Local journalism and investigative reporting on Radford City government, development, and public interest issues.
Mayor David Horton announced on May 1 that he will not seek reelection this November after eight years in office. Vice Mayor Seth Gillespie has announced his candidacy for the mayoral seat.
City Council approved the $80.1 million FY2026-2027 budget, including a 2-cent real estate tax increase and 5% electric rate hike — the third consecutive year of increases as Radford addresses its "fiscal distress" designation.
Radford City Council voted 4-1 to approve a budget amendment allocating $3.2 million for Commerce Park infrastructure, a key step in the city's economic development strategy.
The Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts officially placed Radford in "fiscal distress" status in March 2026, making the city eligible for state expertise and support as it works to stabilize its finances.
A juvenile suspect was arrested and charged with second-degree murder after a fatal shooting in the 1100 block of Downey Street on September 13, 2025. Police Chief Jerry Holdaway cited a troubling spike in gun-related crimes.
An altercation between four individuals on East Main Street near Radford University erupted into gunfire on April 17, 2025, leaving two people wounded. Four suspects have been arrested on charges including aggravated malicious wounding and armed robbery.
Former Radford Vice Mayor Keith Marshall has released his debut novel 'The Haunting of Ingles Ferry,' a spiritual horror story set in a small town based on Radford, VA.
Radford High School history teacher John Ferguson named Teacher of the Year by the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Virginia for excellence in teaching the American Revolution.
Virginia Tech's Board of Visitors will discuss relocating urns containing ashes of up to 61 alumni to make way for 3-4 new dormitories.
Rising gas prices and fuel uncertainty are prompting travelers to plan more carefully for summer, with a Virginia Tech hospitality expert offering cost-saving advice.
Radford University accounting students helped community members file tax returns through New River Community Action, gaining hands-on practical experience.
A personal tribute piece reflecting on childhood heroes, focusing on the Lone Ranger as an iconic and authentic figure.
Virginia Tech's Intercollegiate Dressage Team won its first national title at the 2026 championship in St. Louis, competing against 12 top teams.
Standings from Pulaski Motorsports Park racing event, listing top drivers and points in Super Street, Pure 4, and Mod 4 categories.
Rising costs of gasoline, food, and other expenses are straining residents, with a call to action to help neighbors facing financial hardship.
Sherry Ann Woolwine, 69, of Christiansburg, passed away May 20, 2026, after a long battle with health issues stemming from a 2001 brain aneurysm.
Radford City first-half real estate tax payments for 2026 are due June 5, 2026. Payments can be made in person, by mail, or other available methods.
NRV Leading Lights honored 35 community volunteers at a ceremony on April 30 at Virginia Tech's German Club for their impactful contributions.
Motor Mile Chevrolet Buick is sponsoring Radford High School senior banners to be displayed on West Main Street from mid-May to mid-June.
Radford Noon Rotary, Glencoe Mansion, VFW Post 776, and DAR will host 'A Tribute to Heroes' opening ceremony on Memorial Day, May 26 at 2 p.m.
Radford University awarded ~350 BSN degrees in 2025-26, a record high and among the largest outputs of pre-licensure nursing graduates in Virginia.
US Bicycle Route 76 along Mud Pike Road (Route 666) connecting Christiansburg and Radford faces ongoing safety concerns, echoing objections raised 50 years ago during its original Bikecentennial mapping.
Virginia legislature addressed partisan issues including gun safety and individual rights, with many bills passing bipartisan or unanimous support.
Special graduation section for NRV Class of 2026, available as a downloadable PDF for subscribers.
Article advises investors to stay calm during market volatility, noting that uncertainty is a normal part of investing and reacting to headlines is often counterproductive.
Radford University's College of Nursing graduates record ~350 nurses and unveils a mobile clinic RV to serve rural communities.
New River Community Action receives $3.7M federal grant from HHS to support Head Start projects across Radford and surrounding counties.
Radford High School history teacher John Ferguson won the Brenton S. Halsey Teaching Excellence Award, while his students earned third place at Virginia History Day.
A Montgomery County grand jury indicted two individuals for murder in separate cases involving the deaths of senior citizens due to abuse or neglect.
Radford Noon Rotary Club shows support for the Lunch Pail Defense Foundation, a community-focused charitable organization.
The 35th Annual Wilderness Road Ride returns to Radford on May 23, 2026, hosted by FCA Endurance with five route options for cyclists.
Radford City Council approved changes to the Tax Relief Program for Elderly/Disabled, raising the maximum annual income to $30,000 and increasing the total assets limit.
Pulaski County Motorsports announces its winners in a recent event or competition.
New River Community College offers four free summer camps in Dublin and Christiansburg for middle and high school students, including robotics and engineering programs.
Blacksburg High School goalkeeper Nathan Pratt, who has allowed only one goal in 14 matches this season, has committed to play college soccer at VCU.
Missing 70-year-old Radford woman Constance Rhodes was found safe after leaving home and experiencing vehicle trouble near Christiansburg.
Radford University and NRV Community Services partner to offer free maternal health resources amid rural Virginia hospital unit closures.
Radford University held spring commencement May 1-2, featuring a surprise video message from Dolly Parton congratulating graduates, arranged by alumnus Eugene Naughton.
The Radford Clothing Bank was named Agency Partner of the Year by United Way of Southwest Virginia at the 2026 Impact Awards for outstanding collaboration and impact.
Radford University is forming the Center for Rural Health Partner Council with healthcare organizations to address workforce needs, care access, and health disparities in Southwest and Southside Virginia.
Radford City Council approved property tax, water, and electric rate increases for the third consecutive year on April 28.
Radford University held spring commencement May 1-2 for 1,427 graduates, featuring a surprise video message from Dolly Parton and Dollywood tickets.
Radford University awarded 1,400+ degrees at spring commencement, with graduates receiving 2 complimentary Dollywood tickets from Dolly Parton.
Eugene Naughton, a 1989 Radford alumnus and president of Dollywood Co., will serve as commencement speaker for the university's May 2026 graduation ceremonies.
Dunkin' celebrated the grand opening of its Fairlawn location on April 30 with free donuts for a year and a $2,000 donation to Special Olympics of Virginia.
The New River Valley, including Radford, is experiencing severe to extreme drought conditions as of late April 2026, disrupting spring planting and damaging fruit crops across the region.
Governor Abigail Spanberger appointed Christopher B. Settle, a 1997 Radford alumnus, to the Radford University Board of Visitors on April 29, 2026.
Radford University announced the formation of a Center for Rural Health Partner Council, partnering with organizations across Southwest and Southside Virginia to address healthcare challenges in rural communities.
Lightning strike at Radford Army Ammunition Plant caused blackout and vapor venting; two security personnel treated for potential fume exposure.
A lightning strike on April 28 caused a blackout at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant, resulting in a brief vapor release and two security personnel being treated for potential fume exposure.
The Radford Clothing Bank was recognized as Agency Partner of the Year by the United Way of Southwest Virginia at its 2026 Impact Awards for providing free clothing to New River Valley residents in need.
Niche.com ranked Radford's public schools among the top 20 school systems in Virginia for 2026, recognizing the quality of education in the small city school district.
Save the Next Rider Foundation honors teen Michael Lee Price, killed in Radford motorcycle crash, with a community ride and family event on April 18.
After months of work sessions, the comprehensive rewrite of Radford's zoning ordinance will enter the public hearing phase, including new standards for data centers and industrial buffers.
Jeff Brown, a biology teacher at Radford High School with 28 years of experience, was named the 2026 Virginia Regional Teacher of the Year for Region 7.
Radford faces fiscal distress designation; city proposes real estate tax hike, water rate doubling, 5% electric increase, and hiring freeze to address financial challenges.
Sparky's Run Dog Park reopened in Radford on March 31, 2026, featuring a pavilion and new play equipment for dogs.
Council approves hiring plan to add officers and firefighters, addressing staffing shortages that have affected response times.
Radford City Council discusses hiring Brown, Edmonds & Company for a forensic audit of city finances from June 2020 to June 2025, covering 24+ expenditure categories.
Radford University's Board of Visitors unanimously approved tuition and fee increases for the 2026–27 academic year. In-state undergraduate tuition will rise 2.25% ($196), out-of-state undergraduate by 4% ($880), and the mandatory comprehensive fee by 6% ($248). The Radford Tuition Promise continues to cover tuition for eligible in-state students with household income of $100,000 or less.
Radford University Board of Visitors approves tuition/fee increases for 2026-2027, ranging from 2.25% for in-state undergrads to 15.5% for out-of-state grad students.
Radford seeks community input on allocating $160K+ in federal CDBG funding, with 70% required to benefit low-to-moderate income residents.
Virginia Credit Union donates $2.5M to Radford University for a Financial Success Center opening 2026-27, offering finance education and coaching.
Radford continues to utilize HUD Community Development Block Grant funding for housing rehabilitation and infrastructure in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods.
A split council voted 3-2 to increase water and sewer rates, part of a broader effort to address Radford's structural financial imbalance.
Joseph Raccuia, 19, a Radford University student, was killed in a single-vehicle crash on East Street on February 25. The crash remains under investigation.
19-year-old Joseph Raccuia of Radford was killed in a single-vehicle crash on the 10 block of East Street on February 25, 2026.
Pulaski County and Radford are in litigation over a 1978 revenue-sharing agreement tied to Fairlawn, Virginia's first such deal.
Radford PD arrested Corey Carter, 56, for stabbing and robbery on Feb. 1 at 200 block of Second Street. Charged with Aggravated Malicious Wounding.
Radford Police arrested Corey Carter, 56, of Pulaski in connection with a February 1 stabbing and robbery in the 200 block of Second Street that left a man with multiple stab wounds.
Radford University officially launched "Shaping Tomorrow — Together," a six-year strategic plan focused on defining the university's identity, driving regional economic development, and stabilizing enrollment.
A majority of the 84 indexed development projects for the 2025-2026 cycle are residential, signaling growing demand in Radford's housing market.
Radford officials address financial pressures including Appalachian Power debt and Pulaski County lawsuit while pursuing economic growth opportunities.
Radford Police hosted a community safety pop-up on Downey Street after a teen fatally shot someone, focusing on gun violence prevention and free gun locks.
A minor is charged with second-degree murder after a fatal shooting near Radford University campus. Police chief cites rise in gun crimes and gang influence.
Juvenile charged with second-degree murder after fatal shooting on Downey St. in Radford at 2:35 a.m. Saturday, September 13.
Radford Police investigating series of vehicle break-ins across multiple areas; one suspect in custody after Ring camera footage.
Austin Blake Hixon was sentenced to 86 months in federal prison for his role in the November 2022 break-in at 1st Pawn in Fairlawn, where approximately 15 firearms were stolen and later sold or traded for methamphetamine.
Radford Road homeowner raises speeding concerns; VDOT data shows 4 fatalities 2015-2024, ~8,700 daily travelers, no speed limit changes planned.
Brent J. Thompson arrested after firing gun into air during altercation on Fairfax St, charged with multiple firearm offenses, DUI, and assault.
Radford City Police arrested Brent J. Thompson after he brandished a firearm and fired it into the air during an altercation on Fairfax Street. Thompson was also charged with DUI and assault & battery.
Two more suspects arrested in April 17 Radford shooting on E. Main St. Dominick Anderson & Trevion Johnson face robbery and weapons charges.
Nitric acid spill at Radford Army Ammunition Plant railyard injured one employee; 6,500 gallons spilled, no community risk detected.
Two charged in Radford double shooting on E. Main St. Robert Leonard and Sidney Schwartz face multiple felony charges including weapons and assault.
Joey Lyn Phipps, 43, arrested after 6-mile chase in stolen vehicle, faces felony eluding, stolen goods, and outstanding warrant charges.
Bryant Sylvester Weaver arrested in Radford for sexual assault, strangulation, sodomy, and abduction on Forest Ave. Held without bond.
Gregory Thoma of Radford indicted on 45 counts related to child pornography including possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation, and facilitation.