Liam Bridgeman
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Articles by Liam Bridgeman
Spanberger hosts first responders, leaders for first statewide preparedness summit
Governor Abigail Spanberger hosted about 1,000 law enforcement, public safety, and community leaders from across Virginia in Richmond today. The event was a first-of-its-kind statewide summit on developing practical solutions to modernize emergency preparedness. “The measure of our collective preparedness isn't whether one agency can respond well.
Former SOFHA doctor ordered to repay $145K after leaving the group in 2025
Dr. James Joslyn, a former State of Franklin Healthcare Associates (SOFHA) physician, was the first and only former physician to speak with News 5 on-the-record about the group's financial status. Soon after, he found himself in two separate legal battles with SOFHA over issues with his contract. Recently, one of those matters was decided in court.
Beyond the podium: Morgan Griffith, Virginia 9th Congressional District
Since 2011, Morgan Griffith has served as Southwest Virginia's congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives. News 5 sat down with Griffith, who leaned on his experience saying his seniority matters in Washington D.C. In congress, Griffith is a part of several committees including being the chair of the Health Subcommittee and the vice chairman of the House Committee on Rules. “There's a lot of good things I can get done, and then I have to tell you, I still have a passion for it.
Rogersville cafe celebrates National Coffee Day
From macchiatos to americanos, big and small cafes across the nation offered special deals to customers on Tuesday. One local coffee shop in Rogersville, Coffee at the Kyle, gave their customers 20% off hot coffees. “It's definitely a fun thing to celebrate. It's definitely something a lot of customers look forward to, not just for the discounts or the celebrations, but they have another excuse to come into the coffee shop,” Stephanie Lord, the owner of Coffee at the Kyle, said.
Impact Plastics among Unicoi industrial businesses continuing to rebuild two years later
UNICOI COUNTY, Tn. — Businesses in the Unicoi County Industrial Park are still rebuilding two years after Helene. According to county leaders, every single business faced substantial damage but every business decided to reinvest and rebuild including Impact Plastics, the company that lost six of their employees in the flooding. Austin Finch, the economic development director for Erwin Utilities, said the days, weeks and months after the flood were extremely uncertain around the businesses.
Federal bill aimed at vehicle repair access faces backlash from auto industry
A federal bill, aimed at giving consumers and independent repair shops access to vehicle data is facing uncertainty in congress. The REPAIR Act, which has been introduced in the House, would provide independent auto shops and car owners with the same access to vehicle data as automakers and dealerships. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Neal Dunn who represents the 2nd district in Florida. “If you own your car, then you should own the data generated by your car,” he said.
Va. ballot includes amendments on reproductive freedom, same-sex marriage, felon voting
Virginia voters, as they head to the polls to begin early voting Friday, will have more than candidates to consider. On the November ballot, are three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution, addressing reproductive freedom/abortion, same-sex marriage and felony voting rights. As a referendum vote, to become part of the state constitution, these amendments will need to receive a majority of votes from Virginians.
Industry leaders continue to push for a legal, regulated online casino market in VA
RICHMOND, Va. (WCYB) — Online casino gambling is set to be a big topic across the Commonwealth, according to both lawmakers and industry experts. Last year a bill that would have legalized online casino gambling ultimately failed to pass, but the belief is, this bill will be resurrected in the next session. If the legislation is passed, it would make online casinos legal and regulated in the Commonwealth along with brick-and-mortar casinos, sports betting and horse racing.
Records show parents of Saylor Hayes faced child abuse, endangerment charges years prior
Tue, September 8, 2026 at 4:42 PM Updated Wed, September 9, 2026 at 1:53 PM saylor hayes composite.png WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va. (WCYB) — New records show the criminal record of Saylor Hayes' parents, John and Geordyn dating back years before the 5-year-old was found dead in Georgetown County, South Carolina. The couple has since been charged with unlawfully placing a child at risk and willfully abandoning a child.
Bristol MPO seeks public input on 25-year transportation plan
The Bristol Metropolitan Planning Organization is accepting public input for their "Long Range Transportation Plan,” through September 7. This document is a 25-year guide aimed at addressing transportation needs and decisions across the Bristol region. Leaders say one study they are considering would create a bus route between Bristol and Abingdon throughout the year.
Elected officials volunteer for Feeding Southwest Virginia during SNAP enrollment decline
Local, state and federal elected officials donated their time to help Feeding Southwest Virginia prepare for 'Hunger Action Month' and it comes at a time when need is surging. According to the latest federal data, about 36.5 million Americans received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (SNAP) in May - about 5.6 million fewer than a year ago.
Owens found guilty of murdering Amber Compton while she carried their unborn daughter
After 2 1/2 hours of deliberation, the Russell County jury found Dustin Owens guilty of murdering his 7-month-pregnant girlfriend Amber Compton and their unborn daughter “Amelia Elizabeth.” Throughout the nine-day trial the jury heard from a collection of law-enforcement officers involved in the investigation, experts and personal friends, family members of Owens and Compton.
Gun tied to scene, texts between Compton and Owens heard on day 7
On day seven of the Dustin Owens trial, The Russell County jury heard multiple witness testimonies including text conversations between Amber Compton and Dustin Owens. Allison Milam - Virginia State Police Allison Milam Was the first witness on the stand Tuesday. Milam testify that she is a firearms and ballistics expert with the Virginia State Police. During her testimony, she told the court she "test fired" the Glock 21 found at Dustin Owens home.
Defense continues to press investigators on day 5 of Dustin Owens trial
Members of a Russell County jury heard from additional witnesses involved with investigating the murder of Amber Compton; the defense continued to challenge their work. Dr. Amy Tharp - Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Amy Tharp, who told the court she's conducted 5000+ autopsies in her career, testified she performed Amber Compton's autopsy as part of the investigation.
Trial for man accused of killing his pregnant girlfriend begins
Dustin Owens, a Buchanan County man accused of killing his pregnant girlfriend, Amber Compton, back in 2022, was in court Monday. The trial began with the jury selection process, which will continue through Tuesday. court will reconvene at 9 a.m. Owens was charged with homicide in connection with Compton's death after law enforcement found her dead inside her own home with multiple gunshot wounds. Law enforcement told News 5 at the time, Compton was seven months pregnant.
Johnson City police say Gray deadly shooting happened over a parking spot
Lt. Gary Wills of the Johnson City Police Department, told News 5 the shooting Friday morning in Gray, Tennessee, that left one man dead was caused by a dispute over a handicap parking spot. According to JCPD, the person of interest is being questioned by officers. Charges are pending but names have not been released for either the victim or suspect. Officers say they were called to the A1 Smoke and Vape shop in Gray, TN around 9:30 a.m. Friday.
ETSU, Hawkins County Schools launch GEAR UP to expand postsecondary pathways for students
ETSU and local school systems are partnering to create new opportunities for students. Leaders of ETSU and Hawkins County Schools announced the launch of the ETSU GEAR UP program, a partnership aimed at guiding students and their families through postsecondary education. The launch of the ETSU GEAR UP program marks the second-largest grant in university history of $29-million. Combined with other funds, the entire contribution totals $50-million, according to university leaders.
Flock Safety announces search mandates amid mounting privacy concerns
Public safety technology and private surveillance company Flock Safety announced mandates to their technologies amid increasing privacy concerns from law enforcement, citizens and public officials. The Sullivan County Sheriff's Office is among the several law enforcement agencies that operate cameras on the Flock system in the Tri-Cities. BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 03: A Flock Safety camera is shown mounted to a light pole on August 03, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California.
Flock Safety announces search mandates amid mounting privacy concerns
FILE - A Flock Safety license plate reader is seen along a public road, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)
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