A teen girl found an iPhone in an airplane bathroom. Her family says it was put there to record her
The family of a 14-year-old girl who allegedly discovered an iPhone taped to the back of a toilet seat on a recent flight from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Boston said they believe it was put there to record her by a member of the crew.
Smith Mountain Lake businesses hope to stay busy as summer comes to an end
Smith Mountain Lake saw a lot of traffic on Labor Day. The weather was perfect for boating, playing a game of mini golf, or even enjoying a meal outside. The holiday brought in a good deal of foot traffic for businesses on the lakefront, which gave it a very different look than last year.
17 die in Labor Day weekend crashes across Virginia
RICHMOND, Va. Fifteen deadly crashes across the Commonwealth claimed the lives of 17 people during this Labor Day weekend, according to Virginia State Police. Pedestrians were involved in two of the 15 fatal crashes, which both happened in Roanoke. Here is a closer look at some of the 15 crashes:State police investigated a total of 484 traffic crashes during the holiday weekend. The 2020 traffic fatality statistics continue to trend in an unacceptable direction and with 116 additional crashes with injuries over the holiday weekend, I fear that preliminary number of deaths may still increase, said Virginia State Police Superintendent Col. Gary Settle. The decisions are simple: dont drive impaired, dont drive tired, dont drive distracted, dont speed, wear your seatbelt, pay attention and be a responsible passenger.As a result of state police traffic safety enforcement efforts during the 2020 statistical counting period, Virginia troopers:
Buena Vista leaders cancel annual Labor Day parade
BUENA VISTA, Va. โ The annual Buena Vista Labor Day parade was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Typically, itโs also a chance for candidates to take the time to talk with voters before the election. โI can promise that I will listen, that I will think and that I will dream big for our children,โ said Annie LePere, a school board candidate for Buena Vista City Public Schools. โTo all my friends in Buena Vista, in Lexington, in Rockbridge County, I hope youโre safe and having a great Labor Day,โ said Sen. Mark Warner. Another featured candidate was Nicholas Betts who is running for Virginiaโs 6th congressional district.
As California burns, the winds arrive and the lights go out
That's the situation now in Northern California, where high and dry winds are expected until Wednesday. The fire danger also is high in Southern California, where new fires were burning in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. Evacuation orders were expanded to more mountain communities Monday as the largest blaze, the Creek Fire, churned through the Sierra National Forest in Central California. The fire moved 15 miles (24 kilometers) in a single day during the weekend and burned 56 square miles (145.04 square kilometers). California has seen 900 wildfires since Aug. 15, many of them started by an intense series of thousands of lightning strikes in mid-August.
Beyond The Forecast: We crunch the numbers after a a hot, wet summer
So summers over, and it was a hot and wet one in our corner of the Commonwealth! (WSLS)It was also quite hot in Lynchburg this past summer, with an average temperature of 77.5 degrees. The hottest summer on record in the Hill City happened in 1943 when the average temperature was 78.5 degrees. (WSLS)Switching gears to precipitation, it was a wetter-than-average summer across our four climate sites (Roanoke, Lynchburg, Danville and Blacksburg). So I would still say it was a wet summer in Roanoke, Danville and Blacksburg, although each communitys numbers werent as high as Lynchburgs.
Asian shares rise as US set to reopen from Labor Day holiday
Asian stock markets were mixed Monday after Wall Street turned in its biggest weekly decline in more than two months. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)TOKYO Asian shares rose Tuesday, after European stocks rallied and U.S. markets were closed for the Labor Day national holiday. Wall Streets slide on Friday followed a Labor Department report that showed U.S. hiring slowed to 1.4 million last month. In Europe, another round of Brexit trade talks is scheduled in London for later in the day. The Asian region depends heavily on a healthy Chinese economy, and trade with the U.S., as well as with China.
โIt was insaneโ: Unprecedented times lead to business boom at Smith Mountain Lake
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va. โ Labor Day marks the unofficial end to summer but business at Smith Mountain Lake is still booming. Traffic on the water is expected on Labor Day but thatโs how the lake has looked most of the summer. The stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day is make or break time for most businesses on the lake. โWeโre fortunate and blessed to have the opportunity to still do business kind of almost as normal,โ Hodnett said. Labor Day typically wraps up busy season but this year, itโs still going, with boats booked solid for the rest of the month.
Labor Day bringing Biden to Pa., Harris and Pence to Wis.
Biden was heading Monday to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for an AFL-CIO virtual town hall with union President Richard Trumka. Harris will meet IBEW union workers and Black business owners in Milwaukee, while Pence will tour an energy facility in La Crosse. The Biden campaign believes its labor support could help get out the vote in states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Labor Day typically marks the unofficial start to the fall campaign season as candidates accelerate their activity for the final sprint to Election Day. Aides say to expect both Biden and Harris to increase their campaigning for the remaining weeks.
Lovely Labor Day followed up by more humidity, storms later this week
ROANOKE, Va. Much like the past couple of mornings, Labor Day starts out with a little bit of a chill in the air. Well trade the long sleeves for bathing suits throughout the day, as temperatures rise into the low to mid 80s by the afternoon. Odds of a named storm near the East Coast this weekName or not, we expect some spotty showers and storms later in the day Tuesday. The heaviest rain will likely be east of here, but we still expect scattered showers and storms to develop and move east to west. What We're Tracking - WednesdayThis bowling ball of a storm system will weaken significantly as it moves north of our area this coming weekend.
The Summer of COVD-19 ends with health officials worried
Many Labor Day parades marking the unofficial end of summer were called off, and masks were usually required at the few that went on. "Please, please do not make the same mistakes we all made on Memorial Day weekend. The U.S. had about 1.6 million confirmed COVID-19 cases around Memorial Day, before backyard parties and other gatherings contributed to a summertime surge. It was their first trip out of state since COVID-19 started spreading. They had time off because the Labor Day weekend fair where they typically sell concessions canceled this year.
We really appreciate their business: Local frontline employees serve others on Labor Day
ROANOKE, Va. On a day of rest for millions of Americans enjoying the Labor Day holiday, frontline workers still had to clock in. From restaurants to retail and hotels to health care, Morrison helps make up the 147 million working Americans in the labor force. She said its something she doesnt take for granted, especially at a time when more than 13 million Americans are out of a job during the COVID-19 pandemic. Weve just been staying at it, staying busy and staying strong, said Herndon. We really care and we really appreciate their business when they do take the time to come out and hang out with us on a holiday, said Herndon.
Low drama weather continues as high pressure keeps its grip on our area
A large area of high pressure is what we should thank for the wonderful weather. High vs. Low pressure (WSLS)After a cool start to the day, look for temperatures to warm to the low to mid 80s by afternoon. Well continue to see abundant sunshine and low humidity for this middle day of Labor Day weekend. Future Tracker Sunday 4 p.m. (WSLS)The weather looks pleasant for the Labor Day holiday as well. Three day humidity tracker (WSLS)While our local weather is quiet, the tropical Atlantic is quite active.
Ahead of Labor Day Celebrations, experts say: play it safe
(NBC News) - Millions of Americans are planning a last warm weather hurrah before the sun sets on summer. This year, AAA sees travelers opting for remote locations over cities, and driving instead of flying. Some areas that saw spikes after Memorial Day, like Oregons Multnomah County, are pleading with people to play it safe. Our ask of the public is to just find one way to take your plans down a notch in terms of risk, says Multnomah County Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Vines. Under 10 is what people say and to wear masks when possible.And while many continue to avoid crowds, health experts say small gatherings can be risky as well.
Sunshine, warmth and low humidity throughout the holiday weekend
High pressure will settle in as our dominant weather maker and the sinking air will inhibit all rain chances and most cloud cover. Saturday planner (WSLS)If you like the cooler air this morning, youll be in luck tomorrow morning! Otherwise, well just call it free air conditioning as you can leave your windows open tonight and enjoy the cooler air. Sunday morning lows (WSLS)Labor Day will also feature morning lows in the 50s. Heres your Saturday morning weather headlines.
Crowds pack beaches as California bakes in weekend heat wave
Numerous parking lots to San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles County beaches closed after they filled to capacity and lifeguards reported seeing large crowds. People stuck close to the surf line at beaches along Los Angeles County's 72 miles (116 kilometres) of coastline. Because of the pandemic, L.A County beaches were closed during the Fourth of July weekend. Downtown Los Angeles reached 110 degrees (43.3 Celsius) on Saturday. Los Angeles County was providing close to 50 centers the largest site activation in memory in libraries, community centers and even a museum in the L.A. suburb of Gardena.
Will long Labor Day weekend mean another coronavirus spike?
I look upon the Labor Day weekend really as a critical point," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the governments top infectious-disease expert. And a few states are heading into the holiday with less room in hospitals than they had over Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. More beaches will be open on Labor Day than on Memorial Day, but Fauci said that is not cause in itself for concern, as long as people keep their distance. I would rather see someone on a beach, being physically separated enough, than someone crowded in an indoor bar, he said. Cases of COVID-19, which spiked from about 20,000 per day to around 70,000 during the summertime surge in the South, are now down to about 40,000.
Tracking a pumpkin spice front that will drop humidity, raise fall-lovers spirits this weekend
High temperatures will vary depending on elevation, as the New River Valley and Highlands reach 80-85 and the rest of us hit 85-90. Once our front clears the area, humidity levels drop off and make for a gorgeous Labor Day weekend. Tracking humidity levels by SaturdayWith the humidity low, the wind calm and the sky clear, temperatures each night can fall more than they have in the last couple of months. Expect windows open weather each night this weekend, as temperatures fall into the 50s by Sunday morning. Labor Day weekend forecast - 2020Beyond the weekend, were tracking a large dip in the jet stream across the Rockies and central Plains.
Danville private school to reopen after closing when 6 students, staff tested positive for COVID-19
DANVILLE, Va. A Danville private school that chose to close after five students and one staff member tested positive for COVID-19 is preparing to reopen after Labor Day. Westover Christian academy closed school this week after they found out about the positive cases. As a precaution, the school canceled all classes this week to clean the building, run air purifiers 24/7, and check in with health officials. John cline, Westover Christian Academy, administratorWe feel like were doing what is right and what needs to be done and whats good for our school, for our students, for our families, said John Cline, the academys administrator. We feel good about it, very confident that we can do this.The school is welcoming back students, teachers and staff on Tuesday, September 8.
State Police looking to prevent another jump in Labor Day weekend crash-related deaths
ROANOKE, Va. โ Labor Day weekend is a time when many Americans can relax from their daily lives, but sometimes wrong decisions may lead to deadly consequences. Authorities want drivers to stay alert, stay sober and wear their seatbelts because of the rise in fatal crashes in the Commonwealth during Labor Day weekend over the past few years. In 2017, only five people died in Labor Day weekend crashes. โEveryday State Troopers notify family members of a loved oneโs death. Your safety habits can help reverse the trend and save a life.โFrom Friday through Labor Day, authorities will be enforcing sobriety checkpoints to prevent any DUI-related crashes.
Radford city leaders urge social distancing this Labor Day, as some businesses close dining rooms
RADFORD, Va. โ As with other holidays in 2020, Labor Day comes with strong warnings from medical professionals to continue practicing socially distance safeguards to limit the spread of COVID-19. Radford city leaders are following suit as the city surpasses 500 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began. Mayor David Horton said as public schools reopened, Radford University students returned to campus and summer vacations ended, he expected some type of increase. Horton said city leaders will case data in the week following Labor Day to determine whether public schools will return to their hybrid learning. Radford City Schools Superintendent Robert Graham anticipates a September 14 return.
Summers back! Heat, humidity precede the chance for a few stronger storms Wednesday
Your Local ForecastA front to our west will trigger some storms that will then move east into the area after about 1 or 2 p.m. Our heat, humidity and enough wind energy above us will allow for the possibility of localized wind damage in any storm that forms. Things will feel a lot more comfortable out there, which is great for outdoor Labor Day weekend plans. Labor Day weekend 2020 forecastWell just have to watch for a few late day storms on Labor Day as another front gets closer to the region. Chances of more tropical development over the next 5 daysIf these two storms get names, theyd be Paulette and Rene.
Virus crisis easing across Sun Belt but could heat up again
The torrid coronavirus summer across the Sun Belt is easing after two disastrous months that brought more than 35,000 deaths. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)The torrid coronavirus summer across the Sun Belt is easing after two disastrous months that brought more than 35,000 deaths. Whether the outbreak will heat up again after Labor Day and the resumption of school and football remains to be seen. Now they worry that Labor Day will contribute to the virus's spread. If we were to see the same effect from Labor Day, we would be in worse shape than we were after July Fourth, said Williamson.
Bedford County school leaders vote to delay first day, require masks at times
BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. โ Students in Bedford County wonโt see the inside of a classroom until sometime during the week of Labor Day. The school board voted on Thursday night 4-3 in favor of delaying the start of school again to the week of Sept. 7. Itโs not clear yet when the exact first day of school will be. But at the end of the day the board has made a decision and weโre going to support that,โ Schuch said. School leaders voted in favor of requiring face coverings for students when they canโt maintain six feet of distance.
Wythe County delays school year, will start 100% virtual
WYTHE COUNTY, Va. The school year in Wythe County will now not begin until after Labor Day. On Thursday, the Wythe County School Board approved a plan moving the first day of school from Aug. 24 back 15 days to Tuesday, Sept. 8. In addition, the school division will begin with 100% virtual learning, which will last through at least Oct. 26, the end of the first quarter. At the regularly scheduled Sept. 10 meeting, the school board will receive an update and determine if any other changes need to be made. The school division plans to release more information about its virtual instruction plan soon.
Big Ten football season set to begin on Labor Day weekend
The Big Ten released its 10-game conference-only football schedule beginning as early as Labor Day weekend but cautioned Wednesday there is no certainty games will be played. We're gathering medical information daily, we're communicating with all of our constituents in the Big Ten and communicating with student-athletes. This will not be a straight line this year.Under the revised schedule, teams will play conference opponents they originally were set to meet and will have one additional cross-division game. The regular season starts the weekend of Sept. 5 and runs through Nov. 21. The conference will allow teams to begin preseason practices Friday, or earlier if a team's season begins before Sept. 5.
Amherst County Schools delays reopening schools by two weeks
AMHERST, Va. Amherst County students will now go back to school after Labor Day, rather than before it. Superintendent Dr. Robert Arnold said the school division needs more time to prepare. In a school board meeting on Thursday night, members voted to have classes start in person on Sept. 9 instead of Aug. 26. Board members also agreed to have teachers begin their planning phase on Aug. 10, rather than Aug. 3. The school board also made it mandatory that all students and staff wear masks on campus.
Telluride Film Festival canceled due to pandemic
NEW YORK The Telluride Film Festival, the annual film retreat held in the Colorado mountains and one of the fall movie season's top launching pads, has been canceled. Organizers said Tuesday that the festival's 47th edition, scheduled for Labor Day weekend, was scuttled entirely due to the coronavirus pandemic. Through much of the summer, Telluride had clung to hopes that cancellation wouldn't be necessary. Telluride is part of a late summer-early fall foursome of major festivals, along with the Venice Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival and the New York Film Festival. Recently, Telluride organizers were told that two of their usual venues at local schools couldnt be used this year.
NSTB: Dive boat didn't have roving crew member on watch
The 75-foot commercial diving boat, called the Conception, caught fire Labor Day off the coast of Santa Cruz Island in Southern California. "A crewmember sleeping in the wheelhouse berths was awakened by a noise and got up to investigate," the report says. The report came as experts are giving alarming safety assessments of small passenger and recreational vessels like Conception. The Coast Guard said because the Conception accident is still under investigation, it cannot comment on potential changes to regulations. "The National Transportation Safety Board and the Coast Guard will conduct thorough and detailed investigations to determine potential casual factors associated with this tragedy."
Last missing victim from California dive boat fire has been located
The 75-foot commercial diving boat, called the Conception, caught fire Labor Day off the coast of Santa Cruz Island in Southern California. (CNN) - The last missing victim of the Conception dive boat fire in California was located Wednesday, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office said. "The Conception Incident Unified Command is relieved to report that search and recovery efforts today were successful in locating the last missing victim," a tweet from the sheriff's office said. The 75-foot dive boat sank off the Southern California coast on Labor Day following a fire that claimed the lives of 34 people on board. Investigators have not determined the cause of the fire aboard the dive boat, a law enforcement official familiar with the investigation said this week, noting the boat has not even been brought to the surface.
Cause of California diving boat fire remains unknown
The 75-foot commercial diving boat, called the Conception, caught fire Labor Day off the coast of Santa Cruz Island in Southern California. The Conception sank off the Southern California coast on Labor Day following a fire that claimed the lives of 34 passengers. "Reports that the remaining body not recovered is for certain in the boat are inaccurate," Raney said. We need to get divers back in the water to search parts of the boat that were unstable during prior searches." The escape hatch in the lower bunk level on the Vision -- the similar boat -- was small and difficult to see, access and maneuver, she said.
Crew of diving ship tell investigators they tried to save passengers
Of the 39 people aboard the 75-foot dive boat Conception, only five crew members, including the captain, were found alive. The crew members tried to get down the ladder, but it was engulfed in flames. Crew members then went to the double doors of the galley to try to get to the passengers, but it too was engulfed in flames, NTSB investigators were told. They then tried and failed to get in through a window in the front of the vessel, Homendy said. Alcohol testing was done on four out of five surviving crew members, Neubauer said.
Flames blocked escape routes, trapped sleeping scuba divers
The 75-foot commercial diving boat, called the Conception, caught fire Labor Day off the coast of Santa Cruz Island in Southern California. SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The 34 people feared dead in a California dive boat fire likely got trapped when the roaring blaze blocked their escape routes and confined them to the lower sleeping deck, authorities said. Passengers were not locked in the sleeping deck, but they were unable to flee the burning boat, Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said. The boat was about 20 miles off the mainland coast, near Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands National Park. Rapid DNA technology to be used to ID victimsAuthorities will use rapid DNA technology to identify those whose bodies were burned beyond recognition, Brown said.
11 die in Labor Day weekend crashes across Virginia
RICHMOND, Va. - Nine deadly crashes across Virginia claimed the lives of 11 people this Labor Day weekend, according to Virginia State Police. The crashes occurred in the counties of Albemarle, Franklin, Goochland, Prince George, Prince William, Richmond, Spotsylvania and Wise. Prince William County had two separate fatal crashes occur over the Labor Day weekend. Here's a closer look at the nine crashes:State police investigated a total 684 traffic crashes during the holiday weekend. "Despite our enforcement and outreach efforts in advance of the Labor Day weekend, Virginia still had 11 men and women killed in traffic crashes on our highways," said Col. Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police superintendent.
What we know about the California dive boat and its last excursion
The 75-foot commercial diving boat, called the Conception, caught fire Labor Day off the coast of Santa Cruz Island in Southern California. The Conception was a hit with scuba divers and actor Rob Lowe, who said he had been on the California-based boat "many times." Organizers said Truth Aquatics, the company that operates the boat, is known for its professionalism. A veteran of the boat narrowly escapes tragedyDale Sheckler, co-founder of California Diving News, has traveled on the Conception more than 100 times. I just can't imagine, as the names come out, I know I'm going to be shocked when I see the names."
Couple who rescued California boat fire survivors saw vessel in flames
The 75-foot commercial diving boat, called the Conception, caught fire Labor Day off the coast of Santa Cruz Island in Southern California. Bob looked over the side and saw five people in their underwear, he told CNN affiliate KEYT-TV. Then he saw another boat in the distance, fully engulfed in flames. The 75-foot commercial diving boat, called the Conception, caught fire Labor Day off the coast of Santa Cruz Island in Southern California. Shirley said some of the rescued crew members told them about the moments on the boat before the fire.
Olive Garden treats first responders to lunch delivery for working on Labor Day
ROANOKE, Va. - Olive Garden in Roanoke is making sure first responders don't go hungry while on the clock this Labor Day. This is the 18th year Olive Garden has coordinated the nationwide effort. It's all to say "thank you" to those who are working Labor Day, making sure the community is safe. For my company to tell us it's okay to do that is wonderful," said Michelle Rader, Olive Garden general manager. Since 2002, Olive Garden has served more than 14,000 meals to first responders on Labor Day.
Axe throwing proves popular in Danville
DANVILLE, Va. - Many people celebrated Labor Day with food and fun in the sun, but some spent the day throwing axes. Grizzly's Hatchet House in Danville was open Monday. Along with throwing axes, you can order food and beer and sit around and listen to music. We weren't sure we were going to open that weekend. When we were able to open, we actually sold out that night," general manager Kevin Moore said.
Smith Mountain Lake wraps up one of most successful summers yet
Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer and the busy season at Smith Mountain Lake. "This summer's been incredible for us," Bridgewater Marina general manager Quincey Price said. Boats at Bridgewater Marina have been booked solid since Memorial Day. "We've got about 100 days to just absolutely go crazy and make as much money as we can," Price said. Price said the money made between Memorial Day and Labor Day keeps the marina and other local businesses afloat during the off season.
Salem's O'Brien Meats closes doors for good after 45 years
SALEM, Va. - A Salem staple for nearly half a century, O'Brien Meats announced Monday that it has closed its doors for good. The butcher shop posted to its Facebook page on Labor Day with the announcement. The post reads:"After 45 years in business at 26 W. Main Street, the O'Brien family has decided to close O'Brien Meats. We do so with extreme gratitude to our longtime and faithful customers, the vendors we have partnered with, our outstanding employees, and the beautiful City of Salem. As always, we appreciate you, and we thank you fo ryour prayers and support over the years!"