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Two suspects, Jaheim Wood and Jalen Brown, are locked in a high-stakes legal battle after a five-day armed robbery spree across Lynchburg and Madison Heights. Wood allegedly wielded the weapons during convenience store heists, while Brown—possibly the gun’s owner—drove the getaway cars. Arrested after a traffic stop, Wood was denied bail, while Brown’s deeper involvement in earlier crimes remains...

Bedford County just joined the Roanoke Regional Partnership, stepping into a bigger economic development team that’s actively pitching the entire region to attract new businesses and investment. With goals centered on job growth and expanded exposure, local leaders and business owners like Mark Zimmerman see this as a major boost — more visibility means more customers and opportunities for small b...

Hormone replacement therapy is back in the spotlight—with updated FDA guidance now allowing women to start HRT within ten years of menopause or before age 60, provided risks are understood. Personal stories reveal dramatic improvements in energy, mood, and brain fog after treatment, while compounded, personalized options like hormone pellets and even testosterone are gaining traction. As research...

A man accused of fatally shooting a National Guard member near the White House is hospitalized after refusing to eat in jail, prompting urgent legal action. Prosecutors say he’s receiving life-saving medical intervention, though the reason for his hunger strike remains undisclosed. The Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, faces first-degree murder charges and has pleaded not guilty. The deadly N...

Angels of Assisi just pulled off a heroic rescue—20 cats saved from a harrowing hoarding situation in Rockbridge County, all in desperate need of care, love, and forever homes. The shelter’s overwhelmed but determined, urgently asking for donations, supplies, and adopters to help these felines heal and thrive. It’s a powerful reminder of why community support matters—and if you’re ready to give a...

A Virginia Tech student’s tragic death at 2 a.m. in Blacksburg sparks a wrongful death lawsuit, accusing a police officer of speeding 74 mph in a 20 mph zone while responding to a fire — despite no criminal charges being filed. The family seeks $3 million, blaming both the officer and the town for “conscious disregard” of public safety. No court date has been set, and neither side has publicly com...

Roanoke police need your help identifying a suspect in a recent Patterson Avenue Southwest robbery — security footage shows a black male with a bald head and short black beard. The victim suffered minor injuries, but authorities are urgently seeking tips from the public to solve the case. Every detail matters — call 540-344-8500 if you saw something or know something. Listen in comfort: Get a disc...

Venezuela’s earthquake aftermath reveals a hidden crisis: chronic illnesses and preventable diseases are surging as displaced communities face overcrowded shelters and broken sanitation. The UN is urgently seeking $300 million to aid over a million people, deploying mobile clinics and kitchens to meet critical health needs—especially for diabetes and hypertension patients. New outbreaks of skin an...

Eric Sichau and Kayla Masters are elevating the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce’s leadership game—Eric just graduated from the prestigious Institute for Organization Management, earning 96 credits in nonprofit leadership, while Kayla’s halfway through her second year in the same four-year program. This elite training, dating back to 1921, equips chamber professionals with top-tier skills in f...

Congressman John McGuire’s new bill, the Birthright Citizenship Clarification Act of 2026, seeks to end automatic U.S. citizenship for children born to undocumented parents or those on temporary visas—targeting what he calls “birth tourism.” The proposal would require at least one parent to be a citizen or permanent resident for the child to qualify, sparking debate over the Fourteenth Amendment a...

Free admission this summer at Roanoke’s top museums—July 18th and August 29th—for locals from Roanoke City, Roanoke County, and surrounding areas. Explore interactive exhibits like “Kindly Mirrors” and “On the Rails,” plus student art from “Rooted in Roanoke.” Artist Bryce Cobbs drops by for live creativity, and a reception kicks off in September. All at the historic passenger station—perfect for...

Someone crashed a vehicle onto Patrick Henry High School’s practice field, causing major damage — and the school district is asking the public for help identifying the driver or vehicle. This isn’t just vandalism; it’s a waste of taxpayer money meant for student programs. Police are investigating and urge anyone with info to come forward — let’s protect our schools and keep our community spaces in...

Campbell County is revolutionizing recycling with new giant compactors at four waste sites—no sorting needed, all recyclables go in one bin. Thanks to a grant and a partnership with Elite Recycling, the county’s schools are already benefiting, and residents are thrilled. Supervisor Jon Hardie says this is a smarter, cheaper way to handle waste and avoid landfill overload—especially since the count...

Smith Mountain Lake’s water quality is looking strong—clean and safe for summer fun, with readings matching 20-year averages. While water clarity dipped slightly (typical with algae and boat traffic), chlorophyll-a and phosphorus levels actually improved, signaling better water health. Eighty-four samples from volunteers and scientists confirm the trend, even amid heat and low water. Bacteria leve...

Palm Beach International Airport has officially become President Donald J. Trump International Airport, with new signage rolling out — including the first flight, “Trump Force One,” landing under the new name. Eric Trump celebrated the honor on X, praising his father’s legacy and the pride of seeing “DJT” on his boarding pass. The airport’s code will switch to DJT on August 18th, funded by a $5.5...

Smith Mountain Lake is dangerously low—more than five feet below normal—and officials are sounding the alarm as boaters face treacherous conditions. Marinas are scrambling, using ladders to reach gas pumps and dealing with boats getting stuck in shallow channels. Recreational users are struggling to launch or even navigate safely, while businesses reliant on tourism are feeling the pinch. The Depa...

A Republican voter, Derek Lancaster, is going rogue with his political support—spending his own money to plaster Montgomery County with “Republicans for Tim Brown” signs, proudly backing the candidate despite party lines. He’s not endorsing the GOP as a whole, nor any other Republican contenders, calling Brown the best choice and frustrated by how he’s being misrepresented. The party says they’re...

A young woman, Chloe, went to jail for stealing from her mom’s purse to fund her mom’s drug habit — a heartbreaking act born from desperation. The prosecutor called it “tragic irony,” but the real tragedy? It’s a multi-generational cycle: Chloe’s mom, a 20-year-old, was addicted to prescription drugs, just like her own mother — Chloe’s grandmother, who died while battling addiction. Detectives fou...

Salem’s Moyer Sports Complex is roaring back to life—just two years after reopening, it’s hosting NCAA Division I softball championships and packed pickleball leagues, even drawing players in their eighties. A $20 million renovation has transformed the once-dilapidated facility into a vibrant community hub, boosting local tourism and earning praise from NCAA teams. With plans for a final phase and...

Virginia’s winemakers stunned the world by sweeping six of eight categories—and taking top honors—in a recent blind tasting, echoing California’s historic Judgment of Paris win in 1976. With wines excelling in Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Viognier, and even tying for second in Cabernet Franc, Virginia’s rising reputation signals a new golden age for American wine. Just as California’s victory launched...

Mexico is escalating its response to the deaths of 17 of its citizens in U.S. immigration custody by demanding criminal charges against those responsible — including the ICE agent who fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo. President Sheinbaum called the killing targeted and regrettable, prompting Mexico to move beyond diplomacy. The government also plans civil lawsuits against private detention cent...

Kids Square is launching its newest hit: The Wonder Room, a vibrant, educational playground for kids opening July 18th on the second floor where the old STARCADE once stood—thanks to a $10K boost from COX Charities. Designed to align with SOL standards, it’s perfect for school trips, camps, and family fun. Kick off with The Royal Bubble Bash: mermaid princesses, bubble science, treasure hunts, and...

John Carlin, WSLS’s longtime news anchor, has become a trusted voice for Central and Southwest Virginia — delivering decades of consistent, community-focused journalism. His unwavering dedication has shaped how locals stay informed, connecting viewers through major events and changing times. A true institution, Carlin’s legacy is built on reliability, presence, and deep-rooted commitment to his au...

A deadly fire at a shoe factory in Fujian, China, killed 28 people and injured dozens more—making it one of the worst industrial disasters in the region in years. The blaze erupted during production, trapping workers and visitors inside; rescuers pulled out 213 people, but two later died in hospitals. Authorities are still investigating the cause, while President Xi Jinping has ordered a full prob...

Danville cops nabbed two suspects in a brazen copper theft ring that crippled power for hundreds after a transformer was sabotaged—charges include felonies and tool possession, with more arrests likely as the investigation heats up. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news sum...