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Articles by Ryan Saylor
Evaluating Trends in Strangles Outbreaks Using Temperature and Precipitation Data in the United States of America for 2018-2022
This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon. Open AccessArticle by 1, 1, 2 and 1,* 1 Department of Biology, Berry College, Mount Berry, GA 30149, USA 2 Department of Environmental Science and Studies, Berry College, Mount Berry, GA 30149, USA * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
What's so bad about a little political hyperbole?
Politicians and commentators often make exaggerated claims. They may talk about the "culture wars" or how politics is beset by "tribalism." Most of us recognize that these statements are not literally true: They are hyperboles. We may feel passionately about cultural issues but understand that we are not engaged in armed conflict over them. We may have an affinity toward those who share our political views but know that our allegiances are not ascriptive traits conferred at birth.
If Trump wins again, he wants to be able to fire civil servants
Former president Donald Trump's aides want to overhaul the federal civil service, should Trump have a second term in the Oval Office, according to reporting. The goal: Give the president more discretion in hiring and firing federal employees, instead of evaluating them strictly on merit-based standards originally designed to reduce political patronage and protect workers from shifting political winds.
Civil case delayed in fatal Park Police shooting of Virginia motorist
Man fatally shoots wife, kills himself inside Spotsylvania County hospital room SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. (WRIC) -- The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office said Friday that two people are dead after a shooting inside a hospital room on the fourth floor of Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center. Authorities do not believe anyone at the hospital or nearby area are in danger.
20 staff quarantined, several positive after wedding at Wintergreen Resort in Nelson County
Roanoke community organization offers weekend of safe, spooky fun at drive-in movie fest on Williamson Road ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) -- If you're looking for something safe and spooky to do over the weekend, the Williamson Road Area Business Association will hold a three-day Halloween drive-in movie fest.
Roanoke Police say second shooting reported on Interstate 581 since September
Posted: Oct 23, 2020 / 04:20 PM EDT / Updated: Oct 23, 2020 / 04:21 PM EDT ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — The second shooting on Interstate 581 since September 23 occurred Wednesday, Roanoke Police confirmed Friday afternoon. The shooting occurred around 2 p.m. Wednesday along the southbound Interstate 581/Route 220 corridor after the victim’s vehicle attempted to merge onto I-581 southbound at Orange Avenue. The suspect was traveling south on I-581.
Danville Police capture accused robber
VDH Friday update: Nearly 1,200 new COVID-19 cases reported while total deaths reach 3,539 as of Friday RICHMOND, Va. (WFXR) — In Friday morning's update, Virginia health officials reported 1,180 new COVID-19 cases and 15 new virus-related deaths, bringing the total coronavirus count around the Commonwealth up to 171,284 confirmed and probable cases and 3,539 confirmed and probable fatalities.
Lynchburg Police investigate theft of Bobcat mini excavator
Person tests positive for COVID-19 at Rustburg High School RUSTBURG, Va. (WFXR) -- Campbell County Public Schools said it was made aware of a person positive for COVID-19 at Rustburg High School on Thursday. The person has been told to isolate and close contacts have been notified. Read the Full Article Pavement marking operations planned for Lynchburg Expressway ramps LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) -- Night pavement marking is planned Friday from 9 to midnight in Lynchburg.
Pavement marking operations planned for Lynchburg Expressway ramps
New pop-up program established to attract business to Altavista’s Main Street District ALTAVISTA, Va. (WFXR) -- Walking the streets of Altavista, shoppers may see a new option soon. Altavista On Track announced it will host a new business pop-up program this fall. The program will make available a vacant building at 600 Broad Street for businesses wishing to locate or relocate to the facility. Altavista On Track's pop-up program will cover rent and utilities -- up to $1,000 -- for three months.
Funding options presented for Cool Branch Volunteer Fire Department
Rich Acres Elementary closes some classrooms temporarily due to potential coronavirus exposure HENRY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) -- Students from several classes at a Henry County elementary school will spend the rest of October learning virtually after a positive coronavirus case emerged at the school. According to Monica Hatchett, the Director of Communications with Henry County Public Schools, says a positive COVID-19 case was reported from Rich Acres Elementary School on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
Woman arrested after man stabbed in Madison Heights
Posted: Oct 21, 2020 / 01:48 PM EDT / Updated: Oct 21, 2020 / 01:50 PM EDT MADISON HEIGHTS, Va. (WFXR) — A woman was arrested Tursday after Amherst County sheriff’s deputies say a man was stabbed. According to the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office, its deputies first received a call around 9:25 p.m. Tuesday about a disturbance in the parking lot of the Walmart in Madison Heights.
Franklin County Treasurer’s Office closed until the end of this week “to protect employees and citizens from the community spread of COVID-19,” according to announcement
Another positive coronavirus case among staff at Danville City Jail DANVILLE, Va. (WFXR) -- Danville Sheriff Mike Mondul said another staffer has turned up positive for coronavirus at the city's jail. Overall, 87 inmates and 14 staff have tested positive for coronavirus at the Danville City Jail. 22 inmates refused to be tested.
Salem Christmas Parade will take place at Salem Civic Center parking lot this year
Posted: Oct 12, 2020 / 02:44 PM EDT / Updated: Oct 12, 2020 / 02:45 PM EDT (Photo: Courtesy Salem Civic Center) SALEM, Va. (WFXR) — Christmas celebrations in Salem will look a little different this year as the city’s Christmas parade will not move down Main Street, but instead will take place in the Salem Civic Center parking lot. An announcement from the city says the parade, scheduled for Dec.
Part of Franklin Road in Roanoke County blocked due to dump truck hitting possible power lines
Exit 167 permanently closed along I-81 South as part of VDOT safety project in Botetourt County BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) -- Work is now underway on a project aimed at improving the S-curves between mile marker 167.4 and mile marker 169.5 along I-81 South in Botetourt County kicked off on Thursday. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the purpose of the project is to enhance the safety and improve the vehicle traction along the roadway.
Continued unemployment claims down 55% since May, initial claims down 95% since April
Posted: Sep 25, 2020 / 12:43 PM EDT / Updated: Sep 25, 2020 / 12:43 PM EDT A notice of closure is posted at The Great Frame Up in Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich., Thursday, April 2, 2020. The coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak has triggered a stunning collapse in the U.S. workforce with millions of people losing their jobs in the past two weeks and economists warn unemployment could reach levels not seen since the Depression, as the economic damage from the crisis piles up around the world.
Man arrested in connection to Campbell County home invasion, theft
Roanoke City invites applications for City Council vacancy ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) - Officials with the City of Roanoke are inviting citizens to submit applications to fill the vacancy on City Council following the recent resignation of Djuna L. Osborne. Those interested must submit a Statement of Interest with the City Clerk by emailing clerk@roanokeva.gov or at the City Clerk's Office at 215 Church Avenue SW, Room 456, no later than 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1.
N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper: Venues like BofA Stadium and Spectrum Center can reopen Oct. 2 with limited capacity
Posted: Sep 22, 2020 / 05:09 PM EDT / Updated: Sep 22, 2020 / 05:10 PM EDT CHARLOTTE, N.C. (FOX 46 CHARLOTTE) – North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper on Tuesday announced the next phase in re-opening up the state during the coronavirus pandemic. Large outdoor venues that can hold over 10,000 seats, such as Bank of America Stadium, will be able to open at seven-percent capacity. Phase 2 expires on Friday, Oct. 2, 2020, which is the intended target date to move into Phase 3.
Roanoke Councilwoman Djuna Osborne resigns
Posted: Sep 14, 2020 / 04:45 PM EDT / Updated: Sep 14, 2020 / 04:45 PM EDT Roanoke Councilwoman Djuna Osborne (Photo: Courtesy City of Roanoke) ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — Roanoke Councilwoman Djuna Osborne announced her resignation Monday. Osborne became a council member on July 1, 2018. Her term was set to expire December 31, 2022. “It is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation as a Roanoke City Council Member. I want to be completely transparent with the residents of Roanoke.
US layoffs remain elevated as 884,000 seek jobless aid
by: Nexstar Media Wire and The Associated Press Posted: Sep 10, 2020 / 09:20 AM EDT / Updated: Sep 10, 2020 / 09:20 AM EDT FILE – In this Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020, file photo help wanted signs for servers and cooks at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa are displayed along route 40 at the entrance to the resort in Farmington, Pa. U.S. employers advertised more jobs but hired fewer workers in July, sending mixed signals about a job market in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Eli Manning’s New Jersey home becomes most popular MLS listing in the country
by: Nexstar Media Wire Posted: Sep 4, 2020 / 01:20 PM EDT / Updated: Sep 4, 2020 / 01:20 PM EDT Eli Manning is selling his New Jersey home after retiring in January. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File) Friday Night Blitz Team Pages: SUMMIT, New Jersey (NEXSTAR) — Like many workers across the country these days, Eli Manning no longer feels the need to live near the office. The two-time Super Bowl champ officially retired in January, and his home in New Jersey is now on the market.
UPDATE: Man charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter, DWI after fatal Blue Ridge Parkway crash
(Courtesy: MGN Online) BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) — A man has been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter, driving while intoxicated second offense, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and driving without a license following a crash on the Blue Ridge Parkway on Saturday, August 29, that left two men dead. According to the National Park Service (NPS), a report came in at approximately 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug.
Project to house, treat, and train 100+ veterans approved by Campbell County Board of Supervisors
WATCH: Virginia 5th Congressional District GOP nominee Bob Good speaks with WFXR News’ Len Stevens ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) -- The Republican Candidate for Virginia's 5th Congressional District Seat calls himself a political conservative and staunch supporter of President Donald Trump. Bob Good detailed his stand on several issues today during an interview with WFXR's Len Stevens. "I want to continue what President Trump did in his first three years," said Good referring to the economy.
‘The Mandalorian’ Season 2 hits Disney+ on Oct. 30
Prince Harry and Meghan sign production deal with Netflix NEW YORK (AP) — The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have a new home: Netflix. Six months after detangling their work lives from the British royal family, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, have signed a multiyear deal to produce nature series, documentaries and children's programming for the streamer, according to a statement Wednesday.
Old Navy to pay employees to work the polls on Election Day
by: Nexstar Media Wire and WFLA Posted: Sep 2, 2020 / 11:36 AM EDT / Updated: Sep 2, 2020 / 11:36 AM EDT Old Navy clothing store. (Credit: JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images) TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Old Navy is encouraging its employees to get involved in the election process by paying them to work the polls on Election Day.
Virginians are concerned they or a loved one will contract coronavirus, less pleased with government response, new Roanoke College Poll says
Virginia woman who survived COVID-19 warns others after virus ‘knocked her down’ PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC/WFXR) -- A Petersburg woman who recovered from COVID 19 shared her recovery story with WFXR's sister station while warning young folks who think they won't be affected. "Make the best choices, not just for you but for everybody," Leilia Magee said.
2 children missing after vehicle swept away in floodwaters in North Carolina
by: CBS 17 Digital Desk and Nexstar Media Wire Posted: Sep 1, 2020 / 11:42 AM EDT / Updated: Sep 1, 2020 / 11:42 AM EDT SMITHFIELD, N.C. (WNCN) — Two children were missing Tuesday after their mother’s vehicle was swept away in floodwaters Monday night, emergency officials said. The children’s mother called 911 and was rescued around 11:30 p.m. Monday after her car went off the road and into a creek in a wooded area and was taking on water, officials said.
Is it possible to do unbiased news in primetime on cable? We’re about to find out
by: Nexstar Media Wire Posted: Aug 31, 2020 / 08:53 AM EDT / Updated: Aug 31, 2020 / 08:53 AM EDT CHICAGO (NEXSTAR) — It’s not too hard to come across opinion and misinformation on television and the internet in 2020. What may be a little harder to track down these days is truly unbiased national news. Nexstar Media Group is set to launch a nightly primetime newscast called NewsNation that promises to do just that: stick to the facts.
Stronger Together: Voting rights and the anniversary of the 19th Amendment to give women the right to vote
The difference between equity and equality on Stronger Together ROANOKE, Va (WFXR) -- What is the difference between equity and equality, and how do these two ideas interact with eachother? These are the questions that were asked and answered on this weeks Stronger Together segment with Decca Knight and Dr. Ellington Graves.
Protesters confront Rand Paul about Breonna Taylor after RNC
by: Nexstar Media Wire and The Associated Press Posted: Aug 28, 2020 / 09:07 AM EDT / Updated: Aug 28, 2020 / 09:07 AM EDT Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., center, and others, are escorted by Metropolitan Police after attending President Donald Trump’s acceptance speech at the White House, Thursday night , Aug. 27, 2020, in Washington, after a crowd had enveloped Paul as he left the event and demanded that he acknowledge police shooting victim Breonna Taylor.
Del. Sam Rasoul considering run for Virginia lieutenant governor
Radford voter registration numbers are low, though absentee registration is high RADFORD, Va. (WFXR) -- A total of 12,000 ballots need to be printed for the City of Radford, but that can't happen until all candidates are certified - and that includes Kanye West. "We're waiting on their certification of petitions for the independent presidential candidates, which include Kanye West," stated Tracy Howard, the General Registrar of Voters for Radford.
Photos: Hurricane Laura pounds the Gulf Coast
by: The Associated Press and Nexstar Media Wire Posted: Aug 27, 2020 / 11:04 AM EDT / Updated: Aug 27, 2020 / 11:04 AM EDT A person walks through a building with its windows blown out in the downtown area of Lake Charles, La., after Hurricane Laura passed through. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) People stand next to a hotel that had parts of its roof blown off as Hurricane Laura passed through Lake Charles, Louisiana. The hurricane hit with powerful winds causing extensive damage to the city.
Florida woman accused of slapping Black child, calling him racial slur after go-kart crash
by: WFLA and Nexstar Media Wire Posted: Aug 26, 2020 / 02:15 PM EDT / Updated: Aug 26, 2020 / 02:15 PM EDT Haley Zager. (Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office) TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – A Florida woman is accused of slapping a Black boy and calling him a racial slur over the weekend at an amusement park in Boca Raton. Haley Zager, 30, of Lantana, was arrested Saturday night after an incident on the go-kart track at Boomers, reported the Palm Beach Post.
Acting Liberty Univ. president Jerry Prevo, Thomas Road Baptist Church Pastor Jonathan Falwell address students for first time since Jerry Falwell, Jr.’s resignation
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) -- Local, state, and federal law enforcement have spent the last year collecting new leads in the 2009 double murder of two Virginia Tech students killed in Montgomery County. A new website and a $100,000 reward focusing on information in the deaths of Heidi Childs, 18, and David Metzler, 19, has advanced the case "like never before," an agent with Virginia State Police said.
New leads advance investigation into 2009 Montgomery County double murder
Fredericksburg man wins $1 million after purchasing Mega Millions ticket in Floyd FLOYD, Va. (WFXR) -- A Fredericksburg man is $1 million richer after a recent trip to Floyd. Paul Pegelow likes to visit the Floyd area and recently purchased a Mega Millions ticket there. It turned out to be a $1 million winner.
Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea: “City is meeting the challenges presented by COVID-19 with many successful outcomes”
Nicholas Sandmann, teen from video of 2019 protest, says US must unite around Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — A Kentucky teenager known for video of his interaction with a Native American man during dueling demonstrations at the Lincoln Memorial says the country must unite around a president “who calls the media out." Nicholas Sandmann assailed the media on Tuesday during the second night of the Republican National Convention, and contended that no one has been a victim of unfair media coverage more...
50,000 ‘catch-up’ stimulus checks to go out in September, IRS says
by: Nexstar Media Wire Posted: Aug 26, 2020 / 10:22 AM EDT / Updated: Aug 26, 2020 / 10:22 AM EDT (File/Getty) WASHINGTON – While Congress appears to be far from agreeing on a comprehensive COVID-19 relief package, the Internal Revenue Service announced Tuesday that about 50,000 people will be receiving stimulus checks next month.
VDH: 823 new COVID-19 cases reported, total deaths reach 9,326
Major changes inside Botetourt County high school cafeteria to prevent spread of COVID-19 DALEVILLE, Va. (WFXR) -- The school experience looks very different for students right now because of the coronavirus pandemic. In the past, sitting in the cafeteria to eat lunch or breakfast was a good time to hang out with friends while enjoying a meal.
American Airlines plans 19,000 furloughs, layoffs in October
by: Nexstar Media Wire and The Associated Press Posted: Aug 25, 2020 / 12:49 PM EDT / Updated: Aug 25, 2020 / 12:49 PM EDT An American airlines plane is seen at Dallas Ft Worth International Airport at the gate on August 23, 2020. (Photo by Daniel SLIM / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images) DALLAS (AP) — American Airlines said Tuesday it will eliminate 19,000 jobs in October as it struggles with a sharp downturn in travel because of the pandemic.
4-year-old boy hits hole-in-one in West Virginia
by: Nexstar Media Wire and CNN Newsource Posted: Aug 25, 2020 / 12:38 PM EDT / Updated: Aug 25, 2020 / 12:38 PM EDT WHEELING, W.Va. (Nexstar/CNN) — “HOLE IN ONE!!!!” That was what Mario Figaretti said in a Facebook video post after his 4-year-old son, Rocco, nailed a hole-in-one last week. The two were golfing with Mario Figaretti’s brother-in-law Friday at Oglebay Park in Wheeling, West Virginia, when Rocco sank the shot on the par 3 course’s first hole.
COVID-19 is hitting tipped workers hard
Even prior to COVID-19, tipped workers suffered from the inadequacies of the United States’ social safety net and minimum wage standards. The pandemic has exposed not only the inherent vulnerability of food service workers to a public health emergency but also how even government efforts to support them can fail those who rely on tips for some or most of their income.
Postal workers rally against changes in Roanoke
Sheetz to open new store on Timberlake Rd. in Lynchburg LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) --- Sheetz will officially open its new store located at 7900 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502 on Thursday, August 27. This new location offers Sheetz’s Made-to-Order (MTO®) menu on its touch-screen order terminals where customers will be able to order any of Sheetz’s customized specialty drink or food items around the clock.
5th & Federal Station, site of violent Lynchburg protest, announces plans to reopen in September
Section of Langhorne Road in Lynchburg to be closed for bridge inspection LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) - A portion of Langhorne Road in Lynchburg will be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 26 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The closure, which will take place from the 2000 block to the 1700 block will be in place to accommodate crews being able to perform a bridge inspection.
Two additional Roanoke City sheriff’s office employees test positive for COVID-19; total of 16 employees positive for coronavirus
Second stimulus check: Where we stand as a new week begins WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) -- Top Republican leadership is hoping to spark new coronavirus aid talks following the House approving legislation that would reverse recent changes in U.S. Postal Service operations ahead of the November election. President Donald Trump's chief of staff, Mark Meadows, was on Capitol Hill over the weekend meeting with GOP House leader Kevin McCarthy and other lawmakers.
Stronger Together: Biracial in Virginia
Stronger Together: Minority-owned businesses in the Roanoke Valley Stronger Together is a special limited series produced by WFXR News to explore the issues of race in America. Each week’s episode airs Saturdays at 6 p.m. on WWCW-TV 21.1 and Sundays at 11 p.m. on WFXR-TV 27.1. ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) -- On this week's Stronger Together, WFXR Sports Director speaks with two local residents about minority-owned businesses.
Stronger Together: Minority-owned businesses in the Roanoke Valley
Talking about the Virginia State Conference with the NAACP ROANOKE, Va (WFXR) -- Loving Living Local host Kianna Price sat down with Robert Barnette and Karen Jones with the NAACP to talk about the NAACP Virginia State Conference.
What do the kids say? K-12 students sound off on going back to school
NEW YORK (AP) — Parents have weighed in on reopening schools. Teachers have weighed in. Public health experts, too, along with cities, states and President Donald Trump. But what about the kids themselves? As the grown-ups fret, kindergartners to high schoolers faced with a range of scenarios for virtual and in-person classes are expressing both fear and glee over leaving home to learn.
Reports: Big Ten to cancel fall football season
Posted: Aug 10, 2020 / 04:36 PM EDT / Updated: Aug 10, 2020 / 04:36 PM EDT COLUMBUS (WCMH) — The Big Ten Conference has voted to cancel the 2020 college football season, according to published reports. Sources confirmed details of the decision to the Detroit Free Press and the Dan Patrick Show. The presidents of Big Ten universities met through the weekend to discuss the issue.
States on hook for billions under Trump’s unemployment plan
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AP) — Whether President Donald Trump has the constitutional authority to extend federal unemployment benefits by executive order remains unclear. Equally up in the air is whether states, which are necessary partners in Trump’s plan to bypass Congress, will sign on. Trump announced an executive order Saturday that extends additional unemployment payments of $400 a week to help cushion the economic fallout of the pandemic.
Incident at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport; firetrucks surround American Airlines plane
Grayson County Schools delay semester start date following earthquake GRAYSON COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) -- According to Grayson County Public Schools Superintendent Kelly Wilmore, the semester start date for the county's schools is delayed by one week following Sunday's earthquake. The 5.1-magnitude earthquake occurred near Sparta, N.C. Sunday morning, impacting southwest and central Virginia.
Victim in fatal Henry County crash was missing Martinsville man
Counterfeit COVID-19 products seized in DC WASHINGTON, D.C. (WDVM) -- The Customs Border Patrol has seized counterfeit and unapproved COVID-19 products in Washington, D.C. In the last two weeks, nearly 1,200 pills, including hydroxychloroquine sulfate, and 100 unapproved test kits were seized in the nation's capital, according to CBP officers.
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