Bob Leweke
News Director / Morning Edition HostBob Leweke is WMRA's News Director and Morning Edition host.
Before coming to public radio in 2003, Bob had worked for The Roanoke Times as a circulation manager and writer. He later became a member of the communication faculty at Pikeville College in Kentucky, and at Bridgewater College in Virginia, where he taught public speaking, mass media law, communication theory and other courses. Bob holds degrees in communication and political science from Virginia Tech, and a doctorate in mass communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 2015 and 2016, the readers of the Daily News-Record voted him “Best Radio Personality.”
In his hours away from WMRA, Bob enjoys music, cycling, reading and movie-watching, and spending time with his family doing all of the above.
-
The nonprofit foundation that operates James Madison's Montpelier estate casts doubt on initial reports that a fire did no damage to artifacts… The General Assembly reconvenes this week to consider the governor’s amendments and vetoes… Pollinator enthusiasts gather at a city park in Winchester to plant wildflowers…. -
More than three years after the event, federal authorities arrest a Waynesboro man for alleged violent participation in the January 6th insurrection… Albemarle County joins other school systems in allowing teachers to bargain collectively… We take a look at the areas of agreement, and divergence, between the governor and legislators over the budget….
-
Residents, teachers and students in Shenandoah County debate changing local schools back to their previous Confederate names… State police issue homicide charges against two former Warren County deputies in the 2022 case of a driver who died after a traffic stop… It’s a record number of vetoes, and amendments, from the governor, and Jeff Schapiro joins us to discuss whether he will he get his way with the General Assembly….
-
A police standoff on Afton Mountain leaves one man injured and traffic on Interstate 64 backed up for hours… Virginia's Secretary of Education visits JMU for a discussion with outgoing university president Jonathan Alger… UVa’s School of Nursing hosts a conference on the impact of climate change on public health….
-
Some Shenandoah County residents want Confederate names restored to two schools there, and it’s likely they’ll get their wish… We review some of the legislation that Governor Youngkin vetoed and amended, including funding for education… Why is Virginia one of the few states that allows the governor to amend bills?....
-
Governor Youngkin completes his amendments to the General Assembly’s budget, more than 200… Reproductive rights advocates react to his vetoes of abortion-related legislation… Senator Tim Kaine renews his request to the Biden administration to halt the transfer of bombs and other offensive weapons to Israel….
-
Virginia’s new lab schools, including the one at JMU, could already be facing less funding… The governor signs dozens of bills, including legislation protecting digital menstrual health data, but among his vetoes, a bill that would have protected abortion providers from extradition… Award-winning Harrisonburg author Sofia Samatar talks about why her latest work is one of science fiction….
-
Charlottesville will soon have more safety cameras in an effort to reduce gun violence and vehicle thefts… Governor Youngkin signs a bill sponsored by Harrisonburg Senator Obenshain that will increase penalties for those who manufacture pressed pills containing fentanyl… As time runs out for the governor to sign, veto or amend bills, Jeff Schapiro joins us to discuss the week in politics and state government….
-
Charlottesville City Council reverses course and approves a Gaza cease-fire resolution… Governor Youngkin signs another 100 bills, including a measure to protect Virginians from unlawful discrimination… Most Virginia state parks, including Natural Bridge, will hold watch parties for next Monday’s solar eclipse….
-
A federal judge orders Nexus to pay more than $366 million in restitution and fines… With new abortion restrictions taking place in Florida, Virginia providers are bracing for an influx of people seeking abortions… For the first time, Virginia will mark Black Maternal Health Week….
