Dan Casey
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Columnist at The Roanoke Times
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Articles by Dan Casey
CASEY: Roanoke columnist bidding farewell after 2,200-plus columns
The first metro column I penned for The Roanoke Times appeared March 9, 2009. It was about former state Sen. Brandon Bell, his wife, Debbie, and the non-smoking-in-Virginia-restaurants law they sparked. kAm%9:D :D E96 =2DE[ 27E6C ca J62CD :? ?6HDA2A6C ;@FC?2=:D>] s@??2 W>J 2?86=X 2?5 x 766= 92AAJ 2?5 8C2E67F= 23@FE E96 564:D:@?] $96 C6E:C65 2D 2 C6E2:= >2?286C :? a_ac] {2E6C E9:D J62C H6’== 46=63C2E6 c_ J62CD @7 >2CC:286]k^Am kAmx?
Wrote more than 2,200 columns for The Roanoke Times
The first metro column I penned for The Roanoke Times appeared March 9, 2009. It was about former state Sen. Brandon Bell, his wife, Debbie, and the non-smoking-in-Virginia-restaurants law they sparked. kAm%9:D :D E96 =2DE[ 27E6C ca J62CD :? ?6HDA2A6C ;@FC?2=:D>] s@??2 W>J 2?86=X 2?5 x 766= 92AAJ 2?5 8C2E67F= 23@FE E96 564:D:@?] $96 C6E:C65 2D 2 C6E2:= >2?286C :? a_ac] {2E6C E9:D J62C H6’== 46=63C2E6 c_ J62CD @7 >2CC:286]k^Am kAmx?
Wrote more than 2,200 columns for The Roanoke Times
The first metro column I penned for The Roanoke Times appeared March 9, 2009. It was about former state Sen. Brandon Bell, his wife, Debbie, and the non-smoking-in-Virginia-restaurants law they sparked. Dan Casey, metro columnist for The Roanoke Times, is pictured Friday in his home office. He's retiring after nearly 17 years as metro columnist, 32 years at the newspaper and 42 years in journalism. kAm%9:D :D E96 =2DE[ 27E6C ca J62CD :?
Wrote more than 2,200 columns for The Roanoke Times
The first metro column I penned for The Roanoke Times appeared March 9, 2009. It was about former state Sen. Brandon Bell, his wife, Debbie, and the non-smoking-in-Virginia-restaurants law they sparked. Dan Casey, metro columnist for The Roanoke Times, is pictured Friday in his home office. He's retiring after nearly 17 years as metro columnist, 32 years at the newspaper and 42 years in journalism. kAm%9:D :D E96 =2DE[ 27E6C ca J62CD :?
CASEY: Soup for Seniors marks 20 years in the Roanoke Valley
It was early September 2007. Barbara James was a manager for the Local Office on Aging. She directed its Foster Grandparents and Senior Companion programs, and worked out of Melrose Towers, a public housing complex for seniors. kAm%96 }2E:@?2= $6?:@C r@CAD pDD@4:2E:@?[ H9:49 DFAA@CE65 E9@D6 AC@8C2>D 24C@DD E96 ?2E:@?[ 492==6?865 :ED @?\E96\8C@F?5 25G@42E6D E@ 7:?5 2 H2J E@ “>2<6 2 5:776C6?46” :? E96:C 4@>>F?:E:6D H:E9 D9@CE\E6C> 6?562G@CD]k^Am kAm“$@[ x D2E :?
CASEY: State lawmakers focus attention on Virginia’s congressional-district map
The Virginia General Assembly returns to Richmond this week. For the first time in four years, there will be a Democratic governor and a vastly strengthened Democratic majority in the Virginia House of Delegates. kAm~?6 @7 s6>@4C2ED’ AC:@C:E:6D H:== 36 2? F?FDF2=[ >:5\564256 AC@46DD E@ C65C2H ':C8:?:2’D 4FCC6?E 4@FCE\:>A@D65 4@?8C6DD:@?2= 5:DEC:4E >2A] %96 4FCC6?E >2A E@@< 67764E :?
CASEY: Final bill for $5,000, 7-mile ambulance ride almost grew even more outrageous
July was the last time we examined the issue of Ricky Rucker and his almost-$5,000 ambulance ride. You might recall that. Relevant adjectives at play in the matter include terms such as “ludicrous,” “laughable,” and “insane.” Ricky and Denise Rucker, of southeast Roanoke, were initially billed $4,942 for a 7-mile ambulance ride Ricky took in September 2024. kA 4=2DDlQA7_QmkDA2?
CASEY: Final bill for $5,000, 7-mile ambulance ride almost grew even more outrageous
July was the last time we examined the issue of Ricky Rucker and his almost-$5,000 ambulance ride. You might recall that. Relevant adjectives at play in the matter include terms such as “ludicrous,” “laughable,” and “insane.” Ricky and Denise Rucker, of southeast Roanoke, were initially billed $4,942 for a 7-mile ambulance ride Ricky took in September 2024. kA 4=2DDlQA7_QmkDA2?
CASEY: Secrecy started early in efforts to bring casino gambling to the Star City
We have yet more fascinating information about confidential efforts by Roanoke city officials to explore bringing casino gambling to the Star City. kAmkDA2? 4=2DDlQ47`Qm%96 56E2:=D 2C6 6>6C8:?8 3:E 3J 3:E[ :? C6DA@?D6D E@ >F=E:A=6 uC665@> @7 x?7@C>2E:@? p4E C6BF6DED 3J J@FC 9F>3=6 4@=F>?:DE 2?5 @E96CD] pE E:>6D[ E92E AC@46DD 92D D66>65 2<:? E@ 6IEC24E:?8 E66E9]k^DA2?mk^Am The Berglund Center in Roanoke.
CASEY: Secrecy started early in efforts to bring casino gambling to the Star City
We have yet more fascinating information about confidential efforts by Roanoke city officials to explore bringing casino gambling to the Star City. kAmkDA2? 4=2DDlQ47`Qm%96 56E2:=D 2C6 6>6C8:?8 3:E 3J 3:E[ :? C6DA@?D6D E@ >F=E:A=6 uC665@> @7 x?7@C>2E:@? p4E C6BF6DED 3J J@FC 9F>3=6 4@=F>?:DE 2?5 @E96CD] pE E:>6D[ E92E AC@46DD 92D D66>65 2<:? E@ 6IEC24E:?8 E66E9]k^DA2?mk^Am The Berglund Center in Roanoke.
CASEY: Presenting the 2025 Dano Awards for Glaring Public Stupidity
Each December around this time, your humble columnist closes out the year with wonderful prizes nobody wants to win — the Dano Awards for Glaring Public Stupidity. kAm}:4<?2>65 E96 “}@36= !C:K6D 7@C }F>3D<F==D[” E96 s2?@ pH2C5D 46=63C2E6 7@:3=6D[ 7@@=92C5:?6DD 2?5 86?6C2= :>364:=:EJ] tG6CJ3@5J <?@HD x’> <:?8 @7 E9@D6 C62=>D]k^Am kAmu@CEF?2E6=J[ x’> :? 8@@5 4@>A2?J] %96 4@>>@?H62=E9 @7 ':C8:?:2 DA@CED >2?J AC:?46\ 2?5 AC:?46DD\:5:@ED H9@ 56D6CG6 D@>6 C64@8?:E:@?[ E@@] pD :?
CASEY: Reader knocks The Roanoke Times' metro columnist and his $500,000 salary
Your humble columnist has a perverse character trait: I distrust praise, but adore virulent criticism. The nastier the better, really. Especially when it’s leveled with verve and flair. kAm%96 2==\E:>6 >@DE 4C62E:G6 C6256C ;23 42>6 J62CD 28@ — :? 2?
CASEY: Reader knocks The Roanoke Times' metro columnist and his $500,000 salary
Your humble columnist has a perverse character trait: I distrust praise, but adore virulent criticism. The nastier the better, really. Especially when it’s leveled with verve and flair. kAm%96 2==\E:>6 >@DE 4C62E:G6 C6256C ;23 42>6 J62CD 28@ — :? 2?
CASEY: Should Virginia ban elected officials from signing NDAs in closed meetings?
Your humble columnist doesn’t get many bright ideas. kAmx7 x 5:5[ x H@F=5?’E H@C< 2E 2 ?6HDA2A6C[ C:89En %96 A2J :D 49:4<6?7665[ 2?5 :? E6C>D @7 AF3=:4 6DE66>[ 56?E:DED 2C6 >F49 >@C6 A@AF=2C 2?5 ECFDE65]k^Am kAmqFE 6G6CJ ?@H 2?5 E96? 2 ;@FC?2=:DE 86ED 2 3C:89E :562] %9:D @?6 4@?46C?D 8@@5\8@G6C?>6?E =68:D=2E:@? :? E96 a_ae ':C8:?:2 v6?6C2= pDD6>3=J] x’> =@@<:?8 7@C E96 36DE DE2E6 =2H>2<6C E@ DA@?D@C :E]k^Am The Berglund Center in Roanoke.
CASEY: Should Virginia ban elected officials from signing NDAs in closed meetings?
Your humble columnist doesn’t get many bright ideas. kAmx7 x 5:5[ x H@F=5?’E H@C< 2E 2 ?6HDA2A6C[ C:89En %96 A2J :D 49:4<6?7665[ 2?5 :? E6C>D @7 AF3=:4 6DE66>[ 56?E:DED 2C6 >F49 >@C6 A@AF=2C 2?5 ECFDE65]k^Am kAmqFE 6G6CJ ?@H 2?5 E96? 2 ;@FC?2=:DE 86ED 2 3C:89E :562] %9:D @?6 4@?46C?D 8@@5\8@G6C?>6?E =68:D=2E:@? :? E96 a_ae ':C8:?:2 v6?6C2= pDD6>3=J] x’> =@@<:?8 7@C E96 36DE DE2E6 =2H>2<6C E@ DA@?D@C :E]k^Am The Berglund Center is pictured in Roanoke.
CASEY: More questions about council members’ contract with casino operator
Last week, the Roanoke City Council decided to leave the issue of casino gambling in Roanoke off its list of legislative priorities for the 2026 Virginia General Assembly session.
CASEY: After 41 years of Roanoke journalism, Kurt Rheinheimer hangs up his editor's pencil
You might not have noticed the recent big change to the region’s media landscape. It involved The Roanoker magazine and its corporate parent, Leisure Publishing, which also publishes Blue Ridge Country magazine. kAm#:492C5 (6==D[ H9@ 7@F?565 {6:DFC6 2D 2 D<: E23=@:5 db J62CD 28@[ 92D D@=5 E96 4@>A2?J E@ ':DE2|65:2[ H9:49 AF3=:D96D =:76DEJ=6\EJA6 >282K:?6D W2?5 H63D:E6DX :?
CASEY: Roanoke pursues ‘different legislative path’ for potential casino development
Usually when something doesn’t happen, it’s not newsworthy. As an example, take a freight train moving through Roanoke on a given day. Any wreck guarantees endless stories. But you’ll never hear about a train that arrived safely and on time. kAm~442D:@?2==J[ ?@?6G6?ED 2C6 D:8?:7:42?E[ E@@] %92E’D E96 42D6 H:E9 #@2?@<6VD 4:EJ 4@F?4:=[ 2?5 E96 H:D9 =:DE :E 2AAC@G65 |@?52J 7@C E96 FA4@>:?8 a_ae ':C8:?:2 v6?6C2= pDD6>3=J D6DD:@? :?
CASEY: Some new and interesting books by a couple of local ad guys
At some point in the next three weeks, you’ll be looking for a good holiday gift for a friend or loved one. Today we have a couple of “buy local” opportunities in the category of good reads. kAmqCF46 qCJ2? 2?5 !2EC:4< w2CC:?8E@? 2C6 25G6CE:D:?8\:?5FDECJ G6E6C2?D H9@ 2C6?’E J6E 24BF2:?E65] x? 5:776C6?E 564256D[ E96J 6249 H@F?5 FA :?
CASEY: Nobody died in a happy – though bloody – Casey family Thanksgiving
Thursday morning I was texting holiday pleasantries with my close friend, the noted Roanoke sports gambler Frankie Four Eyes. kAmw6 2?5 |CD] uC2?<:6 92G6 E9C66 8C@H? @77DAC:?8 2?5 EH@ 8C2?549:=5C6?j 2== H6C6 :? E@H? 7@C %92?<D8:G:?8] !C6EEJ >F49 E96 D2>6 H2D ECF6 H:E9 E96 r2D6J 3C@@5]k^Am kAmtC:?[ bd[ 5C@G6 7C@> #:49>@?5 62C=J :? E96 H66< H:E9 pC:2[ H9@’D b] r2:E[ bg[ 7=6H 7C@> %6I2D @? (65?6D52J 2?5 2CC:G65 2E #@2?@<6 q=24<D3FC8 p:CA@CE 23@FE hib_ A]>] +249[ af[ 7=6H :?
CASEY: On the eve of its 90th anniversary, historic nightspot The Coffee Pot up for sale
It’s not every day in the Star City that a National Historic Landmark goes up for sale. That’s the case with The Coffee Pot, the iconic restaurant, watering hole and live music venue along Brambleton Avenue on the city’s southwest edge. kAmw2== pDD@4:2E6D[ E96 4@>>6C4:2= C62=EJ 7:C> >2C<6E:?8 %96 r@7766 !@E[ C646?E=J 4FE E96 AC:46 E@ S`]df >:==:@? 7@C E96 3FD:?6DD 2?5 C62= 6DE2E6] W%92E’D 5@H? 7C@> S`]h >:==:@?[ H96?
CASEY: Cussed-out constituent in Front Royal still waiting to hear from Rep. Ben Cline
You might have noticed an interesting statement in Wednesday’s newspaper from Reid Dagul, the talented chief of staff to Rep. Ben Cline, R-Botetourt. kAmk2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^C@2?@<6]4@>^?6HD^=@42=^8@G6C?>6?E\A@=:E:4D^6=64E:@?D^2CE:4=60h3gc_3f4\ae27\c`ag\3bd6\chfded777_hf]9E>=Q E2C86ElQ03=2?<Qm“(6 2=H2JD 5@ @FC 36DE E@ 36 C6DA@?D:G6 E@ AC6DD :?BF:C:6D[”k^2m s28F= HC@E6 :? 2 }@G] `a 6>2:= E@ >J 4@==628F6 {F<6 (6:C] “w25 E96C6 366?
CASEY: Scammed Moneta grandmother recoups the remainder of her lost cash
kAmxE 92AA6?65 :? pF8FDE E@ {:?52 z2J $:>>@?D[ f`] p >2=6 42==6C A@D:?8 2D 2 D96C:77’D 56AFEJ A6CDF2565 E96 k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^HHH]2>2K@?]4@>^DE@C6D^{:?52\z2J\$:>>@?D^2FE9@C^q_ga%c'se*nC67lDC0?EE0DC490=?<0`U2>AjB:5l`febdh``deU2>AjDClg\`U2>Aj:DsC2>x?E68C2E65lECF6U2>AjD9@AA:?8!@CE2=t?23=65lECF6U2>Aj44D0:5l476bcfg3\4ghc\cebg\h5g_\2bg54eah2d`4Q E2C86ElQ03=2?<Qm|@?6E2 ?@G6=:DEk^2m E@ H:E95C2H Sa`[___ 7C@> 96C 32?<] %96 >@?6J H2D 7@C $:>>@?D’ 32:=[ 96 D2:5[ 3642FD6 D96’5 366?
CASEY: Readers almost unanimous against a Berglund Center casino
kAm$:?46 E96? x’G6 C646:G65 >2?J C6256C 6>2:=D] }@E @?6 6IA=:4:E=J 72G@C65 3F:=5:?8 2 8=:EKJ 82>3=:?8 A2=246 2?5 6?E6CE2:?>6?E 5:DEC:4E :? E96 (:==:2>D@? #@25 4@CC:5@C] tG6? >J DA@CED\82>3=:?8 A2=[ uC2?<:6 u@FC tJ6D[ H2D @AA@D65]k^Am kAmw@H6G6C[ x 5:5 C646:G6 2 D@?8 :? 72G@C @7 2 #@2?@<6 42D:?@] %92E 42>6 7C@> C6256C kDEC@?8m$E6G6 |23CJ]k^DEC@?8mk^Am kAm“$@>6 ?6:893@CD DF886DE65 x D6?5 J@F 2 C64@C5:?8 @7 >J =2E6DE D@?8[” |23CJ HC@E6] “w@A67F==J[ J@F’== 7:?5 D@>6 9F>@C :?
CASEY: Can journalist Beth Macy beat Rep. Ben Cline in the 6th Congressional District?
If you’re driving in downtown Roanoke late Tuesday afternoon, you might want to steer clear of traffic on Church Avenue between Williamson Road and South Jefferson Street. Forecasters are warning of a potential for gridlock. kAm%92E’D H96C6 #2=6:89 r@FCE C6D:56?E W2?5 36DED6==:?8 2FE9@C[ w@==JH@@5 D4C66?HC:E6C 2?5 7@C>6C #@2?@<6 %:>6D C6A@CE6CX q6E9 |24J :D 6IA64E65 E@ 2??@F?46 96C 3:5 7@C E96 eE9 r@?8C6DD:@?2= s:DEC:4E D62E 96=5 3J :?4F>36?E #6A] q6?
CASEY: A fast, ferocious reaction to the Red Sox changing their name to the RidgeYaks
Our purpose today is to slice, dice and analyze a public issue in the Roanoke Valley that is seething like no other. That’s the new name, logo and mascot for the Boston-affiliated minor league baseball team in Salem. kAm(92E FD65 E@ 36 E96 $2=6> #65 $@I W2?5 367@C6 E92E[ E96 pG2=2?496[ 2?5 367@C6 E96>[ E96 qF442?66CDX H:== 96C6E@7@C6 36 42==65 E96 #:586*2<D] p??@F?465 2E $2=6>’D 32==A2C< $2EFC52J @? =:G6 %'[ C624E:@?
CASEY: A fast, ferocious reaction to the Red Sox changing their name to the RidgeYaks
Our purpose today is to slice, dice and analyze a public issue in the Roanoke Valley that is seething like no other. That’s the new name, logo and mascot for the Boston-affiliated minor league baseball team in Salem. kAm(92E FD65 E@ 36 E96 $2=6> #65 $@I W2?5 367@C6 E92E[ E96 pG2=2?496[ 2?5 367@C6 E96>[ E96 qF442?66CDX H:== 96C6E@7@C6 36 42==65 E96 #:586*2<D] p??@F?465 2E $2=6>’D 32==A2C< $2EFC52J @? =:G6 %'[ C624E:@?
CASEY: Effort to bring Dolly Parton books program to city of Roanoke stalls – for now
Back in June we had a column about the amazing success of Dolly Parton’s free-books-for-toddlers program in Montgomery County. That was launched by Wendy Baldwin, a Blacksburg grandmother and retired National Institutes of Health administrator. kAmpE ?@ 4@DE E@ A2C6?ED[ E96 k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^:>28:?2E:@?=:3C2CJ]4@>Q E2C86ElQ03=2?<Qms@==J !2CE@? x>28:?2E:@? {:3C2CJk^2m D6?5D >@?E9=J[ 286\2AAC@AC:2E6 49:=5C6?’D 3@@<D :? E96 >2:= E@ <:5D d 2?5 F?56C] p?5 @G6C E96 A2DE b_ J62CD[ :E’D D6CG65 b]` >:==:@?
Appalachian Holidays
Skip to main contentSkip to main content You are the owner of this video. You have permission to edit this video. You don't have any notifications. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Topics Breaking News Subscribe Sports Breaking News Subscribe News Alert Subscribe Secure transaction. Cancel anytime. Have an account?
CASEY: Local writers’ holiday book sale will introduce new anthology, ‘Appalachian Holidays’
kAmxE’D 2? 2?E9@=@8J — E96 7:CDE 7C@> !6CD:7=286[ H9:49 >62?D “=:89E 32?E6C]” %96 8C@FA 7@C>65 23@FE E9C66 J62CD 28@ 2?5 >66ED >@?E9=J :? $2=6>] p?5 2? @55=J 42A:E2=:K65 565:42E:@? A286 @776CD 2 76H 4=F6D 2D E@ H92E’D 36EH66? E96 4@G6CDik^Am kAmk6>m“%@ E96 !@DDF> H9@ 4C2D965 @FC {2E6 ~4E@36C !:4?:4 — *@F H6C6 E96 DFCAC:D6 8F6DE 2?5 E96 >2:? 4@FCD6]k^6>mk^Am kAmk6>m“%@ E96 %FC<6J H9@ 6D42A65 %92?<D8:G:?8 s:??6C 2?5 3642>6 2 {@42= {686?5 — #F?
Casey: Grandmother scam-victim can recover thousands from insurance company
While many are still digesting remarkable results from Tuesday’s election, your humble columnist has found a singular nugget of 100% nonpolitical good news. kAmxE’D 23@FE {:?52 z2J $:>>@?D[ E96 ?@G6=:DE 2?5 8C2?5>@E96C H9@ =:G6D :? |@?6E2] %9:D :D 2? FA52E6 E@ k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^C@2?@<6]4@>^?6HD^=@42=^3FD:?6DD^2CE:4=60cge_5e`g\4`a3\ceec\33aa\``d_3ee`7_aa]9E>=Q E2C86ElQ03=2?<QmE96 D282 23@FE 9@H D96 =@DE S`d[___ :? 42D9 E@ 2 D42>>6C :?
CASEY: Grandmother scam-victim can recover thousands from insurance company
While many are still digesting remarkable results from Tuesday’s election, your humble columnist has found a singular nugget of 100% nonpolitical good news. kAmxE’D 23@FE {:?52 z2J $:>>@?D[ E96 ?@G6=:DE 2?5 8C2?5>@E96C H9@ =:G6D :? |@?6E2] %9:D :D 2? FA52E6 E@ k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^C@2?@<6]4@>^?6HD^=@42=^3FD:?6DD^2CE:4=60cge_5e`g\4`a3\ceec\33aa\``d_3ee`7_aa]9E>=Q E2C86ElQ03=2?<QmE96 D282 23@FE 9@H D96 =@DE S`d[___ :? 42D9 E@ 2 D42>>6C :?
Amanda Smith talks about how the Shriners helped her son Jaxson
Skip to main contentSkip to main content You are the owner of this video. You have permission to edit this video. Amanda Smith talks about how the Shriners helped her son Jaxson Amanda Smith of Rocky Mount talks about how the Shriners helped her son, Jaxon, 10, who was born with cerebral palsy. You don't have any notifications. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Topics Breaking News Subscribe Sports Breaking News Subscribe News Alert Subscribe Secure transaction. Cancel anytime.
CASEY: Roanoke's Kazim Shriners offer healing and hope for sick kids and families
Often when people encounter members of the Kazim Shriners, those do-gooders are wearing face paint and circus outfits — or perhaps they’re costumed as pirates or hillbillies. The zany jalopies they drive wearing comical getups are entertainment highlights for parades in the Star City and beyond. kAmqFE 2== E92E 9F>@C 2?5 7F? 9:56 2? F=EC2\D6C:@FD >:DD:@?i r2C:?8 7@C 49:=5C6? H:E9 D6C:@FD :?7:C>:E:6D[ 2E 2 ?6EH@C< @7 9@DA:E2=D 24C@DD }@CE9 p>6C:42[ 7@C ?@ 492C86 H92ED@6G6C]k^Am kAm%92E’D H9J @?
CASEY: Some not-so-positive aspects to having a casino at the Berglund Center
Probably I’ve never mentioned the January many moons ago when I got stranded in Missoula, Montana. That experience was shameful, and was my own fault. It involved gambling. kAmx H2D :? 2 |:DD@F=2 32C[ A=2J:?8 :? 2 W7@C >6X 9:89\DE2<6D A@<6C 82>6] x? `hg_ |@?E2?2 E92E H2D =682=] p3@FE 2? 9@FC :?[ 5FC:?8 2 92?5 @7 7:G6\42C5 DEF5[ x 36E E96 72C> @? EC:A 246D] ~?6 H2D :?
CASEY: Halloween kicks off in the Roanoke Valley with huge party at Salem’s American Legion
Tuesday evening yours truly had the privilege of attending the Roanoke Valley’s longest-running Halloween celebration. That happened in Salem, and was a doozy. You could call it underwritten by love and a desire to serve others. kAm%96 8F6DED 2E p>6C:42? {68:@? !@DE b 92:=65 7C@> 2D 72C 2D #257@C5 2?5 ?F>36C65 `e_ @C D@ 52?46CD[ 8C@@G6CD 2?5 <:3:EK6CD] p86D C2?865 7C@> >:55=6\D49@@= E@ D6?:@C 4:E:K6?D] ~?6 42>6 5C6DD65 2D 2 4966D63FC86C] p?@E96C[ 2D 2 >:=< 42CE@?]k^Am kAm%9C66 H@C6 $FA6C>2?
CASEY: Contempt and disgust at Trump's demand for $230 million 'restitution' from taxpayers
Never before have The Roanoke Times readers appeared to agree on a national political issue unanimously — at least, not in the 16 years your humble wag has been soliciting their opinions. kAm%9@D6 @? 2?J 8:G6? DF3;64E FDF2==J 72== 24C@DD 2 3C@25 DA64ECF>] ':DF2==J[ E96 5:DEC:3FE:@?
CASEY: Western Va. congressmen silent on Trump’s demand taxpayers pay him $230 million
The only convicted-felon president in American history is demanding U.S. taxpayers pay him hundreds of millions in “restitution” stemming from federal criminal probes related to his first term in the White House. kAm%96 3C2K6? 56>2?5D 7C@> !C6D:56?E s@?2=5 %CF>A 92G6 @FEC2865 ':C8:?:2’D &]$] D6?2E@CD[ 3@E9 s6>@4C2ED] $6?] |2C< (2C?6C AF3=:D965 2? 6DD2J 492C24E6C:K:?8 E96 AC6D:56?E’D 24E:@?D 2D “@A6? 8C27E]”k^Am kAm(2C?6C E:E=65 E92E 6DD2J[ “%CF>A EC:6D E@ DE62= Sab_ >:==:@?
CASEY: Roanoke's independent 'cost-plus' pharmacy can save customers big bucks
You might have heard about the no-frills, low-cost pharmacy business that billionaire Mark Cuban launched in 2022. Texas-based Cost Plus Drug Co. charges a 15% markup on the medicines it dispenses, plus a $5 dispensing fee. kAm(:E9 86?6C:4 >65:42E:@?D[ E92E’D @7E6? =6DD 4@DE=J E92? H92E A2E:6?ED H:E9 :?DFC2?46 H@F=5 A2J 2E 2 ?2E:@?2= 492:? A92C>24J]k^Am kAm%96C6’D 2 C6E2:= 5CF8DE@C6 96C6 :? #@2?@<6 E92E @A6C2E6D @?
CASEY: The tariff on her grandson’s imported soccer jersey was almost $100
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump announced he was imposing tariffs on imported goods from nearly every foreign country. Fatuously, the president also declared other nations would pay those levies. kAmtG6C D:?46[ x’G6 366? =@@<:?8 7@C 2 5646?E H2J E@ C64<@? E96 5@==2C :>A24E @? #@2?@<6 4@?DF>6CD]k^Am kAmxE’D ?@E ?646DD2C:=J 2? 62DJ DE@CJ E@ E6== 3642FD6 ?@E 2== AC:46 :?4C62D6D @? :>A@CED 2C6 2 5:C64E C6DF=E @7 E2C:77D] x?7=2E:@?[ H62E96C @C >2C<6E 4@?5:E:@?D 42?
Becky Cook with soccer jersey
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CASEY: Local Office on Aging offers free Medicare counseling for seniors
Last week marked the beginning of Open Enrollment season for Medicare. It also marked the annual fall launch of a program that helps seniors choose the best Medicare plan for them, considering their unique health circumstances. kAm%96 7C66 D6CG:46 :D E96 ':C8:?:2 x?DFC2?46 r@F?D6=:?8 U2>Aj pDD:DE2?46 !C@8C2>[ @C 'xrp!] ~776C65 :? #@2?@<6 3J E96 {@42= ~77:46 @?
CASEY: Dozens of 'No Kings!' rallies scheduled across Virginia on Saturday
You might recall June, and the last big “No Kings!” rallies across the commonwealth. Those are happening once again Saturday, in Roanoke and in at least 60 other locations across Virginia. kAm%96 6IA=:4:E=J 2?E:\s@?2=5 %CF>A 6G6?ED 2C6 A2CE @7 a[d__ C2==:6D @C82?:K65 24C@DD p>6C:42 3J E96 ?@?A2CE:D2? 8C@FA x?5:G:D:3=6] ~C82?:K6CD 2C6 3:==:?8 :E 2D “E96 =2C86DE A62467F= &]$] AC@E6DED :? E96 >@56C? 6C2]”k^Am kAmx?
CASEY: Dozens of 'No Kings!' rallies scheduled across Virginia on Saturday
You might recall June, and the last big “No Kings!” rallies across the commonwealth. Those are happening once again Saturday, in Roanoke and in at least 60 other locations across Virginia. kAm%96 6IA=:4:E=J 2?E:\s@?2=5 %CF>A 6G6?ED 2C6 A2CE @7 a[d__ C2==:6D @C82?:K65 24C@DD p>6C:42 3J E96 ?@?A2CE:D2? 8C@FA x?5:G:D:3=6] ~C82?:K6CD 2C6 3:==:?8 :E 2D “E96 =2C86DE A62467F= &]$] AC@E6DED :? E96 >@56C? 6C2]”k^Am kAmx?
Jack Wilson Kirchner weighed in at 6 pounds, 13 ounces
This past weekend was action-packed, which makes it a decent time for a family-news update. Somebody else might frame it as “Grandpa is bragging, again.” The biggest deal concerns our third daughter Anna, and her husband, Bill Kirchner. They moved from Reston to Roanoke in March 2024. That left Anna as the only Casey offspring still in the Star City.
CASEY: Beth Macy's new book, "Paper Girl," an ultra-personal take on a fractured nation
Early last week, author Beth Macy was seated at the Wildflour Cafe in Roanoke discussing her upcoming book, “Paper Girl: A Memoir of Home and Family in a Fractured America.” Penguin Press will release that Tuesday; a party downtown is planned Oct. 16. (Details are below.) Both The Atlantic and the New York Times will soon publish excerpts, and Macy’s been hearing from sources in Ohio who are getting calls from fact checkers.
CASEY: Hot indie release 'The Paper Bag Plan' hits the Grandin next week
Imagine you’re a father with a young-adult son who’s a paraplegic. Who requires a wheelchair and great assistance in daily life. As sole caregiver, the two of you have an unusually strong and special bond. What happens to him after you’re gone? That soul-wrenching question lies at the heart of a new independent drama coming to the Grandin Theatre next week. The title is “Paper Bag Plan,” and the viewing’s next Wednesday in the Grandin’s big theater.
CASEY: Rep. Morgan Griffith appointed to 3rd House committee to investigate Jan. 6
Rep. Morgan Griffith, the veteran lawmaker from Virginia’s 9th Congressional District, has been appointed to a new select congressional committee that’s re-investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection. kAmvC:77:E9[ #\$2=6>[ H2D 2AA@:?E65 k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^HHH]4??]4@>^a_ad^_h^``^A@=:E:4D^;2?F2CJ\e\4@>>:EE66\4@?8C6DD\C6AF3=:42?DQ E2C86ElQ03=2?<Qm$6AE] `` 3J #6AF3=:42? w@FD6 $A62<6C |:<6 y@9?D@?]k^2m %96 ?6H 4@>>:EE66 2=D@ :?4=F56D D@>6 @7 E96 =@F56DE >@FE9D :?
CASEY: Rep. Ben Cline to hold 1st ‘town hall’ meeting of 2025 - this evening in Lexington
As November’s election draws nearer, things are getting even spicier in politics-land. The latest example comes courtesy of Rep. Ben Cline, R-Botetourt — and he’s not even on November’s ballot. Here’s the big news: Following seven months of weekly rallies in downtown Roanoke — during which demonstrators have repeatedly requested a face-to-face meeting, Cline has scheduled his very first town hall of 2025.
CASEY: Loyal customers flock to a new and reopened Full Moon Cafe
For months, Aviva Kumar, 9, has pined for a decent chocolate croissant. But those disappeared from the Roanoke Valley in March, when Full Moon Cafe on Electric Road shut its doors after two decades. Phil Loomis might say the same thing about another staple, Full Moon Cafe’s New York-style bagels. Francis Moon, 80, crafts those carefully, by hand. Loomis’s typical order is an “everything” bagel with scallion cream cheese. His wife, Jane, prefers the pancakes.
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