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Lawmakers seek to limit China’s influence
(The Center Square) — Virginia lawmakers Rep. Rob Wittman and Sen. Tim Kaine introduced legislation this week to fortify the U.S. against China’s growing influence. Wittman’s legislation, which he co-sponsored with Republican and Democratic representatives from Florida and Massachusetts, seeks to safeguard America’s ports from interference by the Chinese Communist Party for both economic and security […]
Virginia ER data points to shift in tobacco use
Emergency room visits in Virginia by people who reported vaping more than doubled between 2020 and 2023, according to a data analysis released this week by the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association. In 2020, there were 23,630 emergency room visits by patients who vaped, according to the organization. By 2023, that number had risen to […]
Staunton veteran, 100, recounts visit to France for D-Day’s 80th anniversary
STAUNTON, Va. (WHSV) - Veterans across the country were flown to Normandy, France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 2024. The invasion by Allied troops during WWII was a turning point in the war, leading to men like John Hodges returning home from war sooner than expected.
Conversations: Lionell Spruill Sr. – “Still Helping People”
In May 2000, then Virginia State Delegate Lionell Spruill received an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws citation from the Norfolk State University Board of Visitors. Today, the very same Spruil sits on that Board of Visitors, being recently appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin. It is one of two new...
East Coast Nationals Championship Truck and Tractor Pull this Saturday
FISHERSVILLE – If the phrase "Outlaw Farm Tractors" gives you a thrill, we have news for you. One of the biggest events of the pulling season is happening on Saturday. The powerhouses of the truck and tractor competition world will converge on the Augusta Expo for the Third Annual East Coast Nationals Championship...
Elkton woman charged with involuntary manslaughter to face grand jury decision
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – The Elkton woman who was arrested in April on five charges, including involuntary manslaughter after a fatal crash in Rockingham County, had a hearing this week. Debra Elliot, 66, was arrested and charged after a passenger who was riding on top of her...
Community Foundation receives anonymous matching donation to Dolly Parton imagination Library
HARRISONBURG, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) — The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County has received an anonymous $250,000 donation to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library that was matched, creating a $500,000 permanent fund for the program. According to a social media post on Friday from the Foundation, the endowment...
Free floral design class with Abby Chick offered in Harrisonburg this month
Are you looking to take your floral design to the next level? Court Square Theater is hosting an ACT ONE master class titled “Floral Design and Arrangement with Abby Chick” starting later this month. The class focuses on the secrets of composition, color harmony and using the magic...
JMU engineering major earns prestigious national scholarship
HARRISONBURG, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) — Julia Larson, a third-year engineering major at JMU, is one of 49 students nationally to receive a $5,000 scholarship from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). “I feel extremely grateful about being awarded the scholarship,” Larson said. “I am grateful...
Bridge of Hope host 7th annual Beans and Brews Festival
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - Harrisonburg-Rockingham Bridge of Hope hosted the 7th annual Beans in Brew Festival. Locals gathered at Brothers Craft Brewing for food, family fun games, and live entertainment. Proceeds from the event went towards Bridge of Hope. Bridge of Hope is an organization dedicated to ending family homelessness....
Jasper Drilling explores gender and identity in Shenandoah Valley Art Center exhibit
WAYNESBORO – Jasper Drilling, an accomplished oil painter, delves into the intricate relationship between gender and the body through his evocative self-portraits. More: Staunton boy is Soap Box world champion; back-to-school haircuts; Waynesboro celebrates summer programs: Chalkboard ...
Countdown to EndZone: Turner Ashby
BRIDGEWATER, Va. (WHSV) - Scott Turner possibly has one of the most talented rosters across the entire Shenandoah Valley. Turner, entering his third season as head coach, enters the 2024 campaign with Virginia Tech commit Micah Matthews at wide receiver and Beau Baylor, a Division I prospect, playing running back. However, what impresses Turner the most about his star duo is their leadership in the locker room and at the school.