On Thursday, students at enCircle’s Roanoke Minnick School had the chance to turn classroom lessons into real-world experiences during Career Day. Organizers say the event is meant to empower students with disabilities to build confidence and to gain insight into future careers.

While supporters hail the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” as a win for working Americans, others worry about its deep cuts to key social safety net programs. On the streets of downtown Roanoke, opinions were anything but one-sided.

BEDFORD, Va. – The COVID-19 vaccination effort continues across Central and Southwest Virginia, and a clinic Saturday immunized one of the region’s most vulnerable populations. EnCircle, an organization that cares for people with disabilities, vaccinated more than 150 people Saturday morning. Disabled patients had first priority for the Pfizer vaccine, but caregivers and staff could also get vaccinated. EnCircle CEO Ray Ratke said he had looked forward to this day for a long time. “I love to look at these folks getting vaccinated,” Ratke said.