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Lexington is heartbroken over the sudden passing of beloved Mayor Frank Friedman, who died at 60 during his third term — a leader known for his warmth, generosity, and unwavering commitment to community. Friends and officials remember him as a connector, a problem-solver, and a tireless advocate for local institutions like VMI, always putting others first. His funeral was filled with heartfelt tri...

At 2 AM, Lynchburg police pulled over a car for driving without headlights—only to discover four people inside, one with a hidden rifle. Searchers found three guns total, including two handguns modified with auto sears, turning them into fully automatic weapons. Three occupants, including an 18-year-old and two juveniles, were arrested on serious charges like unlawful possession of machine guns an...

H.L. Price Park, a beloved community green space outside Blacksburg, was saved from auction thanks to a viral GoFundMe that hit its $35,000 goal—powered by locals who use and love the park. Managed by Friends of the Rivers of Virginia, the campaign proved that grassroots action can protect natural treasures. The park serves as a living classroom for Mayapple School’s “Little Limnologist” camp and...

Maine’s Senate race just flipped on its head as Democratic candidate Graham Platner dropped out—just days after announcing his withdrawal amid sexual assault allegations he denies. With Maine a swing state and the Senate race razor-thin, Democrats are racing to name a replacement before July 27th, with a pre-approved convention already in place. The clock is ticking—and the pressure’s on to find a...

The Taylor Hollow Fire, now at 64 acres, rages through rugged terrain as crews battle to reinforce containment lines—thanks to unusually humid nights, the blaze hasn’t exploded, but smoke is unavoidable near Irish Creek. The Whetstone Ridge Trail remains closed, and with 39 firefighters plus a helicopter already on scene, two more crews of 20 are headed in today to help bring this fire under contr...

Bedford County has joined the Roanoke Regional Partnership, hoping to attract new businesses and boost its economy—but at a cost paid partly by taxpayers. After a past $100K annual investment in a similar alliance yielded no returns, locals demand accountability and clear results. While some business owners see promise, residents question whether the government is doing enough to deliver jobs and...

A shocking arrest has rocked the UK: a 26-year-old man is in custody over the death of Ann Widdecombe, the fiery ex-MP, reality TV star, and vocal conservative who died at her home after suffering serious injuries. Not a terrorist act, officials say — just another tragic reminder of the rising dangers facing public figures, echoing past losses like Jo Cox and David Amess. Widdecombe, a lifelong ad...

A 61-year-old passenger nearly became an airborne daredevil when he was halfway out a dislodged window mid-flight from Greece to Germany—saved by quick-thinking passengers who pulled him back in. The Malta Air flight, a Ryanair subsidiary, had to turn back after a loud bang, oxygen masks deployed, and rapid descent. The man suffered neck, shoulder injuries, and friction burns, but thanks to heroic...

ICE agents in Houston fatally shot a man who’d lived in the U.S. for 35 years — and none of them had body cameras, despite a $20 million federal grant and a promise to equip all officers by July. Critics blast the lack of accountability, as witnesses challenge the official story and Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia demands answers, calling out Homeland Security for failing to deliver on its pledge — ev...

Hill City FC’s inaugural season ends this Friday night at Lynchburg City Stadium, marking a whirlwind year of grassroots soccer building in Lynchburg. Formed in February with just two weeks to assemble a 20-player roster, the team pulled together through college contacts and hustle. Despite missing playoffs, coach Lucas Paulini praised the community’s embrace and the city’s soccer-ready youth. Goa...

Black bears in Southwest Virginia are turning up looking emaciated and bald—blamed on a nasty skin condition called mange, caused by mites that strip fur and cause intense itching. Biologists are sounding the alarm in Roanoke, Franklin, and Montgomery counties, where sightings are spiking and public concern is mounting. If you spot a bear with these signs, report it to the Virginia DWR’s conflict...

Fifty-three cats and kittens rescued from a shocking animal hoarding case in Rockbridge County, Virginia, thanks to a massive, coordinated effort by local authorities and animal welfare groups. Social services flagged the neglect, deputies responded to find a crisis far beyond expectations, and agencies like Loudoun County Animal Services, Dogs Deserve Better Blue Ridge, and the Charlottesville-Al...

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are officially married and already diving into their honeymoon vibes—spotted chilling in Montana with Jason Kelce and Kylie, heading to JuJu Smith-Schuster’s wedding, and soaking up newlywed bliss before Travis heads back to Chiefs camp. The wedding? A surprise-filled affair with Austin Swift as Man of Honor, Jason Kelce as Best Man, and Adam Sandler officiating—yes,...

In a dramatic animal hoarding rescue in Lexington, Virginia, deputies responded to a tip about sick, emaciated cats—and found 53 felines in dire need. With the Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Unit leading the charge, multiple rescue groups across the state rallied to save them. Now, all 53 cats and kittens are receiving medical care and rehab, with hopes of finding forever homes. Loudoun County Anim...

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is finally set to open for commercial traffic before August 1st, after U.S. and Canadian officials resolved last-minute disputes that delayed its June 12th ribbon-cutting. Costing nearly $4.4 billion and named after Detroit legend Gordie Howe, this massive trade corridor will ease congestion at the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, marking a major e...

Nigeria’s government confirms the rescue of over 40 students kidnapped from Oyo state over 50 days ago — a shocking event in the country’s south, where such abductions are rare. Tragically, one teacher died during the ordeal. President Tinubu hailed the military operation as a victory, bringing relief to anxious families. Eight militants were arrested, and several kidnappers were killed in the rai...

In the smallest, poorest county in Ohio, a shocking discovery of sixteen siblings living in horrific conditions has plunged Vinton County into a full-blown crisis. With limited resources, prosecutors are juggling a high-stakes child abuse case while also scrambling to care for the kids — including securing emergency funding and adjusting bail for a medically fragile defendant to avoid bankrupting...

Wildfire alert in Rockbridge County, Virginia — the Taylor Hollow Fire, sparked on July 5th, now covers 64 acres and shows no signs of slowing. Burning on National Forest land near Fairfield, it’s far from homes but dangerously spread across rugged, remote terrain. Fire crews face steep slopes and high humidity (95%) that’s stalling progress — though rain isn’t helping. Thirty-nine firefighters, a...

A freak storm in Roanoke sent a massive tree crashing into the Robertsons’ carport, destroying their new car right before a beach trip. Thankfully, no one was hurt — the tree narrowly missed the home office window where Jennie’s husband was working. Now they’re scrambling to rent a ride and deal with insurance, all while worrying about hidden water damage. It’s a wild reminder of nature’s unpredic...

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is being drained again amid mounting chaos — algae, peeling sealant, and accusations of shoddy work have derailed the $100 million renovation meant for the nation’s 250th birthday. Blaming “vandals,” officials are targeting a former Olympic canoe racer who denies damaging the pool, claiming he was just inspecting the faulty coating. Despite the mess, the same c...

A Virginia State Police cruiser was struck head-on by a wrong-way driver on I-395, sparking a chaotic crash that also involved a third vehicle. The suspect, caught heading north in southbound express lanes, was arrested and taken to the hospital. The trooper involved was also hospitalized as a precaution. Authorities are investigating how the incident unfolded — a sobering reminder of the daily ri...

NTSB investigates deadly West Virginia helicopter crash: Sikorsky S-76D downed near Marlinton, three investigators on scene documenting wreckage, public urged to share info via witness@ntsb.gov, preliminary report due in 30 days, final report expected 12–24 months. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is...

ICE fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old Houston homebuilder with no criminal record and decades in the U.S., during a traffic stop—only to later admit he wasn’t their target. With no body cam footage or evidence released, DHS claims he rammed their vehicle in a chase, but critics blast the lack of transparency. His brother and three others in the van are now detained, with reports I...

Virginia’s climbing the business ladder, jumping to 3 on CNBC’s “America’s Top States for Business” list — up from 4 last year. Governor’s big wins? $5 billion in new investments and over 3,000 jobs created in six months. The secret sauce? Strong infrastructure, top-tier education, and improved cost of living — though business costs still lag behind. Ohio and North Carolina still top the chart, bu...

A century of grace, grit, and giving: Nonie Burch Clarke, Halifax County’s beloved matriarch who lived to 106, passed peacefully on June 29, leaving behind a legacy of faith, hard work, and boundless kindness. From the J.P. Taylor Tobacco Factory to decades of service in Halifax County Public Schools, she nurtured not just plants—but people—with quiet strength and unwavering compassion. Her family...