Jason Freund

Roanoke

Multimedia Journalist at WSLS-TV (Roanoke, VA)

MSJ with KWES/NewsWest 9. SDSU Alum. Formerly with the Daily Aztec. Defender of the Star Wars Prequels

Articles

Roanoke City School Board to meet following budget changes

1 day ago | wsls.com | Jason Freund

Published: May 13, 2025 at 3:26 PMTags: Roanoke, Budget, PoliticsSign up for our NewslettersPublished: May 13, 2025 at 3:26 PMTags: Roanoke, Budget, PoliticsRoanoke City School Board announces redistricting feasibility studyROANOKE, Va. – The Roanoke City School Board will be meeting today after the Roanoke City Council made changes to how the city funds public schools. A decision was made to keep funding the same as this fiscal year, which is below the normal 40% threshold.
Last-minute Mother’s Day orders keep local florists busy right up to the final hour

3 days ago | wsls.com | Jason Freund

ROANOKE, Va. – May 11 is Mother’s Day, a day when mothers around the world get treated to nice gifts. One of the main gifts, of course, is flowers. “Flowers are meant to be enjoyed, when we are talking about cut flowers,” Hailey Flood of George’s Flowers said.
Friends and family pay their respects for 24-year-old Emily Grace Keene

4 days ago | wsls.com | Jason Freund

Published: May 10, 2025 at 6:30 PMTags: Emily Grace Keene, Funeral, Rocky MountROCKY MOUNT, Va. – This Saturday afternoon, a funeral was held to remember and celebrate the life of 24-year-old Emily Grace Keene, who was shot and killed on Monday. The funeral, which was held at the Flora Funeral Service in Rocky Mount, saw dozens of friends and family members come to pay their respects to Keene. “She was one of the most vivacious and beautiful people, her grandfather Reverend Bill Pagen said.
Governor Glenn Youngkin speaks at Liberty University’s 52nd Commencement

5 days ago | wsls.com | Jason Freund

Published: May 9, 2025 at 11:27 PMTags: Liberty University, Education, Governor Glenn YoungkinThe Liberty University class of 2025 took their first steps towards life post-graduation. Tens of thousands of graduates took the field at Williams Stadium while parents, family members and loved ones looked on with pride and admiration as Governor Youngkin addressed the students.
Excitement reaching a fever pitch in Blacksburg for Metallica

1 week ago | wsls.com | Jason Freund

Published: May 6, 2025 at 11:13 PMTags: Metallica, Virginia TechBLACKSBURG, Va. – Lane Stadium stood empty at Virginia Tech tonight. Tomorrow, it’s expected to be packed with tens of thousands of Metallica fans, ready to welcome one of the biggest metal bands to Blacksburg.
How and why local Roanoke restaurants celebrate Cinco de Mayo

1 week ago | wsls.com | Jason Freund

The common misconception regarding Cinco De Mayo is that it is Mexican Independence Day. That day, while significant, is celebrated on September 16th. Cinco De Mayo is the celebration of the Mexican army’s victory over the French Army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. “It is the victory of a small Mexican army - probably around 4,000 people - against the French Army, you’re talking about six or seven thousand soldiers,” Banuelos-Montz said.
Concern among city officials, residents over downtown Roanoke safety

1 week ago | wsls.com | Jason Freund

Three people were injured in Saturday’s shootingSaturday’s early morning shooting in downtown Roanoke that left three injured happened while many people were out enjoying a night out. Residents and city officials, like Councilmember Phazon Nas, are concerned about walking around downtown Roanoke at night. “[When] me and my fiancée are down there, particularly later at night, when my younger cousins are down there, I’m concerned, and it’s because of the track record,” Nash said.
WATCH: Third Annual TacoRitas held in Roanoke Sunday

1 week ago | wsls.com | Jason Freund

ROANOKE, Va. – Just a day before Cinco de Mayo, the third annual Taco Ritas celebration, in partnership with WSLS 10, took place at the Berglund Center on Sunday, giving people a chance to savor some of the best tacos in the area. Vendors from across the region brought their flavorful best, serving up tasty treats to hungry crowds. Attendees also enjoyed live music, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for an early Cinco de Mayo celebration. “It’s a great environment to be in.
Annual Youth Summit hosted by the City of Roanoke Saturday

1 week ago | wsls.com | Jason Freund

Published: May 3, 2025 at 7:09 PMTags: Roanoke, William Fleming, Annual Youth SummitSign up for our NewslettersPublished: May 3, 2025 at 7:09 PMTags: Roanoke, William Fleming, Annual Youth SummitWilliam Fleming High School (WSLS) (WSLS2025)ROANOKE, Va. – The city of Roanoke hosted its annual Youth Summit Saturday afternoon at William Fleming High School, which brought teens together in a safe environment that taught them how they could be better adults in the future.
Virginia Tech students mark one year of encampment, others host early celebration of Israeli Independence Day

2 weeks ago | wsls.com | Jason Freund

Published: April 29, 2025 at 11:16 PMTags: VT4Palestine, Hillel at Virginia Tech, Virginia TechTwo student organizations at Virginia Tech - Hillel at Virginia Tech and VT4Palestine - held different events today displaying their religious and political viewpoints. VT4Palestine hosted a demonstration on Virginia Tech’s Graduate Life Center lawn Tuesday afternoon, exactly one year after 82 students and faculty members were arrested for trespassing during a similar encampment.