Youngkin Unveils VENA Food Aid Plan; Democrats Pitch Redistricting Amendment; Carilion Seeks $50M for Proton Therapy — Oct 29 | WFIR News Express
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Top Virginia and Roanoke Valley headlines for Wednesday, October 29, 2025:
🏛 Redistricting Amendment: Virginia Democrats propose a temporary constitutional amendment enabling lawmakers to redraw congressional maps if other states change theirs; GOP leaders call it a power grab ahead of Election Day.
🍽 Youngkin Unveils VENA: Governor Glenn Youngkin rolls out Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) — $37.5M from the surplus to keep aid flowing on SNAP EBT cards during the federal shutdown.
💬 Shutdown Standoff: Sen. Mark Warner backs holding the line on health-care subsidies as the Senate rejects another stopgap bill.
🎁 Toys for Tots Impact: The shutdown limits Marine involvement; volunteers step in across the Roanoke Valley.
🚨 Teen Robbery Arrests: Roanoke Police charge two teens in multiple robberies, crediting community tips and social media photos.
🔥 Troutville Fire Training Center: Investigators cite an electrical failure as the cause; restoration planning is underway.
🏳️🌈 Conversion Therapy Case: A pending U.S. Supreme Court ruling could roll back Virginia’s ban for LGBTQ minors.
🏥 Carilion Campaign: $50 million drive announced to bring Proton Beam Therapy to the Taubman Cancer Center, with major early gifts.
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