Roanoke Emergency Management officials are planning a disaster response exercise today — for pets. It is mandated under a federal law passed after Hurricane Katrina, one requiring communities to have plans in place to shelter and care for domestic pets after natural disasters. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.

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Unemployment is dropping in the Commonwealth, and that means consumer sentiment is rising. A new Roanoke College poll shows consumer sentiment is at  80.9% this month — up 12 points from the first quarter of this year. WFIR’s Jay King has the story.

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Click here for full poll results and methodology.

Gov. Bob McDonnell

Governor Bob McDonnell is under investigation over financial statements he has filed — a probe initiated by Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. The Richmond Times Dispatch says the process started last November but has just become public. Cuccinelli appointed  a special prosecutor to examine the governor’s statements. Under Virginia law, elected officials are required to account for all gifts of more than $50. The investigation follows disclosures surrounding the governor and first lady Maureen McDonnell’s relationship with Jonnie Williams Sr.  He is the CEO of Richmond area dietary supplement maker Star Scientific.

Click here for the full Richmond Times-Dispatch story

A high-ranking Norfolk Southern executive says the railroad’s recent closing of the Roanoke hump yard is already producing the desired financial results. A railroad senior vice-president told an investors conference the move has resulted in “solid cost savings” with no disruptions to service. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.

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