to Amherst County

Updated: Sep. 4, 2025 at 5:00 PM EDT
|
By Pat Thomas
Amazon has purchased a 26-acre site in the Amelon Commerce Center to build a 78,000-square-foot distribution facility.

Target 7

Roanoke has seen a decrease in violent crime

Target 7: Roanoke striving to be a safer city

Updated: Sep. 4, 2025 at 4:49 PM EDT
|
By Melissa Gaona
Roanoke law enforcement, nonprofits, and everyday people work together to lower crime rates.

Schools

Roanoke County to hold education meeting for parents focusing on students’ mental health

Updated: Sep. 4, 2025 at 3:00 PM EDT
|
By Natalie Faunce
How to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health struggles in children.

Entertainment

Amherst County Fair

Amherst County Fair kicks off

Updated: Sep. 4, 2025 at 1:14 PM EDT
|
By Sophia Borrelli
The fair runs through Sunday.

Memorial

FILE - Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani acknowledges the applause after presenting the...

Fashion designer Giorgio Armani dead at 91

Updated: Sep. 4, 2025 at 9:40 AM EDT
|
By The Associated Press
Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer who turned the concept of understated elegance into a multibillion-dollar fashion empire, has died, his fashion house confirmed. He was 91.

Lottery

Four Powerball tickets, one in Bedford, win $50,000 each in Virginia

Updated: Sep. 4, 2025 at 9:14 AM EDT
|
By Pat Thomas
The four $50k tickets each matched four of the first five winning numbers plus the Powerball number.

Development

Hitachi Energy facility in South Boston, Virginia

825 new jobs expected with expanded Hitachi facility in South Boston

Updated: Sep. 4, 2025 at 8:29 AM EDT
|
By Pat Thomas and Colby Johnson
The new facility will produce large power transformers, which support applications such as high-voltage transmission, power generation, AI data centers, and large-scale industrial applications.

Development

Reconstruction of the 1938 bridge has a new completion timeframe.

Wasena Bridge Replacement Project making progress

Updated: Sep. 4, 2025 at 8:20 AM EDT
|
By Tynisha Jackson
Reconstruction of the 1938 bridge has a new completion timeline.

Crime

Jason Allen Glidewell II, 19, of Bracey, Va.

Suspect in fatal interstate shooting in custody

Updated: Sep. 4, 2025 at 7:49 AM EDT
|
By Pat Thomas
Jason Glidewell II is the suspect in the shooting of Hunter Bates along Interstate 85.

Lottery

PHOTO: Powerball ticket

Powerball jackpot jumps to $1.7B after another night without a big winner

Updated: Sep. 4, 2025 at 12:44 AM EDT
|
By The Associated Press
The next drawing will be Saturday night, with the prize expected to be the third-largest in U.S. lottery history.

Safety

Hidden in Plain Sight Program

Parents learn about behaviors that put their children at risk

Updated: Sep. 3, 2025 at 10:10 PM EDT
|
By Austin Hicks
Dab Pins, Cookies, and Lean. If you’re like most people these words mean nothing to you, but they could mean everything to your child.

Memorial

Blake Sturm

“He’s always there, and he’s always happy.” Friends remember Blake Sturm

Updated: Sep. 3, 2025 at 10:05 PM EDT
|
By Kaira Willis
Blake Sturm, an inspirational figure for Roanoke’s LGBTQ community, was found dead this week.

Schools

Lynchburg City Schools

Lynchburg City Schools security officers will carry guns

Updated: Sep. 3, 2025 at 6:38 PM EDT
|
By WDBJ7 Staff
Officers must complete proper training and meet specific requirements to carry firearms.

History

100-year-old Edith Edmunds hand-stitches quilts

100-year-old hand-stitches quilts representing Underground Railroad slave codes

Updated: Sep. 3, 2025 at 6:38 PM EDT
|
By Makayla Shelton
Edith has presented her quilts all across the country, spreading the message of the secret stitches.

Back to School

Superintendent Marlin Campbell said contractors will be working after-hours to finish...

Students return, construction continues at Giles County Schools

Updated: Sep. 3, 2025 at 5:48 PM EDT
|
By Lindsey Cook
The district says they don't plan on pushing back the last day of school following the delay; instead, potentially changing their attendance policy to keep students on track.

Crime

Dashawn Zykee Lambert mugshot

Police arrest man accused in robbery at online marketplace meeting

Updated: Sep. 3, 2025 at 4:53 PM EDT
|
By Pat Thomas
23-year-old Dashawn Zykee Lambert of Roanoke is charged with with robbery.

Crime

Harvey Womack photo

Suspect in Campbell County copper thefts sought by deputies

Updated: Sep. 3, 2025 at 4:16 PM EDT
|
By Pat Thomas
Harvey Eule Womack is wanted on charges of larceny.
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