🌱 Roanoke Confused By Plastic Bag Tax + Williamson Rd. Shooting

Happy Monday, people of Roanoke! Let's get you all caught up to start today off on an informed note.

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First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and colder. High: 37 Low: 20.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Roanoke:

1. A week after the city of Roanoke implemented a plastic bag tax, the change is causing a lot of confusion in the city and beyond. The new tax only applies to convenience stores, drug stores, and grocery stores inside city limits. However, it's caused misunderstandings among shoppers and retailers alike as to whether it affects stores in Roanoke City or the greater Roanoke County. (WSLS 10)
2. Roanoke police officers have made an arrest after a man was found shot in critical condition inside a local business on Williamson Road. Jeffrey E. White, 52 of Roanoke, and another customer were reportedly fighting on Friday before White left the location. White was then confronted by the victim outside of the store, where the shooting occurred. (WDBJ7)
3. Virginia's Governor-Elect Glenn Youngkin (R) and Attorney General-Elect Jason Miyares (R) announced that they intend to challenge President Joe Biden's proposed vaccine mandate. This development comes as the Supreme Court is hearing arguments on whether to allow the administration to enforce a vaccine-or-testing requirement that applies to large employers, as well as a separate vaccine mandate for health care workers. (WDBJ7)

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Today in Roanoke:

• City Planning Commission - Roanoke City Council (1:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Many Roanoke City homeowners were shocked to see a significant spike in their property tax bill this year. (WSLS 10)
• Looking for some winter family fun? Head to Elmwood on Ice, where you can rent skates, skate, and play putt-putt — all for $10. (Facebook)
• The 81st Basic Roanoke Police Academy and the 60th Basic Roanoke County Criminal Justice Academy recently graduated. A video recording of the event is available online. (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.