Radford University sets record freshman retention rate

RADFORD, Va. – Radford University has set a record for its highest freshman-to-sophomore retention rate, university leaders announced Sept. 10. The rate now stands at 79.9% — a 13-percentage-point increase over the last five years — after the university hit its lowest retention rate in nearly 30 years in fall 2021.

Preston Park Elementary’s new building gives teachers and students a fresh start

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Many school buildings across Virginia are decades past their prime and in need of repair. In Roanoke City, one elementary school is already showing what investment in school facilities can look like. A building bursting at the seams. For decades, Preston Park Elementary students learned in...

Game of the Week: Magna Vista faces Lord Botetourt in Week Three Showdown

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — Week three of the high school football season is here, and a Piedmont versus Blue Ridge District showdown is set to bring some extra juice Friday night when Magna Vista meets Lord Botetourt. Magna Vista enters the matchup undefeated at 2-0. In its past two...

Blacksburg speed cameras begin issuing fines in school zones

BLACKSBURG, Va. – Drivers caught speeding near two Blacksburg schools are now getting fined. The town’s School Zone Speed Safety Program shifted from warnings to enforcement Tuesday, with $100 civil fines going out to anyone caught driving 11 miles per hour or more over the posted school zone speed limit.

Capital needs list presentation to be made at Tuesday school board meeting

The Pulaski County School Board will meet Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. for its regular monthly meeting for September. Among the agenda items will be a presentation from Jess Shull, Director of Facilities, on capital improvement needs in the county’s schools. At the board’s August meeting, it was...

Bluefield State University issues statement after death of a student

PRINCETON, WV (WVNS) – A student enrolled and attending Bluefield State University passes away after an incident at Brush Creek Falls, according to a statement from the University. The press release states the following; Bluefield State University confirms the death of a BSU student following an incident at Brush Creek Falls on Saturday, September 5, […]

High School Football Roundup: Salem dismantles Franklin County; Golden Eagles blanked by JF; and Auburn cruises past SMLCA

The Spartans are 2-0 for the first time in five years after a dominant 65-17 win over the Eagles on Friday night at Cy Dillon Stadium. Last season, Salem finished 5-5, including a 31-21 home loss to Franklin County in Week 2. Senior running back Jordan McCadden opened the scoring...

Enviroclub Launches 2026 Can Collection Competition

Three years ago, the Enviroclub received a grant to purchase can-crushers–mechanical can-crushing devices that begin the process of aluminum recycling. Two years ago, they started the Can Collection Competition, a student-led recycling initiative. Now, the competition is back. As a contest oriented around collecting aluminum cans to reduce waste,...

Roanoke Catholic football searching for opponent after late cancellation

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Roanoke Catholic School football is searching for an opponent for Week 3 of Friday Football Extra action, after their opponent backed out of the contest. Celtics coach Brett Jones confirms to WDBJ7 that Fredericksburg Christian, originally scheduled to host Roanoke Catholic Saturday at 1:00pm, has cancelled the contest, due to FCS being depleted from injuries.

A Virginia school district pioneers solar and battery microgrids

Roanoke City Public Schools in Virginia is set to become the first in the state to invest in solar-and-battery-powered microgrids at its two high schools, which double as official disaster shelters. As climate change intensifies, communities around the country are looking for ways to better prepare for extreme weather, from...

Record Investment in Education & Career Development

Governor Abigail Spanberger earlier this week met Virginia students, heard from teachers and administrators, and highlighted record investments the Commonwealth has made in education and career development programs. In Roanoke, the Governor visited the Roanoke County Public Schools Career and Technology Center — a new workforce development facility opening in...

Christiansburg sophomore recovers after being flown from football game with spinal injury

CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - Christiansburg High School sophomore Dillinger Collins is back at school and speaking out after a spinal injury led to him being flown from a football game last week. Collins, a sophomore safety and running back, was hurt during the third quarter of a Friday night game.

Blacksburg elementary school parking lot doubles as game-day fundraiser

BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - Fans heading to Lane Stadium this weekend for Virginia Tech’s season opener against VMI have an option less than a mile from the stadium: the parking lot at Margaret Beeks Elementary School. For $15 a car, cash only, first come first served, fans can park...

Week 2 High School Football Scores

Glenvar keeps Liberty off the scoreboard in 27-0 win

Following a 30-minute lightning delay, Glenvar took control early and shut out Liberty 27-0. Ranger Swanson scored on a 10-yard run during the Highlanders’ first possession. Near the end of the opening quarter, quarterback Kiptyn Jones connected with Ricky Ferguson for a 17-yard touchdown, with Haden Henderson delivering a key block on the play.

Hardee’s Friday Night Blitz Preview – Week 2 – September 4, 2026

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — WFXR Sports Director Jermaine Ferrell gives us a preview of Week 2 of the high school football season. Time changes for a few games due to heat Friday night : St. Michael at North Cross – 5 p.m. Blacksburg at James River – 7:30 p.m. Salem at Franklin County – 7:30 […]

Bethel, Norview capture Thursday night victories to kick off week two

Week two of high school football in Hampton Roads got underway Thursday night with a team eyeing a Peninsula District title in 2026 continuing its early roll.

Lewis tabbed as next Fleming girls hoops coach

ROANOKE, Va. – William Fleming High School and Roanoke City Public Schools have named Mackenzie “Mack” Lewis as the new varsity head coach of the Colonels girls basketball program. A Northside High School alumnus, Lewis brings extensive coaching, leadership and player-development experience to William Fleming and has...

William Fleming High School names Mackenzie “Mack” Lewis as new head girls basketball coach

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — William Fleming and Roanoke City Public Schools announced Mackenzie “Mack” Lewis as the new Colonels Varsity Head Girls Basketball Coach. Known as “Coach Mack“, Lewis recently served as Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball Coach at Salem High School, where he helped lead the Spartans to VHSL State Class 4 Runner-Up finishes in […]