ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Miss the morning broadcast? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia for Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
In this episode of Roanoke Valley's Morning News, hosts Joey Self and Ian Price cover a final push for Virginia's constitutional amendment on reproductive rights, thousands of regional gun convictions under review due to flawed ballistics testing, and private equity acquiring Virginia burger chain Jack Brown's.
Abortion Amendment Push: Advocates held a final rally urging Virginians to pass Question 1 next week, which would enshrine reproductive healthcare protections into the state constitution and shield medical providers from criminal prosecution.
Thousands of Gun Convictions Flagged: The Virginia Department of Forensic Science placed thousands of firearm convictions under review after two examiners at its Roanoke lab failed proficiency tests, impacting roughly 500 cases in Danville, 374 in Roanoke, and over 300 in Lynchburg.
Jack Brown's Acquired by Private Equity: Florida-based Green Shoot Brands purchased all 22 locations of Virginia burger and beer chain Jack Brown's, including its downtown Roanoke spot and the 2009 Harrisonburg flagship.
Wise County Police Shootout: Virginia State Police arrested 72-year-old Stewart Reynolds after he allegedly called dispatch claiming he stabbed someone, then ambushed arriving officers near Pound, striking patrol vehicles and leaving a deputy injured.
LewisGale $18M Radford ER: HCA Virginia plans an $18 million, 11,000-square-foot freestanding emergency room at Tall Oaks Crossing in Radford, featuring 11 treatment bays, a trauma room, imaging, and a lab opening in 2028.
School Construction Sales Tax Votes: Voters across 47 Virginia localities—including Wythe, Franklin, Floyd, Giles, and Martinsville—will decide on a 1% sales tax dedicated to school construction and capital repairs.
Ferrum College Adds Engineering School: With enrollment topping 1,000, Ferrum College is launching a School of Engineering Technologies for fall 2027, alongside new master's programs in education, athletic training, and nursing.
BBB Holiday Scam Warning: The Better Business Bureau of Western Virginia warned seasonal job seekers that legitimate employers never charge upfront fees for training materials or equipment.
Leave the Fall Leaves: The National Wildlife Federation advised homeowners against raking yards down to bare grass, noting fallen leaf layers protect overwintering pollinators, songbirds, and soil health.
World Series Game 3 Rout: Milwaukee crushed Tampa Bay 10-1 to take a 3-0 World Series lead, with Game 4 set for tonight in Tampa Bay.
NFL Monday Night Football: Dallas defeated Philadelphia 38-21, while Washington prepares to host the Eagles this Sunday night.
WNBA Finals Game 5: Golden State defeated Atlanta 64-55 to take a 3-2 series lead, with Game 6 Thursday in Atlanta.
College Football Lookahead: Troy visits James Madison Thursday, Virginia travels to Wake Forest on Saturday, and Bridgewater visits Roanoke College, with Virginia Tech on a bye.
Rail Yard Dawgs Roster Moves: Roanoke traded rights to Joe Widmar to Peoria for forward Marcus Petschko and placed Torrin Hethehues on IR ahead of a weekend series at Quad City.
NASCAR at Martinsville: NASCAR's top three national divisions race at Martinsville Speedway this weekend for playoff elimination battles.
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