Rising electric bills helped spur a Democratic upset in rural Virginia
Fossil fuels and transmission fees are driving up utility bills in southwest Virginia. New state lawmakers like Lily Franklin can help fix that. Many households in rugged and rural southwest Virginia are already struggling to make ends meet. But they pay some of the highest electric rates in the nation, with prices...
Residents say they’re worried about health impacts from MVP compressor station
The Mountain Valley Pipeline is hoping to build a compressor station in Montgomery County, and the company has filed an application for an air permit with state regulators. Cletus Bohon lives 300 yards from the Mountain Valley Pipeline, which began transporting natural gas last summer. He recently learned MVP is...
Appalachian Power, local officials walk through storm preparedness plan in Roanoke
ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - When severe weather strikes, coordination between emergency officials and power crews is key to keeping communities safe and restoring power quickly. Wednesday, Appalachian Power hosted local leaders, first responders, and emergency management officials at its downtown Roanoke office for a storm...
Restoration Housing launches affordable housing project in historic Belmont neighborhood
ROANOKE, Va. – Construction began Wednesday morning on a home in the historic Belmont neighborhood that will be restored to provide affordable housing for people experiencing homelessness. The event, called “Restoration Kick-Off,” marks Restoration Housing’s 10th project overall and its fifth in this neighborhood....
Elbit Systems expands in Roanoke, growing to over 1,000 employees with $30M boost
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced that Elbit Systems of America will expand its manufacturing facility in Roanoke County. According to officials, the facility, which produces low-light night vision devices for the defense industry, will undergo a $30 million expansion, adding 288 new jobs...
Delayed SNAP benefits leave Roanoke’s vulnerable residents in financial limbo
ROANOKE, Va. – As the government shutdown continues, Roanoke residents dependent on SNAP benefits are facing significant challenges with delayed payments and uncertain futures. Leslie McLea, a 67-year-old Roanoke SNAP recipient who is homebound, didn’t receive her expected VENA payment - a program designed to deliver...
Historic home to be restored in Southeast Roanoke to help ease homelessness
ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - One Roanoke non-profit is working to supply housing to people in need. For more than 10 years, Restoration Housing has worked to revamp historic homes - giving people in difficult positions a place to live. To date, Restoration Housing said it’s worked on nine homes. Now,...
Small plane incident shuts down runway at Roanoke airport
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)- Officials at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport briefing shutdown a runway following an incident involving a small aircraft. The incident happened at 12:15 p.m., Wednesday, November 12, off runway 24, in the safety area (grassy area). Runway 6-24 was closed temporarily . The Virginia State...
Local Veterans gather at D-Day Memorial for annual Veterans Day ceremony
BEDFORD, Va. (WFXR) Veterans Day is a day to honor the people who served our country across both wartime and peacetime. Since 2001, Bedford’s National D-Day Memorial has used the day to recognize local veterans and give them respect for their service and sacrifice in its annual observance ceremony. It’s become a day...
Innovative technology takes aim at soldier suicide
ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - More than six thousand veterans die by suicide every single year. It ranks as the second leading cause of death in veterans under the age of 45. Austin Grimes is the Chief Product Officer for Stop Soldier Suicide; the only national nonprofit focused on preventing veteran suicide. His reason for...
