WFIR News Express: Recent Episodes
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Don't wake up in enough time to hear The Roanoke Valley's Morning News on air? This podcast brings you daily Roanoke Valley news in a quick format. Listen to the news on your schedule!
Virginia’s political spotlight stays on the governor’s race and fallout from the Jay Jones controversy — plus key local updates across Southwest Virginia:
- 🗳 Election Reaction: Continued coverage of the Spanberger–Earle-Sears campaign as both sides respond to last week’s debate and growing scrutiny of Attorney General candidate Jay Jones.
- 💬 Tim Kaine Responds: The senator says Abigail Spanberger performed well, while Republicans question her silence on Jones.
- 🚔 Law Enforcement Backlash: Bedford County Sheriff Mike Miller joins others condemning Jones’ text messages as “deeply troubling.”
- ⚖️ GOP Chair Mark Peake: Says Democrats are “quietly quitting” on Jones as he prepares to debate Jason Miyares later this week.
- 🏘 Franklin County Proposal: Officials weigh easing restrictions on short-term rentals like Airbnb near Smith Mountain Lake.
- 🏗 Roanoke Rezoning: Hearings set for a 195-unit townhome project and a new substance-use treatment center.
- 🌸 George’s Flowers Relocating: Longtime Roanoke florist moves due to flood risks; plans a larger site with classroom space.
- 🏛 Lynchburg Zoning Debate: City leaders to discuss new rules on where abortion clinics could operate.
- 🏠 Workforce Housing Expansion: Governor Youngkin announces $75 million to support 5,000 new housing units statewide.
- 🎃 Pumpkin Month Tradition: An Appomattox farm delivers pumpkins to the Executive Mansion for First Lady Suzanne Youngkin.
- 🇺🇸 Honoring WWII Veterans: Roanoke celebrates two local heroes turning 100 and 101.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify or tap the “News Express” tab at WFIRNews.com for your weekday local headlines.
Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Republican Winsome Earle-Sears faced off in their only debate before Election Day — clashing over a scandal involving Democratic Attorney General nominee Jay Jones, as well as education, energy, and cultural issues. WFIR’s Ian Price breaks down the key exchanges and what they mean for Virginia voters.
Also in today’s update:
- Senator Tim Kaine pushes bipartisan action to repeal Trump’s global tariffs.
- A Virginia military wife pleads for troop pay during the ongoing shutdown.
- Advocates urge Attorney General Jason Miyares to oppose Trump’s birthright citizenship order.
- Plus, updates on indictments in Bonsack, a Roanoke County sentencing, Liberty University’s mass-casualty drill, and a creative new café on Grandin Road.
📅 Friday, October 10, 2025 – WFIR News | Streaming Update
WFIR Morning Anchor Ian Price speaks with Roanoke Rambler Reporter Jeff Sturgeon, who shares exclusive reporting on Virginia Tech’s exploration of a potential sale of the Hotel Roanoke. With plans for a $14 million conference center expansion on hold, what could a sale mean for the city and university partnership? Then, they dive into new tensions over school funding in Roanoke, as city and school leaders quietly reconsider whether leftover school funds should be returned to the city. It’s all part of our ongoing On The Record collaboration with The Roanoke Rambler.
Lead story: WFIR-exclusive analysis — Radford University Political Science Chair Chapman Rackaway explains how replacing Jay Jones on the ballot could create confusion at the polls, even though Virginia law allows swaps within 60 days of the election. He outlines why that risk may be keeping Jones in the race—and how staying in could still backfire.
Also today:
- 🗳 Wason Center snapshot (pre-scandal): Slightly narrower margins across statewide races; next poll will capture any fallout.
- 💬 Coyner statement: 2022 texts were meant for another person; she shared them with Todd Gilbert at the time.
- ⚖️ Youngkin vs. Kaine: Split over whether Jones should step aside.
- 💸 Shutdown & premiums: Sen. Mark Warner says ACA subsidies lapsing would spike costs for Roanoke-area families.
- 🏨 Hotel Roanoke: Virginia Tech Foundation explores a potential sale; conference-center expansion paused during talks.
- 🎶 Spot on Kirk: Annual fundraiser brings an eclectic lineup Saturday.
- 🐶 Glenvar dog attack: Owner Tiffany Turner charged, including felony failure to control a dog causing injury.
- 🌳 Parks fix fast-track: Vice Mayor Terry McGuire says adding maintenance staff is the quickest way to improve city parks.
- 🏗 Campbell Co. data center: Supervisors vote it down after resident pushback.
- 🦨 Vinton skunk season: More sightings expected; call only if animals appear sick or aggressive.
Listen: Find News Express on Spotify or tap the “News Express” tab at WFIRNews.com.
Catch up on Tuesday, October 7th with the latest headlines across Virginia and the Roanoke Valley:
- Political fallout grows: Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, Donald Trump, and Mike Pence all urge Democratic AG candidate Jay Jones to end his campaign following reports of violent 2022 text messages.
- Congressman Ben Cline calls out Abigail Spanberger for continuing to back Jones amid the controversy.
- New Wason Center poll shows Democrats leading statewide races—but results were gathered before the latest revelations.
- Free speech report: Virginia colleges like UVA and George Mason rank among the best in the nation for open expression, even as national tolerance for opposing views continues to drop.
- Election charge: Roanoke County School Board member Tim Greenway faces a misdemeanor over ballot paperwork errors but remains on the November ballot.
- AARP voter poll: New data shows strong bipartisan support among Virginians on key policy issues.
- Tourism boom: Spending in Virginia’s Blue Ridge hits a record high—nearly $1 billion in visitor spending last year, with Roanoke driving more than half the total and saving local households nearly $600 each in taxes.
🎧 Listen now for your weekday local news update: fast, factual, and focused on the Roanoke Valley and Virginia headlines.
Start your week with Roanoke Valley headlines for Monday, Oct 6, 2025:
- Glenvar dog attack: Woman injured; police shoot the animal; neighbor arrested as a felon in possession.
- Politics: Jay Jones apologizes over 2022 texts; reaction from Winsome Earle-Sears and Abigail Spanberger.
- Shutdown watch: Parties trade blame; what extended closures could mean for federal workers.
- Elections: Franklin County Boone District to rely on a write-in; other VA school board races lack candidates.
- Crime: Two teens hospitalized after a Henry County shooting on Old Chatham Rd at Clearview Dr.
- Traffic/Safety: AAA Mid-Atlantic warns of peak deer-strike season; tips for dawn/dusk driving.
- City hall: Roanoke’s 10-year parks plan update—new trails, pool rebuild, ADA greenway access.
- Arts: Roanoke Symphony opens with a disco pops concert Friday; Beethoven’s Pastorale on Nov. 9.
- Sports: Virginia Tech forms a committee (Bruce Arians, Eddie Royal, Bud Foster) to hire the next head football coach.
In today’s WFIR News Express for Tuesday, October 1st, 2025:
🏈 Virginia Tech commits to a $229 million athletics budget increase — but not everyone’s on board
🧹 Roanoke’s newest park workers have hooves: how goats are helping save an historic stone wall
🏘️ The city’s Equity Board pushes for a Riverdale-era apology, but turnout at the first public meeting is sparse
🔋 EV ownership in Virginia faces new hurdles after federal tax credits expire
💡 Appalachian Power customers could soon see a $10 drop in monthly bills
👮♂️ Three suspects arrested in Salem burglary spree — stolen guns and valuables recovered
🚔 Another burglary and police chase in Lynchburg — one arrest so far
🔥 Testimony reveals chilling motive behind attack on Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler
🎤 Dr Pepper Park honored by state lawmakers for 10 years of music and memories
🚀 Downtown Roanoke’s RAMP startup program welcomes its newest class
🎧 Listen now and stay informed in under 10 minutes.
In today’s WFIR News Express for Tuesday, September 30th, 2025:
🔥 New records reveal Roanoke city officials knew about the lack of water at Riverdale more than a year before a massive fire — but businesses kept operating anyway
🏛️ Virginia Democrats warn that expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies could be devastating for small businesses and patients
🔪 Two separate weekend stabbings in Roanoke leave victims hospitalized — both suspects are now charged with malicious wounding
📉 A new report shows more than 16,000 Virginia children have lost health insurance in the past year
🏈 After fans rushed the field at UVA, 19 were injured and the school was fined $50,000
🚗 Roanoke changes Williamson Road to one lane each way for a 6-month safety test
🎤 Martin’s Downtown honored for enriching the city with decades of food, music, and culture
📘 Roanoke author Bruce C. Bryan releases his second book — Turning Tables
🥯 Donnie D’s reopens its Roanoke location after a fire, thanks to family and community support
🎧 Get caught up in under 10 minutes — listen now.
In today’s WFIR News Express for Monday, September 29th, 2025:
🏛️ Senator Tim Kaine says a federal shutdown could happen if Congress can’t pass a spending bill by tomorrow
💬 Congressman Ben Cline holds a Lexington town hall to tout tax cuts and Medicaid work requirements
🚨 A low-speed police chase in Henry County ends with multiple charges and no injuries
🏈 Virginia Tech is facing potential legal action from a player over redshirt rules and revenue sharing
🎁 A Roanoke nonprofit is gearing up for its annual fundraiser to support local kids during the holidays
🧤 Clean Valley Council's Fall Waterways Cleanup kicks off this weekend — volunteers are still welcome
🥯 Two Roanoke bagel spots — Donnie D’s and Full Moon Cafe — celebrate reopenings
⚡ A Sierra Club report gives Dominion Energy a 0% rating for clean energy progress — Dominion strongly disagrees
☕ Free coffee at Sheetz this week in honor of National Coffee Day!
🎧 Top local stories in under 10 minutes — listen now.
In today’s WFIR News Express for Thursday, September 25th, 2025:
✈️ A United jet slides off the runway at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport — what we know about the scare
🗳️ State Senator Bryce Reeves announces his run to challenge U.S. Senator Mark Warner
🏗️ Big economic win: Virginia’s workforce training program ranked #1 in the nation
🎤 Turning Point USA fills Burruss Hall at Virginia Tech just two weeks after Charlie Kirk’s assassination
🏫 Virginia Tech ranks among the top public universities in new U.S. News rankings
🍽️ The former Awful Arthur’s in Downtown Roanoke is being transformed into a new family-friendly restaurant
🏛️ House District 41 candidates clash on drug pricing and elder care
⚖️ Attorney General Jason Miyares kicks off his re-election campaign
🔥 A Danville city councilman continues recovering from a horrific attack this summer
🚨 Roanoke Police ID a motorcyclist killed in last week’s crash on Melrose Ave
🍺 Golden Cactus Brewery’s head brewer regains his sense of smell after COVID complications
🏌️ A new indoor golf venue is coming to Roanoke — we broke this story first
🍻 This weekend: a history-themed pub crawl raises money for Roanoke’s architectural preservation
🎧 Listen now for top stories from across the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth — in under 10 minutes.
In today’s WFIR News Express for Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025:
🗣️ Democratic Attorney General candidate Jay Jones visits Roanoke to discuss gun violence prevention and praise local efforts
🏥 Senator Tim Kaine warns that GOP-led Medicaid cuts are already hurting Virginians — and says a shutdown could make things worse
🚨 A 15-year-old is missing in Botetourt County — the Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help
🐺 Roanoke’s new wolf-dog hybrid ban is now in effect after a violent incident earlier this year
🏟️ Virginia Tech looks to boost its athletics budget by nearly $230 million over four years to stay competitive in the ACC
🚓 A Patrick County man is facing attempted murder charges after a standoff with deputies
💥 Two people — including an 11-year-old boy — are dead after a DUI crash in Henry County
💊 A massive drug bust in Campbell County nets meth, mushrooms, cocaine, cash, and a long list of charges
🚆 Bedford takes its next step toward a future Amtrak station
🗳️ State Senator Louise Lucas says Democrats should stay on offense as the November election nears
🌧️ A year after Hurricane Helene, farmers are still recovering from devastating agricultural losses
🎸 Beatles fans — The Fab Four tribute band brings a night of nostalgia to Roanoke this Thursday
In today’s WFIR News Express for Monday, September 22nd, 2025:
🔊 A panel in Blacksburg shares personal stories about incarceration — including one from a General Assembly candidate
🕊️ Senator Tim Kaine backs a historic Senate resolution supporting a demilitarized Palestinian state
🕵️♂️ Senator Mark Warner warns political agendas are threatening U.S. intelligence operations
⚖️ A new Wason Center poll shows a close race for Virginia’s Attorney General
🍞 A popular Roanoke bakery announces changes affecting multiple locations
📰 Two Charlottesville men are found dead after a hunting trip in Colorado
✅ A missing Franklin County teen is found safe in Roanoke
🪰 A Virginia Tech expert says it may be too late to stop the spotted lanternfly from spreading
🎧 Listen now for full details on these stories and more — all in under 10 minutes.
In today’s WFIR News Express for Thursday, September 19th, 2025:
📺 Senators Kaine and Warner weigh in after Jimmy Kimmel is suspended over a joke about Charlie Kirk’s death
🗣️ UVA’s Larry Sabato warns against rising authoritarianism in the debate over free speech
🎙️ Delegate Nick Freitas blames Democrats for “creating the culture” behind Kirk’s killing
📊 A new Wason Center poll shows Democrat Abigail Spanberger leading Lt. Governor Winsome Sears in the governor’s race
🚨 William Fleming High School was briefly secured after a social media threat — no danger was found
🛠️ A Virginia Tech facility manager pleads no contest in a $12K embezzlement case involving farm supplies
🌐 Virginia launches a new Internet Safety Council to protect students from online threats
🇺🇸 Rep. Ben Cline supports new legislation to increase penalties for repeat illegal immigration offenses
👨🏫 A Glenvar High senior helps weld Roanoke County’s new LOVE sign, shaping his future in the process
👮♂️ Three Alleghany County deputies honored with lifesaving awards from the Red Cross
⚖️ The Jaunt for Justice 5k returns October 4th to support legal aid in the Roanoke Valley
🐢 Rare twin box turtles hatch at the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center — a hopeful sign for a threatened species
🎧 Get all the details in under 10 minutes — now streaming.
In today’s WFIR News Express for Thursday, September 18th, 2025:
📱 Roanoke County Schools host a community forum on kids and smartphone dangers
🙏 A Salem pastor reports a credible threat ahead of a vigil for Charlie Kirk
💬 Senator Tim Kaine grills the former CDC director on Capitol Hill
🛬 Senators Kaine and Warner speak out on safety failures tied to the deadly DCA crash
🗳️ Two former GOP lawmakers endorse Democrat Abigail Spanberger for governor
🇺🇸 Winsome Earle-Sears to rally with Youngkin and Ramaswamy in Chesterfield
🎓 Mike Pence joins George Mason University as a professor
🏥 Advocates warn Trump’s VA cuts are driving longer clinic wait times
🏈 The Washington Commanders' RFK Stadium return clears final hurdle
💊 Roanoke Valley Collective Response highlights recovery efforts this September
🎬 Grandin Theatre screens local documentary on fighting the Mountain Valley Pipeline
👨🏫 Roanoke County Superintendent Ken Nicely announces retirement after 35 years
🚨 A motorcyclist dies in a crash on Melrose Avenue in Roanoke
🎧 Catch the top headlines in under 10 minutes — listen now.
In today’s WFIR News Express for Friday, September 12th, 2025:
🙏 Governor Youngkin calls for a statewide moment of prayer to honor slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk
💉 Virginia expands access to the updated 2025 COVID-19 vaccine — no prescription needed for most adults
🧠 A local veteran shares how monthly meetups help prevent suicide during Suicide Prevention Month
🌎 The Blue Ridge Land Conservancy prepares to celebrate major land preservation efforts
💧 Roanoke wants a cut of Botetourt’s Google data center tax revenue — in exchange for city water
🏥 Congressman Morgan Griffith pushes rural healthcare bills through committee
📉 Senator Mark Warner warns of rising healthcare costs and economic strain from federal policy
🍔 Jack Brown’s burger sales help fight childhood cancer across Southwest Virginia
🎪 GoFest returns to Roanoke in October with new photo exhibits and outdoor events
🎖️ Franklin County High School hosts its first-ever Veterans’ Appreciation Night
🥫 Food Lion donates food, money, and time to support Roanoke’s Manna Pantry
🎧 Catch up on today’s top headlines — in under 10 minutes.
In today’s WFIR News Express for Wednesday, September 10th, 2025:
- A Roanoke mother is charged with felony murder in the suffocation and meth-related death of her infant
- Virginia’s Attorney General investigates insulin manufacturers over alleged price inflation
- Tourism in Virginia’s Blue Ridge hits a record-breaking year despite storm concerns
- Franklin County schools may add AI gun-detection tech to boost campus safety
- Democrat James Walkinshaw wins special election to Congress after Gerry Connolly’s passing
- Congressman Ben Cline supports using the National Guard to address violence in Chicago
- A stabbing in Blacksburg leads to attempted murder charges
- Virginia Tech’s recovery housing program expands in its second year
- A $65 million tin processing plant brings 118 jobs to Henry County
🎧 Listen now for full details and more local coverage.
In today’s WFIR News Express for Thursday, September 4th, 2025:
- A Salem School Board vice chair faces a DWI charge after a weekend crash on I-81
- Lawmakers discuss moving Virginia’s election schedule to even-numbered years
- A rural healthcare warning: six Virginia hospitals could close under new Medicaid cuts
- School Security Officers in Lynchburg now cleared to carry firearms
- Senator Mark Warner says he was blocked from intelligence oversight duties
- Drag king and Roanoke performer Blake Sturm remembered after tragic death
- Appalachian Power solar credit changes explained
- Christiansburg Farmers Market relocation debate
- Powerball jackpot hits $1.7 billion
Get local news that matters in under 10 minutes — streaming daily on all major platforms.
Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger says her party needs to “do the hard work” if it hopes to win big in 2025 — and she won’t support redrawing the state’s political maps. Also in today’s WFIR News Express:
• A Roanoke woman sues Habitat for Humanity for $12 million after a serious construction site fall
• Councilman Phazhon Nash calls for changes to Roanoke’s controversial Evans Spring development
• Target “active shooter” call turns out to be a hoax
• Virginia State Police partner with Liberty University to recruit more troopers
• Bedford approves steep electric rate hikes for homes and businesses
• Political experts weigh in on redistricting fights and midterm strategy
• TacoFest returns to Roanoke, and so do Food Truck Thursdays
• City libraries launch a Halloween costume swap to help families save
• 7-Eleven robbery, deadly crash update, and more
🎧 Get the full update now — only on WFIR News.
On the September 2nd edition of WFIR News Express:
- Virginia’s unofficial election season kicks off as all three gubernatorial candidates—Winsome Earle-Sears, Abigail Spanberger, and Donna Charles—speak at the Buena Vista Labor Day Parade.
- Upcoming candidate forums for key House of Delegates races set in Salem and Blacksburg.
- A new Community Empowerment Center opens in Roanoke, offering family services, health support, and adult education.
- Senator Mark Warner questions the detention and deportation of a Salvadoran man accused of gang ties, now seeking asylum.
- School shooting aftermath in Minneapolis sparks calls for action from Warner.
- SOL test scores improve, according to Governor Glenn Youngkin, citing results from his administration’s “ALL IN” plan.
- Spanberger vows to repeal Youngkin’s immigration order if elected Governor.
- ICE arrests man charged with sex crimes involving a Virginia child.
- Racist sign targeting Winsome Earle-Sears condemned by both candidates.
- New poll numbers show Spanberger leading Earle-Sears by 5 points.
- Roanoke secures $160,000+ in FEMA funds for hurricane recovery.
- RICO indictments filed in Floyd County, targeting a regional criminal network.
- Over 200,000 Virginians may face rising health costs if federal tax credits expire.
- Powerball jackpot hits $1.3 billion, and one local mom shares her hopes.
- Former U.S. Attorney Todd Gilbert resigned, reportedly due to conflict with the Trump administration over staffing.
Two children are dead after a shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis — Virginia faith leaders are reacting, and flags will fly at half-staff. In Danville, a dog that killed an 8-year-old boy will be euthanized after rabies quarantine. Governor Youngkin says Virginia SOL scores are improving thanks to tougher academic standards.
Also in today’s episode:
🗳️ Abigail Spanberger vows to repeal Youngkin’s immigration crackdown if elected governor.
🚔 ICE arrests a man wanted for sex crimes involving a Virginia child.
🚨 Spanberger calls a racist sign targeting opponent Winsome Earle-Sears “repulsive.”
📊 New polling shows Spanberger leads Earle-Sears by 5 points.
⛳ A new indoor golf simulator venue is coming to the Roanoke Valley.
🏓 Roanoke’s Pierce Rakes is now Virginia’s top pickleball player — and he's headed to Dallas.
🏈 Terry McLaurin’s contract has layers — what's real and what’s incentive fluff?
🦆 Tiny ducks spark smiles in Franklin County in a growing community kindness tradition.
📝 Martinsville Council won’t release the investigative report that led to the city manager’s firing.
💳 Botetourt Chamber’s former director pleads no contest in embezzlement case.
📚 Artemis Literary Journal prepares to unveil its 49th edition at the Taubman Museum.
🎧 Catch it all on WFIR News Express — available wherever you get your podcasts.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares says Roanoke College violated the Human Rights Act after alleged retaliation against female swimmers who opposed a transgender athlete’s participation. In other top stories: longtime WDBJ7 meteorologist Brent Watts announces his retirement, a man is arrested in a $440,000 Bedford County drug and gun bust, and Governor Youngkin says Virginia won’t pursue mid-decade redistricting like other states. Plus: an off-duty agent-involved shooting in Virginia Beach, whitewater recreation coming to Danville, and a major concert announcement for the Salem Civic Center. 🎧
📚 Historic moment for Roanoke: Virginia’s first-ever adult high school opens at Melrose Plaza, offering second chances with built-in child care and job support — and Governor Youngkin is on hand.
💰 Roanoke Valley home prices top $419,000 on average — the highest ever. Why it's happening and what it means for buyers.
🎨 Graffiti vandals hit a local gym, and police need your help.
🏛️ New Democratic candidate enters the race for Virginia’s 6th Congressional District.
🛤️ Broadband lawsuit against Norfolk Southern dropped after a major Virginia Supreme Court ruling.
🕊️ Good Samaritan Hospice expands into Lynchburg and adds in-home health care across the Roanoke Valley.
🌧️ Blue Ridge Parkway repairs near completion after landslides from Hurricane Helene.
🗳️ Plus: Salem rezoning, High Bridge Trail body discovery, and more.
🎧 Tap in now for a fast, fact-packed update on the day’s top local stories — only on WFIR News Express, your source for what’s happening across Roanoke and Southwest Virginia.
On this Friday edition of WFIR News Express — August 22, 2025:
- 🚔 Child Porn Arrest in Forest: A 38-year-old man is behind bars after investigators say he was caught with child sexual abuse material.
- 🌊 Roanoke Hotel Flooded: Heavy rains forced guests to evacuate an Extended Stay hotel. Fire and EMS responded fast — hear what one guest saw.
- 🏙️ State of the City: Mayor Joe Cobb touts progress on gun violence and housing, but says homelessness and zoning backlash remain challenges.
- 🧭 Redistricting in Virginia? A top Democrat hints the Commonwealth could be next in line.
- ⚖️ Racist Sign at Trans Rights Rally: Governor Youngkin and both major gubernatorial candidates respond after a sign targeting Lt. Gov. Earle-Sears goes viral.
- 🚗 Roanoke Parking Debate: Business leaders weigh in as a citywide parking study gets underway. Is there really a problem downtown?
- 🔪 Prison Attack Indictments: 66 felony charges filed after a gang-related stabbing of corrections officers at Wallens Ridge.
- 🗳️ Felon Voting Rights: Youngkin’s case-by-case restoration policy stands after a court challenge.
- 💼 Federal Job Cuts Hit Virginia: One Roanoke woman shares how losing her federal job impacted her — part of broader cuts tied to Trump’s agenda.
- 🍼 New Diaper Bank Launches: Local nonprofit Huddle Up Moms expands support for new mothers with free diapers and supplies.
- ✂️ Haircuts & Healing: A downtown Roanoke barbershop adds red light therapy for stress, pain, and energy.
- ⛳ $250K Hole-in-One? Ten locals take their shot at a massive payday during a charity event at Blue Hills Golf Course.
🎧 Listen now at WFIRNews.com — click the News Express tab.
On the August 21st edition of WFIR News Express:
- Zoning Lawsuit on Hold: A lawsuit over Roanoke City’s zoning amendments has been paused as city council works on new revisions.
- Todd Gilbert Resigns: The former Virginia House Speaker steps down just weeks after becoming U.S. Attorney for the Western District.
- Federal Education Clash: The Trump administration labels five Northern Virginia school districts "high-risk" over their support for transgender students, affecting over $50 million in funding.
- Tariff Fallout Warning: Senators Warner and Kaine cite new economic data linking recent tariffs to steep losses in U.S. manufacturing jobs and investments.
- Hurricane Erin's Acceleration: Meteorologists say the hurricane’s rapid intensification may become more common due to climate change.
- Furniture Market Expands: Virginia Furniture Market announces its 10th location with a major new showroom coming to Danville.
- Military Jet Crash: A U.S. fighter pilot survives after crashing into the ocean off Virginia’s coast during a training flight.
- Flag Order: Governor Youngkin orders flags at half-staff statewide in recognition of National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day.
- Vick’s Coaching Debut: Michael Vick takes the reins at Norfolk State for his first head coaching job—ESPN’s First Take and the game broadcast will spotlight the moment.
- Vietnam War Book Talk: A former Hill staffer turned Radford U. admissions counselor presents his new book on the evolution of the PAVN at a Roanoke bookstore.
- $10K Surprise for Schools: Southern Team Subaru donates $10,000 and supplies to Burlington Elementary, supporting 20 classrooms and over 400 students.
🎧 Listen now on our homepage → WFIRNews.com → Click the News Express tab
🗞️ Daily local headlines in 10 minutes or less — WFIR News Express.
On the Wednesday, August 20th edition of WFIR News Express:
- Historic Deal: Roanoke County finalizes the largest land acquisition in its history by taking over Explore Park.
- Election Pulse: A new Roanoke College poll shows Abigail Spanberger narrowing the gap with Winsome Earle-Sears in the Virginia Governor's race.
- Poll Trends: Trump’s favorability climbs in VA, while Governor Youngkin holds steady with 50% job approval.
- Salem VA Improvements: Federal funds headed to the Salem VA Medical Center and Lynchburg outpatient clinic.
- Miracle in the Shop: A Franklin County mechanic survives a brutal electrical accident and near-death experience.
- Civic Engagement Push: The Roanoke Regional Chamber launches the 2026 National Civics Bee for middle schoolers.
- Leadership Change: Lynchburg’s Police Chief Ryan Zuidema to become the new Chief of Police in Wilmington, NC.
- Funding Worries: Bradley Free Clinic in Roanoke responds to growing need and federal funding uncertainty with a fundraising concert.
- Hunters for the Hungry Donation: Northwest Ace and Salem Fair deliver $4,200 to the long-running venison program.
- Coach Murder Update: The man accused of killing Franklin County coach Tony Gill is denied bond.
- Fairfax School Allegations: Virginia State Police investigate whether staff at Centerville High helped minors obtain abortions without parental consent.
- New Tech Research Grants: Virginia Tech secures two HHS grants—one for chronic pain therapy and another for bone cancer research.
- Blue Ridge Tradition Restored: A ribbon-cutting celebrates a new hand-crafted shake roof on historic Mabry Mill.
🎧 Listen now on our homepage → WFIRNews.com → Click the News Express tab
🗞️ Daily local coverage from the WFIR News Team.
Democrat Abigail Spanberger opens a 7-point lead over Winsome Earle-Sears in Virginia’s governor race, according to a new Roanoke College poll. Plus:
• Roanoke Police launch a real-time crime center, “The Roc3”
• Debate locked in for October between Spanberger and Earle-Sears
• Trump’s DC National Guard deployment draws legal heat
• AG Miyares backs emergency drug crackdown and defends Guard response
• Guinea pig rescue in Roanoke — and they need names
• DRI’s sidewalk sale returns
• Structure fire turns deadly; Lynchburg official pleads guilty in federal case
All that and more in today’s WFIR News Express.
Roanoke leaders question Google's proposed Botetourt data center that may draw up to 8 million gallons of water daily from Carvins Cove. A Roanoke man is sentenced to 17 years in prison for killing his brother and two dogs. A Grandin Theatre screening sparks dialogue about the dangers of social media. A Salem teacher’s indecent exposure charge is dismissed. A judge orders the removal of eight Youngkin-appointed university board members, with praise from the NAACP.
Traditional Medicinals breaks ground on a $47M East Coast facility in Franklin County. Virginia Tech AD Whit Babcock addresses revenue-sharing in college sports. Roanoke College and VWCC launch a new four-year biotech degree. More than $60M in Hurricane Helene relief heads to Virginia farmers. Roanoke City Manager admits using AI in her inauguration speech.
Also: The Day of Play arrives in Roanoke, Touch-A-Truck returns to Green Hill Park, and Salem schools respond to legal developments. Catch all the top headlines and local sound from across the region in today’s WFIR News Express.
A Buchanan man is sentenced to 24 years in federal prison for child exploitation. Franklin County remembers a beloved coach lost in a Gretna shooting. Giles County delays school openings due to renovations. Virginia Tech earns over $419K for cancer research. Carilion announces more building plans in pediatric medicine. Virginia's minimum wage is set to rise in 2026. Abigail Spanberger unveils her “Growing Virginia Plan,” while Winsome Earle-Sears brushes off campaign shake-ups. Governor Youngkin celebrates 30,000 veterans on the VA Veterans Network. FloydFest continues despite storms and heat. Fork in the Market prepares to reopen after a June fire. National Night Out plans are set for Roanoke. Cave Spring and William Byrd students win top safety honors. TAP seeks nominations for the 2025 Cabell Brand Hope Award.
On this Friday edition of WFIR News Express:
- Senator Mark Warner joins bipartisan calls to unseal the Jeffrey Epstein files, as grassroots pressure builds from within the MAGA movement.
- A former Smyth County school board vice chair gets 30 years for producing child pornography involving minors—at least 11 victims identified.
- 59-year-old Reginald Campbell is named as the victim in a fatal Roanoke crash that downed power poles and ended in a tree strike.
- Martinsville’s city manager faces scrutiny over spending as council hires outside auditors amid paid leave and a possible Texas job move.
- AstraZeneca’s $50 billion U.S. expansion will include its largest-ever drug manufacturing facility—right here in Virginia.
- Two men face charges in Fauquier County after allegedly shooting down a drone used in a lost dog search.
- Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific are reportedly in advanced merger talks—a potential shakeup in national freight rail with Roanoke ties.
- A Salem gym owner encourages parents to carve out quick 15-minute workouts when kids head back to school.
- A new invasive pest, the box tree moth, has been discovered in Loudoun and Clarke counties—posing a threat to landscaping.
- Nearly 24,000 syringes safely collected by Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition from Roanoke and West Piedmont as part of public health efforts.
- Roanoke’s Arts Connect Neighbors program launches with a catalog of creative workshops aimed at strengthening community ties.
- Carilion Children’s new Rocky Mount clinic officially opens Monday—offering expanded pediatric access for Franklin County families.
🎧 Listen now to stay ahead on what’s happening in Southwest and Central Virginia.
On this Thursday, July 24 edition of WFIR News Express:
• The Henry County Sheriff’s Office identifies the two people found dead in Ridgeway earlier this week. Authorities say 22-year-old Mandy Coleman and 68-year-old William Morey were shot by suspect Joshua Coleman—Mandy’s husband—after a domestic dispute. Two children are safe.
• Henry County deputies are investigating a Collinsville home invasion where resident Anthony Hagwood was shot and hospitalized. Authorities also found signs of forced entry, shell casings, and 10 pounds of marijuana at the scene.
• A state legislative commission finds that five Virginia counties account for 75% of school library book removals since 2020. Officials say many divisions misinterpreted a 2022 law.
• A rabid fox that attacked a woman in Bedford County has tested positive for rabies. Officials say the animal was killed during the attack.
• Two people are in critical condition following a head-on crash in Bedford County. Fire crews extricated both patients and transported them to a hospital.
• Bedford’s National D-Day Memorial earns a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award—ranking it among the top 10% of destinations worldwide.
• Senator Tim Kaine co-sponsors the Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act, aiming to expand healthcare access in rural communities.
• The U.S. Department of Justice launches a second civil rights investigation into George Mason University. NAACP officials defend the university’s diversity efforts.
• Martinsville City Manager Aretha Ferrell Benavides is placed on administrative leave amid spending concerns, including costly trips and a golf outing. The city’s police chief is now acting manager.
• Former President Trump renews pressure on Washington’s NFL team to abandon any name change if they want a stadium at the old RFK site. Local sports analysts say there’s no clear movement—yet.
• Alabama-based alt-rock band Shallow Side headlines Sidewinders Saloon in Roanoke tonight—marking the Rock Channel’s first sponsored show at the venue.
• A Lynchburg business owner is indicted for allegedly running a food stamp fraud scheme—exchanging SNAP benefits for cash using fake transactions.
• The Virginia Diverse Chamber of Commerce hosts its 6th annual Roanoke Community Beautification Day this Saturday at Eureka Park, promoting unity and small business support.
• FloydFest 2025 is underway with Virginia-based southern rock band Holy Roller hitting the stage today. Organizers say the festival’s improved layout brings fans even closer to the action.
🎧 Listen now for your fast, local news catch-up.
On this Tuesday, July 23 edition of WFIR News Express:
• Roanoke Police and other agencies conducted a traffic checkpoint this morning as part of Operation Summer Shield—focused on traffic safety and violent crime, not immigration enforcement.
• Area Democrats, including Delegate Sam Rasoul and candidate Lilly Franklin, speak out at a Roanoke rally against a potential Winsome Earle-Sears administration, citing concerns about Republican control and instability.
• Following recent criticism and lagging poll numbers, Lt. Governor Earle-Sears is reportedly planning campaign staff changes. Analyst Chapman Rackaway says it could signal a move toward experienced political consultants.
• Botetourt County Supervisors plan a new multipurpose facility at Read Mountain Fire Department—including an upgraded 911 center—with completion aimed for early 2027.
• The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce celebrates its move to Varsity Park, with Executive Director Eric Sichau and property owner John Lugar highlighting the benefits of the new space.
• The Henry County Sheriff’s Office confirms a suspect is in custody after two bodies were found in Ridgeway. The suspect is the husband of one victim; two children are safe.
• Attorney General Pam Bondi’s office is under pressure to release documents related to Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein. Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan says Trump is only responding to political pressure.
• A General Assembly subcommittee discusses possibly aligning Virginia’s elections with federal even-year elections—a move that would require constitutional changes.
• Senator Mark Warner and colleagues question Delta Air Lines over its use of AI to determine ticket pricing, raising concerns over data use and potential price discrimination.
• Covington mourns Mayor William “Lance” Carson Jr., who passed away at age 65 following an ALS diagnosis earlier this year.
• Roanoke nonprofit TAP is gearing up for its 3rd annual “Talent in the Star” showcase on August 1st, highlighting youth talent and focusing on suicide prevention. This year’s theme: “Shine Through the Pressure.”
• Commanders GM Adam Peters says President Trump’s recent remarks about the team name and stadium deal won’t distract players as NFL training camp kicks off.
🎧 Listen now for your fast, local news catch-up.
On this Tuesday, July 22 edition of WFIR News Express:
- Cristian Romo Bermejo, the Virginia Tech student in ICE custody, won’t appear in court until October.
- Roanoke City Council approves a $25 million bond for infrastructure upgrades, funded partially by meal tax revenue.
- The Roanoke Logperch, once endangered, is officially removed from the federal list thanks to local conservation efforts.
- AstraZeneca selects Virginia for its largest single manufacturing investment in company history.
- The city celebrates 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act with new accessibility updates and a call for equity from Mayor Joe Cobb.
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute advances prostate cancer research by identifying immune cells that help tumors spread.
- AARP Virginia warns of summer utility scams as temperatures and fake shut-off calls spike.
- Roanoke County Schools’ Opportunity Ready program gets national recognition from the Carnegie Foundation.
- Smith Mountain Lake water quality exceeds 20-year averages.
- Virginia Tech’s rare corpse flower blooms for the first time in years.
- Plus: new pediatric care in Rocky Mount, thousands of fentanyl pills seized in Charlottesville, a campaign shakeup for Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears, Brady PAC endorsements, and more.
🎧 Listen now for your fast, local news catch-up.
Big zoning policy changes in Roanoke could be up for debate at today’s City Council meeting — we’ve got full details and insight from Vice Mayor Terry McGuire. Also in this episode: a deadly crash on Shenandoah Avenue, reaction to former President Trump’s push for old sports team names, and questions surrounding Terry McLaurin’s future with the Commanders. Plus, Senator Warner weighs in on federal budget cuts, Sheetz expands in Roanoke County, and a hoverboard sparks a major house fire. Stay informed with all your top local and state news on this July 21st edition of WFIR News Express.
On the Friday, July 18, 2025 edition of WFIR News Express, WFIR brings you the latest headlines from across Southwest Virginia and beyond:
• A Florida lawsuit accuses a Roanoke-area priest of sexually abusing a child in the early 2000s – though he is not named as a defendant
• Roanoke County man charged with second-degree murder after death of his wife on Yellow Mountain Road
• U.S. Department of Education investigates George Mason University over possible civil rights violations tied to DEI policies
• Senator Tim Kaine pushes for release of federal afterschool funding amid a nationwide pause
• Bristol man sentenced to 8 years in meth trafficking case connected to Georgia prison inmate
• Virginia State Police now investigating a suspected homicide in Henry County after earlier hit-and-run report
• Roanoke's trail system shines nationally as USA Cycling Championships continue through the weekend
• Total Action for Progress to celebrate its 60th anniversary this October at the Virginia Museum of Transportation
• New “smart vapes” with playable games raise alarm for public health advocates, with concerns about youth targeting
• Rabid raccoon found in Botetourt County – second case reported since June
• Country music legends Alabama and Exile to perform at Roanoke’s Berglund Center this September
On the Thursday, July 17, 2025 edition of WFIR News Express, WFIR brings you a comprehensive roundup of local and national headlines from across Southwest Virginia and beyond.
• ICE detains a Virginia Tech student after alleged assault — his wife vows to fight for his freedom
• Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan questions ICE arrest tactics in Chesterfield County
• Former President Trump calls Epstein investigation push a "Democratic hoax"; Senator Mark Warner responds
• Congressman Morgan Griffith supports HALT Fentanyl Act; Senator Tim Kaine slams delayed overdose response funding
• LewisGale celebrates 50 years of service and future plans for mental health
• Vice Mayor Terry McGuire encourages investment in Roanoke's parks and leads cleanup at Thrasher Park
• Bedford completes new $3.5 million water tank project to boost capacity and safety
• Bedford County opens its first fully ADA-compliant playground for children with disabilities
• Carilion Clinic nurse discusses cancer patient care improvements and the upcoming Taubman Cancer Center
• Roanoke students learn trade skills at “Dream It, Build It” workforce camp
• Roanoke County police investigate possible hit-and-run on Peaceful Drive
• GOP leaders accuse Democrats of surprise committee moves over university board appointments
On this July 16, 2025 episode of WFIR News Express:
– Virginia Tech student detained by ICE after a hospital incident; national immigration crackdowns lead to a 350% arrest spike in Virginia
– SNAP cuts coming to Southwest Virginia: Feeding SWVA braces for more demand, locals fear losing benefits under new work rules
– Two hospitalized in Roanoke shooting on Staunton Avenue NW; police continue investigating
– Governor Youngkin stokes 2028 buzz with Iowa visit while touting his record; expert weighs in
– Spanberger and Miyares campaign fundraising totals break into eight figures ahead of 2025 races
– Noke Van Company reopens after fire destroys previous location; community shows support
– Jefferson Street closed near Elmwood Park for USA Cycling event
– 7-Eleven in Salem robbed at gunpoint, police search for masked suspect
– Roanoke Symphony Orchestra reveals new season lineup, aiming to reach new audiences
– Craig-Botetourt Scenic Trail gains momentum, with construction planned for 2027
– ‘Load the Bus for Kids’ school supply drive launches across the Roanoke Valley
🎧 Listen now for the full rundown of today’s biggest local headlines from WFIR News Express.
Let me know when you want the X and Facebook post versions next.
In today’s WFIR News Express for July 15, 2025:
– Virginia Swift Water Rescue Teams work in storm-ravaged Texas, while Campers Care Ministries preps vital supplies
– Two Roanoke house fires displace multiple residents and pets—lightning and dryer identified as causes
– USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike Nationals hit Elmwood Park and Explore Park this week, boosting tourism and local trails
– Franklin County man pleads guilty in 2013 double homicide case
– Washington Commanders stir name-change speculation with new uniforms
– MLB Draft: Nationals take Eli Willits after front office shakeup
– Todd Gilbert sworn in as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia
– Severe storms disrupt Mid-Atlantic air travel; AAA offers advice
– Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport parking rates rise amid inflation pressures
– Outgoing UVA President Jim Ryan thanks students as DEI dispute ends tenure
– Student vaccine clinics begin for grades 7–12 in the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts
Stay informed, locally and nationally, with WFIR News Express.
In today's update:
• Sen. Tim Kaine visits Vinton, pledging support for Southwest Virginia’s Boys & Girls Club as federal learning center funds remain frozen.
• Sen. Mark Warner warns of higher healthcare costs as ACA premium subsidies begin to phase out under the new federal budget.
• Virginia State Police seize 26+ pounds of narcotics in a statewide July 4th crackdown.
• Craig County motorcycle crash leaves one man hospitalized with serious injuries.
• I-81 Ironto Rest Area to temporarily close for paving work later this month.
• Jefferson Center’s 2025–26 lineup includes Ricky Skaggs, Molly Tuttle, and Squirrel Nut Zippers.
• The Trump administration launches a civil rights investigation into George Mason University’s hiring practices.
• The Virginia NAACP responds, calling the GMU probe politically motivated and troubling.
• Lt. Governor candidate Ghazala Hashmi blames Virginia's drop in business rankings on Trump-era economic policies.
• Gov. Youngkin launches a new AI-driven regulatory reduction pilot across state agencies.
• Virginia joins 11 states in promoting non-degree credentials like licenses and apprenticeships as career pathways.
• Montgomery County Schools Superintendent Bernard Bragen resigns; search for successor begins.
• VSP Mustang cruiser earns national spotlight, makes 2026 AAST calendar.
📲 Catch up on all of this and more in under 10 minutes — only on WFIR News Express.
Today on WFIR News Express (Friday, July 11, 2025):
- Roanoke Police search for a suspect in Wednesday’s Orange Avenue shooting
- Appalachian Power proposes a securitization plan to ease storm cost impacts on customer bills
- Atomic Wings opens in Blue Hills Village, while 3 Balloons store plans November debut to employ adults with disabilities
- Salem’s Banana Ball games sell out fast – traffic and ticket advice
- Blacksburg lowers speed limits in busy pedestrian zones
- Governor Youngkin shares how family was rescued during Texas floods
- Virginia slips in CNBC’s Best States for Business rankings – Senator Kaine reacts
- Lawmakers craft the next phase of Virginia’s retail cannabis market plans
- Botetourt celebrates Munters’ $30 million expansion and hints of a future Google partnership
Stay informed with WFIR News Express – Roanoke’s trusted daily news podcast
Here's the latest news from across the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Today’s top Virginia headlines:
🔴 Botetourt County standoff arrest – how crisis negotiators secured a wanted suspect
🔥 Roanoke Van Co. fire fallout – sprinkler system failure revealed by owner
🚨 Franklin County deputy crash injury – what happened on Grassy Hill Road
🔫 Lynchburg teen charged with May murder – 17-year-old faces multiple counts
🚔 Fourth of July Virginia traffic deaths – 11 killed in holiday crashes statewide
🏠 Roanoke reworks housing policy – council revisits zoning changes for affordability
👶 Safe Haven Baby Box installed at Carilion Clinic – what it means for newborn safety
🙏 Local pastor retires due to Coast Guard injury after decades of service
🛡️ Sen. Tim Kaine appointed to West Point Board of Visitors – what his new role entails
🔪 Blacksburg festival knife assault – juvenile injured in July 4th fight
🏘️ Virginia Opportunity Tax Credits – helping build affordable homes statewide
🎧 Listen now for clear, concise, unbiased news updates from across Southwest Virginia and beyond.
VirginiaNews #Roanoke #Botetourt #Lynchburg #Housing #Crime #FireSafety #WestPoint #SenTimKaine #WFIR
Today on WFIR News Express:
✈️ Roanoke flight bomb threat passenger speaks out – what really happened on board?
🚨 Fatal Roanoke apartment fire – what caused the deadly blaze?
💰 Big Beautiful Bill fallout hits Bradley Free Clinic – how will it affect uninsured patients?
🚓 Fugitive arrested after Bedford County pursuit ends in crash – who was captured?
🌲 Missing hiker found dead in Shenandoah National Park – what we know about the search.
⚖️ Attorney General Miyares launches claims process for tax debt victims of Wall & Associates.
🏃♂️ Salem Distance Run returns August 9th to support city preservation efforts.
🏥 New health dashboard launches for Salem and Covington residents – what data does it provide?
🌳 Smith Mountain Lake State Park names new manager – meet James Wright.
Stay informed on Virginia’s top political, crime, health, and community headlines in today’s WFIR News Express.
Today on WFIR News Express:
💰 President Trump’s massive tax and spending bill is now law – what will lawmakers tell voters ahead of 2026?
✈️ Bomb threat on an Allegiant flight to Roanoke forces plane to return to Florida – what triggered it?
🌊 Virginia sends Swift Water Rescue Teams to Texas to help with flooding recovery.
🏫 Virginia regains access to $52 million in Covid relief funds after a federal policy reversal.
🗣️ Kingdom Knect and Hope Center unite to fight gun violence through communication, not incarceration.
🚔 Christiansburg Police crack down on neighborhood speeding with targeted patrols.
🔫 Lynchburg shooting leaves one injured – what police believe happened.
🤠 Bedford County Sheriff’s deputies now allowed to wear cowboy hats – hear why it’s optional.
🏀 NBA referee Tony Brothers eyes Norfolk mayoral run after 30 years on the court.
🤝 New “Common Sense Coalition” forms in Roanoke, slamming Rep. Griffith over the budget bill.
🎉 Roanoke celebrates Washington Park’s 102nd anniversary – a look back at its history.
Stay informed with Virginia’s top political, crime, and community headlines in today’s WFIR News Express.
Today on WFIR News Express:
⚖️ New Virginia laws now in effect – from harsher penalties for fentanyl dealers to seatbelt rules and cell phone bans in schools. What changed this year?
🏥 Healthcare experts warn of hospital closures if President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” cuts to Medicaid are passed.
📝 Former House Speaker Todd Gilbert nominated as U.S. Attorney for Western District of Virginia.
🔥 Smokey Bones BBQ near Valley View Mall to close this Sunday – no official reason announced.
💰 Virginians bet nearly $600 million in May – sports wagering continues its massive growth.
🎆 Roanoke’s Freedom Festival returns Thursday with fireworks, live music, and family fun – why it’s held on July 3rd this year.
🎇 Officials urge fireworks safety statewide, with sparklers reaching temperatures of 2,000 degrees.
🚗 State Police caution drivers ahead of the busy July 4th travel weekend, as Virginia surpasses 330 roadway fatalities so far this year.
🌡️ New study finds historically redlined neighborhoods experience hotter temperatures, raising public health concerns in Virginia communities.
Catch all these top headlines, legislation updates, and community alerts in today’s WFIR News Express.
Today on WFIR News Express:
🚨 Roanoke shooting suspect charged with attempted capital murder after allegedly firing at police during a manhunt for killing his father.
🎓 Virginia Western Community College President Bobby Sandel retires after 23 years; hear what he says is next for the school.
🔥 House fire in Roanoke County displaces five – what caused it?
🏬 Virginia’s first Buc-ee’s opens in Rockingham County, marking the chain’s most northeastern location.
⛏️ Southwest Virginia miners face higher health risks as silica dust protection rule is paused by the Trump administration.
📚 Library of Virginia launches redesigned website to modernize online access for 1.5 million annual users.
🚗 Roanoke parking garage headaches – residents frustrated, and the city weighs going gateless.
🔫 Amherst County shooting tied to a dirt bike sale gone wrong – what investigators say happened.
🎓 Virginia Western’s new president named as Dr. Laura Treanor prepares to take over.
🎆 Mill Mountain’s lower overlook closes temporarily for painting ahead of Freedom Festival fireworks.
🏀 Former VT star Liz Kitley waived by Las Vegas Aces – her future in the WNBA remains unclear.
⚾ Roanoke City Little League All-Stars head to state tournaments – find out which teams qualified.
🏊♀️ UVA swimmer Gretchen Walsh wins Honda Cup as nation’s top female college athlete.
🌳 Roanoke County announces July 4th weekend specials with $7.76 admission deals at Green Ridge Recreation Center, Splash Valley Water Park, and Treetop Quest zipline.
Catch all of today’s top headlines and community updates in under 15 minutes on WFIR News Express.
Today on WFIR News Express:
🏫 UVA President Jim Ryan resigns amid DOJ investigation into DEI practices; Senators Kaine and Warner call it “outrageous culture war thuggery”
⚖️ DOJ denies explicitly demanding Ryan’s removal, but cites lack of confidence in leadership
🚔 Multiple shootings across Virginia:
• Man hospitalized after Huff Lane shooting in NW Roanoke
• Suspect arrested after father killed in Roanoke; police fired upon in Prince Edward County
• Two arrested in Madison Heights shooting
🔥 Roanoke fire displaces multiple residents on Collingwood Street
💰 Franklin County drug and gun bust nets cash, narcotics, and firearms; two men charged
📜 Youngkin signs new rural student transportation legislation in Botetourt
🎶 FloydFest25 Aurora nears with major site improvements
🎭 Virginia Tech’s Center for the Arts announces 2025-26 season with student matinees and big-name performances
📢 NAACP condemns DOJ pressure on UVA president
🎟️ Upcoming: Free lawn concerts and Hot Sardines at Virginia Tech
Catch up now on Virginia’s top political, crime, cultural, and education headlines in today’s WFIR News Express.
Here's the latest news from across the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
In today’s WFIR News Express:
- A Roanoke College expert weighs in on the aftermath of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear program
- House fire in Bonsack under control, no injuries reported
- Officer-involved shooting in Botetourt under investigation
- Awful Arthur’s Roanoke location to close after 30 years
- $17 billion data center coming to Louisa County
- Roanoke to begin major pedestrian corridor upgrades
- RAMHouse nears $2.4M goal for new Jain Care Center
- Hidden Valley High gets turf field approval despite debate
- Rail Yard Dawgs set to unveil new 10th anniversary logo
- Naff Road closure starts July 7 in Franklin County
Stay informed with WFIR’s latest local headlines, political developments, and community updates.
Google buys land in Botetourt County for a potential data center, marking a major economic development milestone for the region. Governor Glenn Youngkin hails Virginia’s top national ranking in customized workforce training — for the third year in a row.
Also in today’s WFIR News Express:
- 🧊 Roanoke Rescue Mission responds to extreme heat with expanded shelter services
- 🧒 Bedford daycare worker convicted in child abuse case involving multiple infants
- 🛫 Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport rebrands and adds nonstop flights to Chicago-O’Hare
- 🌊 800-foot waterslide returns to downtown Roanoke this weekend to support local outreach
- 🗳️ U.S. Supreme Court clears way for lawsuit challenging Virginia’s lifetime felon voting ban
- ⚖️ Democratic AG candidate Jay Jones takes aim at Jason Miyares over partisan politics
- 🏛️ Lucy Addison High School named to Virginia Landmarks Register
- 🏞️ Federal budget proposal would charge international tourists to enter U.S. national parks
🎧 Catch up on all the top stories impacting Southwest Virginia in under 15 minutes.
President Trump confirms U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites—while the Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, heads toward the region. Virginia lawmakers react: Senator Tim Kaine pushes a War Powers vote, and Senator Mark Warner moves to limit presidential authority under the Insurrection Act.
Also in today’s full WFIR News Express update:
- 🎙️ Local political analyst discusses risks of escalation with Iran
- 🚂 Train derailment involving hazardous materials in Augusta County
- 🏛️ Spanberger and Earle-Sears make their case in the race for governor
- 🔥 Fire strikes Fork in the Market—damage update and reopening timeline
- 🌡️ Heat puts pressure on shelters and utility programs in Roanoke
- 🎨 Taubman’s Happy HeARTS therapy program fights for survival after federal funding cuts
- 🌉 VDOT to begin long-term Apperson Drive bridge replacement in Salem
- 🌀 SBA deadline for disaster loans following Tropical Storm Helene
Stay informed with Virginia's biggest headlines, from Capitol Hill to the Roanoke Valley.
President Trump faces bipartisan pushback after ordering airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites without Congressional approval. Virginia’s U.S. Senators weigh in, offering sharply different reactions. WFIR’s Clark Palmer reports on Senator Tim Kaine’s call for a War Powers vote, while Congressman Ben Cline supports the President’s decisive action.
Also in this episode:
• Senator Mark Warner calls out “cruel” provisions in the Big Beautiful Bill
• Democrats gain a major financial edge in Virginia’s race for governor
• Governor Youngkin takes executive action on military sexual assault reform
• Virginia Tech Police remember Caleb Taylor
• Crews battle fires in Roanoke and Bedford County
• Tick-borne illness warning from a Radford public health expert
• Salem boy becomes a finalist in a national wildlife magazine competition
• City of Roanoke opens libraries as cooling centers for this week’s heat wave
Catch up now on today’s top stories across the Commonwealth, right here on the WFIR News Express.
In today's WFIR News Express for Thursday, June 20, we cover breaking developments and heartfelt community stories from across the region:
- A Radford University professor reacts to the shocking political attack in Minnesota and warns of its wider implications.
- A Virginia man pleads guilty to hate crimes targeting Latino victims in a chilling immigration-linked shooting.
- The community mourns the loss of James Lavender, who drowned at Smith Mountain Lake, as friends recall his legacy of laughter.
- New heat-related illness data spurs renewed calls for worker protection laws in Virginia.
- Senator Tim Kaine confronts the Pentagon over its controversial plan to strip military bases of inclusive new names.
- Plus: a look at Roanoke’s Living Legends, historic renovations, community outreach by law enforcement, and safety advisories for river recreation users.
🎧 Listen now for full coverage, exclusive interviews, and local updates only on WFIR News.
On this Juneteenth, Virginia’s senior U.S. Senator Mark Warner criticizes President Trump’s uncertain Iran policy. Roanoke Police arrest a suspect in the Meagan Martin murder case. Latino leaders increase outreach and resources amid immigration concerns. Roanoke County joins a national school reform effort. A new Brady’s Distillery tasting room is coming to Center in the Square. The City of Roanoke seeks 1985 flood memories for a preservation project. Democratic Lt. Governor nominee Hashmi faces off with Republican John Reid, who hasn’t spoken with his own ticket in months. Mast General Store celebrates 5 years in Roanoke with free popcorn, prizes, and a pet adoption event.
Roanoke Police are investigating the suspicious death of Meagan Martin. Plus: flood damage reports from Botetourt, election results from across Virginia, a major bike championship coming to Roanoke, bomb threat in Henry County, Cowell speaks on whistleblower lawsuit, new greenway in Vinton, pool reopens, recycling fair, and more.
Virginia heads to the polls for low-turnout primaries while new fentanyl legislation is signed into law. A registered sex offender is arrested in Alleghany County, and Smith Mountain Lake State Park earns national acclaim. Plus: Abigail Spanberger bus tour, Culpeper protester struck, opioid settlement, Blue Ridge Parkway fatality, and more local headlines.
Senator Tim Kaine introduces a war powers resolution aimed at preventing U.S. military involvement in Iran. Authorities in Botetourt County are searching for one suspect after a teen was arrested following a high-speed chase. Henry County deputies continue the search for missing 16-year-old Brookelynn Lyons. Protesters rallied in Roanoke as part of the national “No Kings” demonstrations against Trump administration policies. Virginia State Police seized millions in narcotics during a statewide operation. Bedford County deputies captured a suspect connected to multiple break-ins. In Lynchburg, 15 were arrested following a large fight. Primary elections approach in House District 40 and others. World Sea Turtle Day highlights Virginia’s role in species preservation. Governor Youngkin embarks on a European trade mission. Roanoke’s Pinball Museum expands as it marks its 10th anniversary. Mast General Store celebrates five years in downtown Roanoke with family-friendly events.
A manhunt is underway in Henry County after a high-speed chase. Over 200 graves of enslaved African Americans are being respectfully relocated in Pittsylvania County. Big changes to Roanoke City’s student cell phone policy are coming, and questions swirl over delayed teacher bonuses. We hear from Senators Kaine and Warner on FBI Academy plans, and a Virginia Tech expert on solving the housing crisis. Plus: a drowning at Smith Mountain Lake, college athletes getting paid, a 7-year-old Roanoke MENSA member with a Lego mission, and more local headlines.
A lower cost housing option for adults who travel from out of town to the Roanoke Valley to receive medical treatment is the idea behind "Hospitality House of the Blue Ridge," which is closer to having its own building, hoping to close on a property near Carilion Roanoke Memorial in the near future. Meanwhile a 5.5 million dollar capital campaign continues. Hospitality House executive director Emily Reburn (Ree-burn) spoke recently with WFIR's Gene Marrano, and here is a "Longer Listen."
A former Cave Spring High School student speaks out about past encounters with ex-athletic director Randall Meck, who recently pled guilty to federal charges. One person has died and another hospitalized after separate water emergencies at Smith Mountain Lake. Juneteenth and Flag Day celebrations are coming together this weekend at McCadden Park. Five people are hospitalized after a crash involving a Bedford County ambulance. Bedford County names its first-ever female command staff captain. Roanoke Mayor Joe Cobb regains clergy credentials from the United Methodist Church. Roanoke City ends the fiscal year with a $2.4 million surplus despite previous overspending. The Roanoke City School Board approves a $317 million budget for the upcoming year. A Roanoke Police recruit reflects on the moment she helped save a fellow officer’s life. A Campbell County shelter dog detects a man mid-seizure, helping him get medical care. Solar tax credits and green energy incentives face elimination in the latest federal budget bill. A new Joint Economic Committee report warns over 300,000 Virginians could lose health insurance. Hospitality House of the Blue Ridge inches closer to securing a building to host out-of-town medical patients. Roanoke residents can drop off unwanted electronics this Saturday. And a region-wide summer food drive will be held Friday to combat hunger.
A judge dismisses child abuse charges against three Rivermont Roanoke Southwest School staffers. Governor Youngkin honors a fallen deputy with a bridge renaming. Virginia’s U.S. Senators push back on Trump Administration plans to downsize Job Corps. Plus: a new mead tasting room opens downtown, a fire billing policy starts in Henry County, and Virginia tops a new income ranking. Listen to today’s full WFIR News Express for all the stories making headlines in the Roanoke Valley and beyond.
- WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports that United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge is warning of a funding crisis for Roanoke nonprofits
- WFIR’s Clark Palmer spotlights the urgent need for volunteer advocates to support Virginia foster children through CASA
- WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno shares why actor C. Thomas Howell is visiting the Grandin Theatre this week to celebrate The Outsiders
- Virginia State Police seize over $1.3 million in drugs during a weeklong operation
- A Roanoke man is charged with possession of child pornography
- A beloved cat dies and several residents are displaced in a SW Roanoke apartment fire
- A Humvee crash in Dinwiddie sends two people to the hospital with life-threatening injuries
- Washington Park Pool officially opens in Roanoke City
- A Revolutionary War hero from Salem finally gets recognition at a new museum exhibit
- A stolen truck investigation spans Bedford to Roanoke County
- Mill Mountain Zoo launches a Sloth Naming Contest to welcome its newest resident
- WFIR’s Clark Palmer reports on new concerns from the family of a 10-year-old Roanoke County student who died by suicide
- WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno marks the 81st anniversary of D-Day from Normandy
- WFIR’s Gene Marrano introduces Nokefest, a new music and arts festival for the Roanoke Valley
- WFIR’s Conner Arthur looks at new developments at Melrose Plaza in NW Roanoke
- A Virginia Tech professor explains the drop in summer air travel bookings
- VDH confirms a third case of measles in Virginia this year
- Pulaski police say a suspect tried to destroy drugs during an arrest — and exposed officers to fentanyl
- Botetourt celebrates new pickleball and tennis courts with ribbon cutting
- Parade participants needed in Blacksburg for July 4th
- Radford names Todd Meredith as its next city manager
- A person is recovering after a fire in SE Roanoke
BIO (bullet-style, SEO-optimized)
- Search underway for man and his 5-year-old daughter in Campbell County
- Youngkin touts $100 billion in investments, unveils new executive order
- Disturbing arrest in Henry County: man found with teen girl
- Abortion comment backlash: Lt. Gov. Sears under fire from Democrats
- Spanberger vs. Sears: tension over right-to-work stance
- Senator calls Trump’s budget bill “ugly” as Senate debate begins
- Motorcyclist injured in Botetourt crash; charges pending
- Pulaski’s Calfee Park kicks off River Turtles season in its 90th year
- Roanoke’s Rainbow Run returns June 14 to benefit Diversity Center
- New pickleball/tennis courts unveiled in Botetourt — ribbon cutting set
BIO (bullet-style, SEO-ready)
- Gunfire reported near Valley View Blvd — no injuries, investigation ongoing
- Friends mourn 2 teenage girls killed in DUI crash; justice demanded
- Giles Co. man charged with attempted murder after domestic incident
- Roanoke drug bust yields over 1,800g of fentanyl, meth, and $16K cash
- City renews "Focused Driving, Safe Arriving" campaign against distractions
- Carilion to end school nurse contract with Roanoke City Public Schools
- Musk out of DOGE dept — local Congress members weigh in on the fallout
- Covington paper mill named top U.S. climate polluter by watchdog group
- Rolling Stone contest: Roanoke artist needs votes to advance
- VA Tech to test anti-drone tech with $5M Army grant
- UVA Alzheimer’s research sees breakthrough using molecule STING
- Dr. Janet Womack named next Botetourt County Schools Superintendent
- T-Mobile Fiber launches in Roanoke County June 5th — perks, no contracts
BIO (bullet-style, SEO-ready)
- Police search for two endangered 16-year-olds: Alysia Trigg & Amiracle Lynn
- Roanoke’s mayor launches new task force to address 54% spike in homelessness
- Bedford County crash kills Maryland motorcyclist; second crash under investigation
- FEDUP marks 20 years of anti-violence advocacy in Roanoke
- Protesters demand town hall as Rep. Ben Cline visits local school
- Lt. Gov. Earle-Sears says state bracing for 32,000 federal job losses
- Adoption expert says Virginia LGBTQ+ couples should not be discouraged
- AARP warns of scam texts over unpaid tolls — do NOT click links
- Virginia DMV issues warning over fake fine collection texts
BIO (bullet-style, optimized for scanability and SEO)
- DUI manslaughter charge filed after two teens killed in NW Roanoke crash
- Trump’s “Big Beautiful Budget” bill heads to the Senate amid internal GOP tension
- “Operation Summer Shield” targets repeat and violent offenders in Roanoke
- Two major child pornography arrests in SWVA — one involving 100 counts
- Bell-to-Bell cell phone ban now mandated statewide in all Virginia public schools
- VBR Restaurant Week kicks off to spotlight regional dining
- Jerry Seinfeld to perform in Roanoke this September
- Bedford gas station vehicle fire; Bullitt Ave SE house fire investigated
- Virginia tops national rankings for job opportunity metrics
- Washington Park Pool ribbon cutting scheduled this week
Fast, local news for Roanoke and Southwest Virginia.
On today’s WFIR News Express:
- A Roanoke man pleads guilty to killing two people with an illegal machine gun at a Melrose Avenue party
- City officials respond after an audit reveals Roanoke overspent by $5 million — a violation of state law
- A former Pulaski County school employee faces charges for misconduct involving a student
- A serious motorcycle crash in NW Roanoke
- Rocky Mount’s mayor under scrutiny after a dismissed lawsuit and allegations of unethical conduct
- Roanoke College reports a drop in Virginia’s consumer sentiment as tariff uncertainty looms
- New TMEIC scholarship aims to boost engineering opportunities at Roanoke College
- Virginia Tech alum Nic Enright makes MLB debut after battling cancer
- Remembering Brian Wishneff, a driving force behind Roanoke’s downtown transformation
Listen now or catch us live every weekday morning from 6–9 a.m. on WFIR: 960 AM, 107.3 FM in Roanoke, and 94.5 FM in Botetourt.
Top local news, fast and on-demand.
In today’s WFIR News Express:
- A store clerk shot during a robbery in Vinton — two suspects arrested
- Roanoke overspent $5 million — and broke state law doing it
- Lynchburg Council kills a plan to double hotel taxes
- Congressman Ben Cline defends Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”
- The Senate passes a new “No Tax on Tips” act
- Roanoke Lebanese Festival returns this weekend
- Broadband expansion hits a legal roadblock
- Early voting begins across Virginia
Brought to you by WFIR: 960 AM, 107.3 FM, and 94.5 FM — always live, always local.
- A Roanoke neighbor describes rushing to perform CPR on a shooting victim in NW over the weekend; a suspect has been arrested.
- Virginia State Police search for a suspect after a fatal Bedford County hit-and-run involving a cyclist.
- New Roanoke College poll finds Virginians deeply concerned about the national debt — but divided on how to fix it.
- Former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins receives a pardon from Donald Trump after bribery conviction.
- No injuries reported after a fire at Donnie D’s Bagels; owner plans a comeback with community support.
- Former CIA and Secret Service employee Anthony Sabio announces congressional challenge to Rep. Don Beyer.
- “A Thread Through Roanoke,” a portrait exhibition by Whitney C. Brock, opens June 1 at Art on First.
- Christiansburg man critically injured after reportedly shooting himself during a domestic incident.
- Radford University named Top Adventure College by Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine.
- Roanoke County Police investigate after a car crashes into a building on Brambleton Ave.
- Funeral services planned for Tommy Fuqua, Roanoke County’s first Fire and Rescue Chief.
- Roanoke artists invited to design signal boxes as part of a new distracted driving safety campaign.
- Virginia University of Lynchburg earns top national ranking for its online Doctor of Healthcare Administration program.
- New Roanoke College poll shows Abigail Spanberger with a wide 17-point lead over Winsome Earle-Sears — but another poll shows a much tighter race.
- Over 1 million Virginians expected to hit the road for Memorial Day weekend; AAA offers travel tips.
- Mill Mountain Zoo mourns the loss of Snow Leopard Bali to aggressive cancer.
- Publix to begin construction on 50,000+ sq ft store in Roanoke County, expected to employ around 130 people.
- Roanoke’s Williamson Road project aims to improve pedestrian safety after 23 crashes since 2020.
- A Wythe County deputy injured in a crash on I-77; tractor trailer driver charged with reckless driving.
- Five teens escape mental health facility in Staunton; all recaptured and charged.
- President of Goodwill Industries of the Valleys thanks Roanoke EMS for saving his life after cardiac arrest.
- Congressman Gerry Connolly dies at age 75 after battle with cancer; tributes pour in from Kaine, Warner.
- AFL-CIO report ranks Virginia among safest states for workers, but unions warn proposed rollbacks may reverse progress.
- Governor Youngkin announces $16.9M for workforce housing across Virginia, including in the New River Valley.
- Comcast to bring high-speed internet to over 4,500 homes and businesses in the Town of Bedford.
- “Run for the Wall” veterans ride stops at the National D-Day Memorial today.
- Virginia’s employment numbers edge up while unemployment slightly increases.
- Two parents arrested in Nelson County after the death of their 6-week-old baby is ruled a homicide.
- A Salem City PE teacher is charged with indecent exposure for an incident reported in Vic Thomas Park.
- A vigil is held for 22-year-old Brooklin Goff, who died in a vehicle crash in Roanoke; the suspect faces DUI and manslaughter charges.
- Trial for murder suspect in Susan Williams case postponed until September.
- A Roanoke woman urges City Council to focus on affordable housing options for senior citizens.
- Proposed federal spending bill could slash Medicaid funding and impact rural hospitals in Virginia.
- Two Navy SEALs from Virginia disciplined over racist memes targeting a fellow team member.
- WFIR’s in-studio guest Ed Lynch discusses U.S.–Qatar relations and the controversial luxury jet offer.
- Sen. Mark Warner pushes legislation to increase penalties for misusing personal information held by the government.
- New report finds beef labeled "antibiotic-free" still testing positive; includes products sold in Virginia.
- The Harrison Museum of African American Culture prepares to move to its new Roanoke home.
- Liberty University to pay Jerry Falwell Jr. a reported $15 million settlement following his resignation.
- Dr. Laura Treanor named the next president of Virginia Western Community College, effective July 1.
- Smith Mountain Lake businesses brace for a record-breaking summer season, starting with Memorial Day.
- Former Cave Spring High School AD Randall Meck pleads guilty to distributing child porn while living in Singapore; sentencing to follow.
- Roanoke mother criticizes City Council over arrest footage of her son, who was allegedly put in a chokehold despite a hearing disability.
- Roanoke City Council approves 3% pay raise for city employees.
- Redevelopment plans for the old Sunlight Bakery Building get a green light.
- A 22-year-old woman dies in a fatal crash; DUI and manslaughter charges filed against a 21-year-old man.
- Book on President Biden's final months and cancer diagnosis sparks national controversy.
- Rep. Jennifer McClellan warns proposed GOP budget could result in loss of Medicaid coverage.
- Traffic alert: Franklin Road lane closure in Roanoke for Appalachian Power utility work this week.
- VDOT seeks public input on studies for Prices Fork Road and Melrose/Orange Avenue improvements.
- New Yale survey reveals overwhelming support for climate action in Virginia, but a widespread "false social reality" holds back progress.
- VWCC expands JMU biotech partnership, offering clear transfer pathways for life sciences careers.
- Radford University earns Carnegie recognition for supporting lower-income students with strong economic outcomes.
- Bradshaw Road in Montgomery County closes for four days for bridge work over Bradshaw Creek, with detours in place.
- A rifle-wielding suspect robs a 7-11 store in Lynchburg; police are searching for the individual.
- GOP LT. Gov. nominee John Reid blasts Democrats after Arlington County limits local police cooperation with ICE.
- 52 golf carts are destroyed in a fire at Copper Cove Golf Club in Franklin County; no injuries reported.
- President Trump’s budget proposal could hurt senior services in the Roanoke Valley, warns the Local Office on Aging.
- Two teens are killed in a Botetourt County crash on I-81; charges are pending.
- Beale's Brewery in Bedford announces it will close its taproom but continue distribution.
- Melrose Plaza in Roanoke will soon be transformed with murals, community art, and more tenant upgrades.
- Virginia State Police seize 68 pounds of narcotics and 32 guns during a statewide operation.
- A Ridgeway woman is arrested for meth possession; more drug charges are expected.
- Preliminary 2024 data shows a 43% drop in Virginia drug overdose deaths; Roanoke’s non-fatal overdoses are also down.
- Elevation Church donates $10,000 to The Least of These Ministries to support local transitional housing and aid.
- Broadway in Roanoke announces 2025-26 season with Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol and more.
- Appalachian Power moves forward on plans for a Small Modular Reactor and other renewable projects in Virginia.
- Area nonprofits brace for looming budget cuts as the Council of Community Services welcomes new leadership.
On this Friday, May 16th edition of WFIR News Express:
A downtown Roanoke restaurant owner calls out city leaders over a controversial meals tax increase. Political experts weigh in on local fallout — and the economic impact. Plus:
• Book No Further may close without a buyer by June 1
• New courthouse project underway in Fincastle
• Alpha-Gal therapy shows promise for food allergy sufferers
• Downtown Roanoke’s 800-foot summer waterslide returns June 28
• Virginia’s animal shelter, business development, and highway travel updates
📻 Reminder: Wake up with The Roanoke Valley’s Morning News — live weekdays from 6 to 9 a.m. on WFIR 960 AM & 107.3 FM in Roanoke, and 94.5 FM in Botetourt. Live radio is free, reliable, and never buffers.
🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.
- A 12-year-old child swept away by floodwaters in Crozet has been found deceased, according to Albemarle County officials.
- Roanoke formally begins construction on the In-River Play Park and a first-of-its-kind Wasena Skatepark.
- Former Roanoke City Council candidate Jamaal Jackson pleads not guilty to election fraud related to forged petition signatures.
- Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears expresses moral opposition to a reproductive rights bill, reigniting political tensions.
- John Clair is appointed the new police chief of Blacksburg, following the retirement of Chief Todd Brewster.
- Virginia International Raceway opens its 2025 season with Hyperfest, drawing Roanoke-area motorsports fans.
- Roanoke County hosts Kids to Parks Day this Saturday at Explore Park, including ziplining and a movie night.
- Roanoke Diversity Center invites the community to the 2025 Gayla fundraiser this Sunday at Fishburn Mansion.
- Governor Youngkin orders all flags in Virginia to be lowered for Peace Officers' Memorial Day.
- A free grief workshop by Good Samaritan Hospice uses art to help those coping with loss.
- Bedford County begins culvert replacement work on Atkins Hollow Road with delays expected into July.
- Lynchburg VA Clinic is officially renamed after WWII hero Desmond T. Doss.
Bio (SEO-Optimized Teaser Format):Floodwaters trap two women in Bedford — hear how first responders got them out safely. A Franklin County teacher accused of misconduct will soon face a grand jury. Roanoke City School Board braces for painful budget cuts after changes in city funding. Botetourt County Schools investigate a cyberattack disrupting services. Roanoke’s Homeless Assistance Team moves to improve access to care. Humanities groups sue over federal cuts to NEH grants in Virginia. The NTSB releases its findings on last year's fatal Augusta County plane crash. Trump stirs controversy by considering Qatar’s Air Force One replacement offer — Senator Warner says it might be illegal. A beloved Botetourt farm helping veterans with PTSD prepares to close. QualiChem expands operations in Salem, bringing new jobs and investment. Roanoke County's economic development chief wins national recognition for attracting major business growth. Crews respond to a fire in a Southeast Roanoke abandoned building. A historic Pulaski County civil rights case gets renewed recognition via the 23/54 Project. And Blacksburg’s Warm Hearth Village is named one of SWVA’s top retirement communities.
Monday, May 13, 2025 — A controversial meals tax hike in Roanoke sparks frustration from local restaurant owners. Plus, Route 311 in Roanoke County sees a multi-vehicle crash that sends two to the hospital. And a new bipartisan bill could reshape SNAP benefits and job training across Virginia. All that and more on today’s WFIR News Express — your trusted source for breaking local news across Roanoke, Salem, Vinton, and the New River Valley.
Also in this episode:
- Governor Youngkin speaks at Liberty’s largest-ever graduation
- GOP’s Lt. Governor race shakes up again after Tumblr scandal
- KALEO and Napoleon Dynamite Live heading to Berglund Center
- Campbell County launches branding project to unify public image
- Pickleball with Police: Roanoke County PD connects with community
- Drug dealers now face harsher penalties under new overdose law
📲 Stay informed with WFIR News Express — the Roanoke Valley’s daily audio digest. Find us on Spotify, Anchor, Alexa, and Apple Podcasts.
Monday, May 12, 2025 — A man is under arrest after a deadly shooting in southeast Roanoke. Plus, big changes in northwest Roanoke as Melrose Plaza welcomes a new community bank—and Metallica gets a taste of local flavor, thanks to a farm in Blacksburg. WFIR’s News Express has these top local stories and more, including a Sub Station revival, Griffith’s Gulf of Mexico theory, and a salute to National Police Week.
Stories Covered:
- Arrest made in fatal Dollar General shooting on Jamison Ave SE
- Metallica dines on locally-sourced food from Glade Road Growing in Blacksburg
- Bank of Botetourt opens first Roanoke City branch in Melrose Plaza
- AEP construction bringing closures to key Roanoke intersection
- Lynchburg purse snatcher caught
- Medicaid cut concerns for Virginia military families
- Griffith’s take on Gulf of Mexico name change
- National Police Week tributes from SWVA leaders
- Sub Station restaurant returning to Blacksburg
👉 Stream WFIR News Express anywhere you get your podcasts: Alexa, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Anchor.
In today’s WFIR News Express (5/9/25): Roanoke Police are investigating a deadly overnight shooting on Jamison Avenue SE, and five suspects have now been arrested following last weekend’s downtown shooting that injured three people. A Bedford man is facing serious child sex crime charges, and Carilion Clinic has received state approval to establish a kidney transplant program—the first of its kind in Southwest Virginia.
We also cover U.S. Senator Mark Warner’s renewed push for a housing bill to help rehabilitate blighted homes, the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, and new developments in Pulaski’s conflict-of-interest case. Plus: Roanoke’s meals tax hike heads to a vote Monday, the Street Performer Expo brings international talent downtown, and pancakes, seniors, and a new bank branch round out this packed Thursday.
In today’s WFIR News Express (5/8/25): Lynchburg Police identify a former EC Glass athlete as the victim of a Tuesday night homicide. Roanoke’s air quality earns mixed grades in a new American Lung Association report. New data shows most Roanoke-area job switchers stay in-state. Demolition begins on Botetourt County’s aging courthouse as part of a $35 million replacement. Roanoke celebrates art and culture with the Daisy Parade and the upcoming Local Colors Festival. A Hidden Valley teacher earns Virginia’s top education honor, and a Glenvar senior wins the region’s top academic-athletic scholarship. Plus: a new soap shop coming to downtown Roanoke, Food Truck Thursday in southwest Roanoke County, and more.
Real news, real fast — every weekday. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Today on WFIR News Express:
- YMCA child porn charges expand
- Crystal Spring tenants face eviction
- Roanoke schools battle for budget
- Callaway woman found shot
- Bus driver faces 25 assault charges
- Griffith blasts trucking mandates
- EPA rollback on tire emissions
- Logan’s Roadhouse closes abruptly
- 22 miles of BRP to be repaved
- Valley Metro audit begins
- Parkway Brewing expands downtown
🎧 Catch all the local headlines in under 10 minutes — listen now.
Today on WFIR News Express (4/29/25): A Cardinal News investigation into Flock camera surveillance sparks a court battle over public records. The search continues for Timothy Bryant after the death of K-9 Knox. Governor Youngkin orders flags at half-staff for Fentanyl Awareness Day. Congressman Gerry Connolly announces he will not seek reelection after a cancer diagnosis. Russia proposes a three-day truce as Ukraine pushes for a month-long ceasefire. Two Roanoke residents are identified after a fatal crash on Route 460 in Bedford County. Roanoke’s Riverland Road residents turn to skeleton signs to battle dangerous speeding. A striking new mural brightens 12th Street NW. Roanoke County invites residents to weigh in on the Glenvar Center Plan. Plus: Planning notices shift to Cardinal News and The Roanoke Rambler, and an update on the latest community, business, and international headlines.
Real news, real fast — subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts!
Today on WFIR News Express (4/29/25): Virginia's Lieutenant Governor race erupts into chaos as John Reid defies Governor Youngkin’s demand to drop out over an alleged extortion scandal involving explicit photos. Virginia State Police announce a $2 million drug and gun seizure during a statewide crackdown. Hitachi Energy brings 120 new jobs to Bland County. A car crashes into a Roanoke home. Roanoke City real estate appraisers go high-tech with iPads. A groundbreaking ceremony launches the New River Valley Rail Project. Lynchburg police arrest a teen for armed robbery — and a separate hit-and-run crash leaves a juvenile seriously injured. Plus: Virginia’s Invest529 program rebrands, the Washington Commanders close in on a D.C. stadium deal, and VTPD warns students after a rash of scooter thefts. Real news, real fast — subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts.
In today’s WFIR News Express: Two inmates found dead on the same day at a regional jail. Roanoke restaurant owners and school board members push back against the city’s proposed budget and tax plans. Plus, Virginia confirms its first measles case of the year, a nitric acid spill is contained at the Radford Arsenal, and Democratic Lt. Governor candidates weigh in on the future of Southwest Virginia. Catch all your top local stories in under 10 minutes — real news, real fast.
Local restaurant owners push back on a proposed meals tax hike in Roanoke, while city school leaders warn of major classroom cuts if budget plans move forward. Plus: immigration rights groups say new federal policies are disrupting lives across Virginia, including revoked visas and Social Security issues.
Also in this episode:
– A gun found in a student’s backpack prompts charges against a parent
– A new Christiansburg arrest at a massage therapy clinic
– Missing person alert in Roanoke County
– Updates on the Homeland Security gang crackdown
– And a major scientific hint at possible alien life from a Virginia Tech perspective
🎧 All this and more — in today’s WFIR News Express. Real news, real fast.
A Roanoke City Police K-9 officer is tragically killed in the line of duty during a vehicle theft pursuit. The Salem Red Sox honor a local teen battling stage four cancer. We cover new developments in the Radford shooting, a major layoff announcement from Volvo in Dublin, and what one new report reveals about Virginia’s growing food insecurity crisis. Plus: oral cancer awareness in the Valley, a major drug bust by State Police, the Commonwealth’s first measles case of the year, and a scam warning from the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office.
All that and more in today’s WFIR News Express — real news, real fast.
A Texas school district has banned the Virginia state flag, claiming its imagery violates school policies. A major local media shift as longtime Roanoke Times journalist Todd Jackson joins the Roanoke Rambler team. Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick returns to Virginia as a head coach—and BET is turning it into a docuseries. Also in this episode: an update on a double shooting near Radford University, a new solar energy push in Roanoke, a community response walk following a tragic South Roanoke homicide, and Christiansburg residents rallying against a controversial deportation. Plus: Dog Bowl concerts return, Google loses a major antitrust case, and Roanoke ranks among America’s Top 100 Best Places to Live.
Roanoke Police are searching for a missing 15-year-old girl with a mental disability. Two immigration-related stories dominate today’s headlines—ICE arrests a Honduran man accused of incest after his release from a Virginia jail, and a federal judge dismisses charges against the alleged MS-13 East Coast leader. Senator Mark Warner visits Salem to hear from veterans about VA funding cuts. Plus: Salem Red Sox’s Blair Hoke donates part of her liver to save a child’s life, Roanoke hosts a Chief’s Walk in South Roanoke, and biotech takes center stage in a new economic series. Also featured: a teacher honored, election finance scrutiny, a beloved local business changes hands, and playoff hockey in Wytheville.
Immigration enforcement headlines today's update: a high-profile MS-13 case is dismissed just weeks after a federal takedown, and ICE arrests a Honduran man released despite an active detainer. Plus, what Governor Youngkin says about job cuts to the federal workforce, election fraud charges in Roanoke, and major medical manufacturing expansion in Salem. Also today: scams tied to Social Security policy confusion, new jobs and fire training in Roanoke, and a big retail transition for a century-old local clothing store.
From a fatal fire on Hollins Road to a massive infrastructure update on Salem’s Apperson Drive Bridge, today's WFIR News Express has what you need to know. Roanoke County's top prosecutor is sounding off on bullying policy, Virginia's Attorney General joins a national push to rein in pharmacy middlemen, and allergy season is officially here. Plus: Why a true crime class at Virginia Tech is making headlines, how Baroque music is making a local comeback, and what new statewide initiatives are pushing Virginians to unplug. Your 10-minute catch-up on everything happening in Southwest Virginia — brought to you by WFIR News.
In today’s WFIR News Express:
📦 What does the China–U.S. tariff war mean for the average American? Virginia Tech economist Jadrian Wooten explains how rising tensions could hit your wallet—and whether a recession is on the horizon.
🚨 A major drug bust in Roanoke nets over 6 kilograms of cocaine, crack, marijuana, firearms, and more than $75,000 in cash. The DEA and state task force led the April 5th raid.
⚖️ The Justice Department drops its case against a suspected MS-13 gang leader — just weeks after federal agents announced his arrest in Virginia.
🧡 Hundreds gather at the Berglund Center to celebrate the life of 10-year-old Autumn Bushman, with renewed calls to address bullying in schools.
🧪 Roanoke College launches a national marrow donor drive to support a student with leukemia, and Carilion’s ER expansion nears completion.
Also in today’s episode:
🏠 House fire in Bedford
🛣️ Blue Ridge Parkway closures begin
🛑 Virginia’s "Thank a Trooper" program
📞 It’s Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
🎧 Real news, real fast — every weekday from WFIR News.
In today’s WFIR News Express:
🚨 Roanoke County’s school board meeting turns emotional following the suicide of 10-year-old Autumn Bushman. Despite public outcry, only small edits were made to the district’s bullying policy.
💥 A car slams into a Southeast Roanoke home — sending one person to the hospital and displacing a family.
🌍 Virginia Tech confirms nine members of its international community had their immigration records revoked — echoing a concerning national trend.
💼 Senator Tim Kaine reacts to tariff turmoil and a rollercoaster Dow, while federal job cuts threaten Northern Virginia’s economy and tax base.
⚖️ Lawsuits continue to stack up — from Covington parents suing their school district to a legal challenge of Virginia’s primary law.
Also in today’s episode:
- Roanoke meal tax hike on the table
- A major student data breach tied to Radford
- Day of Remembrance at Virginia Tech
- Blue Ridge Marathon traffic impacts
- And: the Salem Red Sox plan a big identity change
🎙️ Real news, real fast. Listen now and follow us on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Google Podcasts so you never miss an update.
In today’s WFIR News Express:
Roanoke Fire-EMS has determined what caused the major Riverdale fire, the Roanoke Police Department arrests a man on child pornography charges, and a lawsuit is filed on behalf of dozens of Covington Middle School families following a carbon monoxide leak. Plus, Senator Warner reacts to tariff whiplash, zoning lawsuits in Roanoke, trash troubles behind the Berglund Center, and Danny Meyers is back on the air — just not where you remember him.
Tap follow on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or Google Podcasts so you never miss an episode of real news, real fast.
🎙️ WFIR News Express – Daily Roanoke Headlines in Under 10 Minutes
Stay plugged into Roanoke and Southwest Virginia with WFIR News Express — a fast, no-fluff, daily news update from the award-winning WFIR News team. Each weekday, we bring you the latest local stories, original reporting, and exclusive sound from area leaders, officials, and residents — all in less than 10 minutes.
From crime and politics to economic shifts, community stories, and cultural events — this is where Roanoke starts its day. Hosted by WFIR journalists and powered by trusted local sources, WFIR News Express is essential listening for anyone who lives, works, or cares about Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
📍 Based in Roanoke. Streaming everywhere you listen to podcasts.
Virginia will receive over $6.6 million from a national opioid settlement with Mylan — we break down the attorney general’s announcement. Plus: parents in Covington speak out through legal counsel after more troubling symptoms surface at the middle school. New Mill Mountain trails are officially under construction, a fun-sized petting zoo is headed downtown, and Roanoke celebrates savings week with free financial seminars. Also in today’s episode: REAL ID reminders, campaign finance records, and the future of multicultural food in Roanoke.
In today’s WFIR News Express:
📍 Roanoke police are investigating reports of hacked EBT cards and drained SNAP benefits
🚨 A 17-year-old is facing charges after a loaded handgun was found at Franklin County High
🕊️ We preview a community celebration of life honoring Autumn Bushman
🏛️ State lawmakers respond to Governor Youngkin's vetoes on minimum wage and paid sick leave
🌍 Virginia Senators push back on Trump's tariffs and foreign trade policy
🚧 Plus: Wawa is coming to Roanoke, Clean Valley Day kicks off, and a historic Roanoke locomotive gets national recognition
🎧 All in under 10 minutes. Start listening now.
A student is taken into custody after a gun is found at Franklin County High School. A deadly pedestrian crash in Blacksburg leaves a community shaken. Plus, a Salem church opens its doors for a powerful town hall on bullying after the tragic loss of a Roanoke County child.
Also in this episode: A lingering odor raises new safety questions at Covington Middle, FDNY trains at Smith Mountain Lake, VDOT seeks your voice on I-81 improvements, and world-renowned photographer Delphine Diallo opens her first U.S. solo show in Roanoke.
This is your local update from Roanoke to Radford — all in under 10 minutes.
A tale of two Roanoke's: Police investigate a deadly shooting near the Melrose Library in Northwest Roanoke, while officials tout safety improvements and boosted patrols in South Roanoke following the tragic death of a beloved community volunteer. Plus, parents raise new concerns at Covington Middle, Pete’s Deli says goodbye after nearly 60 years, and Congressman Ben Cline honors a championship basketball team from Roanoke Valley Christian.
Also in this update: a Franklin County shooting investigation, a troubling increase in outside money in Virginia elections, and a deep dive into how international doctors may soon fill key healthcare gaps in the Commonwealth.
WFIR News Express for Monday, March 31, 2025 – A fast, ad-free local newscast for the Roanoke Valley and beyond.
🎧 In Today’s Episode:
• Roanoke Arrest Controversy – A mother says her son, who is hearing-impaired, was traumatized after being arrested outside her daycare. Police say he was resisting arrest.
• Feeding Southwest Virginia Faces Crisis – Emergency food assistance programs are paused, and local pantries could feel the effects.
• Payday Loan Scams Return to Virginia – Out-of-state fintech lenders are skirting state laws.
• Botetourt County Arrest Update, Melrose Library Shooting Investigation, and Roanoke Boater Rescue
• Political News – UVA’s Larry Sabato weighs in on the Signal chat leak and potential fallout.
• Virginia Tech Ends DEI Office – Reaction from state leaders and what this means for higher education.
• Economic Update – Virginia’s unemployment rate edges up slightly to 3.1%.
• New City Website – Roanoke launches onboard.roanokeva.gov to simplify public service applications.
📍 Covering local and statewide stories other Roanoke Valley outlets miss — all in under 15 minutes.
📱 No ads. No filler. Just the news you need, when you need it.
—
👂 Subscribe & follow WFIR News Express for daily updates.
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your news.
🌐 Visit WFIRNews.com for more coverage.
On this Thursday, March 28 edition of the WFIR News Express, we bring you the day’s top stories from across the region:
- A tragic toddler death in Lynchburg is under investigation
- MS-13 gang leader arrested in Virginia, as Governor Youngkin targets sanctuary policies
- A Roanoke County suicide prompts new anti-bullying efforts in Lynchburg
- McAfee Knob’s new pedestrian bridge is officially open after over a year of construction
- Prescription drug affordability veto by Governor Youngkin sparks pushback from physicians
- Spring tourism marketing gets a boost from Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge
- Updates on the New River Valley Passenger Rail station, stock exchange switch for HomeTrust Bank, and more
🎧 Catch your local news in minutes—fast, focused, and factual—with the WFIR News Express.
On today’s WFIR News Express for Wednesday, March 27th — we’re covering key stories across the Roanoke Valley and beyond:
- A Roanoke family is demanding answers after a 3-year-old was found alone in a daycare bathroom with two boys — no adult supervision
- The White House pushes back hard against Senator Mark Warner, after he slammed a security lapse involving a group chat and U.S. airstrikes in Yemen
- Governor Youngkin signs bipartisan legislation to fight food insecurity on college campuses with a new Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program
- Virginia Safari Park launches new sloth, penguin, and rhino encounters — and remains the only U.S. location with a king cheetah
- Supreme Court ethics take center stage tonight as expert Alicia Bannon visits Roanoke College
- A house fire displaces residents in SE Roanoke, and local officials react to a variety of legislative updates
- Democrats raise red flags over plans to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and what that could mean for Virginia schools
🎧 All the day’s top stories in just minutes — fast, local, and trusted.
On today’s WFIR News Express, we cover major headlines shaping Roanoke and surrounding areas:
- A 15-year-old runner slashed in Roanoke — a suspect is behind bars
- DEI policies rolled back at Virginia Tech and scrubbed from Roanoke City webpages
- New electric buses hit Roanoke roads as Valley Metro celebrates 50 years
- Senators Warner and Kaine press for answers on a national security group chat mishap
- $30M expansion in Botetourt County brings 270 new jobs
- And a closer look at the debate surrounding DEI, defense protocols, and economic development in Southwest Virginia
🎧 Catch up in under 10 minutes with the latest local news — from City Hall to Capitol Hill.
Today on the WFIR News Express:
- Roanoke Police are investigating after a teenage runner was punched near Patrick Henry High School
- In Henry County, a preschooler is accused of making a bomb threat
- Valley Metro unveils Roanoke’s first electric buses since 1948
- U.S. Senator Tim Kaine questions national security breaches involving Trump Cabinet members
- Virginia’s SNAP benefits and school meal regulations draw executive action
- Layman Family Farms launches Flower Fest with 50,000 tulips
- Plus: Budget talks at Roanoke City Council, a tree-climbing trespasser, and a new Fire & EMS Chief in Salem
🎧 Listen now for a fast local update packed with impact.
On today’s WFIR News Express:
- 🔥 Brush fires in Roanoke County and near the Craig County line fully contained; downed power line likely cause.
- 📚 Virginia Tech education expert says marginalized students would suffer if the U.S. Department of Education is eliminated.
- 🔫 Botetourt County Sheriff's Office searching for shooting suspect following a violent domestic dispute.
- 🏃♂️ Blue Ridge Marathon returns for its 16th year—with races and downtown Roanoke festival action.
- ⚠️ Second measles exposure confirmed in Northern Virginia; VDH tracking contacts.
- 🐝 A William Byrd Middle School 7th grader wins the regional spelling bee—headed to the Scripps National Spelling Bee!
- 🗳️ Bill banning voter purges near elections heads to Governor Youngkin’s desk.
- 🎭 Roanoke playwright David Walton’s new drama “Closing Arguments” premieres April 4th.
- 📫 Protesters gather on Williamson Road to oppose USPS privatization.
- 🧭 New “Let’s Go BOCO” tool launched to explore outdoor recreation across Botetourt County.
- 🎨 Artspace’s affordable housing plan for artists in Roanoke falls through—but plans for alternatives continue.
🎧 Listen to the full update now on WFIR News Express.
Today's WFIR News Express dives into key stories across Roanoke and Southwest Virginia:
- 🚨 A 7-year-old boy hospitalized after being hit by a car in Northwest Roanoke.
- 🐱 Two arrested after 47 cats found in “unsanitary” conditions at a Roanoke home cat rescue.
- ☣️ Acid spill injures six workers at Celanese chemical plant in Giles County—two in critical condition.
- 💵 Fatal crash in Botetourt County caused by detached truck brake part.
- 🏛️ Governor Youngkin signs $2.1B semiconductor investment bill.
- 🥫 SNAP benefits for thousands of Virginians could be at risk under a proposed House budget.
- 🧍♂️ Bank robbery suspect caught in Christiansburg.
- 🦴 Human remains found in Appomattox—linked to a man missing since 2022.
- 🧒 City priorities and safety discussed after murder of Roanoke advocate Susan Williams.
- 📉 Salvation Army fell short of Red Kettle goal—fundraiser planned to recover funding.
🎧 Listen for the full update now on WFIR News Express!
Today’s top stories in Roanoke & Southwest Virginia:
- 🐾 Roanoke animal rescue owners arrested—47 cats found in “deplorable conditions,” with felony animal neglect charges filed.
- 📉 Virginia unemployment claims surge 40% in one week, raising economic concerns.
- 🏀 March Madness meets fitness! Local trainer shares easy ways to stay active while watching the games.
- 🗳️ Senator Mark Warner urges the DOJ to protect election officials from growing threats.
- 🏛️ Governor Youngkin signs 180 new bills—including a $2.17 billion semiconductor investment.
- 🏠 Human remains discovered in Appomattox County during a search for a missing person in a cold case.
- 🔍 AARP warns of ‘gold bar scam,’ where victims are tricked into withdrawing their savings.
- 📚 New data science training program for high school students could be coming to the Roanoke Valley.
- 🚀 Local business alliance VERGE rebrands, aiming to better support the region’s tech economy.
🎧 Listen now for full details on WFIR News!
Today’s top stories in Roanoke & Southwest Virginia:
- 🚨 A Virginia State Trooper rescued a toddler found wandering alone in the middle of a roadway after leaving daycare.
- 🐶 Roanoke City Police officer fired for animal cruelty after neglecting his German Shepherd without food or water.
- 🚗 Gus Nicks Blvd. lane reduction debate continues—some say it improves safety, others argue it’s creating new problems.
- 🛒 Publix is coming to Roanoke County! Construction begins next month.
- 🔍 Roanoke Police searching for missing 16-year-old Nazion Draper.
- 👶 Governor Youngkin urged to sign Paid Family and Medical Leave legislation.
- 📦 Amazon opens a Roanoke delivery station, creating 200 jobs with $18.50/hour pay.
- 🏡 Roanoke Hospitality House moves forward, helping families of medical patients.
- 🦊 Mill Mountain Zoo reopens after storm damage—meet the new red foxes!
- 🎭 Cave Spring & Hidden Valley students shine in upcoming spring plays.
- 🔥 Firefighters contain a brush fire near Yellow Mountain Road.
- 📈 Virginia job market grows, adding more than 71,000 positions since 2022.
🎧 Listen now for full details on WFIR News!
Today in Roanoke, VA news:
- NCAA’s recruiting rules could change under new settlement, allowing NIL payments to high school recruits.
- Covington Middle School students return to in-person classes after a gas leak hospitalization.
- Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center needs donations after treating 541 animals from Smith Mountain Lake area last year.
- Roanoke stabbing under investigation after an incident at the Rescue Mission.
- Anthem & Cigna ordered to reimburse hundreds of Virginians over wrongful healthcare charges.
- A Lynchburg pastor convicted of burglary and stalking after breaking into a woman’s home.
- Virginia unions gain strong public support in a new poll.
- Governor Youngkin & Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promote cell phone-free schools in Virginia.
- Roanoke’s Backpack Run set for Saturday at Green Hill Park to benefit local students.
- Radford University to host the Southwest Virginia regional spelling bee.
🎧 Listen now for today’s headlines from Roanoke & Southwest Virginia!
In today’s Roanoke, VA news:
- Virginia State Police seize $342K in drugs & 36 firearms in a statewide crackdown.
- Proposed SNAP cuts could affect thousands of families in Roanoke & Southwest Virginia.
- Roanoke Mayor Joe Cobb celebrates his historic election win with supporters.
- Mill Mountain Zoo reopens after winter storm damage.
- Roanoke’s Lawrence Koontz, Jr., former VA Supreme Court Justice, passes away at 85.
- Lynchburg Police search for a masked robbery suspect near Memorial Ave.
- Appomattox voting precinct closures raise voter suppression concerns.
- Pilot identified in Pittsylvania County helicopter crash.
- A Maryland man is facing charges after punching a United Airlines gate agent at Dulles.
🎧 Listen now for today’s top headlines across Roanoke & Southwest Virginia!
🟢 Roanoke’s biggest event of the season is here! Thousands will flood downtown this weekend for the Freedom First St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Shamrock Festival. Find out what’s planned! 🍀🎶
🚨 A major scam alert in Roanoke—if you’ve received a suspicious message about unpaid balances, here’s what you need to know. 💰📱
⚖️ 100-year sentence for the man who killed Big Stone Gap Police Officer Michael Chandler—what officials are saying.
🚦 Oak Grove safety project—residents weigh in on upcoming changes to Electric Road and how it may impact traffic. 🏗️🚗
🛫 Liberty University launches a program to fight human trafficking in aviation. ✈️
🏡 Ronald McDonald House continues to serve families in crisis—how you can help. ❤️
🏀 The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to Roanoke! 🎟️
📲 Listen to WFIR News Express for all these stories and more!
🔹 Botetourt County crash leaves three pedestrians seriously injured—what police say happened in the crosswalk 🚗🚶
🔹 Measles concerns in Virginia—a local doctor weighs in on potential risks and what to know about the Dulles Airport case 🏥
🔹 Roanoke woman pleads guilty to massive PPP fraud scheme—she now faces up to 30 years in prison 💰⚖️
🔹 Roanoke police find missing woman safe in Florida—no word on why she was there ✈️
🔹 Roanoke County police search for two wanted suspects linked to vehicle thefts 🚔
🔹 Vinton gears up for its first-ever St. Patrick’s Day Block Party! Live music, food, and a bagpiper! 🍀🎶
🔹 VA Senators push back on VA job cuts—how 80,000 layoffs could impact veterans 🇺🇸
🔹 Ronald McDonald House fundraiser happening tonight! You could win a designer handbag 👛
📲 Listen now for the full update on WFIR News Express!
A Roanoke man was struck by an Amtrak train while attempting to escape police—how he survived and what charges he’s facing. Also today:
🔹 Roadwork on Route 419 in Oak Grove—what residents need to know before tomorrow’s open house
🔹 Blacksburg housing debate—is it the town’s job to build student housing?
🔹 New Maritime Gallery at the Virginia Museum of Transportation officially opens
🔹 First American Mink rescue in Roanoke in 5 years!
🔹 Roanoke County launches free septic pump-out program for qualifying residents
🔹 March MATHness competition heats up for Roanoke County Public Schools
Catch all these stories and more in today’s WFIR News Express! 🎙️
Local road changes on Gus Nicks Boulevard are sparking frustration, with residents saying detours are pushing dangerous traffic into their neighborhoods. Meanwhile, protesters in Blacksburg rallied for reproductive rights and rural healthcare, urging lawmakers to take action. In Bedford County, an 82-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly grooming a minor online. Salem is enforcing Virginia’s skill game ban, while Roanoke County is taking a different approach. Plus, a new nonprofit for expecting mothers is opening in Roanoke, and Blackberry Smoke & Mike Campbell are coming to town this summer! Catch all this and more in today’s WFIR News Express.
A Missouri couple is facing charges after allegedly abducting and abusing a 13-year-old Virginia girl they groomed online. Meanwhile, the families of the men killed in last week's Vinton custody exchange shooting speak out. Roanoke police are investigating a tragic train accident that left two dead, and a former Botetourt Chamber leader has been indicted for embezzlement. In other news, Virginia ranks 8th in the nation for solar energy, Mill Mountain Theatre prepares for "Waitress," and frustration grows over the Gus Nicks Boulevard traffic reconfiguration. Plus, Virginia health officials confirm a measles case at Dulles Airport. Catch all this and more on today’s WFIR News Express!
Virginia State Police have wrapped up a major law enforcement operation, resulting in over 600 felony arrests and the seizure of more than 400 pounds of illegal drugs. Meanwhile, a proposed move to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education has some local school officials worried about funding cuts. We also have updates on a Romanian national accused of a multi-state credit card skimming scheme, new efforts to ban Chinese AI software on government devices, and concerns over U.S. intelligence support for Ukraine. Plus, Q99’s Miracle Day Fundraiser is underway, raising money for Carilion Children’s, and the Taubman Museum’s Arts Pop event showcases the region’s creative talent this weekend. All that and more in today's WFIR News Express—listen now!
Today's WFIR News Express covers the latest headlines from Roanoke, Salem, and beyond:
- Roanoke Police Searching for Homicide Suspect – 42-year-old Lamar Burkes was fatally shot in Northwest Roanoke; police have identified Quante Martice Dillard Sr. as the suspect.
- Protests at Salem VA Medical Center – Layoffs affecting probationary employees spark concerns about veteran care.
- Trump’s Address to Congress Divides Lawmakers – Virginia Democrats and Republicans react differently to key policy points.
- Congressman Griffith Questions Drug Prices – Calls for more transparency in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Botetourt County Drug Bust – Three arrested in connection with a narcotics investigation.
- Virginia Flood Safety Awareness Week Begins – Governor Youngkin urges residents to prepare for spring flooding.
- Roanoke Woman Uses Assistive Eyewear to Regain Independence – Legally blind since 2000, she says eSight glasses have changed her life.
- Virginia Tech Tuition May Increase – Officials considering a 2.9% rise in costs for the 2025-2026 school year.
- Montgomery County Buys Former FedEx Building – The site will become an emergency services headquarters.
- LFA Kids Consignment Sale in Roanoke – Spring/Summer deals, plus a Fun Day event this Saturday.
Stay up to date on the biggest headlines with WFIR News Express!
Today’s WFIR News Express covers the latest headlines impacting the Roanoke Valley and beyond:
- Vinton Shooting Raises Safety Concerns—Officials discuss security improvements after a deadly shooting at a designated "safe exchange zone."
- Roanoke Shooting Victim Dies—A February 9th shooting on Orange Avenue has now turned deadly, with a 17-year-old suspect under investigation.
- Trump’s Address to Congress Sparks Debate—Senator Tim Kaine calls recent federal worker layoffs "illegal," while Congressman Morgan Griffith supports Trump’s vision for the economy.
- Virginia NAACP Opposes Appomattox Voting Precinct Closures—Concerns grow over possible impacts on Black voters.
- Delta Dental Awards $950,000 in Grants—Roanoke-area clinics receive funding to expand dental care access.
- Carilion’s E-Waste Collection Event—Get rid of your old electronics and support the Taubman Cancer Center this weekend.
- Roanoke County Burn Ban in Effect—Due to high winds, all outdoor burning is restricted through Friday.
- Flood Recovery Aid for Southwest Virginia—AEP Foundation donates $150,000 to help residents recover from Valentine’s Day flooding.
- Q99’s Miracle Day Fundraiser—Support Carilion Children’s during this special event on Friday.
- Roanoke Traffic Safety Survey Open Now—City officials want your input for this year’s distracted driving campaign.
Stay informed with WFIR News Express—your source for the biggest headlines in the Roanoke Valley!
Today’s WFIR News Express is packed with major updates from across the Roanoke Valley:
- Vinton Double Murder—Court documents reveal shocking details about the deadly shooting outside the town’s municipal building.
- Roanoke Teen Indicted—A 15-year-old will be tried as an adult for last year’s fatal shooting of another teen.
- Youngkin’s Controversial Pardon—The governor’s decision to pardon a former Fairfax officer sparks outrage from the victim’s family.
- Warner on Ukraine & U.S. Foreign Policy—Why Virginia’s senior senator is raising concerns.
- Roanoke Schools Equity Plan—Superintendent Verletta White provides an update on long-promised initiatives.
- Rail Yard Dawgs’ Hot Streak—Roanoke’s hockey team continues its record-breaking season.
- Prescription Drug Affordability Bill—Could Virginia soon regulate prescription costs?
- Blue Ridge Parkway Wins National Award—Recognition for a project uniting 29 counties across Virginia & North Carolina.
- Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular Coming to Roanoke—Get ready for a multi-media music & light show at the Berglund Center!
Don’t miss these stories and more—tune in now to WFIR News Express!
Two men are dead following a shooting outside the Vinton Municipal Building, and Roanoke Police are investigating a fatal shooting in Northwest. Meanwhile, former Local Office on Aging Executive Director Susan Williams was laid to rest over the weekend, and VMI's board has voted against extending its superintendent’s contract. Plus, Volvo is cutting 250 jobs at its Dublin plant, Governor Youngkin faces a decision on prescription drug prices, and a Vinton man is facing child exploitation charges. Get the latest headlines impacting Roanoke, Vinton, and the New River Valley with today’s WFIR News Express.
A Roanoke County 911 dispatcher and former YMCA youth director has been arrested on child pornography charges, with investigators looking into whether he had contact with local children. Meanwhile, IRS layoffs in Roanoke leave employees without severance, Carilion Clinic tightens security after a violent ER attack, and Roanoke County cracks down on unpaid personal property taxes. Plus, major road changes are coming to Gus Nicks Boulevard in Vinton, local animal shelters are out of pet food, and a new poll reveals Virginians' opinions on taxes and immigration. Get all the latest news and updates from the Roanoke Valley with WFIR News Express.
WFIR News Express brings you the latest headlines from Roanoke, Salem, Montgomery County, and across Virginia. Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal crash on Interstate 81 in Montgomery County, where a Louisiana truck driver lost his life. Meanwhile, a separate crash in Augusta County involving a tractor-trailer carrying ammonia required a major hazmat cleanup.
In Roanoke, protesters gathered outside Congressman Morgan Griffith’s office in Christiansburg, demanding a town hall to address mass layoffs, education, healthcare, and housing concerns. Elsewhere in the city, Roanoke Police are searching for a hit-and-run driver after an 8-year-old boy was struck on Hanover Avenue NW.
The newly opened Blue Ridge Behavioral Health Crisis Receiving Center in Roanoke will help divert those experiencing mental health emergencies from jails and hospitals, offering an alternative treatment facility for those in crisis. Meanwhile, Mill Mountain Zoo remains closed due to storm damage, launching a GoFundMe to recover lost revenue.
In sports, Roanoke College is gearing up for its first full football season in the ODAC, with games set for Salem Stadium this fall. In entertainment, multi-platinum country artist Jordan Davis will perform at Elmwood Park on May 22, kicking off the Budweiser Summer Concert Series.
Stay informed with the latest updates from across the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia with WFIR News Express.
WFIR News Express brings you the latest headlines from Roanoke, Lynchburg, Vinton, Montgomery County, and across Virginia. The suspect in last week’s Danville police shooting has been charged with Attempted Capital Murder and will be extradited to Virginia. Meanwhile, authorities confirm the death of a missing Montgomery County man, though few details have been released.
The Virginia General Assembly has wrapped up, passing key law changes that now await Governor Glenn Youngkin’s decision. Among them:
- A minimum wage increase to $15 by 2027
- Expanded collective bargaining rights for teachers, firefighters & public employees
- A public referendum on abortion rights, same-sex marriage & voting protections
- Stronger penalties for displaying Nazi symbols to intimidate
- Legalized retail cannabis sales—likely to be vetoed
In crime news, Lynchburg residents were shaken after gunfire hit four townhomes early Saturday, while in Martinsville, police seized over a kilo of cocaine in a major drug bust, with one suspect still at large.
For food lovers, Vinton’s Winter Restaurant Week kicks off Sunday, featuring local favorites like Smiley’s Grill and Pollard 107 South. In entertainment, Showtimers’ production of Almost, Maine debuts Thursday, bringing a mix of romance, humor, and magic to the stage.
Stay informed with the latest updates from across the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia with WFIR News Express.
WFIR News Express brings you the latest headlines from Roanoke, Vinton, Salem, Franklin County, Martinsville, and beyond. A South Roanoke neighborhood is shaken after an 80-year-old woman was found murdered in her apartment, with a suspect now in custody. In Martinsville, police seized over a kilo of cocaine, firearms, and cash in a major drug bust—one suspect is still at large.
In Franklin County, Ferrum College announces a $100,000 Resident Impact Scholarship to help local students afford college. Meanwhile, the Virginia House of Delegates passes ranked-choice voting legislation, potentially changing how local elections are decided.
At the national level, Senator Mark Warner calls for action on the bird flu outbreak, while Senator Tim Kaine presses Trump’s Labor Secretary nominee on federal job cuts, particularly affecting military veterans in Virginia.
For those struggling with winter fatigue, UVA doctors explain how sunlight can boost energy and mood. And for food lovers, Vinton’s Winter Restaurant Week kicks off Sunday, featuring local favorites like Smiley’s Grill and Pollard 107 South.
Looking ahead, the Roanoke Valley’s first-ever LEGO convention is coming to the Salem Civic Center this September, benefiting Creations for Charity.
Stay informed with the latest updates from across the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia with WFIR News Express.
WFIR News Express brings you the latest headlines from Roanoke, Botetourt, Bedford, Franklin County, Lynchburg, and the New River Valley. VDOT prepares for more winter weather, as Franklin County residents express frustration after being without power for nearly a week following Winter Storm Harlow.
In Roanoke, protesters gathered outside the Poff Federal Building to push back against Elon Musk’s role in the federal government. Meanwhile, a flooded underpass near Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital stranded multiple vehicles, prompting another warning from VDOT: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
In crime news, a Danville police officer was shot multiple times while investigating a hit-and-run. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares announces an arrest in a 2017 double homicide in Newport News, while the HALT Fentanyl Act, co-sponsored by Congressman Morgan Griffith, advances to the Senate.
In education, Covington Middle School extends virtual learning another week after a carbon monoxide leak sent dozens to the hospital, and Appomattox County Public Schools remain closed due to a cybersecurity incident.
For Roanoke residents, TAP’s VITA program offers free tax preparation for those making less than $67,000 per year, helping ease the burden this tax season.
Stay informed with the latest news from across the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia with WFIR News Express.
WFIR News Express brings you the latest headlines fromRoanoke, Botetourt, Bedford, Franklin County, Lynchburg, and the New River Valley.A Danville man faces child exploitation charges after authorities discovered illicit videos on his phone. Meanwhile,winter weather continues to impact Southwest Virginia, withdowned trees, power outages, and increased emergency calls in Lynchburg and Roanoke County.
In Washington,a federal judge rules that Trump’s buyouts for federal employees can proceed, a movesupported by Salem-area Congressman Morgan Griffith but criticized bySenator Tim Kaine. Meanwhile, Griffith’sHALT Fentanyl Act, aimed at permanently classifying fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs, is now in the hands of the Senate.
In law enforcement,ICE officials arrest seven illegal immigrants in Fairfax County, including individuals withcriminal convictions in Virginia. And in politics,Virginia Tech experts weigh in on Trump’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce, with some judges pausing key executive orders.
Elsewhere,Virginia lawmakers debate funding for wildlife corridors, aiming to reduce collisions and protect drivers.Blacksburg Town Council votes to censure member Liam Watson over misleading information on EMS cost recovery.
In business and community news,Virginia State Parks celebrate over 221,000 volunteer hours in 2024, contributing $7.4 million in service. And withValentine’s Day here, a Virginia Tech dietitian shares why chocolate might be good for your heart.
Stay updated with the latest news from acrossthe Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia with WFIR News Express.
WFIR News Express brings you the latest headlines fromRoanoke, Botetourt, Bedford, Franklin County, Lynchburg, and the New River Valley.Winter storm Harlow caused 849 crashes statewide, withover 100 in Southwest Virginia.VDOT crews continue road treatments and warn ofpossible weekend flooding due to rising temperatures and rain.
In Roanoke, anew audit reveals Valley Metro mismanaged public funds, includingmisusing federal relief dollars and failing to pay vendors on time. Meanwhile,legislation in the General Assembly could allow localities to raise sales tax for school renovations—but only with voter approval.
At the national level,President Trump appoints Virginia’s Public Safety Secretary Terry Cole to lead the DEA, making him one of the most high-profile law enforcement officials in the country.Senator Mark Warner opposes Tulsi Gabbard’s confirmation asDirector of National Intelligence, citing concerns over surveillance laws.
Elsewhere,five people are hospitalized after a snowplow crash in Campbell County, andPatrick Henry Correctional inmates assisted in fighting the Franklin County wildfire that burned 500 acres.
In entertainment,Rick Springfield is set to perform at Elmwood Park in Roanoke on June 8, andSouthwest Virginia Ballet’s director announces his departure after years of leadership.Virginia State Parks campgrounds reopen March 7, with some closures due to upgrades atClaytor Lake, Grayson Highlands, and Fairy Stone State Park.
Stay updated with the latest news from acrossthe Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia with WFIR News Express.
WFIR News Express brings you the latest headlines fromRoanoke, Botetourt, Bedford, Franklin County, and the surrounding region.Governor Glenn Youngkin declares a state of emergency, triggeringVirginia’s anti-price gouging law to prevent unfair hikes on essentials like food and gas.VDOT crews prepare roads ahead of a mix of snow, ice, and sleet expected across Southwest Virginia.
In Roanoke,City Council requests a judge to fill Mayor Joe Cobb’s vacant seat, while thePlanning Commission approves a rezoning plan for a150-unit affordable housing project in Southeast Roanoke. Supporters say it willhelp low-income residents, but some neighborsexpress traffic concerns.
Elsewhere, authorities arrest aRockbridge County man on human trafficking charges, whilea Henry County man is charged after making a bomb threat at Dollar General. In Radford,a Bluefield man is in custody after leading police on a six-mile chase in a stolen vehicle.
In health news,Carilion Clinic expands midwifery services to meet growing demand inRoanoke and Rocky Mount, offering24-hour care at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
In sports,Virginia High School League bans transgender athletes from girls’ sports, followingTrump’s new executive order. And in entertainment,rock legend Alice Cooper is coming to the Salem Civic Center this August—tickets go on sale Friday.
Stay informed with the latest updates from acrossRoanoke and Southwest Virginia with WFIR News Express.
Brent Stevens from 5 Points Creative takes you At the Movies with a look at what’s new at Roanoke’s historic Grandin Theatre. This weekend’s feature is Nickel Boys, a powerful adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Tune in to hear more about the film and why it’s worth a trip to the Grandin.
RoanokeMovies #GrandinTheatre #NickelBoys #AtTheMovies #RoanokeVA
Looking for things to do in Roanoke? This week’s WFIR Culture Calendar highlights must-see events across the region! From theater productions like Dissonance at Mill Mountain Theatre and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in Fincastle to live music, art exhibits, and a special Opera Roanoke recital, there’s something for everyone. Plus, hear about a local author’s talk at the Taubman Museum and a live album recording from Roanoke’s own Mad Iguanas.
Get the full lineup of arts and entertainment events happening in and around Roanoke this weekend!
RoanokeEvents #CultureCalendar #ThingsToDoRoanoke #LiveMusicRoanoke #RoanokeArts
WFIR News Express brings you the latest headlines from Roanoke, Vinton, Bedford, Lynchburg, and the Roanoke Valley. Vinton Police search for a suspect after the Truist Bank on Washington Avenue was robbed. In Roanoke, immigrant-owned businesses close in protest of Trump’s new immigration order, which removes protections for schools and churches from ICE enforcement.
In Lynchburg, three 14-year-olds face charges after bringing a firearm to Sandusky Middle School, leading to a school lockdown. Meanwhile, nine people—including a Roanoke man—are arrested in a Campbell County prostitution sting.
On Capitol Hill, Senator Tim Kaine warns federal workers about Trump’s buyout offer, and Congressman Gerry Connolly protests the shutdown of USAID after Elon Musk’s new agency takes control.
In community news, the Docs for Morgan charity basketball game returns to Patrick Henry High School to honor Virginia Tech student Morgan Harrington, and Roanoke landmarks go red for American Heart Month.
Plus, Mill Mountain Theatre presents Dissonance, a powerful play exploring race and friendship, and The Hotel Roanoke hosts the Heart Ball to raise funds for the American Heart Association.
Stay up to date with the latest news across Roanoke, Bedford, Botetourt, Franklin County, and the surrounding region with WFIR News Express.
WFIR News Express brings you the latest headlines from Roanoke, Botetourt, Bedford, Franklin County, and the Roanoke Valley. Roanoke City Council interviews three finalists to fill Mayor Joe Cobb’s vacant seat, a Bedford County crash on Route 460 sends one person to the hospital, and Roanoke County holds public meetings to discuss expanding the Roanoke River Greenway toward the Blue Ridge Parkway.
In health news, Carilion’s Super Smile Savers Day offers free dental care for children at Tanglewood Center, while First Lady Suzanne Youngkin leads REVIVE! opioid training at Capitol Square. A Virginia Tech addiction study sheds light on how many attempts it takes to quit an addictive substance.
Elsewhere, Virginia NAACP condemns Attorney General Jason Miyares for urging Costco to drop diversity policies. The Washington Commanders confirm their team name is staying, and discussions continue over a potential new stadium in Virginia, Maryland, or D.C.
For Transit Equity Day, Roanoke is offering free bus rides in honor of Rosa Parks and local activist Margie Jumper, with giveaways and events at Third Street Station.
Stay up to date with the biggest stories across the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia with WFIR News Express.
Stay informed with WFIR News Express, your trusted source for Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia news. A Montgomery County judge sentences an MS-13 gang member to life in prison for a deadly shooting, while Bedford County authorities arrest a man on child sex crime charges.
In business news, Panda Express officially opens at Valley View, marking another major expansion in Roanoke’s dining scene. Meanwhile, a local marketing expert discusses how AI is transforming small businesses in the region.
On the political front, Senator Mark Warner criticizes Trump’s new tariffs, warning they could drive up costs for Virginians. Governor Glenn Youngkin highlights a statewide crackdown on human trafficking, which has already led to 21 arrests and 12 victims rescued.
Elsewhere, the Virginia General Assembly debates tax rebates and Appalachian Power rates, and Montgomery County officials warn residents of a new mail scam targeting locals.
Listen now for Roanoke Valley’s top news with WFIR News Express!
Stay informed with WFIR News Express, delivering today's top Virginia headlines. Senator Tim Kaine calls for a review of flight expansions at Reagan National Airport after a fatal collision involving a Blackhawk helicopter. Meanwhile, Congressman Morgan Griffith and other lawmakers react to the tragedy.
In local news, Franklin County officials announce full containment of the Wades Gap wildfire, which burned over 600 acres and forced evacuations. Meanwhile, a confirmed case of pertussis at Lord Botetourt High School raises health concerns.
Governor Glenn Youngkin’s office responds to reports that some federal aid portals briefly shut down during the now-rescinded Trump funding freeze. Plus, Senator Mark Warner opposes Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination for Director of National Intelligence.
In breaking news, Henry County deputies resolve a barricade situation in Martinsville, arresting a man after a tense 90-minute standoff. Roanoke College expands its transfer program, making it easier for community college students to earn four-year degrees. Plus, Get2KnowNoke welcomes new talent ambassadors to promote career opportunities in the Roanoke Region.
Listen now for the latest news updates with WFIR News Express—your source for Virginia’s top headlines!
Stay informed with WFIR News Express, bringing you the latest headlines across Virginia. Firefighters continue battling a 450-acre brush fire in Franklin County, while another blaze in Lynchburg was sparked by rail maintenance work.
In politics, Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine push back against key Trump administration decisions, including a federal worker buyout offer and the nomination of RFK Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Meanwhile, Roanoke City Council's vacant seat could decide the future of the city’s zoning laws.
Elsewhere, a Blacksburg man faces sexual battery charges, and developer Ed Walker evicts tenants as he moves forward with the Riverdale project in Southeast Roanoke. Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport expands with a new nonstop route to Florida, and Montgomery County schools report success with their cell phone-free policy.
Plus, a dog rescued from icy Smith Mountain Lake, and a Roanoke shooting investigation is underway. Get all this and more with WFIR News Express—your source for top Virginia headlines.
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WFIR News Express delivers team coverage on President Trump’s executive actions and their impact on Virginia. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner criticize the administration’s federal aid freeze, warning of consequences for disaster relief and nonprofits. Meanwhile, Roanoke City Public Schools respond to Trump’s immigration order with new guidelines for parents and staff.
In state news, the Virginia Senate approves a Paid Family and Medical Leave expansion and a consumer protection law against hidden fees, while a House subcommittee rejects efforts to remove taxes from tips.
Roanoke Police investigate a shooting in Southeast Roanoke, and a new nonprofit diaper bank launches to support local families. Roanoke College announces a direct transfer partnership with New River Community College, and the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce prepares to relocate.
Plus, the Taubman Museum hosts a Lunar New Year celebration, New Belgium Brewing funds a local diversity initiative, and Train and Ryan Adams announce upcoming Roanoke concerts.
Listen now for in-depth team coverage and today’s top Virginia headlines with WFIR News Express!
Stay up to date with today's top Virginia news on WFIR News Express. Roanoke City Police investigate a robbery at the Towers Kroger, while a Pulaski man faces 50 counts related to child pornography. Vice President JD Vance visits Southwest Virginia to assess Hurricane Helene recovery, calling for stronger federal support. A proposed abortion survivor bill sparks debate in Congress, with Roanoke-area Rep. Ben Cline advocating for its passage.
Elsewhere, a man is sentenced for vandalizing over 40 tombstones in Bedford County, and Loudoun County authorities investigate KKK flyers found near an elementary school. In Hurt, a 12-year-old hero rescues his cousin from a frozen pond in a dramatic incident.
Plus, Virginia ABC launches an exclusive Old Rip Van Winkle bourbon lottery, Panda Express celebrates its Valley View grand opening, and the Local Office on Aging kicks off its annual “Soup for Seniors” drive. Meanwhile, Virginia Breeze Bus Lines records its highest-ever ridership in 2024.
Listen now for the latest Virginia news updates on WFIR News Express!
Vice President JD Vance visits Damascus, Virginia, to assess Hurricane Helene disaster recovery. Increased police presence at William Byrd High School follows a viral social media threat, which officials say is not credible but concerning. Roanoke Police search for a suspect after a multi-car hit-and-run crash on Hershberger Road that left drivers shaken. Montgomery County Schools launch a crisis hotline, providing 24/7 mental health support for students through a new digital platform.
Meanwhile, Roanoke City Council narrows its list of candidates to fill Mayor Joe Cobb’s vacated seat, with finalists including a rabbi, a former treasurer, and an ex-council member. The Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame inducts former Mets manager Terry Collins, alongside local baseball legends. A deadly plane crash in Albemarle County leaves authorities investigating the cause.
In state news, a proposed Virginia law could make free school lunches and breakfasts permanent, helping combat child hunger and absenteeism. Plus, the New River Valley community is invited to shape the region’s future through a new economic development survey.
Stay informed on today’s top Virginia news headlines with WFIR News Express.
On today’s WFIR News Express: Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares declares that a new version of skill games is still banned under state gambling laws, warning businesses of hefty fines. A Roanoke woman is among three arrested in a major drug smuggling attempt at Fluvanna Correctional Center. A Roanoke City teacher earns a prestigious national award—hear his reaction. Lawmakers push a bipartisan bill to freeze Appalachian Power rate hikes for two years. Plus, UVA researchers develop a breakthrough tool to make antibiotics more effective, Dr Pepper Park announces an Aerosmith tribute show, and a Roanoke-based toboggan racing team prepares for the U.S. National Championships.
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Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has announced that Christopher Brown was sentenced to 10 years of incarceration for charges including distributing fentanyl. Current Virginia Congressman Bobby Scott tells the Virginia Scope while he is focused on his work in D.C., he still ‘has not ruled anything out’ regarding a potential primary challenge against Abigail Spanberger for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. Twenty Franklin County Sheriff’s deputies were in Washington DC on Monday to provide security for President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Its been an eventful two-and-a-half days so far in the second term for President Donald Trump. Virginia's Senior US Democratic Senator spoke out yesterday on aan executive order regarding illegal immigration enforcement. Virginia U.S. Senator Tim Kaine was disappointed in pardons from both outgoing President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump, but he says they are "infinitely different." Efforts to enshrine Virginia’s “right-to-work” laws in the Commonwealth’s constitution failed Tuesday in the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee. Efforts to enshrine Virginia’s “right-to-work” laws in the Commonwealth’s constitution failed Tuesday in the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee. One of Roanoke’s new electric buses made an unexpected cross-country journey. The Roanoke Rambler reports that instead of being shipped on a flatbed trailer, a driver took the bus from California to Virginia, stopping at charging stations along the way. Some Roanoke City residents are discussing who they would like to see fill an open seat on city council. 11 applicants are currently looking to fill a seat on Roanoke City council that is vacant after Joe Cobb was elected mayor back in November. Raymond Cotter, an engineering teacher at Roanoke City’s Charles W. Day Technical Education Center, is a recipient of the prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.Cotter will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. He is one of 336 teachers around the nation selected and only one of six teachers that was selected from Virginia.
WFIR News Express brings you the latest updates on key stories shaping our region: the Virginia Senate takes a major step toward enshrining abortion rights and repealing a same-sex marriage ban in the state’s constitution. In Roanoke, rezoning approvals pave the way for new affordable housing, restaurants, and recreation facilities along the Roanoke River Greenway. Meanwhile, lawmakers are advancing a Paid Family Leave initiative that could provide 12 weeks of wage-protected time off for workers. Plus, we’re covering developments on recreational marijuana sales legislation, local childcare funding challenges, and the arrest of a Virginia Tech football player. Stay informed with WFIR!
Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Today on WFIR News Express:
- Avian influenza prompts action in Accomack County, with a quarantine and depopulation of an affected chicken flock.
- A Roanoke man is sentenced after pleading guilty to a grisly drug-related murder and cover-up.
- Virginia lawmakers debate raising the minimum wage to $15 by 2027, sparking discussions on cost-of-living and small business challenges.
- Efforts to expand electric vehicle charging stations in rural areas take a step forward.
- FBI uncovers the largest pipe bomb stockpile in history in Isle of Wight.
- Early polls show Abigail Spanberger leading Winsome Earle-Sears in Virginia’s gubernatorial race.
- Public input is sought on rebuilding the Virginia Creeper Trail after hurricane damage.
- “Dry January” health benefits are in the spotlight—learn how even a short alcohol break can improve your well-being.
Get the day’s top stories and expert analysis in under 15 minutes. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!
Today on WFIR News Express, we bring you the latest:
- A tragic fatality at a Roanoke intersection and an investigation into an alleged hate-related property damage incident at Sam's Club.
- The Virginia House of Delegates advances an amendment to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution, while a bill to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board clears its first hurdle.
- U.S. Senator Tim Kaine questions the Secretary of Defense nominee during heated confirmation hearings.
- The Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission’s head resigns, citing frustrations over cooperation and funding.
- A new fire station opens in Bonsack, serving both city and county residents with modernized facilities.
- A former childcare worker in Lynchburg faces child abuse allegations after multiple complaints.
Stay informed with WFIR News as we cover the stories that impact our community and beyond.
In today’s WFIR News Express: Regulators identify elevated levels of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in the drinking water of over 2.5 million Virginians, including Roanoke. Governor Glenn Youngkin outlines his priorities for education, tax relief, and economic growth in his State of the Commonwealth address. Roanoke officially welcomes Valmarie Turner as its new City Manager. Plans for apartments, pickleball courts, and a restaurant advance in the Norwich neighborhood. Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace open enrollment ends tomorrow night—find out how to secure coverage. Plus, updates on a Supreme Court case over TikTok, BusPatrol cameras in Montgomery County schools, and Congressman Bobby Scott’s potential gubernatorial bid. Catch all these stories and more in today’s WFIR News Express!
In today’s WFIR News Express: Lawmakers gather in Richmond for the General Assembly session, tackling education funding, renewable energy, and a proposal to repeal Virginia's outdated same-sex marriage ban. A school drug overdose policy mandated by Governor Glenn Youngkin sparks privacy concerns among educators and parents after a fentanyl exposure case. The Virginia Insurance Marketplace reminds residents to enroll in health plans before the open enrollment deadline. Roanoke City Council’s youngest-ever member, Phazhon Nash, discusses housing, gun violence, and his new role on the Gun Violence Prevention Commission. Virginia Tech alumni share firsthand accounts of California wildfires' devastation. Plus, local officials remind pet owners to provide adequate shelter as freezing temperatures set in. Stay informed with your quick and comprehensive local news update!
Today's WFIR News Express podcast covers a range of stories:
- Roanoke has upgraded its 911 system with advanced GIS mapping for faster emergency response.
- Roanoke County first responders discuss how snowstorms, including today’s forecasted snow showers, complicate rescue operations.
- VDOT reminds drivers to avoid travel during winter weather, focusing on clearing major roadways first.
Crime news includes a Roanoke County homicide investigation, a Franklin County man charged with child sex crimes, and the launch of "Operation Silence Shattered," a statewide anti-human trafficking campaign.
Richmond continues to address its water crisis, with progress on restoring service and lifting the boil water advisory. A poll shows a tight race between Abigail Spanberger and Winsome Earle-Sears in the 2025 Virginia governor's race.
Virginia celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Fincastle Resolutions, a critical step toward independence, with events this weekend. In local business, Roanoke’s "Wag 'N Wash" hosts its grand opening, providing pet grooming and washing services.
We’ll also have a detailed weather forecast as snow showers approach this afternoon. Stay tuned for more updates!
As Winter Storm Cora approaches, Governor Glenn Youngkin issues a stark warning to Virginians—could this storm rival the last? Find out how the state is preparing and what you should do now.
Looking to lower your power bills without spending extra cash? We’ve got free tips to keep the heat in and the cold out this winter.
A shocking child abuse investigation in Bedford County leads to multiple charges against a daycare worker. How many children are affected, and what’s next in the case?
Senator Tim Kaine is ready to relive one of the toughest battles of his career—will the Affordable Care Act face new threats?
Meanwhile, Congressman Morgan Griffith calls for a “full truth” about the January 6th Capitol riot, but what does that mean for the ongoing debate?
Virginia’s governor's race is heating up as campaign finance reports reveal major donations—what do they signal for the November showdown between Winsome Sears and Abigail Spanberger?
Roanoke City Council seeks someone to fill a critical vacancy—are you ready to step up? Applications are open now.
Finally, a sobering hunger report shows food insecurity in Virginia has surged. Who’s most affected, and what’s being done to help?
Catch all these stories and more on today’s WFIR News Express Podcast!
In today’s episode, we cover the arrest of a 16-year-old in Appomattox County after a chilling TikTok threat against students. Hear how quick action from authorities helped avert potential tragedy.
Winter weather has thrown a wrench into local routines—Roanoke City Public Schools are closed, icy roads persist, and cleanup crews race against the clock. We’ll bring you updates straight from city officials.
The Virginia General Assembly is off to a delayed start as a water crisis shuts down operations in Richmond. How will this impact the legislative agenda, including school funding and tax relief? Delegates and senators weigh in.
A new face joins the fight against gun violence in Roanoke—Councilman Phazon Nash steps up with science-backed strategies. What does his vision mean for the city?
Plus, a major operation targeting sex traffickers in Campbell County leads to multiple arrests, and the Washington Commanders might just be heading back to D.C. What’s next for the RFK Stadium site?
Finally, as temperatures plummet, learn why space heater safety could save lives this winter.
Tune in for all these stories and more on the WFIR News Express Podcast!
Bio:
In today’s episode of WFIR News Express:
- A Roanoke attorney found safe: Luke Young, a Roanoke attorney who went missing over a week ago, has been located safe at a Fairfax fire station. After being examined at a hospital, Young’s family and community are relieved to know he is well.
- Political ambitions in Fairfax: Fairfax County Supervisor Pat Herrity has announced his bid for the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor. Herrity, who secured reelection in a heavily Democratic district, joins business consultant John Curran in the race for the GOP nomination.
- Former Governor Gilmore speaks out: Former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore weighs in on recent acts of violence in New Orleans and Las Vegas. He urges Americans to maintain their resolve and confidence in the face of these challenges.
- Franklin County leadership update: Ronnie Thompson remains chair of the Franklin County Board of Supervisors following a vote yesterday. Thompson has resumed his duties after recovering from a severe aortic dissection that kept him away from meetings for months.
- Bikes for a cause: Carter Bank employees teamed up to assemble and donate 21 bicycles to the Rescue Mission of Roanoke. The effort not only supports community members in need but also served as a team-building exercise for the bank’s employees.
- Remembering Jimmy Carter: A former Roanoke City Council member reflects on his time serving under President Jimmy Carter as assistant secretary of agriculture. The nation continues to honor Carter’s legacy after his passing.
- Cybersecurity and China: Former U.S. cybersecurity head Chris Krebs comments on the incoming administration’s potential strategies to deter Chinese hackers following a major breach at the U.S. Treasury.
- YMCA fitness focus: The new YMCA location at Tanglewood Mall is helping Roanoke residents kick off their New Year’s fitness goals. With classes like evening line dancing and a focus on building community, the Y offers something for everyone.
- Lottery luck in Moneta: A winning ticket from the Virginia Lottery’s New Year’s Millionaire raffle was sold at Lake Mart and Deli in Moneta, with additional winners taking home $100,000 and $500 prizes.
Stay tuned for all this and more on WFIR News Express!
Stay ahead of the curve with WFIR News Express, your trusted source for the top stories shaping Roanoke and Southwest Virginia. With fresh episodes every day, we bring you breaking news, local insights, and stories that matter—in just minutes. From mayoral races and community updates to national trends with a local impact, our concise, engaging format fits seamlessly into your busy routine. Whether you're a Southwest Virginia local or just looking to stay informed, join the thousands who rely on WFIR News Express to start their day smarter.
Today's WFIR News Express covers the latest stories making headlines:
- Roanoke’s Joe Cobb is officially the city’s mayor-elect after winning the recount by 29 votes.
- 14 people displaced in a Roanoke fire on 22nd Street SW.
- TikTok ban debate: The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on January 10th.
- Washington Commanders’ stadium future clears a hurdle as Congress approves land transfer for RFK site.
- Carilion’s new choir program expands to help those with brain injuries and dementia.
- 7-year-old patient Abby Dudley gives back with a heartwarming toy drive.
- RAM House in Roanoke feels the strain as it supports a growing homeless population.
- Scam alert in Bedford County: Lost dog scammers target pet owners.
- Learn about Roanoke's new transit hub plans and the U.S. Department of Transportation grant backing the project.
🎧 Listen now to get the full scoop on these stories and more!
Today's WFIR News Express covers key developments across Virginia and beyond:
- The Roanoke City mayoral recount resumes, with a 59-vote difference hanging in the balance.
- Virginia's Attorney General weighs in as a government shutdown looms amid intense Congressional debate.
- A federal study renews the conversation around teen marijuana use, as opposing groups clash over the implications.
- Roanoke County Police investigate multiple commercial burglaries in Windsor Hills.
- Drone activity across Virginia prompts over 150 tips to the state Fusion Center this month alone.
- Heartwarming holiday cheer: Q99's "Breaking and Entering" contest delivers a surprise for a family in need.
- Former Franklin County Sheriff's Major Justin Sigmon sentenced for abusive sexual contact of a minor on a cruise ship.
- And more updates, including a touching story of community generosity, a tragic inmate death, and a Roanoke Rambler report on city budget mishaps.
🎧 Click to listen to the latest updates and insights from WFIR News Express!
In today’s WFIR News Express, Attorney General Jason Miyares highlights the risks of TikTok’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party and applauds a federal ruling that could lead to its nationwide ban.
Michael Vick is stepping into a new role as head coach of Norfolk State’s football team, marking the former NFL star and Virginia Tech legend's first coaching position.
A significant breakthrough in energy innovation: Commonwealth Fusion Systems plans to build the world’s first grid-scale commercial fusion power plant in Chesterfield County, creating hundreds of jobs and enough power for 150,000 homes.
Roanoke officials are under fire after a city audit revealed botched payments to after-school programs, leading to the loss of over $55,000 in federal grant money.
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital celebrates a milestone with 47 deceased donors saving 119 lives nationwide. The hospital is also making strides toward becoming a kidney transplant center.
Holiday travelers take note: AAA expects over 3 million Virginians to hit the road, with gas prices at their lowest in three years, averaging $2.90 per gallon statewide.
Sports fans in D.C. may see the Washington Commanders return to RFK Stadium, as Congress moves closer to transferring the land to the District for redevelopment.
Roanoke City Council recognizes philanthropist Heywood Fralin as Citizen of the Year for 2024, honoring his contributions to healthcare, education, and wildlife preservation.
Grammy-winner Travis Tritt is set to perform at the Salem Civic Center on June 28, with tickets going on sale this week.
Bedford County deputies will bring holiday cheer, delivering presents to local elementary schools tomorrow, while Franklin County Schools have added Friday as an additional day off for winter break.
Stay tuned to WFIR News Express for all this and more.
In today’s WFIR News Express, a 15-year-old boy from Rocky Mount is in custody after a gun was fired inside a Golden Corral in Roanoke on Sunday. The suspect faces multiple charges, including reckless handling of a firearm.
The Virginia Fusion Center has received more than 100 tips regarding drone sightings across the Commonwealth. Officials are reminding residents not to interfere with the drones and to report unusual activity through proper channels.
Governor Glenn Youngkin has unveiled a tax policy proposal that would exempt income earned from tips, aiming to support workers in industries like dining and personal care. Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears says Virginia could set a national standard with the policy.
Outgoing Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea presided over his final City Council meeting, expressing gratitude for his decades of service and encouraging incoming council members as the city prepares for a mayoral recount later this week.
Norfolk State University has reportedly interviewed former NFL and Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Vick for its head football coaching position. Vick, also linked to Sacramento State, expects a decision on his future soon.
Roanoke announced the winners of its snowplow naming contest, with “Austin Plowers,” “Plowy McPlowface,” and “The Big Leplowski” among the top picks out of 300 submissions.
HCA Healthcare has awarded a $50,000 grant to Virginia Western Community College to expand non-nursing healthcare programs and improve workforce diversity. The initiative could be replicated at other community colleges across the state.
A Northern Virginia man has been convicted on terrorism charges for collecting and funneling funds to the Islamic State group during an FBI sting operation.
First Lady Jill Biden has officially ended her teaching career at Northern Virginia Community College, closing a chapter that made her the first woman to work professionally while serving as first lady.
Stay up to date with these stories and more on WFIR News Express.
In today’s WFIR News Express, a 27-year-old Franklin County woman, Heather Thurman, has died in a crash on Truevine Road near Pig River Road. Authorities say she was not wearing a seatbelt when her vehicle ran off the road and struck a tree.
A-Boone Real Estate has withdrawn its rezoning request for the Poages Mill property in Roanoke County. Developer Alexander Boone says the plan for a mixed-use community is being reevaluated after residents raised concerns about commercial and retail spaces.
Reports suggest Virginia Congressman Bobby Scott may challenge Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. Concerns among Virginia Democrats include Spanberger’s ability to connect with Black voters, an issue highlighted during the recent election.
The Valley Outdoor Infrastructure Committee (VOICe) is calling for community support in urging Roanoke City Council to increase the budget for outdoor amenities. The PAC aims to see the Roanoke River Greenway completed and the Roanoke Mountain campground reopened.
A house fire in the Catawba area of Roanoke County displaced one person and four dogs. The accidental fire caused by an energized ground wire led to $100,000 in damages.
Thousands of volunteers contributed to Operation Christmas Child by packing shoeboxes for children in over 100 countries. While the deadline for physical boxes has passed, there’s still time to build and send a shoebox online.
Members of Forest Level Baptist Church gathered for their first service since an explosion destroyed their 151-year-old building. Pastor Marcin Wilson says the congregation remains resilient in their faith as they prepare to rebuild.
Stay informed with these stories and more on WFIR News Express.
In today’s WFIR News Express, a standoff in Roanoke City ended with the arrest of 38-year-old Kevin Stefanik, who faces charges including two counts of attempted malicious wounding. The incident also caused a lockdown at Patrick Henry High School as police responded to a well-being check.
Clark Palmer reports on the historic Forest Level Baptist Church in Bedford County, where the congregation is planning to rebuild after a gas explosion severely damaged the 151-year-old structure earlier this week.
In Roanoke County, a packed meeting at South County Library saw over 100 residents voice concerns about a proposed development at the historic Poage Farm property. While the developer emphasized efforts to address traffic and preserve parts of the land, neighbors remain worried about school overcrowding and the loss of the nearly 200-year-old farmhouse.
Alex Rios, a Salem man, has been convicted of a double homicide involving brutal shootings and stabbings in a Roanoke apartment last summer.
Tonight’s Star City Sustainability Series event will explore the effects of everyday chemicals on the environment and aquatic life, with research presented by Virginia Tech neuroscience instructor April Foo.
In Giles County, residents of Glen Lyn voted to dissolve their town charter, paving the way for significant changes as the town transitions to an unincorporated community.
Roanoke Police are investigating the theft of catalytic converters from delivery vans at George’s Flowers, a crime that took under eight minutes to complete.
Roanoke City School Board member Natasha Saunders-Cotton announced her resignation to focus on her family, reflecting on her time on the board as a rewarding experience.
Catch these stories and more on WFIR News Express.
In today’s WFIR News Express, Salem City Council approves a major development plan for HopeTree Family Services’ land, allowing for new apartments, houses, and businesses. Despite residents’ concerns about traffic and runoff, HopeTree officials vow to maintain transparency throughout the project. WFIR’s Clark Palmer has the details.
Gene Marrano speaks with Hollins University political science chair Ed Lynch about the fall of Syria’s Assad regime and the geopolitical impact of Bashar al-Assad’s exile to Russia after insurgents seized Damascus.
Families are turning to 529 college savings plans as meaningful holiday gifts. Virginia’s Invest529 program offers tax advantages and flexibility, making it a smart choice for addressing rising educational costs while spreading holiday cheer.
Former Franklin County Sheriff’s major Justin Sigmon is denied a new trial after being convicted of abusive sexual contact with a minor last November. Sigmon will be sentenced next week.
In other news, no injuries were reported following a gas explosion at Forest Level Baptist Church in Bedford County, though the building’s structural integrity remains in question. Roanoke-based Branch Civil Inc. receives a $34.4 million contract to improve intersections along the Route 220 and Route 419 corridors. Additionally, a Virginia man faces trial for allegedly funneling funds to the Islamic State.
Catch these stories and more on WFIR News Express.
In today’s WFIR News Express, Virginia Tech Athletic Director Whit Babcock shares how revenue sharing and spending caps will reshape college athletics starting in 2025. WFIR’s Clark Palmer explains how this evolution will affect Virginia Tech’s programs.
Denise Allen Membreno highlights Glenvar High School’s Steve Franco, whose hit comedy In-Laws, Outlaws & Other People That Should Be Shot opens this week at Showtimers for a two-week run.
Gene Marrano previews the YMCA at Tanglewood’s grand opening tomorrow. The $2 million project transforms a former department store into a fitness center with indoor pickleball courts, hot yoga, and more.
In Roanoke, the Toebean Cat Café is set to open this week, offering coffee, tea, and adoptable cats. Meanwhile, Vinton’s Santa Crawl returns tomorrow evening, spreading holiday cheer along four routes.
Franklin County deputies have charged a man with second-degree murder following a fatal shooting in Callaway, while Bedford County authorities are searching for a suspect involved in a robbery at a Forest ABC store. In Salem, Deputy Chief Matt Rickman has been appointed interim fire chief as Chief John Prillaman retires after 27 years of service.
Finally, Caesars casino in Danville is set to open next week, after a brief delay from its original launch date.
Catch all these stories and more on WFIR News Express.
In today’s WFIR News Express, Roanoke Police are investigating two separate incidents: a fatal shooting on Lanford Street NW and a crash on Brandon Avenue SW where a vehicle struck an apartment building, killing a resident inside.
State transportation officials provide updates on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. The storm caused $4 billion in damage across Virginia, with debris removal expected to take six months and road and bridge repairs stretching into next year.
Two youth football teams from Roanoke’s 540 Powerhouse are gearing up for the American Youth Football National Championships in Naples, Florida. The teams are seeking community support to cover travel expenses for the December 8–14 tournament.
Meanwhile, consumer sentiment in Virginia is on the rise, with many residents feeling optimistic about holiday spending. A Roanoke judge has dismissed a challenge to the city’s ordinance banning guns in public buildings and parks, keeping it in place while a lawsuit proceeds.
Additionally, Governor Glenn Youngkin announces more than $581,000 in grants for small businesses and organizations, including Roanoke’s Humble Hustle and Salem Tourism.
Stay informed with these stories and more on WFIR News Express.
In today’s WFIR News Express, the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office confirms that a man accused of orchestrating his 97-year-old grandmother’s murder has died by suicide. The alleged murder-for-hire scheme resulted in charges for a second suspect, who remains in custody.
In Roanoke County, a developer proposes an affordable housing project near the former Poage Mill Farm. Plans include townhomes, single-family homes, and commercial spaces aimed at addressing the area’s housing shortage. A community meeting will be held next week to discuss the project.
Roanoke College launches the RC-RV initiative with a $1 million gift to connect adult learners with in-demand workforce training. The program will offer stackable credentials in fields like artificial intelligence, helping professionals advance or shift careers.
In other news, local authorities are investigating a credit card skimming incident at Sheetz gas stations, and the City of Roanoke receives $750,000 in federal funding to address lead paint hazards in older homes. Plus, Christmas festivities kick off this week with the Dickens of a Christmas tree lighting in downtown Roanoke.
Stay tuned for these stories and more on WFIR News Express.
In today’s WFIR News Express, Roanoke City Council has introduced Valmarie Turner as the city’s new manager. Turner, formerly the deputy city manager in Fairfax, will take office next month, prioritizing affordable housing and crime prevention. Outgoing Mayor Sherman Lea said Turner was the unanimous choice of the council.
The Produce Prescription program, which began as a small pilot in Roanoke, is expanding to additional localities thanks to a $480,000 grant. Medicaid patients in Roanoke, Floyd, Franklin County, and Radford with diabetes or high blood pressure will receive nutrition classes and weekly prescriptions for fresh produce. Radford University will track the program’s outcomes over three years.
The Five Points Music Sanctuary is nearing the end of its three-year capital campaign, with $140,000 raised toward purchasing its building. The organization hopes to raise another $100,000 by year’s end to close on the property in January. Founder Tyler Godsey said the sanctuary continues to combine live music with community-focused initiatives.
In other news, health officials confirm three cases of rabies in area wildlife, comedian Nate Bargatze announces a Roanoke stop on his tour, and Gov. Glenn Youngkin receives Christmas trees to decorate the Executive Mansion from the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association.
Tune in for these stories and more on WFIR News Express.
In today’s WFIR News Express, federal officials remind Southwest Virginia residents that today marks the final day to apply for aid related to damages from Hurricane Helene. FEMA and the Small Business Administration urge applications for low-interest loans and disaster recovery assistance.
Roanoke County breaks ground on Smith Ridge Commons, a 216-unit affordable housing project that promises modern amenities at reduced rents, with completion expected by fall 2025. The development is seen as a major step toward addressing the region’s workforce housing needs.
The Virginia NAACP raises concerns over Walmart’s rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, calling it a step back for marginalized communities.
In other news, Amherst County deputies investigate a string of home break-ins, Moneta emergency crews respond to an injured hunter after a tree stand fall, and Bedford County authorities report a crash caused by a driver swerving to avoid a deer.
Additionally, Kansas’ 50th Anniversary Tour stops at the Berglund Center this week, and Virginia Lottery data shows a significant increase in sports wagering compared to last year. Catch these stories and more on WFIR News Express.
In today’s WFIR News Express, a Henry County woman is behind bars after authorities uncovered an alleged murder-for-hire plot, with details of the scheme captured during a recorded meeting.
We also examine the ongoing debate over a proposed constitutional amendment to restore voting rights for people convicted of felonies after incarceration. While advocates like Sheba Williams call for change, Delegate Paul Milde argues the measure goes too far.
New allegations of inhumane treatment at a Wise County supermax prison spark criticism from advocacy groups and lawmakers, with Delegate Sam Rasoul acknowledging progress but emphasizing the need for continued reform.
Plus, Small Business Saturday reminds shoppers of the economic power of supporting local merchants, while Carilion Clinic’s latest Community Health Assessment highlights ongoing challenges in underserved areas. In Bristol, leaders back a plan to reduce traffic on Interstate 81 by introducing rail access to remove thousands of tanker trucks.
Stay informed with these stories and more on today’s WFIR News Express.
In today’s WFIR News Express, Roanoke City Council is nearing a decision on its next city manager, with seven finalists interviewed and plans for a January start date. This comes after the resignation of Bob Cowell earlier this year and months of leadership by interim City Manager Lydia Pettis Patton.
In Botetourt County, the Board of Supervisors has officially dissolved the Read Mountain Fire and Rescue Department after over 25 years of service. Chief Jason Ferguson cites a lack of volunteers as the primary reason for the closure, though the station is now staffed 24/7 by full-time personnel, with a new fire station under construction in Bonsack.
As millions prepare for holiday travel, AAA offers tips to save on fuel and reduce stress, while Bedford County deputies are increasing patrols to ensure safety on local roads. Meanwhile, “Brown Friday” looms as plumbers brace for post-Thanksgiving grease clogs, and Bedford County provides grease recycling kits to prevent costly repairs.
We also cover a deadly fire in Martinsville, where remains were found after a five-hour blaze, and Virginia Tech experts share advice on navigating tense political discussions at the holiday table with active listening and respect.
Finally, Virginians are optimistic about holiday spending, a positive sign for local retailers heading into the season. Don’t miss today’s WFIR News Express for these stories and more.
In today’s WFIR News Express, Salem City Council pushes forward on a controversial HopeTree development plan, drawing criticism, a lawsuit, and fears over stormwater and traffic issues. We celebrate Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation’s efforts to protect the region’s past, spotlighting award-winning projects like the transformation of Belmont Baptist Church into modern apartments.
We also tackle a critical environmental story as PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” are detected in 28 water systems statewide, including Roanoke County’s Pine Hill. Meanwhile, nine hazardous containers swept into the New River remain missing after Hurricane Helene, with officials assuring no public risk.
Plus, Amazon’s new facility in Roanoke promises quicker deliveries just in time for the holiday season, solar advocates fight a dramatic credit reduction proposal, and we preview “Small Business Saturday” and the YMCA at Tanglewood’s grand opening. Don’t miss today’s WFIR News Express for these stories and more.
In today’s WFIR News Express, we feature an in-depth look at Roanoke City Public Schools’ partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy to promote sustainability efforts across the district. Blue Ridge Literacy marks another successful year, with a surge in adults learning English and preparing for an even brighter future.
On the crime front, Lynchburg Police investigate a shooting that left a 16-year-old boy in serious condition, while Roanoke Police work with federal partners after an offensive banner was found on the Elm Avenue Bridge. Plus, Senator Mark Warner calls for fast-tracked SBA loans to aid hurricane recovery efforts, and Vinton gears up for its Annual Christmas Parade. Stay tuned for these stories and more on today’s WFIR News Express.
In today’s WFIR News Express, we bring you exclusive coverage of the Mill Mountain Star’s 75th anniversary, featuring the rediscovery of a forgotten song recorded in its honor. We also highlight the recount request in the Roanoke City mayoral race and a Virginia U.S. Senator’s reaction to the withdrawal of a Trump nominee. Tune in for these stories and more, including details on local events, statewide news, and holiday updates.
In today’s WFIR News Express, we report on a Floyd County judge’s ruling against Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s effort to withdraw Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a guilty plea in the 2022 UVA campus shooting, and a General Assembly committee hearing on balancing campus safety with protest rights. We also highlight a series of benefit concerts for Hurricane Helene recovery, U.S. Sen. Mark Warner’s upcoming visit to Roanoke, and TSA travel tips for the busy Thanksgiving season. Listen for these stories and more.
Roanoke is buzzing this weekend! From the Grandin Holiday Children’s Parade packed with floats and Santa sightings to the Mill Mountain Star’s 75th-anniversary celebration featuring hikes, history, and community fun. Plus, Clark Palmer dives into the heated debate over a new ordinance targeting vape shop locations near schools. Don’t miss these stories and more in today’s WFIR News Express!
An extended ramp closure on I-81 Southbound in Roanoke County this weekend could impact your travel plans. Governor Glenn Youngkin endorses Winsome Sears for Governor and Jason Miyares for re-election, while Bedford County leaders approve updates to their comprehensive plan. In state politics, Ken Mitchell and Lilly Franklin announce future campaigns, and marijuana laws in Virginia remain in a legal gray area. Also, former mayor David Bowers reflects on his narrow loss to Joe Cobb, and Williamson Road businesses gear up for “Shop Williamson Road Weeks.” Stay tuned to WFIR News Express for the latest news, traffic, and more.
In today’s WFIR News Express: Congress returns for a lame-duck session amid looming budget battles, and Senator Mark Warner highlights the impact on small business loans and FEMA funding. Bedford County deputies chase suspects in a multi-vehicle theft investigation, and Roanoke Fire-EMS investigates an arson case at a nursing facility.
We cover Virginia’s wildfire risks after a record-setting year and the dangers of debris burning, plus local hospitals teaming up to provide free CPR and AED training. Virginia Tech lands a $1.1 million grant to advance 3D-printed affordable housing. Former Delegate Matt Fariss pleads guilty to drug and gun charges, and Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace offers financial assistance during open enrollment.
Lastly, the $500 million Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bristol officially opens, creating jobs and boosting the local economy. Tune in for these stories and more on WFIR News Express!
Today on WFIR News Express: An Amtrak train derailment in Roanoke caused disruptions but no injuries as railcars slipped off the tracks early yesterday morning. Governor Glenn Youngkin highlights ongoing progress in Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, with $20 million in federal aid distributed so far and more than 10,000 FEMA applications submitted ahead of the Dec. 2 deadline.
New data from Virginia State Police reveals a sharp rise in assaults on officers in 2023, prompting calls for transparency in investigations. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump’s latest Cabinet picks draw mixed reactions, including insights from Virginia Senator Tim Kaine.
Also in the news: Dwight Yoakam will bring his iconic country sound to Salem next summer, and Salem will welcome a new Wings Etc. Grill & Pub next spring. Stay informed with WFIR News Express.
Today on WFIR News Express: Virginia Democrats push forward a constitutional amendment to protect abortion rights, with the proposal sparking passionate arguments on both sides. Meanwhile, Roanoke’s mayoral race results are in, with Joe Cobb holding a 59-vote lead over David Bowers as the final tallies come in. Delegate Sam Rasoul announces his re-election bid, focusing on youth programs, mental health resources, and affordability for Virginians.
In Roanoke, Carilion showcases upgrades to its Crystal Spring Tower, enhancing emergency and nursing care as it nears completion. Northwest Roanoke celebrates the debut of Market on Melrose, the first full-service grocery store in the area in decades. Plus, Peaks of Otter Lodge welcomes new management in 2025, Virginia’s tourism sector hits new records, and the Roanoke Star marks its 75th anniversary. Catch today’s top stories with WFIR News Express.
In today’s WFIR News Express, we’re covering a wide range of important stories across our region. Pulaski County Administrator Jonathon Sweet is facing Class 1 misdemeanor assault and battery charges stemming from an incident in September. In the New River Valley, concerns are rising after potentially hazardous chemicals were released into the New River during Hurricane Helene, with 13 containers still missing. Salem residents are continuing to protest a controversial development proposal on the HopeTree Family Services property, while Lynchburg authorities are investigating the tragic death of a 4-month-old child, ruled a homicide.
Elsewhere, a local Baptist preacher in Lynchburg is accused of sexual assault, and Roanoke’s recent firearms case could have major implications for gun rights in public spaces. Plus, Salem celebrates its growing reputation as America’s Championship City, and Carilion Children's Tanglewood introduces a new, furry team member to help comfort patients. All this and more on today’s episode of WFIR News Express.
Today on WFIR News Express: Vice Mayor Joe Cobb maintains a 53-vote lead in the Roanoke mayoral race, with absentee ballots still being counted. Roanoke Cement and Virginia Tech join forces on a pioneering carbon sequestration project aiming to reduce emissions equivalent to removing 360,000 cars from the road. Meanwhile, Virginia’s House of Delegates will soon review proposed amendments on abortion access and voting rights restoration.
Also in the headlines: CASA of Central Virginia secures a $20,000 grant to recruit more volunteers for helping vulnerable children, and Campbell County Schools’ new student cell phone policy begins January 1. In Virginia’s Appalachian regions, recovery efforts continue for communities impacted by Hurricane Helene, with groups like Holler to Holler providing essential support. Finally, Governor Youngkin introduces the Virginia Veterans Network, a streamlined resource hub for veterans and their families. Stay tuned to WFIR News Express for today’s top stories and community updates.
In today’s WFIR News Express, we bring you the latest from Roanoke’s mayoral race as Vice Mayor Joe Cobb holds a slim lead over David Bowers, with absentee ballots still being counted. We also share a deeply moving story of Alisha Davis, a mother honoring her son Brian Stone Jr., who was tragically lost to gun violence, as she speaks out at a community vigil.
Virginia State Police are creating new pathways for young adults interested in law enforcement, offering employment opportunities for those under 21 before they qualify for the State Trooper Academy.
On the business front, Donnie D’s Bagels is set to open a new location on Brandon Avenue this Saturday with a grand opening celebration starting at 6 am. And in community news, RAM House invites you to the premiere of Once I Was Like You, a documentary highlighting their work with the homeless population, with a red carpet event at the Grandin Theatre on Wednesday.
The arts scene is buzzing too, as Showtimers Community Theatre prepares to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee year with a lineup of dramas, comedies, and Shakespeare. Finally, Roanoke has once again earned a top spot among America’s “digital cities,” a title it has proudly held for 23 years, underscoring the city’s commitment to using technology to enhance public services.
Stay tuned to WFIR News Express for all the stories that matter most to Roanoke.
In today’s WFIR News Express, we cover the latest in Roanoke’s tight mayoral race, with just 11 votes separating Republican candidate David Bowers from Democratic Vice Mayor Joe Cobb. As provisional ballots continue to be counted, the final outcome remains uncertain. We also spotlight Project CARDINAL, led by Virginia Tech, which aims to reduce carbon emissions in the Roanoke Valley with a $9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and additional support from Roanoke Cement. Clark Palmer shares a heartfelt story from Christiansburg, where a local pizza shop honors a former employee, tragically lost, by supporting domestic violence prevention efforts. Plus, we have an update on the Stocked Market’s annual fundraiser, news on Virginia politics, and more community stories impacting the Roanoke Valley.
In today’s WFIR News Express, we continue our deep dive into the latest election results, with a closer look at how provisional ballots could influence outcomes in Roanoke’s mayoral race and beyond. As David Bowers and Joe Cobb remain in a near tie, Radford University’s Chapman Rackaway shares insights into the provisional ballot process and why some votes may remain uncounted. We also analyze key takeaways from Tuesday’s results, including Virginia’s political landscape moving forward and what’s next for major races on the horizon. Tune in for comprehensive election coverage and expert analysis.
Chapman Rackaway is a seasoned political analyst with expertise in Virginia and national elections. Known for his insightful commentary and depth of knowledge, Rackaway has spent over two decades analyzing voting trends, campaign strategies, and voter behavior across the Commonwealth and beyond. He joins WFIR to unpack the unexpected Roanoke City Council and mayoral race results, as well as the broader election implications for the Roanoke Valley and Virginia.
In today’s WFIR News Express, as voters head to the polls, Radford University political expert Chapman Rackaway discusses the potential role of name recognition in Roanoke's mayoral and city council races. Congressman Ben Cline shares his outlook on the election outcomes, while Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares joins a coalition urging peaceful, secure elections. WFIR brings you perspectives from both sides of the aisle as we navigate the final hours of this year’s election season.
In today's episode of WFIR News Express, Roanoke City Police search for a suspect involved in a shooting on Ferncliff Ave, while former President Donald Trump’s Salem rally garners attention as he voices support for the Roanoke College women’s swim team. We'll also cover Roanoke County’s response to the Bent Mountain fire and updates on the Blue Ridge Parkway’s restoration efforts after Hurricane Helene. Plus, with the end of Daylight Saving Time, Denise Allen Membreno highlights the dangers of drowsy driving. Don't miss these top stories and more local updates from your trusted WFIR News team.
In today’s episode of WFIR News Express, we dive into the latest local stories, including a miraculous rescue of a baby in Campbell County and the urgent reassurances from Senator Mark Warner about election integrity as we approach a pivotal voting season. We’ll also explore community reactions to political events, including vandalism at a Trump pop-up store and planned counter-protests during the former president's visit to Salem. Additionally, we highlight a new art exhibition focusing on healing through creativity, and we share news about local events, including a unique improv show featuring Colin Mochrie. Stay tuned for these stories and more!
On this episode of Capitol Conversations Salem area US Congressman Morgan Griffith discusses how Republicans who make life affordable if they win majorities in the House and Senate next week and also explains why he voted against funding for FEMA
Today on WFIR News Express: Virginia’s controversial voter roll purge moves forward, drawing strong reactions from state NAACP leaders and Governor Youngkin alike. We also reveal key poll results on Roanoke’s city council and mayoral races, along with public opinion on the Valley View redevelopment project. Plus, big news in local healthcare as Carilion Clinic breaks ground on a major new cancer center. Stay tuned for the latest on these stories and more happening across our community!
In today's WFIR News Express, we cover the upcoming Trump rally at the Salem Civic Center and the impact it’s having on local events. We also provide updates on early voting numbers across Virginia. With Halloween tomorrow, we delve into why ghost stories fascinate us, featuring insights from a Virginia Tech expert who explains how these spooky tales help us reflect on life and death. Additionally, we share chilling revelations about organ donors showing signs of life during transport, as reported by Congressman Morgan Griffith. Don’t miss this eerie, info-packed episode!
In this episode, we cover the upcoming protests planned by the Southwest Virginia Coalition for Palestine ahead of former President Donald Trump’s visit to the Salem Civic Center. We'll also delve into the recent federal ruling ordering Virginia to reinstate over 1,600 purged voters, Governor Youngkin's response, and the Attorney General's appeal to the Supreme Court. As the Roanoke City Council election approaches, Political Analyst Chapman Rackaway offers insights on key candidates, their campaign strategies, and potential outcomes. Additionally, we highlight the 2024 National Parks Action Fund scorecard, Chief of Police reflections on the year’s progress, and local events, including the Drumstick Dash and the new brewery opening in Buchanan. Stay tuned for the latest updates and analysis from WFIR News.
In today's episode of the WFIR News Express, we cover Former President Donald Trump's upcoming rally in Salem aimed at boosting support for Virginia House and Senate candidates. We also spotlight the four candidates vying for three seats on Salem City Council, as they outline their visions for the future. Gene Marrano reports on how the Roanoke and New River Valleys are emerging as potential tech hubs, while Denise Allen highlights this year's Run for Donuts 5K benefiting the Ronald McDonald House. Additionally, a Virginia Tech alum will compete on tonight's episode of Jeopardy, Roanoke College adjusts its club football schedule, and several Roanoke County schools receive state honors for excellence. Stay tuned for more updates!
In this edition of the WFIR News Express, we cover the arrest of a suspect in an 11-year-old double murder case with ties to Virginia, a recent shooting in Northwest Roanoke, and the latest updates on efforts to curb speeding in local school zones. We'll also report on tax issues facing a well-known Roanoke restaurant and share insights into this year's peak fall foliage, which is bringing a boost to regional businesses. Plus, we’ll preview Roanoke County’s upcoming Trunk-or-Treat event. Stay informed with your top local headlines on the WFIR News Express!
In this episode, we delve into voting rights advocates' concerns over an executive order by Governor Glenn Youngkin that they claim is removing eligible voters from the rolls ahead of Election Day. We also explore a significant lawsuit involving two cyclists suing the City of Roanoke for $2.5 million over injuries sustained on Mill Mountain. Plus, we discuss the latest local tax troubles, including felony embezzlement charges against a restaurant owner. Listen in for these stories and more updates from around Roanoke.
In today’s WFIR News Express, we bring you the latest from the campaign trail as candidates for Virginia’s 6th Congressional District and Roanoke City Council share their visions for the city’s future. We also cover the surge in early voting ahead of Election Day and the Roanoke City Council’s approval of a new coffee shop in the Old Southwest Historic District. Catch all the key developments and candidate insights shaping the 2024 election in Roanoke!
In today's edition of WFIR News Express, we explore Evelyn Powers’ first campaign for Roanoke City Council, highlighting her extensive background in city government and her stance on key issues, including recent rezoning decisions. We also report on Virginia's significant progress in reducing violent crime through Operation Ceasefire, with Roanoke seeing notable decreases in gun-related incidents. Additional stories include Governor Glenn Youngkin's executive order on wildfire preparedness, ongoing voter roll controversies, and efforts to preserve Virginia’s Civil War battlefield lands. Tune in for these stories and more updates from across the Commonwealth.
In today’s episode, we bring you the top local stories from around the region. The Campbell County Sheriff’s office has apprehended a suspect in a gas station robbery, and we have updates on Virginia’s Operation Ceasefire Initiative. Roanoke County Police identify a missing person found deceased, and Governor Glenn Youngkin has launched the Office of Hurricane Helene Recovery. Additionally, Roanoke’s city clerk looks to become mayor, and new federal regulations could affect small businesses. Tune in for these stories and more from WFIR News.
In this episode, we explore key stories shaping Virginia and the Roanoke region. Governor Glenn Youngkin has unveiled a new AI Task Force aimed at making Virginia a leader in artificial intelligence. The Roanoke mayoral race is heating up, with former Mayor David Bowers running again—this time as a Republican. We also discuss election integrity concerns in Waynesboro, where officials are questioning vote-tallying machines ahead of November's election. Plus, updates on the impact of Hurricane Helene on the tech supply chain and changes to Roanoke's transit plans. Tune in for these stories and more.
In today's episode, we bring you the latest updates from around the region: a woman and child are recovering after a shooting in Northwest Roanoke, while a Danville man was airlifted after being struck by a train. With Election Day just weeks away, hear from a Virginia Tech expert on the final push to energize voters. Plus, we cover Governor Youngkin’s legal battle with the DOJ over voter roll updates, new rules for Bedford County schools, and efforts to keep students safe in Roanoke County. Stay tuned for all the details on WFIR News Express.
The Democratic candidate running in Virginia’s 9th Congressional district says she wants to improve the lives of rural residents. She recently spoke with WFIR's Clark Palmer during a Capitol Conversation.
In today’s episode of WFIR News Express, we delve into several important stories making headlines in our region. First, we cover the Henry County Sheriff’s Office’s recent raid on a home in the Fieldale area, where law enforcement seized a variety of drugs, including meth, cocaine, black tar heroin, and four firearms—one of which was reportedly stolen from Patrick County. The homeowner, 32-year-old Kayla Bowman, faces serious charges including intent to distribute and possession of Schedule 1 and 2 drugs.
Next, we turn to Lynchburg, where a man is facing animal cruelty charges after authorities responded to a call about a deceased dog found in his backyard. The dog’s remains were examined, and 28-year-old Quentin Calhoun-Pope is now being held at the Lynchburg Blue Ridge Regional Jail.
In another major story, Carilion doctor Stephen Morgan shares his heartfelt mission to honor his late wife Ellen, who passed away last year after a long battle with chronic kidney disease. Dr. Morgan is advocating for the establishment of a transplant center in Roanoke, which would help alleviate the burden on patients who currently have to travel two hours or more for life-saving procedures. However, the journey to create a local center has faced opposition, including from UVA Medical Center. We explore the challenges Carilion faces and the growing need for transplant services in our region, which is expected to increase by 35% in the next five years.
Additionally, we highlight Republican Roanoke City Council candidate Nick Hagen’s latest campaign. After an unsuccessful run two years ago, Hagen is back with a renewed focus on community engagement. He shares his views on Roanoke’s political landscape and the significance of having a Republican mayoral candidate, David Bowers, on the ballot.
Tune in for these stories and more, including coverage of Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and Governor Glenn Youngkin’s visit to Roanoke to commemorate the second anniversary of Cease Fire Virginia, as well as local efforts to limit cellphone use in schools.
Stay informed with WFIR News Express, your source for top local stories and community updates.
Today, we cover the shocking story of a Dublin Police officer who was set on fire during a domestic violence response, updates on the Virginia Trust Index as it remains below pre-pandemic levels, and how the New River Junction community is recovering after damage caused by Hurricane Helene. We also report on a bomb threat at Linkhorne Middle School, a child injured in Blacksburg, new FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers opening in Pulaski, and a special conversation with Three Dog Night’s lead vocalist ahead of their Roanoke concert. Tune in for these stories and more!
In this edition of the WFIR News Express, we bring you the latest updates from Roanoke and beyond. A manhunt on Patterson Avenue ends with a suspect in custody after reports of shots fired. Governor Youngkin announces Virginia's deployment of National Guard teams and Red Cross volunteers to assist with Hurricane Milton emergency operations in Florida.
We also cover the ongoing frustrations of residents displaced by the Peters Creek Apartment fire, including NFL player Carlos ‘Boogie’ Basham's efforts to support those affected. Additionally, hear about a Floyd man's arrest in connection with the January 6th riot, developments in Virginia's 9th Congressional District race, and recent community events at Tanglewood Mall ahead of the new YMCA's opening. Tune in for these stories and more on today's WFIR News Express!
In today's WFIR News Express, we cover the top stories from Southwest Virginia. A suspect has been charged following a bomb threat at Brookville Middle School, which led to an evacuation. We bring you the latest on murder charges in Roanoke after a fatal shooting on Melrose Avenue. We also provide an update on the Blue Ridge Parkway closure due to Hurricane Helene and the impact on local businesses, as well as a lifted boil water advisory in Montgomery County.
Learn about LewisGale Medical Center's new $1 million SIM lab for medical training, and get ready for the upcoming Spooky Sprint 5K in Roanoke, supporting local youth. Tune in for these stories and more in today's episode!
In this episode, we highlight how Virginians are rallying to support one another after Hurricane Helene, with a food and water drive taking place at the Salem Civic Center. Roanoke College political expert Jonathan Snow breaks down the Vice Presidential debate, focusing on JD Vance’s dodge of January 6th questions and Tim Walz’s missed opportunities on immigration. We’ll also dive into other major local stories: a small plane crash in Bedford County, the latest on threats at Blacksburg High, an armed robbery in Roanoke County, and the only debate between Senator Tim Kaine and challenger Hung Cao. Additionally, we cover infrastructure challenges, crime prevention efforts, and a special report on Roanoke’s holiday crime meeting for local businesses. Don’t miss these top stories and more!
In today’s episode, we cover the upcoming food and water drive at the Salem Civic Center to aid those affected by recent storms in the New River Valley. WFIR and our sister stations are proud to sponsor the event, with Feeding Southwest Virginia asking for donations of bottled water and non-perishable foods. We also highlight ongoing disaster relief collections, the relocation of a local flower shop, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new event space. Plus, a look at the Virginia Lottery’s latest sports wagering report and details on the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation’s pub crawl fundraiser.
In today’s WFIR News Express Podcast, we cover U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, along with Rep. Morgan Griffith, requesting federal disaster assistance for Virginia in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s destruction. We also take a look at recovery efforts in Grayson and Pulaski Counties, where residents and crews are still dealing with significant damage.
In Roanoke County, Clearbrook Elementary School remains closed due to ongoing power outages caused by flooding. Norfolk Southern Corp is stepping up with a $100,000 donation to the Red Cross and matching employee contributions to aid in hurricane relief efforts.
We also preview tonight's Vice Presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz, and bring you the latest on the FBI’s $22 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit over sexual harassment claims. Plus, Roanoke Fire-EMS crews responded to a major fire in downtown Roanoke, and Triple-A is now reporting electricity prices alongside their weekly fuel updates.
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In today’s WFIR News Express Podcast, we cover Governor Youngkin’s visit to areas impacted by Hurricane Helene, as he assesses the storm’s damage. We also report on the arrest of a Roanoke County woman charged with second-degree murder following a fatal shooting in Salem.
Additionally, we bring you updates on a Roanoke City shooting, a body discovered at Carvin’s Cove, and the ongoing debate over U.S. support for Ukraine’s long-range missile use. Dr. Verletta White shares her vision for Roanoke City Public Schools, and Virginia Western Community College expand its workforce training programs.
In other news, we discuss disparities in Black unemployment rates across Virginia and celebrate Atheling Meadworks in Roanoke, which won a Gold medal at the Mead Crafters Competition for its flagship mead.
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In today’s WFIR News Express Podcast, we report on the Roanoke City Commonwealth’s Attorney decision that a fatal officer-involved shooting in June was justified. We also discuss Roanoke City’s upcoming mayoral candidate forum, where residents will have the opportunity to hear from Vice Mayor Joe Cobb, Councilwoman Stephanie Moon-Reynolds, and Former Mayor David Bowers.
Additionally, we cover the investigation into a rumored threat at Patrick Henry High School, and the latest criticisms from a Republican Senate candidate regarding NATO. In Pulaski, the historic Calfee Training Center is being revitalized as a community center, and we share details on how the public can join in the celebration.
In other news, the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority has laid off four directors due to revenue declines, and Virginia Tech has received a $126,000 grant to support its Quantum Appalachia project.
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In today’s episode of the WFIR Streaming Update, we dive into the latest on Hurricane Helene as Governor Glenn Youngkin declares a state of emergency for Virginia. We’ll break down the storm’s projected path, how it could impact western parts of the state with heavy rainfall and flooding, and what precautions are being put in place. We’ll also discuss the enforcement of Virginia’s anti-price gouging laws to protect residents during the storm. Additionally, we’ll bring you the latest political headlines, including Youngkin’s withdrawal of support for a North Carolina candidate, Tim Kaine’s efforts to reform prescription drug pricing, and Roanoke’s upcoming full-service grocery store opening in November. Stay tuned for all the top local stories affecting the Commonwealth today.
In today’s WFIR News Express Podcast, we bring you the latest on a methamphetamine conspiracy linked to the murder of Big Stone Gap Police Officer Michael Chandler, with a recent sentencing in the case. We also cover the tragic deaths of two individuals in Roanoke County, followed by the discovery of the suspected shooter’s body in Franklin County.
In Henry County, a domestic dispute led to serious charges of abduction and shooting threats. On a lighter note, we celebrate Southwest Virginia band “Annabelle’s Curse” as their song "Pull the Weeds" gains viral fame on TikTok.
We also mark the 125th anniversary of the Bank of Botetourt, preview the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated William Byrd High School, and highlight an upcoming "International Food & Wine Tour" at Hotel Roanoke. Plus, hear about a new sculpture honoring a Vietnam veteran at the Salem VA Medical Center.
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In today’s WFIR News Express Podcast, we report on a developing investigation in Roanoke County after two people were found dead, leading to local schools being placed in secure mode as a precaution. We also cover the strong turnout for early voting across the Commonwealth and Bedford County’s new funding to track highly regulated drugs used by first responders.
Additionally, we provide updates on the student accused of making false threats against Macy McClaugherty Elementary/Middle School, as well as details about tomorrow’s “Drive Thru to Prevent the Flu” event at the Berglund Center. Hispanic Heritage Month is in full swing, with local opportunities to celebrate and learn about the culture. Residents of Northeast Roanoke can participate in the city’s first-ever Fall Cleanup in October.
We also hear about the upcoming retirement of Salem Fire & EMS Chief John Prillaman after nearly three decades of service, and Mill Mountain Theatre’s staging of the classic "To Kill A Mockingbird."
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In today’s WFIR News Express Podcast, we bring you the latest on a high-speed chase in Henry County that left a deputy injured and two suspects in custody. We also cover a tragic police shooting in Montgomery County and share the inspiring story of a Franklin County man on the verge of receiving a life-saving kidney transplant.
With early voting underway in Virginia, we provide updates on election preparations and a recent lawsuit targeting a Radford store accused of illegally distributing marijuana. Plus, labor advocates are pushing for new federal protections against extreme heat for workers, while counterfeit $100 bills are circulating in Covington, prompting a warning from the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office.
We celebrate Olympic gold medalist Cole Hocker’s return to Blacksburg and a new hotel project set to boost tourism in Vinton. Stay informed with all these stories and more.
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In today’s episode of the WFIR News Express Podcast, we cover the aftermath of a Salem crime spree that led to the theft of two cars, including one with a 5-year-old boy inside. Hear from Shannon Whittaker, the man who found the child abandoned in the rain, as police continue their search for the suspect.
We also report on the arrest of Roanoke City teacher Kevin Lee Joyce, charged with five counts related to a sexual predator investigation. Roanoke City Public Schools is cooperating with the investigation.
Following the Breckinridge Middle School incident, we discuss the serious consequences for students who make online threats, as explained by a Roanoke City police officer, and the potential legal ramifications.
In Radford, two women were arrested after a suspicious person report led to the discovery of a stolen license plate and a missing juvenile from Delaware disguised as the opposite gender.
Senator Tim Kaine weighs in on the state of health and wellness in the U.S., discussing both improvements and challenges. Lastly, we highlight the excitement building for Metallica’s upcoming concert at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, part of their world tour, with tickets expected to sell out fast.
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In today’s episode of the WFIR News Express Podcast, we begin with the latest on a crime spree in Salem, where a young child was left in a stolen vehicle. The suspect, who is still at large, is believed to be responsible for multiple car thefts and an attempted robbery. Local authorities, with support from surrounding departments, are conducting a manhunt, and Salem schools were briefly placed in secure mode as a precaution. The child has been safely reunited with his mother, but police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
We then shift to Franklin County and Rocky Mount, where officials have reached a historic agreement to improve local infrastructure. This includes a boundary adjustment and significant investments in the fire department and other services. Mayor Holland Perdue discusses how the deal will positively impact residents, while a public hearing is planned before final approval.
Next, we cover the latest push for road safety, as three localities work together on the Safe Streets for All survey, aimed at reducing traffic accidents in high-crash areas. The survey closes at the end of the month, and community input is crucial.
On the national front, both presidential candidates are backing marijuana decriminalization, a first in U.S. politics. Virginia NORML highlights the positions of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on cannabis reform, with Trump recently expressing support for state rights and marijuana legislation like Florida’s.
In business news, we highlight a $2 million renovation at the Kroger on Brambleton and Colonial Avenues. The expanded produce section is a key feature, and Kroger celebrated with a ribbon-cutting event and a donation to the Roanoke Rescue Mission’s Manna Food Pantry. Plus, Kroger is offering a special fuel discount to mark the occasion.
We also spotlight the upcoming Henry Street Festival, the largest annual fundraiser for the Harrison Museum of African American Culture. With more live entertainment than ever before, the festival promises a day full of dancing, art, and vendors celebrating African American culture at Elmwood Park.
Finally, we provide a public safety update about the full-scale exercise at Roanoke Blacksburg Regional Airport, simulating an aircraft incident. The drill, which is held every three years, will take place at the former Countryside Golf Club site, and the public is reminded that this is only a drill.
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In today's WFIR News Express Podcast, we cover the reopening of Breckinridge Middle School after a social media threat led to the arrest of a 13-year-old boy. Early voting approaches in Roanoke, and we break down the fundraising totals for mayoral and city council candidates. We also provide updates from a recent candidate forum and discuss Roanoke City Council’s decision to extend interim city manager Lydia Patton’s contract.
Additionally, we look at a proposal to rename Roanoke’s downtown bus station after civil rights icon Margie Jumper and hear expert opinions on TikTok’s legal challenges. We also cover the discovery of a loaded gun at an elementary school and the rescinded decision regarding the location of Interstate 73.
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In today's episode, WFIR's Ian Price covers the latest updates from Roanoke City Council as they reaffirm controversial zoning amendments aimed at boosting housing affordability. We'll also dive into the arrest of a Covington man on multiple charges of sexual assault involving underage girls, plus news on the local economy, including the upward trend in visitor spending in Salem. Finally, we explore how Virginia school districts are transitioning to clean energy buses, and a Giles County high school student’s inspiring journey to help veterans through a 5k race, despite facing his own challenges. Tune in for these stories and more, as we bring you the latest from around Southwest Virginia.
In this WFIR News Express Podcast episode, we bring you the latest stories from Roanoke and beyond. Virginia Tech Police are on the lookout for a suspect involved in an assault near the Moss Arts Center. At the same time, Roanoke College unveils plans for a memorial honoring enslaved laborers integral to the region's history. We also cover the tragic discovery of a Bedford County man found dead after being reported missing, and the arrest of a Roanoke man in Franklin County on multiple felony warrants.
Plus, we highlight the significant economic impact of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, a new affordable housing development in Roanoke County, and a heartwarming story of a former teacher using her bingo winnings to support local students. We also provide details on a celestial event to look forward to a partial lunar eclipse combined with a supermoon on Tuesday night.
Like and subscribe. Please leave us a five-star review. Stay informed with WFIR News Express.
In this episode of the WFIR News Express Podcast, we cover recent incidents of bomb threats in Henry County schools that have led to felony charges against two juveniles and the impact on neighboring Pulaski County schools. We also discuss the looming government shutdown as Congress struggles to pass a spending bill, with a continuing resolution on the table.
Additionally, we report on a major drug bust in Franklin County, where a Roanoke man faces multiple felony charges. The increasing deer population in Southwest Virginia is causing concern for residents due to property damage and the rise in tick-borne illnesses. We also cover Governor Glenn Youngkin’s disrupted speech at an event hosted by The Federalist Society and Virginia Tech's new "All In To Vote" portal aimed at increasing student voter registration and turnout.
Like and subscribe. Please leave us a five-star review. Stay informed with these stories and more on WFIR.
In this episode of the WFIR News Express Podcast, we cover the sentencing of Kai Lansana to life in prison for the 2019 murder of Salonya Evans in Roanoke, bringing some closure to the victim's family. We also report on the recent incident involving a teenage boy hit by a car on Yellow Mountain Road, who has now been charged with violating pedestrian crossing laws.
In politics, we discuss a former GOP state senator's bid to return to the General Assembly, as well as insights from a political analyst on how social media is reshaping the impact of presidential debates, particularly in the wake of the recent face-off between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
We also introduce the Virginia Department of Health's new online dashboard for tracking respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and influenza. Additionally, we highlight the growing waitlist for Meals on Wheels and the temporary closure of the Roanoke County Social Services Building due to emergency repairs. Stay informed with these stories and more on WFIR.
In this episode of the WFIR News Express Podcast, we cover a range of important local stories. Roanoke City sees a significant decline in non-fatal drug overdoses, while September's National Recovery Month highlights the Bradley Free Clinic's efforts to combat substance abuse. We also report on a recent vehicle collision involving a young boy, Governor Youngkin's visit to discuss I-81 improvements, and the ongoing rise in COVID-19 cases in the Roanoke area.
Additionally, we discuss the Roanoke City School Board's extension of Superintendent Verleeta White's contract, updates on Roanoke County's new Career and Technical Education Center, and a special Virginia NORML webinar on the potential rescheduling of marijuana. We also explore the historic significance of Roanoke City's Fishburn Park caretaker's cottage and the development of a new public park in Boones Mill as part of a downtown revitalization effort.
Today's WFIR podcast brings you the latest news from Roanoke and Virginia. Get insights on Vice President Kamala Harris's upcoming debate against former President Donald Trump, where recent Virginia polls show Harris in the lead. We also cover local political developments, including Democratic Delegate Sam Rasoul's efforts to block Appalachian Power's proposed rate hike. Learn about the impact of solar energy misinformation on Virginia communities and the ongoing search for justice in a four-year-old Roanoke shooting case. Plus, discover Roanoke College's new memorial artwork honoring enslaved laborers. Stay informed with all the top local stories right here.
In today's WFIR news briefing, we cover the ongoing search for missing 61-year-old Robert Walter Renzetti in Roanoke, concerns surrounding the recent discovery of a deceased hiker on the Appalachian Trail, and an expert's insights on a DOJ indictment revealing Russia's disinformation efforts. Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears launches her bid for Virginia's top office, while a former Roanoke restaurant owner faces charges of tax embezzlement. Plus, the Bedford Fire Department rescues a visually impaired dog, and the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra prepares for its "Symphony Under The Stars" event this weekend. Tune in for all the details on WFIR.
Roanoke Murder Case Mistrial: A Roanoke judge has declared a second mistrial in the case of Brian Salazar, who is accused of killing 65-year-old Paul Wortham in a downtown apartment lobby last summer. Salazar, who claims he acted in self-defense after being threatened, was indicted on second-degree murder charges. The incident resulted in Wortham's death after he sustained a fatal brain injury from falling and hitting his head.
- NASA and Boeing Starliner Mission: NASA and Boeing are hoping for the successful return of the un-crewed Starliner capsule, which is scheduled to land in New Mexico tonight. The capsule had transported two veteran astronauts to the International Space Station, and its safe return is crucial for future missions.
- Virginia Trooper Arrested: Virginia State Police Trooper Darren Roberts has been arrested in Myrtle Beach on serious charges, including first-degree criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping, and domestic violence. The incident involved a woman known to him and occurred at a resort on September 2nd. Roberts has been placed on administrative leave without pay.
- Senator Tim Kaine on Vice President Harris and Immigration: U.S. Senator Tim Kaine commented on Vice President Kamala Harris's changing stance on energy use, including fracking, since the 2020 campaign. Kaine also noted that the Biden administration has deported more people than any administration since George W. Bush's second term and criticized Republicans for blocking bipartisan border security deals.
- Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears to Run for Governor: Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears has officially filed the necessary documents to run for governor in 2025. She is the first Republican to enter the race, with U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger currently the only Democrat seeking her party's nomination.
- Virginia Cyclist to Compete in World Championships: Emily Ehrlich of Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY24 team has been selected to represent the U.S. at the 2024 UCI Road and Para-Cycling Road World Championships in Zurich, Switzerland. She will compete in both the Individual Time Trial and the Road Race starting on September 21st.
- Remains of Korean War POW Accounted For: The remains of a Southwest Virginian who died as a prisoner of war during the Korean War have been identified and accounted for, providing closure for his family after decades of uncertainty.
- Federal Funding for Virginia Clean Energy Projects: Virginia will receive over $3.4 million in federal funding for clean energy initiatives. This includes more than $76,000 for the Town of Blacksburg to enhance bicycle route safety with new markings and symbols on existing bike lanes.
A mother and her partner have been charged with child abuse and child cruelty after police found two kids chained by the ankle in a Fairfax County apartment.
Residents at a Roanoke apartment complex say owners aren’t doing enough to prevent sewage from entering their homes.
A woman has been sentenced to a year of probation on charges connected to a case of seven of Amherst County elementary school students ingesting gummies that were stored in a fentanyl laced bag.
As passenger vehicles are made to higher standards they stay on the road longer. Triple-A Mid-Atlantic says that's a good thing for those who like to hold on to their cars - but there are some tradeoffs.
Fraud is a concern for A-A-R-P Virginia, who says the commonwealth ranks 9th in Senior Scams.
Welcome to Capitol Conversations. On this episode we will hear from Ken Mitchell, the Democrat who is looking to defeat 6th District Republican US Congressman Ben Cline in November.
Regulators have suspended the medical license of a former pediatrician for Carilion Clinic for making sexually inappropriate comments to patients and their parents that were part of an “egregious pattern of disruptive behavior.” The League of Women Voters of Virginia has praise for parts of Governor Youngkin's Executive Order 36 - called Stand Tall, Stay Strong - Succeed - but says it doesn't go the extra mile to restore voting rights for ex-offenders. Roanoke County Police say a man is dead following a multi-vehicle crash in the 45 hundred block Challenger Ave. As November’s general election approaches, the Roanoke City registrar’s office welcomes in a new leader. The ownership group of the Washington Commanders are reportedly hopeful the team will return to a site controlling owner has called its “spiritual home.” A team of researchers and graduate students are using a grant from NASA to create instruments that will help further their understanding of space weather. The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority is expected to vote today on a proposal which would make passenger rail service available in Christiansburg no later than 2027 - at least a year earlier and with a smaller price tag than the previous plan, which ran into some unexpected cost and logistical issues.
An Arlington family whose son made the ultimate sacrifice for his V-22 Osprey crew will be honored with the Navy and Marine Corps' highest noncombat honors.
Smyth County Sheriff’s deputy Hunter Reedy will be laid to rest during funeral services Saturday at the Chilhowie Christian Church after he was shot while in the line of duty Friday.
Candidates vying for three seats on Roanoke City Council fielded questions during a community forum.
A person who sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound during an incident Sunday afternoon at Galax High School may face charges.
Guaranteed BIG money, no cuts during the tournament and a 4-man team concept as well. LiV golf is different than the PGA tour - and its coming to the Greenbrier Resort this weekend.
According to a WalletHub study, the commonwealth is considered to be among 2024's best states to live in, with strengths in key areas for families looking for a new place to live.
A new Minnick School is set to open in Lynchburg today and help students ages 5-22 with autism spectrum disorders and various disabilities.
Roanoke City police have arrested a man in connection with several fires that have happened within the downtown area over the last 30 days.
A Roanoke teen will be laid to rest this weekend after he was fatally shot in South Carolina.
William & Mary yesterday announced it has received a $100 million donation that aims to help the world’s coastal communities adapt to changing temperatures, rising seas and more intense storms.
For the new presumptive Democratic candidate for President - Kamala Harris - the messaging is key as the general election battle versus Donald Trump comes down the home stretch.
A UVA political analyst believe having Pennsylvania’s governor as a running mate, could help Kamala Harris beat Donald Trump in November.
Blacksburg town council member Liam Watson has been arrested on four fraud indictments.
A Roanoke man has died as the result of a motorcycle crash on the Blue Ridge Parkway, near Painter Mountain Road, in Rockbridge County.
A Roanoke anti-violence group held a community counseling session after a Patrick Henry High School student was killed.
The Montgomery County School Board has voted to adopt a division-wide policy banning student cell phone use that will be effective immediately.
Some employees and customers of Member One Federal Credit Union are not all that happy about a proposed merger with a Richmond-based financial institution. The "yay or nay" vote online runs through next Tuesday.
The Carolina Panthers are among the 23 NFL teams that reported to training camp today. One of the most well-known Panthers ever - Inside Linebacker Luke Kuechly - has been retired since January of 2020.
The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a four-year extension with left tackle Christian Darrisaw.
A man who led police on a high-speed chase through parts of Botetourt County yesterday afternoon was shot and killed by a state trooper.
Roanoke City Police say 4 juveniles have been charged in connection with a shooting in the 5 hundred block of 16th Street NW early Wednesday morning that sent two people to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. It could be a critical few days for President Biden - who has been defiant in declaring he can beat Donald Trump - even as various polls show his numbers sliding, and members of his party saying he should leave the race.
A political expert from the University of Virginia says Donald Trump’s running mate does little to hurt or help the former president’s bid for another term in the White House.
Virginia’s Attorney General says he and Glen Youngkin did not discuss the possibility of the Governor becoming Donald Trump’s Vice President. Ohio U.S. Senator J.D.
State lawmakers have given final approval to legislation that will repeal new restrictions on a tuition waiver program for military families.
Rodney Hubbard, the Republican candidate in Lynchburg’s Ward 2 City Council race, has been arrested and charged with stalking and filming someone nude without their consent.
The father of a Roanoke City shooting victim is still searching for answers five years after the murder occurred. Salem Sheriff April Staton has announced her resignation, effective August 31st.
She has been with the Salem Sheriff’s Office since 2003.
Its no secret that affordable early childhood daycare slots can be hard to find and often out of reach financially for some. A Virginia Department of Education grant may help ease that crunch somewhat
This weekend will see one of Roanoke's most visible magicians perform at Center in the Squares' "Busk Roanoke" in company with other street performers.
Hollins University announced yesterday that it will be playing club flag football starting in the spring of 2025.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation announce that Natural Bridge and First Landing State Park have been recognized in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2024.
Roanoke City’s Gun Violence Prevention Commission is instituting a new program to engage with those involved in serious crimes.
According to a new poll from the VCU Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, President Joe Biden trails Donald Trump by 3 points in Virginia- 39 percent to 36 percent.
Harsh rhetoric on both sides of the aisle and heated political debates amongst the voters. A Virginia Tech professor wonders if the assassination attempt on Donald Trump will help lower the temperature.
Roanoke College Political Analysts Justin Garrison discusses Vice Presidential pick JD Vance.
Carilion Clinic has found itself in the US News & World Report’s latest hospital rankings.
HCK Hot Chicken, a fast-casual restaurant brand known for Nashville-style cuisine and distinctive sauces, is opening its first local outlet this Saturday on East Washington Avenue in Vinton.
A Pittsylvania County man says being present for the attempted assassination of former President Trump was traumatic. This weekend's assassination attempt saw many question how the shooter was able to get so close to the former president. Governor Glenn Youngkin has ordered that all Virginia and U.S. flags will fly at half-staff today in memory and respect of former Pennsylvania Volunteer Firefighter Chief Corey Comperatore, who tragically lost his life shielding his family on Saturday at a rally for former President Trump. The Virginia Department of Health has reported a fox tested positive for rabies in New Castle late last week. Roanoke City Council received criticism from residents about unsafe cycling conditions in the city. Shenandoah artist P. Buckley Moss has died at age 91. Via an online obituary from Faulkner Funeral Home, it's reported that the artist and philanthropist, of which the Moss Arts Center in Blacksburg is named after, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday. The Caesars Virginia casino in Danville generated over 19.2-million-dollars during June.
NATO Leaders are gathering in Washington D.C. this week as President Joe Biden tries to juggle leading the country while also rehabbing his image for his reelection bid. A former Virginia Governor does not believe President Biden will be removed from the top of the Democratic ticket prior to November’s election. Southwest Virginians are not expected to see any impact from what's left of the early season - and extremely strong at one point - Hurricane Beryl, which came ashore in Texas earlier this week. Given the increasing evidence of the impact cell phone and social media usage has on education and youth mental health, Governor Glenn Youngkin yesterday issued an Executive Order, directing the Virginia Department of Education to draft guidance for public school divisions to adopt local policies and procedures establishing cell phone-free education.Hear some of the common mistakes homeowners make when it comes to their lawn and how to improve the quality of your lawn overall.
Virginia’s Senior US Senator Mark Warner has issued his first statement since news outlets reported he attempted to get fellow Democratic Senators to help persuade President Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race. While it seems like the walls may be closing in on President Biden - with reports that he has seen a Parkinson's specialist on several occasions and some in his party suggesting he step down as the Democratic nominee - a local political scientist looks at what is ahead. A judge has sentenced a Roanoke woman to three years of prison time after she shot a man outside her Ferncliff Avenue apartment last February. A Blacksburg bed and breakfast is under new ownership after customers had their VT graduation weekend reservations canceled without a refund. A new residential development is coming to Roanoke City after members of the planning commission approved an addition to the plan. The Botetourt County Farmers Market yesterday announced that Tomato Fest will return to Buchanan Park on Saturday, July 27th.
Fifteen firefighters were injured battling a large fire at a fertilizer warehouse in South Hill.
The victim in a drowning incident at Smith Mountain Lake late last week has now been identified.
A Roanoke City animal shelter is warning residents about a scam involving missing pets.
According to online news outlet Axios, a group of Senate Democrats will not meet today to discuss the viability of President Biden’s re-election campaign.
Virginia Democratic Congressman Don Beyer is pushing back against a report that suggested he is in favor of President Biden halting his re-election bid.
Virginia Junior US Senator Tim Kaine was asked for his opinion; Kaine's take was that "President Biden is a patriotic American who will put the country first as he decides how to move forward."
Starting next month crews in the town of Blacksburg will begin work to make Draper Road more pedestrian friendly.
The Jefferson Center has released its schedule for the 2024/25 season.
A Northern Virginia Congressman says the Democratic party needs a family therapy session to get on the same page following President Biden’s debate performance.
The Virginia State Board of Elections has certified the apparent defeat of Republican congressman Bob Good to challenger John McGuire, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Good has said he will seek a recount.
Pro Palestinian protesters are continuing to call on Roanoke City Council to denounce violence in Gaza. During Monday's Roanoke City Council meeting, Pro-Palestinian protesters again called on members to approve a resolution that denounces Israel’s ongoing military operation in Gaza that displaced thousands of Palestinians and resulted in a death roll of more than 30 thousand.
Two teams representing Roanoke City Little League baseball will be competing in their respective state tournaments starting on Friday.
In case you missed it, the City of Roanoke's "Freedom Festival," which includes fireworks to celebrate Independence Day, will be held this Friday, July 5th, NOT on the 4th of July, at River's Edge Park South. Beginning at 5pm, there's free live music, family-friendly activities, food vendors and a beer garden. The fireworks are scheduled for 9:30pm to cap off the festival this Friday.
Bedford County officials are asking residents to refrain from lighting fireworks because of dry conditions across the region. The county says those looking to participate in holiday fun can use glow sticks, noise makers, and silly string.
VDOT says Stoney Battery Road in Botetourt County will be closed at its intersection with Route 11 in Troutville, beginning Monday at 8 a.m. The closure is expected to be removed by Wednesday, July 10, at 8 a.m.The road closure will be in place for drainage repairs.
VDOT is reporting an incident this morning onWilliamson Road in the Hollins area of Roanoke County that has closed multiplelanes. Authorities said at this time all south and north lanes are closed. TheFranklin County Sheriff’s Office says two people have been taken into custodyon child abuse and neglect charges connected to a case involving an injuredtwo-year-old. A former Virginia Congressman says he wanted to see PresidentBiden go on the offensive during the first debate of the 2024 campaign. As Roanokechips away at the shortage of affordable housing within the city limits, a fundestablished to help address that issue gets a shot in the arm. With summertemperatures reaching blistering levels, it's not just a sunburn you need to beon the lookout for. With less than a week to go until the Fourth of July,Roanoke County Fire and Rescue officials say if dry conditions continue-setting off your own fireworks may be a bad idea.
Governor Youngkin has signed legislation to improve the lives of those with developmental disabilities. As President Biden and Former President Trump prepare for tomorrow night's debate - which we will air beginning at 9 pm - the U.S. Supreme Court gets ready to hand down several decisions that could impact the campaign. Roanoke County Fire and Rescue responded Monday afternoon to a fire on Lee Avenue in Vinton at the Dogwood Restaurant. The U.S. surgeon general has called on Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms and their efforts on young people’s lives. Salem City announced yesterday that Shrewd Outdoors, an outdoor activity store, is set to open downtown later this summer. The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke is set to release 7 orphaned ducklings from the Virginia Tech Duck Pond back into the wild.
More than 150 firearms were collected during the 4th annual Groceries Not Guns buyback event Saturday at Melrose Plaza in Roanoke City. The Roanoke City Police department recently remembered officers decades after their death. Governor Glenn Youngkin will reportedly attend a rally for former President Trump scheduled to take place this Friday in Chesapeake. According to a memo obtained by CBS News, former President Trump is looking to open 11 new campaign offices in the Commonwealth and at least 8 offices in Minnesota. Someone who studies insects at Virginia Tech has a few words of advice. Advance Auto Parts will partner with the Roanoke City Sheriff's Office to help people fix issues with their cars -- and not just punish civilians for it. U.S. Senator Mark Warner discusses the cost of education as legislators work on the FAFSA questions.
The goal is finding more "green time" for traffic on Route 419 in the Tanglewood area of southwest Roanoke County, where commercial redevelopment has put more vehicles on the roadway. The public can weigh in on VDOT plans tonight during an open-house style meeting. Two were arrested during a narcotics operation in Southeast Roanoke that also resulted in the apprehension of two with outstanding warrants. Police provide tips to parents after four people in our region were charged with sexual offenses involving kids within 24 hours. Police are asking parents to talk to their children about the dangers of the “Orbeez Challenge.” A man has been arrested for two separate vehicle thefts that were reported 10 minutes apart. Virginia is seeing an increase in poison hemlock. The Blue Ridge Poison Center officials say while it can be deadly, there is nothing to worry about -- all you need to do is wash your hands.
A Roanoke man has been charged in connection with alleged sex crimes in Michigan. Prosecutors say 49-year-old Erich Zeeb, is facing three counts of sexual exploitation of a child. Roanoke City Council has appointed an interim city manager following the resignation of Bob Cowell. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has authorized the 303-mile Mountain Valley Pipeline to go into service. According to FERC, the pipeline follows environmental conditions. However, opponents question the safety of the pipeline in part due to steep slopes with highly erodible soil. The brother of 5th District GOP Congressman Bob Good is being accused of verbally assaulting his brother’s primary opponent, John McGuire over the weekend. Apple Intelligence, the company’s long-awaited deeper push into AI via a partnership with OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology was announced earlier this week. Virginia Tech Communications Media Expert, Cayce Myers, describes the desired result. Watching the Cannabis studies program grow at Roanoke College is another step in removing a long stigma associated with the plant. Blacksburg town council has approved a resolution that calls for placing speed monitoring devices in crossing zones at public schools.
A teen accused of fatal shooting a William Fleming High School student at the Ferncliff Apartments in Northwest Roanoke Wednesday has been arraigned on petitions of first-degree murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. Virginia State Police say a man has been arrested after a 4-month-old boy was found dead inside a home in the New Castle area of Craig County. Roanoke College is launching a series of continuing education courses in cannabis studies. The goal is to help employers, health care providers, caregivers and growers gain a better understanding of the evolving world of cannabis. Thousands of people were on hand at the D-Day Memorial in Bedford to pay respects to the men who died on the beaches of Normandy in 1944. While the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford held their 80th anniversary event yesterday, another event tomorrow continues to remember and is bringing history to life.
One teenager is in custody and another is dead following a shooting at the Ferncliff Apartments in Northwest Roanoke. “They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate.” - President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s official address announcing the D-Day invasion. A group of Virginia Tech professors are using an upcoming panel discussion to weigh in on book bans enacted by school boards across the Commonwealth. According to the annual homelessness point-in-time count, sixty-eight children were among the more than 400 people living unhoused in the region this winter. The U.S. saw more tornadoes in May than in any single month over the past five years. A Virginia Tech professor and meteorologist offers a glimpse at what's ahead this summer.
Witnesses are reacting to a police chase that ended in an officer involved shooting in Montgomery County. At a sometimes-contentious Congressional hearing on Monday, Dr. Anthony Fauci testified that the U.S. is better prepared should another pandemic happen - but there's still work to be done. The League of Women Voters of Virginia in partnership with VerbaAI, has established a fact checking website which uses AI to find political statements and then check them against known and trusted sites like Snopes, PolitiFact, LeadStories and Fact Check.org. Much like the transformation that's happened in downtown Roanoke, where many places that used to be offices and work places are now residential apartments. The space that formerly housed retailers on the top floor of Tanglewood Mall is being transformed into a new YMCA. Lynchburg City Public school officials have voted to adopt Governor Youngkin’s model policy regarding transgender students.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office says a 73-year-old North Carolina man died Saturday after falling into the water at Magnum Point Marina at Smith Mountain Lake. Hollins University's Head of Political science and former Reagan White House consultant spoke with WFIR about Former President Donald Trump's recent convictions. Former President Donald Trump’s campaign reportedly sent Lynchburg Congressman Bob Good’s re-election campaign a cease-and-desist letter to stop producing yard signs and other merchandise that suggest Trump is backing the congressman. Roanoke City Police say two men were taken to the hospital following a shooting in the 3 thousand block of Williamson Road NW. Roanoke City Police officials are discussing a recent report that details an increase in use of force by officers. Roanoke City Council is currently accepting applications from those who wish to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term of former council member Luke Priddy. Farmburguesa announced on Friday that they have closed their location in the Grandin area of Roanoke.
Attorney General Jason Miyares yesterday announced that 36-year-old Michael White, pleaded guilty to first degree murder of Big Stone Gap Police Officer Michael Chandler in 2021. Governor Youngkin says the American people see former president Trump being convicted on felony charges in New York as politically motivated and orchestrated by those who want to “get Trump.” Salem area Congressman Morgan Griffith says he is concerned about former President Trump’s conviction and believes it was due to trial errors by the judge. Following the lead of some other financial institutions, as of tomorrow Roanoke-based Freedom First Credit Union will no longer offer no-strings attached free checking accounts. A Roanoke barbecue joint will be featured alongside other prime examples of 'Southern Living' in an upcoming magazine issue. Clean Valley Council is putting on its Annual Green Film Festival starting today.
Roanoke College has hired an environmental services contractor to investigate claims the school has a higher-than-average cancer rate. After winning Virginia by more than ten percent in 2020 over Donald Trump - the largest margin for a Democratic presidential candidate since FDR in 1944 - Joe Biden isn't doing nearly as well in the latest Roanoke College statewide survey. According to a report from the Roanoke City Police Department, officers used force against residents in 323 situations last year, up from 241 in 2022. Roanoke County could be home to a new entertainment venue if approved by the board of supervisors. A 3-day weekend event series is kicking off tomorrow with a block party in Downtown Roanoke.
A judge on the islands of Turks and Caicos has sentenced Louisa County resident Tyler Wenrich to time served and ordered him to pay a $9,000 fine for unknowingly possessing ammunition in his luggage while visiting the islands. Lynchburg Police have arrested a suspect who is accused of hijacking a truck and leading authorities on a high-speed chase. Members of the Roanoke City School Board have opted to change the district’s transportation plan for next school year. In June, AARP Virginia wants to provide some free information to help those worried about brain health - and how to maintain it. The National Weather Service says the tornado that struck the City of Salem on Sunday produced winds of around 100-105 miles per hour, traveled about two miles and was approximately 300 yards wide. The twister touched down at 6:14 p.m. near the intersection of Karen Dr. and Joan Cir. and ended about three minutes later.
Salem residents are discussing their homes being damaged by an EF-1 tornado over the weekend. Storms ripped the roof off a Roanoke asphalt business. During National Travel and Tourism Week Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge officials traveled to Washington DC last week to build on the success of its 2023 spring marketing campaign in DC and northern Virginia. Louisa native Tyler Wenrich is scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow after pleading to guilty to taking ammunition onto the island of Turks and Cacos last month.LewisGale Medical Center and City of Salem leadership will celebrate their commitment to being a ‘Stroke Smart City’ by kicking off the project with a proclamation during the city council meeting tonight.
Roanoke City Manager Bob Cowell is set to resign from the position he has held for nearly 7 years. Roanoke City councilman Luke Priddy officially announced his resignation during council’s meeting yesterday afternoon. A former employee at Southwest Virginia Arms in Salem admitted yesterday to stealing 21 firearms from the business and falsifying records to conceal the thefts. An area nonprofit is hosting collections for items to send to flood and tornado victims in Texas. The US Supreme Court yesterday declined to weigh in on a case regarding whether or not Mountain Valley Pipeline can take private land for the project. The husband of Pulaski’s mayor is now facing criminal charges following a number of alleged thefts at a Walmart in Dublin.
A healthcare authority in the Commonwealth says THC-related hospital visits for young people are decreasing. Governor Youngkin took final action on legislation that was returned to his desk after the General Assembly rejected his proposed recommendations. A man was taken into custody last week after Henry County Sheriff’s deputies seized more than 100 thousand dollars’ worth of drugs. The annual list of Endangered Sites in the valley has been released, another reminder of the past and a call to action to promote the stewardship of structures that are a part of Roanoke's history. Former Roanoke Mayor Nelson Harris has a new book out focusing on the Roanoke Valley's history in the 1950's. Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin presented a Spirit of Virginia Award to Former Washington Commanders Head Coach Joe Gibbs’ Youth For Tomorrow nonprofit at the annual Burgundy and Gold Banquet.
Campbell County authorities say a 21-year-old man, who is in the US illegally, has been charged with raping a minor. With Presidential polls showing a statistical dead heat or Donald Trump up by a few points in many "swing states," President Joe Biden threw down an early gauntlet and challenged Trump to a debate next month - and the ex-President accepted. A former local GOP party chair says it could be a trap of sorts. Virginia State University officials say they are disappointed to hear media reports that President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump may not be participating in a debate scheduled to take place at VSU on October 1st. Archaeologists in Virginia have uncovered what is believed to be the remains of a military barracks from the Revolutionary War, including chimney bricks and musket balls indented with soldiers’ teeth. An anchor institution in downtown Roanoke for more than 100 years is rebranding to be better suited as a central hub. The Roanoke City Market Building is at 100 percent occupancy with restaurants of a wide variety, and it is now looking to do an interior redesign. A captain with the Roanoke Fire and EMS department says winning the National Firefighter of the Year award wouldn’t be possible without help from his fellow firefighters.
Virginia’s Senior US Senator is raising awareness about ongoing disinformation campaigns being conducted by foreign adversaries and cyberattacks that could happen before November’s election. A Salem CVS has been fined 75 thousand dollars after authorities learned the pharmacy delegated the administration of COVID-19 vaccines in 2021 to an untrained nurse who injected a youth with six doses at once. The James River Regional Drug Task Force seized more than 3 million dollars in illegal drugs from drug pop-ups in Bedford County earlier this month. The Amherst County Sheriff’s office searched 4 smoke shops in Madison Heights on Tuesday after multiple children fell ill, and were even hospitalized, from products. A portal announced this week for tracking incidents of “adverse effects” involving children and teens being exposed to cannabis products comes at a time when incidents of minors going to the ER for cannabis-related issues have gone down. US Senator Tim Kaine is concerned about rising sea levels - how they have impacted military coastal bases in Virginia - and will do so more in the future. The Southwest Virginia Coalition for Palestine is set to host a concert on Saturday, May 25th to raise funds for two local Palestinian families with relatives in Gaza. The event will take place at Century Plaza in Downtown Roanoke at 7 pm.
Roanoke City Council has opted to change the funding formula for the city school district. Governor Youngkin has signed off on a new two-year state budget that includes 3% raises for state employees and teachers while not raising taxes. A Democratic delegate used time in front of the House yesterday to point towards Governor Youngkin’s priority of removing Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. A political action committee that helps Republicans get elected to Congress is doing the unusual - spending more than $450,000 to defeat GOP incumbent Bob Good. Total Action for Progress has issued a call for help - via a monthlong Crowdfunding Campaign to raise money for its Domestic Violence services in southwest Virginia. The Virginia Museum of Transportation is hosting the 2nd annual Star City Rockabilly Festival this Friday and Saturday from 5:00 - 9:00 pm. Berglund Center has announced that Old Crow Medicine Show is coming to Elmwood Park on Saturday, August 10th.
Medical regulators have cleared Carilion Clinic after a state report released in February found significant deficiencies in the cleaning of surgical tools at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital between March and September of 2023. Several students at VCU walked out of graduation over the week in protest of Governor Youngkin and the Israel Hamas war. Officials with the Virginia International Raceway have announced the 2024 Blue Ridge Rock Fest has been canceled. FloydFest 24 - Horizon is two months away. The music and outdoors festival is several decades old but it is brand new this July at its relocated home. The 2024 Local Colors Festival will have everything you've come to expect: international cuisine, traditional dances and merchandise. The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office recently hosted the first of four fundraisers for Special Olympics of Virginia.
Salem area Congressman Morgan Griffith is criticizing the Biden Administration for halting a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel over concerns that the country has not adequately taken civilian safety into account in its upcoming military operation in Rafah. The Commonwealth’s junior US Senator Tim Kaine says he is pleased to see that certain offensive arms deliveries to Israel have since been paused, and encourages the Biden Administration to continue to be wary of transferring weapons that could be used in offensive military actions that result in significant civilian casualties. A new online hub for resources to assist low-income Virginians facing evictions launched this month amid more and more people losing their homes. The owners of a heavily-scrutinized bed and breakfast in Blacksburg recently filed for bankruptcy.
We have team coverage of protests on college campuses from UVA to VT. Discussion of a ceasefire proposal in front of Roanoke City Council. A traffic note for Vinton. A new puppy store opens at Valley View Mall.
25 people were arrested at the University of Virginia for trespassing Saturday after police clashed with pro-Palestinian protesters who refused to remove tents from campus. Pro-Palestine protesters and Virginia Tech students made their way through Blacksburg yesterday again calling for an end to violence in Gaza. "Hope over Hate," is what many are calling for in the recent clashes being students on college campuses over the war in Gaza, on immigration and racial issues. Roanoke College’s President asked graduates to use their ‘superpowers” and make the world a better place during graduation ceremonies over the weekend. When fall rolls around they'll be playing college football at Roanoke College for the first time in more than 80 years.
Police are investigating after anti-Semitic flyers were discovered across Southwest Roanoke City over the weekend. Jewish students at Virginia Tech are responding to a recent campus protest that resulted in close to 90 arrests. Virginia Commonwealth University says multiple arrests occurred last night as police broke up a pro-Palestine protest on campus. Virginia’s Junior U.S. Senator Tim Kaine says he believes there’s action the executive branch could take regarding protests. Governor Youngkin says his administration will continue to fully support campus, local and state law enforcement and university leadership amid recent Pro-Palestinian protests at several schools including Virginia Tech.
Bedford County authorities say a man is in custody following a shooting this morning in the Montvale area. According to Virginia State Police, former Alleghany County Chief Deputy Chad Wickline has resigned and is now charged with two misdemeanors following an accident earlier this month. Phase 1 of a three-part makeover of what Roanoke College is calling its new forward-looking Science Center if officially underway, after a groundbreaking this past Saturday. Residents went before Roanoke City Council to voice concerns about how an increase in property values could impact them. Around 68 firefighters responded to a blaze at a Rocky Mount area recycling center. An attic cleanout is being used as a soft launch of sorts for a new art venue just outside of downtown Roanoke. Motel Studios is being founded by well-known local artist Sarak K Parcell and Pottery Instructor Celeste Hodges.
Roanoke City Police say a child is being treated for what appear to be serious injuries after being struck by a car last night in the 43 hundred block of Shenandoah Avenue NW. Virginia State Police now say six people, including a 2-year-old with life-threatening injuries, were injured Tuesday night when a Ford Mustang crashed into a home on Foggy Ridge Road in Franklin County. A Roanoke City parent is voicing concerns about potential changes to school district’s transportation system. A Giles County woman has been sentenced to 33 years in prison for killing her husband, a New River Valley Regional Jail officer, nearly three years ago. TikTok could disappear from mobile devices a year from now if the Chinese parent company doesn't sell it. Virginia State Police will be conducting Operation DISS-rupt on all 325 miles of Interstate 81 in Virginia today and tomorrow.
A woman is speaking out after her brother was injured during an officer-involved shooting in Roanoke earlier this week. Developers of the Mountain Valley Pipeline have filed a request with the federal government seeking permission for the pipeline to go into service by May 23rd, to get natural gas pumping through as soon as June 1st. As part of the Interstate 81 widening project in Roanoke County near Salem, VDOT says a nighttime lane and ramp closure on southbound I-81 is scheduled for this Friday and Saturday so a barrier wall can be moved and a new traffic pattern put in place. Weather permitting, starting at 8 p.m. on Friday southbound I-81 will be reduced to one lane between mile markers 138 and 136 until 7 a.m. on Saturday. The United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments this week stemming from two cases out West - where cities wanted to forcefully remove the homeless from public places - but do they have the right to do so? The Roanoke metro area was named among the nation’s cleanest cities for an eighth consecutive year for ozone pollution, according to the American Lung Association’s 2024 “State of the Air” report, released today.
Iran has fired air defenses at a major air base and a nuclear site near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones. Virginia Tech International Affairs Professor Ariel Arhem says this response could have been very different if the attack on Israel had been worse. A Roanoke grand jury has charged a pair of men with multiple federal crimes related to a 2023 drug robbery and a victim’s body being set on fire. An area State Senator believes the issue of skills games will be front and center during a special session next month. In a move that could imperil his speakership, Republican speaker of the House Mike Johnson will put foreign aid bills up for votes over the next few days. Virginia's junior Democratic Senator commends the move. A Lynchburg man has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to rob a bank in Johnstown, New York. Three new bouncy friends are on full display at the Mill Mountain Zoo - a trio of Bennett's Wallabies native to Australia. Wallabies are a smaller cousin of the kangaroo.
Area convenience store owners are pushing back against Governor Youngkin’s skill games amendments. A bill vetoed by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin would have raised the state’s minimum wage to 15-dollars an hour starting in 2026. A developer has removed two buildings on Crystal Spring Avenue in South Roanoke to make way for a 21-room boutique hotel. The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center will get ready to move ahead with an expansion project after City Council authorized the issuance of publc improvement bonds at its meeting yesterday. Governor Youngkin has ordered all US and Virginia flags be lowered to half-staff today to honor the 32 people killed during a shooting on the campus of Virginia Tech on this day in 2007.
Roanoke City leaders are planning to discuss an increase in the number of vehicle collisions involving pedestrians. Governor Glenn Youngkin earlier this week signed legislation proposed by Roanoke delegate Sam Rasoul, which would increase monitoring statewide for hazardous chemicals like the one found in Roanoke County’s Spring Hollow reservoir in 2022. Gov. Glenn Youngkin has proposed a rewrite of legislation intended to legalize and tax skill games, adding stiff new restrictions that industry supporters argued would still amount to a de facto ban of the slot-like gambling machines. The Virginia NAACP served Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Office with a notice of intent to sue for violation of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. The latest research projects being conducted by Carilion Clinic and its partners in Roanoke were on display yesterday during an annual event that shows off the region as a hub for research, collaboration and patient-centered innovation. It's Roanoke Valley Saves Week., and new timely report found that, compared to most other states when it comes to financial literacy, Virginia banked a noteworthy spot.
We hear from the Governor about the budget. Then you hear the Democratic response. Virginia State Police say a Mississippi murder suspect was arrested in Dixie Caverns yesterday. Tips from Roanoke County Police about not enticing thieves to break into your vehicle.
Bedford County prosecutors say a man in the US illegally was sentenced Friday for sex crimes with a child 15 years of age or older. One person was killed and another person was injured when a disabled vehicle rolled down a hill in Bedford County. A Roanoke County mother is asking for safety improvements after her car was broken into Saturday while she and her daughter practiced softball. As Governor Youngkin faces a deadline to take action on a proposed budget, the Commonwealth’s Lt Governor doesn’t believe the proposal can stand in its current form. Two people have been hospitalized after an electric scooter caught fire at a home in the Forest area of Bedford County. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hopes to open one channel for cargo ships by the end of April, where the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed after being hit by one of those giant freight haulers. Governor Glenn Youngkin Friday announced that an upcoming untitled Pharrell Williams feature film from Universal Pictures will film throughout Central and Coastal Virginia this spring and summer.
A 15-year-old girl is safe after being abducted by a man in Richmond Wednesday night. The Wytheville Police Department and the DEA are reporting that a cocktail of fentanyl and xylazine is making its way through the Commonwealth. As APCO looks to secure another rate increase, a Roanoke resident fears she may not be able to keep up higher bills. Governor Glenn Youngkin took additional action on legislation sent to him by the General Assembly. Numerous colleges are hosting viewing parties for the Solar Eclipse on Monday. Among them is Radford University. Roanoke College is joining other entities in hosting an eclipse watch party on Monday. Multiple telescopes, outfitted with solar filters for safe viewing, will be available for use. The weather is warming up -- and the Valley's Greenway coordinator says its a good time to be reminded about greenway "etiquette,".
A Kansas man, who told a 14-year-old Lynchburg girl he wanted to “take a kid’s virginity” after meeting her online, pled guilty this week to federal child exploitation charges. A Virginia Tech student is facing several charges after being arrested during a drug trafficking investigation. Pulaski County officials say they have accepted the biggest donation in the localities history. According to the Virginia Department of Corrections, a K-9 officer was killed while protecting its assigned Corrections Officer, staff, and inmates at Sussex I State Prison. In vetoing a bill with bi-partisan support that would have established a legal retail cannabis market, Governor Youngkin said, "attempting to rectify the error of de-criminalizing marijuana ... is an un-achievable goal." --A former lawmaker from his own party disagrees. A new truck that's best described as a Mobile Coffee Shop will also have movies for people to view -- silently.
A man has been formally sentenced following a shooting at a Blacksburg hookah lounge that killed an 18 year-old. Lynchburg Police are searching for a suspect who allegedly broke into a marijuana dispensary earlier this week. Virginia US Senator Tim Kaine formally announced his re-election campaign during a speaking tour across the Commonwealth yesterday. Not only are more pickleball courts coming to the Moyer sports complex in Salem, building 13 of them where the skate park was - but so is "PickleBRAWL," a tournament in September expected to attract up to 450 players from the Mid-Atlantic region.
The Virginia Department of Forestry announced a part-time firefighter died while battling a three-acre wildfire in Scott County. Emergency crews have successfully contained a Blue Ridge Parkway wildfire in Bedford County. The blaze covered close to 13 acres of land. Bedford County Emergency crews say a charcoal kebab grill sparked a structure fire on Wetherwood Drive Saturday. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. SARA Roanoke is using this time to stress its mission and educate the public. One of Virginia’s US Senators says Russian President Vladimir Putin discounted American intelligence before a recent terror attack.
Marijuana News -- A retail marijuana market has been vetoed. Pushback from cannabis advocates after a letter to the DEA. A look at slavery in Charleston, South Carolina is at the VT campus.
The six percent real estate commission - 3 percent to both buyer's and seller's agents - was never "set in stone," but a lot of people did think that due to the business practices of a trade organization. It led to a class action lawsuit - and a major upheaval in the Real estate business. The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office says a Blue Ridge man is facing charges connected to the murder of a 5-year-old boy in August of last year. Recently passed legislation will soon require drivers in the Commonwealth to have car insurance. Salem City Council has unanimously agreed the city’s manager could sign a deal with Roanoke City to provide funds for a new skate park and mountain bike facility in the Wasena area. Southern Living Magazine has listed Roanoke-based Mama Jean’s Barbecue as the 2nd best BBQ spot in the Commonwealth. The beach party is back when "Party in Elmwood," returns.
The family of a nine year old boy who died after being hit by a car in Roanoke City is asking for changes to be made. Officials say crews battling still-burning wildfires in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley are getting an assist from rain and from the state government, which has deployed new resources to the area. With the Presidential election less than 8 months away, Virginia's senior US Senator is worried about foreign actors meddling in that contest - like they did in 2016. A former GOP State Delegate was arrested over the weekend on felony gun and drug charges, according to the Campbell County sheriff’s office. This year's OnBoardROA cohort kicks off June 5. The program is an effort to keep young professionals in the region. The attorney general for the District of Columbia claims the Washington Capitals and Wizards are obligated to play their games in the downtown area through 2047. A power outage on Saturday ended the Roanoke Valley Comicon before it could get underway.
Virginia’s Attorney General says the Commonwealth has experienced a decrease in violent crime thanks to an initiative carried by his office. Charges have been dismissed against a Blacksburg High School student accused of a sexual assault at a Virginia Tech dorm in September of 2023. Efforts to make sure Governor Glenn Youngkin signs a bipartisan bill that would make it cheaper for Virginians to get prescription drugs came to the Roanoke Valley. The second of two in the latest round of continuing resolutions to keep the federal government funded on a temporary basis while all the budget bills get passed is up tomorrow.
Emergency crews say a wildfire on North Mountain in the Catawba area of Roanoke County has grown to 13 to 14 acres. Authorities say as of yesterday the fire is 80 percent contained. Roanoke County emergency crews say a brush fire we told you about yesterday is estimated to be over 50 acres and 0% contained. Students and faculty at Averett University are remembering a professor who was found dead in Florida. Its hardly a shock, but as of one week ago the battle lines are set - President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will compete for a second term this November. Researchers say legal marijuana sales are not associated with increased use among adolescents. The analysis compared trends in marijuana use among middle school students in Nevada and New Mexico - during that study period, Nevada permitted retail sales of cannabis products while New Mexico did not.
A shooting in Covington on January 15th involving Alleghany County Sheriff’s deputies, has been ruled justified. A Raleigh man, who lied about his age to a teen he met online before traveling to Virginia to have sex with her, pled guilty Wednesday. The Possible closure of an elementary school was a topic of discussion during last night’s Bedford County school board meeting. US Senator Mark Warner may have some reservations about the bill passed this week by a wide margin in the House to ban TikTok unless it separates from the Chinese company that owns it, but as a Senate vote approaches he may be changing his tune a bit.
A political expert from the University of Virginia says Democrats must address weaknesses in immigration policy prior to this November’s election. David Bowers announced yesterday he is again running to be Roanoke’s mayor, this time as a Republican. A frequent scene of fender-benders and accidents involving tractor-trailers along I-81, in the heart of the Roanoke Valley, could be a safer stretch to drive by early summer. 9 allies of the Palestinian Liberation Movement were taken into custody after protests on Interstate 95 near the Arthur Ashe Boulevard exit heading toward Richmond. The U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence held an open hearing on worldwide threats yesterday. Attorney General Jason Miyares yesterday announced that he has filed an amicus brief, joined by 18 other states, supporting Montana’s legislation that would prohibit the "TikTok" app in the state unless it separates from its parent Chinese company ByteDance.
A 19-year-old woman and a 16-year-old boy from Roanoke County have been arrested in connection with a robbery on Wednesday in the 63 hundred block of Peters Creek Road we have been telling you about. Governor Youngkin says budget negotiators not including funds for a sports and entertainment venue in Northern Virginia is a mistake. At last night's State of the Union address reproductive rights were on President Biden's agenda - and Virginia's junior US Senator brought a special guest with him to help drive that point home. Vice President Kamala Harris reportedly met with Benny Gantz, a member of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war cabinet, to discuss a ceasefire. Residents are being asked to avoid Buck Mountain Road in Roanoke County today during an active threat training being conducted by county police.
Roanoke City Police say three people have been detained following an alleged armed robbery on Peters Creek Road that sent nearby schools into lockdown. Roanoke City Police say three people have been detained following an alleged armed robbery on Peters Creek Road that sent nearby schools into lockdown. A UVA political expert says the Trump-Biden rematch set to take place this November is going to be close and vicious. The President gives his annual State of the Union address tonight - WFIR will carry it live at 9 pm. Meanwhile, Virginia's senior Democratic U.S. Senator says Joe Biden must bring his "A game," tonight to help dispel doubts about his run for a second term. Minimum wage legislation we have been telling you about has been approved by the General Assembly in the final weeks of their session.
President Joe Biden won Virginia’s Democratic Presidential primary last night with 89 percent of the vote. Former President Donald Trump defeated former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley to claim Virginia’s Republican presidential primary. Trump finished with 63 percent of the votes cast. Roanoke City Public School officials say a recently announced deal with new transportation provider, Zum, is for 5 years and worth 77 million dollars. Liberty University is set to pay a record fine after investigators say the school failed to disclose information on-campus crimes. It was once almost two weeks, then it was 5 days - now the CDC has again updated its recommendations on quarantining for COVID-19, also aligning those guidelines with other respiratory illnesses. One local nonprofit is taking initiatives to improve the Valley's natural spaces. Convenience store chain Wawa is reportedly moving ahead with plans to open a location at the corner of Graves Mill Road and the newly opened Rosedale Boulevard in Lynchburg.
A Campbell County preschool went into lockdown yesterday after receiving a threatening phone call. Charges are pending against a William Byrd High School student after a weapon was found inside a car yesterday. Residents against plans to develop Evans Spring are calling on Roanoke City leaders to do what is best for the community and environment. The Poff federal building in downtown Roanoke on Franklin Road could soon have a new name if the US House of Representatives follows the lead of their colleagues in the Senate - and it would honor a hometown hero. Roses Grow With Love: Trilogy Weekend Event Series begins today. It is part of a celebration of a collaboration with the “Hmble Hstle’s” clothing brand and Virginia Tourism Corporation, which allowed Virginia is For Lovers to be on the Roanoke company’s clothes.
All charges against the man who had been accused of making threats to Patrick Henry High School -Stephen-Karl Johnson - have been dropped. The Franklin County School Board has decided to close two schools following a reduction in state funding. State lawmakers passed legislation yesterday that if approved by Gov. Glenn Youngkin would allow recreational retail sales of marijuana to begin next year. Virginia's junior U.S. Senator says the Commonwealth has a long history when it comes to children created by "IVF," and says that practice must be preserved - following a court ruling in Alabama. On this National Rare Disease Day, one listener reflects on how a rare disease in a family member went unnoticed for decades.
The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 yesterday to bring a Wawa to the Daleville area. A former Governor of Virginia says the recent death of a Russian opposition leader is one way Vladimir Putin is trying to deter the West from opposing him. Less than a week until Super Tuesday… which is not looking so super this year. The monthly U.S. Consumer Confidence report took a dip this month, but in the Commonwealth respondents to another survey are feeling a bit more bullish. Italian restaurant Remini’s is opening a new location, one that might be convenient for your vacation. Comedian Jim Gaffigan is coming to Berglund Center on Thursday, September 19th.
The First Lady of Virginia is working with Roanoke City school officials to educate young people about the dangers of fentanyl. A 16-year-old Heritage High School student was hospitalized following a fight at the school. As the cultural offerings at Jefferson Center wind down for the 2023-24 season, talks are underway with the City of Roanoke to ensure the century-old building's future as a hub for the arts and non-profit businesses. A free-admission arts and cultural event is being held in Downtown Roanoke this weekend. Roanoke Catholic School announced yesterday that the Shamrock Hill Run 5k will return on Saturday, March 16th at 9 am.
A 15-year-old boy was taken into custody on Friday for threats made against Roanoke’s Patrick Henry High School. Roanoke Leaders and residents came together to remember the life of a circuit court judge. The Roanoke City Police Department is investigating the “suspicious” death of a woman who was found unresponsive in her home over the weekend. Missing Virginia Tech student Johnny Roop was located safely in Missouri on Saturday. The changing of the guard is complete at Total Action for Progress, where a 20-year TAP employee will step up to become the next President and CEO on March 1st. The Roanoke Regional Partnership has released its annual report for 2023. This Friday -- the annual Dick and Dave’s Miracle Day Radiothon on sister station Q-99.
According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, 20-year-old Virginia Tech student Johnny Roop, who was reported missing last week, was seen at a restaurant in Missouri on Wednesday. A man is facing federal charges after he allegedly made threats online that caused Roanoke City Schools to close. Legislation concerning skill games is still being debated in the General Assembly. A supervised visitation and custody exchange center run by TAP on Kirk Avenue, where the children of divorced or separated parents can exchange without the threat of violence, is seeking support via a raffle - but the lucky ticket holder also wins a new Nissan Altima.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office says they believe missing Virginia Tech student Johnny Roop left the county on his own last week. Members of the Roanoke City Council have voted to approve the adoption of the Evans Spring Master Plan. Nikki Haley is vowing to stay in the Republican contest for President past this Saturday's primary in her home state - and at least through Super Tuesday. Spring is less than a month away, but the flu season is far from over. Comedian Shane Gillis is coming to the Salem Civic Center on June 21st.
Members of the Roanoke City Planning Commission have advanced the Evans Spring Master Plan. Members in the House of Delegates yesterday passed legislation that calls for the legalization of Skill Games. Democratic State Senate Finance Chair Louise Lucas now says she opposes the northern Virginia Potomac Yard arena and entertainment development plan and believes it is risky. US Senator Mark Warner says the foreign aid package being voted on this week could send a reaffirming signal to US allies. Swimming, biking, and running-- all indoors. That's the unique spin the Kirk Family YMCA has on their indoor Triathlon being held on February 25th. Former Cave Spring High School and Duke basketball star JJ Reddick will join the NBA Finals broadcast team on ESPN this spring.
Gun rights advocates including the Virginia Citizens Defense League say they still believe a Roanoke City gun ordinance, we’ve been telling you about, is unconstitutional, even after the City Council amended it on Tuesday.
Residents are continuing to speak out against plans to develop the Evans Spring area of Northwest Roanoke.
With a 100 billion dollar-plus bill that contained at least 18 billion for border security dead at this point, a Virginia U.S. Senator says he has been through this scenario before.
Bedford County officials have announced the “Alert Bedford” emergency notification system. Through the new system, residents will be updated on any emergency or change with community services.
The Montgomery County School Board has selected Roanoke-based law firm Gentry Locke, to conduct a third-party review of events leading up to a murder-suicide in November that claimed the lives of Blacksburg High School students Serenity Hawley and her ex-boyfriend Croney Monk.
With a deal to secure the US-Mexico border hanging in the balance, a UVA political expert believes Republicans want the deal to fall apart.
Members of Roanoke City Council are weighing whether or not to install ticketing cameras in school zones to catch speeders.
A lawmaker shares scrapbook images with the General Assembly, which he says paint the picture of a different Virginia than we know today.
A recent map indicates that respiratory viruses are at the "high" level in Virginia, but the local health district director says the trend is downward. She also says this is not the time to let our guard down.
Even before the public hearings scheduled next Monday and on the 20th over the Evans Spring development plan, there were a few fireworks at yesterday's City Council meeting.
A ban on assault firearms and certain ammunition has passed the House of Delegates. House Bill No. 2, as written, would make it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person who imports, sells, manufactures, purchases, possesses, transports, or transfers an assault firearm.
Those against bringing skill games back to Virginia say lawmakers aren’t considering the impact these machines have on children.
A nonprofit is working with a local school to benefit a disabled veteran and boccia (bah-chee) ball athlete.
Some young people are calling on Roanoke City leaders to rethink plans to develop land in the Evans Spring area. Court documents indicate the deaths of 57-year-old Anthony Sweeney and 53-year-old Nikki Sweeney at a home in Roanoke County this past Wednesday were likely the result of a murder-suicide. Area gun rights activists are suing Roanoke City claiming a city gun law risks their safety. The RAM House has reached the halfway mark to its goal of more than 4 million dollars. The Fincastle Fire Department says a large brush fire in the 11 thousand block of Craig Creek Road was brought under control.
As the United States mulls its response to the first deaths of US troops in the region since the start of the Israeli-Hamas conflict, a Virginia Tech professor who also researches new policies for conflict resolution, says restraint may be the order of the day.
Roanoke City officials are concerned with the number of drivers cited in school zones during a recent week-long initiative.
15 protestors gathered yesterday at Wells Fargo Bank in Blacksburg and demanded the bank pull funding from the Mountain Valley Pipeline project. Protestors say they don’t want to see the pipeline impact the Appalachian Trail and other natural wonders.
Sticking with energy -- Liquified Natural Gas - or LNG - has an uncertain future in the United States.
Virginia's First Lady Suzanne Youngkin will be in Roanoke this morning along with Attorney General Jason Miyares, to unveil a Fentanyl Awareness Pilot Program and a new website, "It Only Takes One V-A dot-com."
A man whose evidence showed inflicted a fatal brain injury on a 4-year-old girl entered a no-contest plea to second-degree murder in a rare Sunday hearing in Roanoke Circuit Court.
Despite the U.S. Supreme Court overturning the Roe v Wade decision last June, analysts say abortion will still play a big role in this year's presidential election.
Roanoke Catholic School is undergoing some leadership changes. The school announced a search for a new Head of School and Associate Head of School is underway.
Builder Alexander Boone said A Boone Real Estate Inc. has contracted to buy the Poage Farm in Roanoke County and plans to develop it.
Carilion Clinic today announced plans to launch an adult kidney transplant program at its Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
Cannabis Team Coverage -- The latest as Virginia's General Assembly attempts to set up a retail marijuana marketplace. While Roanoke College launches a first in the commonwealth -- cannabis studies program.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is searching for whoever left a dog inside a porta potty in Jaycee Park.
Three Nelson County middle school students were sent home with illness Wednesday after consuming freeze-dried Skittles that, authorities say, were not in their original packaging.
The weather is warming up - but tonight it’s getting HOT with a “Hot Ones” style competition in downtown Roanoke.
The Pulaski Police Department is warning parents about an increase in children being sexually exploited online and sextortion cases in the community.
A former instructional assistant at Salem’s Andrew Lewis Middle School has been charged with taking indecent liberties with a child.
A bill introduced in the General Assembly is looking to make it a crime to sell and posses assault weapons.
After Florida Governor Ron DeSantis dropped out - the Republican Presidential Primary is down to two. WFIR Political Analyst Bob Denton says former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley needs to beat former President Donald Trump by about 5-percentage-points today in New Hampshire to still be in the race when South Carolina has its primary in a month.
The founder of Help Save the Next Girl says her late daughter Morgan Dana Harrington would be "Flabbergasted," to see what family and friends have done on her behalf since she was murdered in 2009. One prime example is the annual "Docs for Morgan," basketball game tomorrow night.
The Giles County Sheriff’s Office says a 14-year-old is dead after a shooting at a home on Friday.
Three people were injured during a shooting at Status Restaurant & Lounge located at the intersection of Williamson Rd and Kirk Ave in downtown Roanoke.
A bill progressing in the General Assembly would make it illegal to buy a gun without a permit. Gun rights groups say that violates the constitution.
A Blacksburg non-profit recently announced they have helped abolish medical debt owed by some residents in Southwest Virginia.
A diverse group of young professionals from the Greater Roanoke Region have signed on to become spokespersons about all the good reasons they live here, and why others should too.
A small commuter plane operated by Southern Airways Express that had just taken off from Washington Dulles Airport had to land on a nearby roadway in Loudon County around 1-pm Friday.
A General Assembly committee has discussed legislation that looks to lift Virginia’s ban on skill games.
A study of the cost of education in Virginia was presented to the General Assembly’s Education Committee.
The Giles County Sheriff’s Office says a woman died after falling about 100 feet within a cave outside of Pearisburg on Friday. Two men have been arrested on child pornography charges following two separate investigations. Community organizers and civil rights leaders hosted an annual luncheon to honor the life and acts of Martin Luther King Jr. As the US and coalition forces hit targets in Yemen that came after rebels continued to attack commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea, Virginia's senior US Senator warns that the enemy they face is formidable. A concerning gap in mortgage approval rates between white applicants and Black and Hispanic applicants at Navy Federal Credit Union. Salem officials will soon decide whether or not to approve a proposal that calls for the construction of what some believe could be the city’s largest residential development.
Governor Youngkin touted his hopes of reforming taxes during his State of the Commonwealth address.
State Senate Democrats made clear yesterday they plan to continue the practice of stacking General Assembly committees with their own members in a proportion greater than their razor-thin 21-19 majority.
Delegate Don Scott yesterday was sworn in as the first Black Speaker of the House of Delegates in the commonwealth's history.
Virginia continues to have murky marijuana laws after decriminalization steps were taken in 2021.
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on February 8th following an appeal by former President Donald Trump's campaign of the Colorado court decision keeping him off that state's primary ballot.
Liberty University weighs in on whether or not Lil Nas-X, the musician behind the song Old Town Road, has been accepted to the school.
38-year-old James Buckland, was sentenced in Wise County Circuit Court yesterday to serve two life sentences plus eleven years consecutively in prison without the possibility of parole after being convicted of shooting Norton Police Chief James Lane in 2021.
The Virginia General Assembly opens this year's session later today with a new look -- and many unanswered questions on what it might accomplish.
A man was taken into custody following a standoff at a home near the Advanced Auto Parts store in the 12 hundred block of Orange Avenue in Northwest Roanoke.
A woman who attended last year’s Blue Ridge Rock Fest says what organizers promised did not match up with reality.
The director of the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts says the number of people who have recieved the latest version of the COVID vaccine and the flu shot many get around this time of year, are not where she would like them to be.
A smalltime fisherman who died in 2017 has been linked to three cold-case homicides in Virginia from the 1980s, including two that were among a series of unsolved slayings of couples known as the “Colonial Parkway Murders,”
Plans to bring a Wawa to the Daleville area of Botetourt County are up in the air after a vote by the county’s planning commission.
Current Roanoke Vice Mayor Joe Cobb is planning to launch his Mayoral campaign during an event at the train station on South Jefferson Street Thursday night.
Plans have been filed to bring a Starbucks to the former Norfolk Southern office tower in downtown Roanoke.
The monetary ebbs and flows of tax season are upon us.
A new home for the monthly TRIAD meetings debuts today with a 1-pm session focused on seniors and trauma - how to deal with it and how to avoid it. Its also a chance to learn about other available services.
The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office says a body was found inside a smoldering car yesterday.
The Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department is discussing ways to prevent a possible kitchen fire.
An Elliston man, who was found guilty of accompanying rioters into the US Capitol on January 6th in 2021, has been acquitted on two of the six charges against him.
Republicans have set their sights on higher education reform since three university presidents failed to answer “yes” or “no” to whether calling for genocide of the Jewish people is against each school’s rules on bullying and harassment.
The owner of independent book store, War on Books, announced over the weekend that the brick and mortar location on 5th Street in downtown Roanoke is shutting down.
Chances are you have heard of dry January, where people try to go without drinking alcohol for one month. Instead of cocktails many often drink their non-alcoholic cousin, a mocktail.
A downtown Roanoke restaurant is closing for good. "Crescent City Bourbon and BBQ" -- on Salem Ave. near the intersection with Market Street -- posted on Facebook that they are closing January 31st.
A group called Wild Virginia is voicing concerns about a potential PFAS contamination in Roanoke’s water.
Roanoke’s Gun Violence Prevention Commission is preparing to distribute thousands of dollars in funding to more than a dozen non-profits that are working to reduce gun violence incidents.
Current Roanoke Vice Mayor Joe Cobb says he is exploring the opportunity of becoming mayor, and says a decision will be 'forthcoming very soon.'
Two political activists in Hampton Roads are trying to get former President Donald Trump off Virginia’s March 5th primary ballot.
A share of three hundred thousand dollars worth of cash and services is up for grabs at an annual business competition this month.
CoreLife Eatery, a healthy food restaurant on Franklin Road in Roanoke City, has posted a sign on the door that states its last day in business was December 29th.
The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office is requesting assistance in locating 15-year-old Alexis Parker who reportedly left her home on Falling Creek Road around 10:45 last night.
Members of Roanoke City Council and the city’s Gun Violence Prevention Commission a held a joint meeting to discuss progress achieved in prevention, intervention, and justice initiatives.
According to Virginia Forestry officials, more than 25 thousand acres of land burned during the fall fire season.
People often set resolutions for the New Year centered around physical health and wellness, but the Freedom First Financial Empowerment Center says getting your money back on track is another worthy goal.
Roanoke City announced Church Avenue will be closed on Sunday between 2nd Street and 3rd Street.
The Virginia Department of Health has announced the state’s first reported influenza-associated pediatric death for the 2023-24 flu season - a child between 5 and 12 years old in Virginia’s Eastern region has died from complications associated with the flu.
A Northern Virginia Congressman is calling on his colleagues in the House to continue providing support to Ukrainian forces that have be under Russian attack for almost two years.
The Roanoke City Police Department says they will have extra personnel throughout the downtown area during New Year’s Eve festivities.
A retired Virginia Western Community College history professor has not stopped working - he has now released a seventh novel in a series that's followed its hero from just before the Pearl Harbor attack.
Henry County emergency crews say an 18th-century church burned to the ground on Tuesday. Officials say the church on Lee Ford Camp Road was built in 1754.
Do you have a New Year's Resolution to get out and get active? Virginia's State Parks can help.
Our next update will be uploaded after 9:00 am on Monday.
A 17-year-old girl from Bedford County has been cited after a police chase that ended with a crash in Campbell County. Some residents in Northeast Roanoke are raising concerns about a clinic that could open its doors in a recreational building. With casinos popping up on Virginia’s southern border, some lawmakers now want to explore whether wealthy northern Virginia should get in on the action. A local company aimed at bringing counseling services closer to home is highlighting the newer services they offer at one of their sites. Roanoke-based Blindhouse Beer Company found its self on the drinking culture website VinePair’s list of the 19 Best New Breweries of the Year.
An area Republican Congressman believes the Colorado Supreme Court set a dangerous precedent when it opted to remove former President Trump from the state’s primary ballot.
Now that an affiliate of Publix supermarkets has purchased land in southwest Virginia, the next question is whether site work will begin in the new year.
Wayne's Imported Automotive won't be open this coming Friday. That's because they're now closed every Friday, making the 4-day work week decision in September.
After a slow start Roanoke City's land bank program has found its footing and is close to hitting its original target.
According to the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s office, a dog has been found after it was stolen on Christmas morning.
With migrant border crossings reaching 5 figures last week and US allies looking for more support as they fight wars, Tim Kaine is dismayed that Congress took a pass last week on voting for a supplemental aid package.
More than a dozen neighbors in Lynchburg received flyers that contained disturbing images and racial sayings that include phrases such as “caution colored people” on their porches and cars.
Roanoke Vice-Mayor Joe Cobb calls Mayor Sherman Lea Sr, who announced earlier this week he will not seek reelection next year to a third term, a "friend and mentor," over the past 5 years Cobb has been on City Council."
A non-profit that helps connect expecting parents with resources released a survey that indicates those resources are becoming harder to find in the Commonwealth.
An Amherst County Sheriff’s Office K-9 reunited a missing child with their family.
According to search warrants, a sex offender shot by U.S. Marshals earlier this week on Dunmore Street in Sw Roanoke has now been charged with malicious wounding.
A former Virginia Governor believes the Colorado Supreme Court banning former President Trump from holding office again undermines voter confidence in our system of government.
It's part of the "holistic approach" to reducing gun violence, especially among young people. A Roanoke area delegate will ask his colleagues for funding to tackle that problem head-on.
One of Roanoke's most listened-to radio DJs will continue a Christmas morning tradition that has now reached its 35th year.
You do not want a "Breaking and Entering" on Christmas, right? One family in Roanoke is feeling very fortunate after a special type of B-and-E yesterday.
A recent survey found that close to 30 percent of Virginians believe being high on marijuana increases driving safety.
Virginia State Police have charged 24 year old Micah Allen Godfrey of Clifton Forge, in the Officer Involved Shooting that happened on December 8th.
Court records reveal the man shot and killed by police during a shootout at Melrose Towers in northwest Roanoke earlier this month told a friend that he was getting even with people he believed had betrayed him.
Personnel from the U.S. Marshals Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force shot a suspect who was being served a warrant for failing to register as a sex offender, according to Roanoke Police.
Virginia State Police say a man was flown to the hospital after he was shot during a training scenario.
Governor Youngkin says restricting TikTok for Virginians under the age of 18 is part of his plan to help youth improve their mental health.
A member of Roanoke County's Board of Supervisors steps down after nearly a decade of service.
You may have noticed that the Christmas songs heard every year on the radio, on phones, or in department stores are typically very familiar - and many include multiple versions by a variety of artists. There are a few good reasons for that...
A Roanoke City School bus driver has been found not at fault for hitting a student Friday.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares says protecting our kids "from the darkness out there online," is one of the most difficult jobs for a parent right now."
The head of the Virginia Republican party says a lack of funding may have led to the GOP losing control of the General Assembly.
The association representing Virginia's hospitals has unveiled a new website designed to help you know what healthcare consumer laws are on the books -- and best understand pricing BEFORE any scheduled hospital procedures.
During a protest in downtown Roanoke, Rafeeq McNamara with Occupy Roanoke for Palestinians, says the US is hurting its reputation on the world stage by helping Israel’s operation in Gaza. The mother of a 6-year-old who shot his teacher in Newport News is expected to be sentenced today for felony child neglect, nearly a year after her son used her gun to critically wound his teacher. It could have been much worse: the report that students at an Amherst County elementary school were hospitalized - after ingesting gummies that came from a baggie testing positive for fentanyl. A customer at Berglund Automotive is alleging in a lawsuit that he and about 51 thousand others were the victims of a data breach at car dealerships that collected their personal information. Used car prices in the Roanoke region have fallen a bit on average in the last 12 months, reversing the often-sharp increases that emerged during the heart of the pandemeic.
Two students at Liberty High School in Bedford County received medical attention after they consumed a substance believed to be THC. This comes after 7 students at Central Elementary School in Amherst County ingested gummies that came from a bag that tested positive for fentanyl.. now two people have been arrested. A community-wide program designed as part of the "holistic strategy," envisioned to curb gun violence in Roanoke took another step forward yesterday with the rollout of a new campaign. In related news... An off-duty Roanoke County Police officer’s firearm was reportedly found in a restroom during a middle basketball game between Hidden Valley and William Byrd. Governor Glenn Youngkin announced a $2 billion public-private partnership yesterday to create a world-class Entertainment District in the City of Alexandria at Potomac Yard - bringing the N-B-A and N-H-L to Virginia. Meanwhile, The mayor of Washington D.C. says those two professional sports teams belong in the nation’s capital.
Amherst County Sheriff’s deputies say five students at Central Elementary School were hospitalized after they consumed gummy bears that tested positive for fentanyl. The owner of two Washington professional sports teams is reportedly preparing to move the franchises to Northern Virginia. Authorities are investigating after reports of a burglary at CW Tactical on Washington Avenue in Vinton. The Franklin County School Board voted to approve a new procedure to review books in school libraries that parents and others see as “objectionable.” The Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl is making an encore appearance in Salem.
A person associated with Craig County Public Schools has been charged with crimes involving a minor. One of Virginia's top elected officials says Israel is justified in responding as it has in Gaza -- and the U-S would respond the same. Virginia State Police are investigating the shooting of a man who was allegedly attacking a Clifton Forge Police officer. A suspect is in custody for the recent series of tire slashings in Roanoke. His name has not yet been released. Roanoke County is working jointly with Roanoke and Salem Cities in a new effort to attract more national retailers to the valley -- some of them familiar names like Trader Joe's. A former U.S. Navy SEAL who says he shot Osama bin Laden is at the center of a much different fight over plans to open a military-themed brewery in Norfolk. Roanoke College Professor Gary Hollis came away with more than 26 thousand dollars after winning Friday night’s episode of Jeopardy.
We are learning more about the suspect who allegedly shot a Roanoke City Police officer during an incident over the weekend. Roanoke City Public School officials say a few schools in the district will be taking a step toward using solar power. A 'green light' rating for free speech was given to one nearby university. Consumers have "just had it," with the prices for certain goods they pay. That was a takeaway when the Consumer Sentiment index measured quarterly by Roanoke College registered its second-lowest point ever. Yet Virginians continue to spend.
- A Roanoke City Police officer shot during an incident yesterday at Melrose Towers in the Northwest part of the city is out of surgery but is still in critical condition at Lewis Gale Hospital.
- St Andrews Catholic Church in Roanoke was recognized as a basilica during a ceremony yesterday, becoming the third in Virginia.
- A free service that can counsel on reducing debt, improving credit scores and budgeting wants local consumers to slow down and think twice about how they spend during the Christmas holidays.
- Its the Christmas Holiday season and that typically means get togethers with family and friends, shopping for gifts - and scammers. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares on how to avoid the latter
- According to the Virginia Lottery’s sport wagering report, between October 1 and October 31, 2023, Virginians wagered more than $571 million dollars, 8.2% higher than last October.
The chemical company blamed for contaminating parts of the Roanoke River with a so called forever chemical is set to pay at least 9 point 5 million dollars for the treatment of water from the Spring Hollow reservoir. Roanoke County Firefighters are discussing their experience dealing with the Matts Creek Wildfire. A new statewide poll finds that President Biden has lost considerable support among Virginia voters in the last six months, especially among a key group that often determines who wins elections. The State Corporation Commission has approved a rate increase for Appalachian Power that will add around 16 dollars to the average monthly bill of a residential customer.
The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce held its 32nd annual Pre-session Legislative Meeting and Breakfast yesterday at the Salem Civic Center. One of those lawmakers you just heard from is participating in a hunger strike -- Roanoke State Delegate Sam Rasoul will be participating in a hunger strike and prayer for peace between Israel and Palestine. Lynchburg leaders have opted to extend a youth curfew, which they say has reduced crime in Hill City. A Roanoke native says his debut novel offers a new take on the horror genre. Roanoke native Christopher P. Beckman has published his debut novel “Seeping of The Sponge”, which examines how a home’s residual energy impacts the lives of four separate families over several decades. The 2023 Vinton Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting happen in downtown Vinton this evening, with over 100 parade entries.
A person suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken into custody following reports of a shooting at Christopher Newport University early yesterday morning. Even though there is a cease-fire in Israel's war against Hamas, a Virginia Tech Foreign Policy expert says at this point Israel doesn't appear to have a plan for what comes next. Firefighters in the Town of Christiansburg are coming together to support one of their own who was diagnosed with cancer. Conducted every 5 years, the national 2023 Arts & Economic Impact Study by Americans for the Arts featured the New River Valley as one of the regions that were analyzed. Virginia Tourism officials announced the temporary closure of the most popular photo spot on McAfee Knob in Roanoke County.
According to the latest update from the US Forest Service, the Matts Creek Wildfire in Bedford County is 100 percent contained. State Education officials were in the Star City to get resident input on new accountability measurements for Virginia’s public schools. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently gave Mountain Valley Pipeline crews permission to drill horizontally 24 hours a day, seven days a week - about 50 feet below I-81 in Montgomery County, just north of the Ironto exit. Roanoke City’s Christmas Tree was installed downtown yesterday in anticipation of Friday’s tree lighting. The Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association recently presented Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin with a Christmas tree and two wreaths to display in Virginia’s Executive Mansion for the holiday season.
The Matts Creek wildfire in Bedford County is 93 percent contained, according to the latest update from the US Forest Service. Some guests at Hotel Roanoke say it was frustrating that officials did not inform them about an active shooter hoax on Thanksgiving morning. A Virginia Republican not yet sworn into his first-time State Senate seat has already announced a run for Congress -- upsetting some in his party, not to mention the current G-O-P Representative. Virginia State Police say a 14-year-old is dead and a 16-year-old is in the hospital following a vehicle crash in Henry County. "The Elf on the Shelf Adventure," has returned to downtown Roanoke. The goal is to find all 16 "Scout Elves" that have been hidden in various retail shops. A Fairfax man recently hit the 5-million-dollar jackpot while playing the Virginia Lottery.
Roanoke City Police responded to reports of an active shooter yesterday morning at Hotel Roanoke. Authorities determined the call was a hoax. A Northern Virginia Congressman says the United States must continue serving as a beacon of freedom amid conflicts in Europe and the Middle East. It's another "Black Friday", the day after Thanksgiving that traditionally marks the start of the holiday shopping season. A personal finance website has been surveying promised discounts and says some stores will offer deals that average more than 50 percent.
- Officials with the US Forest Service say the ongoing Matt’s Creek wildfire in Bedford County now covers close to 11 thousand acres and is 33 percent contained.
- He's a Maroon now instead of a Hokie, and a familiar face in many local households due to his recruiting work as well. The head coach for the return of football at Roanoke College will be Bryan Stinespring -- a long time member of Frank Beamer's staff at Virginia Tech.
- Get ready for several of the biggest travel days of the year. According to Triple-A Virginia roads will be bustling today and tomorrow as people head to their Thanksgiving Day destinations.
- Sheetz is celebrating Thanksgiving week by reducing the price of its Unleaded 88 gas to $1.99 at all locations that carry this fuel in several states including Virginia.
Firefighters are continuing to battle the Matt’s Creek wildfire which is causing some hazardous health conditions.
Prosecutors say a California man, who supplied as many as 30,000 pressed fentanyl pills a week to individuals who shipped the pills to Southwest Virginia, pled guilty yesterday to a pair of federal drug charges. Roanoke Pastor Tom McCracken tells WFIR News he has received an apology from Roanoke City Councilman Luke Priddy, who accused McCracken of touching a 15-year-old girl during a county school board meeting in August. Slowly but surely the 9th Street industrial park is being cleaned up, the first step in a long-term redevelopment project that could create a unique village of sorts in Southeast Roanoke. Work is just getting underway for the latest step in efforts to eventually create a continued Roanoke River Greenway from Explore Park to Montgomery County. As party leadership positions are announced, a former Governor of Virginia is discussing whether the criminal past of the incoming speaker of the House of Delegates should matter. The NCAA has rejected JMU football’s latest request to become bowl eligible.
Bedford County School officials say Big Island Elementary School will be closed today due to air quality concerns related to the ongoing Matts Creek wildfire. Saying Congress has “done nothing on any guardrails” on social media and technology - Virginia’s Senior U.S. Senator warns that several countries are planning to interfere in the 2024 elections. One of those who has proposed to redevelop the former Holdren's Country Store property in Vinton - at one time a 19th-century grain mill - says they will be ready to move forward once agreements signed this afternoon at a special Town Council meeting are completed. One major project has a mission of restoration to create a ripple effect across all of Roanoke. As his second week in office comes to a close, Roanoke’s new chief of police is discussing areas of the department that need to be addressed.
- The father of Blacksburg High School student Croney Monk III, who reported shot and killed his ex-girlfriend Serenity Hawley last week inside a parking garage, says his son struggled with depression prior to the incident.
- A former All-American swimmer and women’s rights advocate is set to speak at an area university
- The ban on electronic "skill games" that was reinstated in Virginia last month will stand for now, after a judge's ruling yesterday in Greensville County struck down a legal challenge, by granting the state's motion for a summary judgment.
- Blue Ridge Literacy will employ a new grant from the Roanoke Women's Foundation to help those it tutors in English as a Second Language take the next step towards prophecy, education - and employment.
With increased fire danger in western North Carolina and southwest Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway is temporarily banning backcountry campfires effective immediately. A former Virginia Republican governor says this week's election results suggest President Biden has a good chance of carrying the state in next year's elections. As the Virginia General Assembly election post-mortem continues, the Commonwealth's junior U.S. Senator offers his take on what led to Democrats holding the State Senate - and flipping the House of Delegates. The contentious debate over a new FBI headquarters is intensifying after Director Christopher Wray said he's concerned about a "potential conflict of interest" in the site selection. A teen found dead near the Virginia Tech campus is being remembered by her family friends.
The surprise General Assembly sweep of both chambers on Tuesday night by the Democrats - despite the tireless efforts of Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin as he sought a GOP sweep - should make for an interesting 2024 legislative session. The two people found dead inside a vehicle near the Virginia Tech campus Tuesday have been identified as Blacksburg High School students. Roanoke’s new chief of police took part in the first community meeting since he came into office. The FBI's new headquarters will be located in Maryland instead of Virginia. Top football teams from the nation's oldest historically black athletic conference are facing off this Saturday.
- As Democrats prepare to take full control of the General Assembly, the man who could become the next speaker in the House of Delegates says his party has the blueprint for freedom. WFIR's Clark Palmer has more.
- A State Senate District created after the 2020 census elected a Republican candidate last night who is already a familiar face in Richmond, as WFIR's Gene Marrano reports:
- After the race for Virginia's Senate district four seat was called in favor of her opponent by the NY Times, Democratic candidate Trish White-Boyd reflected on what she called a job well done. WFIR's Emma Thomas has that story:
- Despite a high-dollar lobbying push, Richmond voters last night rejected for a second time a ballot measure that would have opened the door to a proposed casino resort.
Governor Youngkin is defending his party’s stance on abortion ahead of tomorrow’s legislative elections. In Washington DC, both parties and both chambers of Congress are taking up bills that would support military action and strengthen defense capabilities overseas. Montgomery County emergency crews spent Saturday night fighting five separate brush fires. A Virginia State Police Special Agent was treated for non-life-threatening injuries after a shooting in Petersburg last week. A meeting about the proposed nomination of one area to be recognized on state and national historic registries is taking place tonight.
- Progress is being made towards fully funding the federal government but Virginia's junior Democratic US Senator says there is still a ways to go, with more bills to pass.
- Virginia’s Attorney General is pushing back against those making their way onto college campuses to protest Israel.
- Pulaski County Emergency Management says the 491-acre wild fire in the Parrott River Road area that broke out over the weekend is now considered 90 percent contained.
- A Franklin County man has been sentenced for killing his two dogs.
- A man who robbed a northeast Roanoke bank while drunk in May has been sentenced to nine months in jail.
- No one was injured when a deer broke through a glass door at Awful Arthur’s restaurant on East Main Street in Salem and ran through the building, and through an open door leading outside.
Around 100 people attended a pro-Palestinian rally in Downtown Roanoke at Henrietta Lacks Plaza. Roanoke City leaders say a report that examined the city’s police department has already led to changes. Roanoke’s new police chief -- does he have to report to Roanoke’s former police chief turned Assistant City Manager? The Least Of These Ministry is set to turn the former Apple Valley Motel on Franklin Road into Suites by TLOT to serve the homeless population in Roanoke. You may have noticed it on those campaign lawn signs - the candidate's party affiliation.
- We have an update regarding the ongoing wildfire in Pulaski County
- Prominent Virginians from both political parties have joined forces in efforts to allow undefeated and nationally-ranked James Madison University to play in a post-season bowl game -- but a legal expert says don't count on a winning drive.
- A retired law enforcement officer from Pennsylvania has been sentenced in connection with a child sexual solicitation investigation in Virginia.
- Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced action to combat threats of violence against Jewish and Muslim people.
- APCO officials have submitted a proposal that they hope brings down costs for customers heading into the winter months.
Glenn Youngkin’s administration has identified nearly 3,400 voters who were improperly removed from the state’s rolls due to probation violations - a greater number than previously acknowledged - and said Friday that local registrars have reinstated the vast majority of those individuals. Governor Youngkin believes next week’s legislative elections could be the most important in the Commonwealth’s history. Emergency crews are in the process of containing a wildfire near Parrot River Road and Dry Branch Road in Pulaski County. Several recent stories in the Washington Post and from the Associated Post pointed out that many regional theaters across the country have still not seen attendance at their live stage shows return to pre-COVID numbers. A private venue with a view repurposes a portion of the Berglund Center.
Officials with the VDH say a survey released shortly after the recent Blue Ridge Rock Festival received more than 3,000 responses and about 41% of those surveyed said "yes" to being sick with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea after the festival. Amid fighting in the Middle East, A former Virginia Governor believes the US must remain focused on helping Ukraine fight back against Russian aggression. Following Wednesday’s mass shooting in Maine, Governor Youngkin has ordered that flags remain at half-staff until sunset on Monday, October 30. With any final vote on a Federal budget for the new fiscal year already underway delayed by the lack of a Speaker of the House - and the inability to vote on spending bills - Virginia's senior US Senator says he'll take a wait-see attitude towards the new Republican speaker. Halloween is just days away. Some localities are opting to trick-or-treat tomorrow instead of October 31st. Whenever you head out to get your treats, WFIR's Denise Allen Membreno has a few Halloween safety tips.
A former Virginia Congressman says the election of a new Speaker of the House shows extremists have taken over the Republican party. A man arrested at a Roanoke County School board meeting in August has been found guilty of disorderly conduct. A North Carolina man was taken into custody after he allegedly kidnapped a 17-year-old, traveled to Virginia, and then fled from police on I-81. One of the big winners at the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce annual awards ceremony and dinner just came off a record year of providing live music in the Valley at an outdoor venue. A concert at the Jefferson Center in Roanoke next week will feature musical talent 25 and younger in the Blue Ridge.
Some Roanoke parents went before the city school board and voiced concerns about how ongoing bus delays are impacting their children’s education. The man accused of carrying out a shooting at Melody Hookah Lounge in Blacksburg last year that killed one person and injured four others has been found guilty on all charges including first-degree murder. The Richmond-based Red Gates Foundation has committed $50 million to the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute in Roanoke to accelerate health sciences research at Virginia Tech. Virginia ABC has launched a system that informs residents when high-demand bourbons and other spirits are available for sale. After a 3-year hiatus due to COVID-19 the Roanoke Greek Festival is back again this weekend - and one of the organizers is expecting plenty of pent-up demand.
A teen has been charged after a note containing a bomb threat was found at E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg. Stagehands working the recent Blue Ridge Rock Fest claim their walkout caused the entire event to end. Franklin County Sheriff’s officials say a Roanoke man drowned at Smith Mountain Lake. Efforts to crack down on gun violence in Roanoke don’t stop inside the star city. The owner of two local computer stores says he is seeing increasing cases of computer fraud that begin with a legitimate call for tech support -- but the person at the other end sometimes has a second job of sorts once you have your first problem fixed.
- A Roanoke judge is being accused of offering help on a murder case in exchange for sex.
- A southeastern Virginia town is settling a lawsuit that sprang from a Black and Latino Army lieutenant being pepper sprayed during a traffic stop.
- The latest Virginia student assessment results continue to show what state officials call a "significant and persistent learning loss" in reading and math. In response, the Youngkin administration has announced a series of steps in efforts to improve academic performance
- To what level is there gang violence in Roanoke? We spoke with the attorney behind federal prosecutions in our part of Virginia
The latest Virginia and Roanoke Valley headlines. New Roanoke Police Chief? Rare plant prevents camping at Dragon's Tooth? A Professor gets an award for cement?
- Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea Sr. gave his annual "state of the city address" at a breakfast sponsored by the Roanoke Regional Chamber yesterday, where he again called Roanoke a "7-time All-America City - while acknowledging there are challenges to address.
- Roanoke Police are investigatintg after three people were injured during a shooting in the 38 hundred block of Williamson Road near WR Brews early this morning.
- Denver Riggleman, who once represented Virginia’s 5th Congressional District, says anyone that thinks former President Donald Trump does not have a chance to win back the presidency in 2024…needs to get their head out of the sand
- A local university is one of a select group pioneering a new pilot program for the Department of Defense.
The Roanoke City Police Department hosted the first of several community forums they hope will help reduce crime. With a refresh on the horizon, officials at the Roanoke City Market Building are looking to hear what the community wants out of the historic building in the future. A Wise County man was sentenced to five years in prison for conspiring to sell pressed pills containing fentanyl purchased from various social media platforms. A local candidate for the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors has ended his bid for a seat - saying the County's Republican Party establishment wasn't ready to welcome a challenge to the incumbent.
Franklin County Sheriff’s officials say a married couple has been arrested and indicted on charges they embezzled money from a youth baseball organization. A woman is working to improve a roadway near Roanoke’s Tinker Creek after a traffic accident that killed her husband. As former 5th District GOP Congressman Tom Garrett looks to secure a seat in the House of Delegates, his wife is accusing him of physical and emotional abuse. The FBI is looking to move its H-Q to either Maryland or Virginia, but Roanoke-area Congressman Ben Cline says they will not hesitate to hold the FBI and Justice Department accountable for what he calls the “weaponization” seen so far. An annual report required under the Virginia Community Policing Act shows drivers of color are being pulled over more than their white counterparts. A 20-thousand-dollar winning ticket was bought in Salem.
Recently unsealed searchwarrants describe the moments after a 6-year-old shot his teacher in NewportNews.
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Closing the "skills gaps" to better meet the demands of modern industry is a focus for the new Virginia community college Chancellor, and he says, for the Youngkin Administration.
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School resumes today for students in many area schools, among them Roanoke, Botetourt, Franklin and Craig Counties. Many school systems will begin their year with some teaching positions still open, but there is at least one exception in our region,
A Roanoke man was taken to the hospital with serious injuries following a shooting outside a home in the 9 hundred block of Gilmer Avenue NW.
Roanoke County Police are warning residents about a situation involving, foreign nationals committing fraud.
The Virginia Museum of Transportation has had to overcome any number of logistical obstacles to make possible the return of steam excursions led by Roanoke's iconic 6-11 locomotive. In return, the museum expects full trains.
35 years for a print magazine still going strong is a notable achievement - one that Leisure Publishing in Roanoke celebrating with its "Blue Ridge Country" 35th anniversary edition, now on newsstands.
- Roanoke residents are saying “enough is enough” following a string of fatal shootings.
- Billionaire Republican donor Thomas Peterffy reportedly wired 1million dollars to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s “ Spirit of Virginia” PAC
- A UVA political expert who has studied the Kennedy family says RFK Jr’s Presidential campaign hurts President Biden
- The latest data from the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics shows a sizable increase in the number of patients. And it doesn't look like those numbers will shrink much.
- In 1978 Franklin County led the state of Virginia in murders per capita. A book on the subject is on shelves now.
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Roanoke City Police say a man was found shot to death in the 5 hundred block of Harrison Avenue Northwest.
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A Lynchburg area Congressman is discussing why he is supporting Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign and why he feels the Florida Governor still has a chance to win the GOP nomination.
A member of a neighborhood organization pushes back against critics calling for her removal
- Live music offered on a regular basis at the Grandin Theatre became a reality last winter and now a schedule of Fall 2023 concerts has been announced. Changes at the historic movie venue helped make that possible
- According to search warrants, the elderly woman attacked on the Lick Run Greenway on July 2ndsustained numerous facial injuries and is missing some teeth
- Roanoke’s Youth and Gang Violence Prevention coordinator is giving an update on efforts to make the Star City a safer place.
- The Roanoke River "Blue-way" that coincides with development of the adjacent greenway is coming into a sharper focus as plans for several points of river access and special features on the river start to take shape.
- Meta's answer to Twitter has a policy that's giving some potential users pause.
Intelligence gathering conducted by the Virginia Department of Corrections resulted in drugs being found inside a suspect’s body earlier this month. Roanoke City's interim police chief is discussing a decrease in shootings and gang activity. Virginia is one of several U-S states that could see low-nicotine cigarettes rolled out by year’s end. Those who are most vulnerable to the risks of extreme heat should have a voice in crafting their community's response to rising temperatures. Roanoke Public Libraries announces a new video series aimed at addressing anxiety and depression in local teens.
Bedford County prosecutors say a charge has been dropped against an 18-year-old Liberty High School student arrested following a bomb threat in May. A former Virginia Governor says Sweden joining the NATO alliance is a big moment amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. An Oregon man has been sentenced to 101 years in prison for child sex crimes in Louisa County, Virginia. The Roanoke Valley is hundreds of miles away from coastal areas where hurricanes typically occur - but local residents need to be prepared for catastrophic rain events that can happen here. A pop-up Jazz festival is just the first of many planned events aimed at turning the future home of Melrose Plaza into a cultural destination.
Virginia Children’s Theatre spent money on lavish musical productions despite early signs the Roanoke nonprofit did not have the funds to do so, according to internal records obtained by The Roanoke Rambler. A Bedford man, who falsely obtained a 25-thousand-dollar Paycheck Protection Program loan, pleaded guilty last week to wire fraud and faces up to 20 years in prison. A recent report from the Commonwealth's watchdog agency revealed that K through 12th-grade schools in Virginia are underfunded by more than 3 billion dollars. Virginia’s Senior US Senator Mark Warner is discussing reports of a breach of Microsoft email accounts at over two-dozen organizations, including government agencies, by China-based hackers. SROs will be present when students in the Town of Christiansburg return to school this fall.
Newly released court documents are providing new information about the shooting death of a Roanoke teen late last month. Plans to put 5 million dollars of Pandemic relief funds towards revitalizing the long-neglected Gainsboro neighborhood with a hub devoted to healthcare and small business development have so far been unsuccessful. A former US Representative from our area says lawmakers must do more to prevent another January 6th riot from happening. A "Motorcycle Ministry" is raising money for the medical expenses of a young girl seriously injured in a freak accident.
Two bodies are found in the Roanoke River at different times. One has been identified. We look at home sales in Roanoke as well as car sales based on color. The Roanoke Rescue Mission opens a new welcoming center.
The latest news from the Roanoke Valley from air quality to a couple committing bank robberies in three states.
A pedestrian was taken to the hospital after being struck by a car Tuesday evening in downtown Roanoke but at this time no charges have been filed against the driver. Prosecutors say no charges will be filed against an Alleghany County Sheriff’s deputy who fatally shot a dog in April. There's a community meeting tonight for the 150-acre tract of land near Valley View Mall that Roanoke City wants to develop but residents overwhelmingly want left alone. Roanoke County law enforcement officials are discussing the positives when it comes to SRO staffing.
A Maryland man has been arrested in the fatal shooting of a police officer who was killed during a struggle with an assault suspect in a Nelson County town. Roanoke City Council will decide on an amended proposal that looks to place a coffee shop in Fishburn Park. A local campaign to promote cyclist safety is teaming up with Fleet Feet at this Week's Pub Run and Walk. The Town of Vinton's budget for the next fiscal year includes more than two million dollars for capital projects - and some pay hikes. Japanese steak house, Sakura on Apperson Drive in Salem has reopened with the addition of a drive-thru lane for takeout orders.
The Roanoke City School Board last night voted to approve a new daily “bell” schedule amid ongoing school bus delays in the district. A family-owned fireworks manufacturer is set to invest million in a new production facility in the New River Valley. A Roanoke-based lawyer has been appointed to serve as a magistrate judge in the federal court’s Western District of Virginia. Botetourt County's Department of Parks and Recreation is offering Pickleball starting next week. Outdoor lovers who like being in the woods may want to consider viewing those woods from the treetops for a change. Leaders say the “My Healthy Hometown” program can save up to 80% off retail on generics and up to 40% on name-brand medications.
Roanoke is currently listed in the orange range for air quality. The state’s air pollution control board has voted to remove the Commonwealth from the Regional Greenhouse Gas initiative. An inmate at the Roanoke City Jail was found dead early yesterday morning. Deputies located the victim while conducting a routine headcount. Four years after Roanoke established a land bank to turn blighted houses into affordable homes, only a handful of properties are just beginning to get fixed up. Inflation, supply chain issues, higher wages and smaller audience sizes since the pre-pandemic days have left Virginia Children's Theatre in a financial bind.
One person is in custody in the wake of a Richmond shooting that occurred after a high school graduation. More details are emerging about four people killed when a private jet crashed in Virginia after causing a scare over Washington. The Governor is down and the President is up in the latest statewide survey of Virginia residents by Roanoke College. The Virginia Department of Health has issued a warning about a harmful algal bloom located in the Blackwater River arm of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania counties. The Humble Hustle Company is inviting young girls around the Valley to a conference at Hollins University aimed at helping them forge their future paths with confidence.
A former instructional aide at Cave Spring Elementary is facing assault and battery charges after reportedly grabbing a four-year-old by the shoulders and neck.
A Salem woman was pronounced dead at the scene of a vehicle crash in Roanoke County.
From the crowded streets in busy downtown Roanoke to rural roadways and small towns in the Highlands. A regional organization wants to know how people use transportation as it plans for the future.
The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office announced their ‘safe exchange zone’ will start tomorrow.
As Pride Month prepares to kick off, Fashionista Roanoke's President and Cofounder is inviting the public to the first Pride Ball at the Taubman Museum of Art.
Authorities believe two fires set in Roanoke on Friday are related to two bodies that were found hours later in the McAfee Knob Trailhead parking lot in Roanoke County.
The deal struck by President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy regarding the nation’s debt ceiling over Memorial Day Weekend includes a provision to expedite the completion of the Mountain Valley Pipeline.
Virginia’s Lt. Governor made her way to Bedford County to honor service members who gave their lives to protect this country.
FEMA and Virginia's Department of Emergency Management have approved a new plan to boost the commonwealth's resilience against natural disasters.
As United Way of Roanoke Valley gets ready for its "Days of Action" volunteer community projects in late June they are sounding the call early for donations of food and everyday supplies.
A group of Roanoke County parents is set to hold a peaceful protest after parents commented on LGBTQ materials in one school. Lost perhaps in the noise over Florida Governor Ron DeSantis jumping into the race for President and the GOP nomination on Wednesday was the announcement by Tim Scott. "NIBIN" (Ny-bin) has arrived - the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has unveiled a mobile crime fighting tool - a rolling lab that can identify unique marks on a spent bullet casing and link it to previous gun violence incidents via a massive database. The Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of summer, for Smith Mountain Lake it IS the beginning of the busy season.
State Police say a Rocky Mount teen died after he was hit by a car while riding his e-bike.
Fans of the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs made their way downtown to continue celebrating the team’s first SPHL President’s Cup Title.
When a rocket explodes right after take-off can the test launch be deemed a success? Virginia Tech scientists say yes.
Some Virginia lawmakers are again pitching the idea of constructing a new stadium and commercial complex, amid news the Washington Commanders are set to be sold.
Another sign that summer is approaching: Dr. Pepper Park at The Bridges opens what its President says may be the biggest year yet.
The City of Roanoke will be holding a kickoff event this Friday at Vic Thomas Park to announce Roanoke as a Bee City USA affiliate city.
The Lynchburg community is coming together to honor the life of a 6-year-old boy who was fatally shot earlier this week.
Roanoke will move its homeless assistance team this month to a downtown office building that will also house the city's future Amtrak station. Yet some business leaders are pushing back on the city’s plans.
The Virginia High school League has released an NIL policy, they say, will help players and their families navigate name, image, and likeness opportunities while still maintaining eligibility to compete for their high school team.
The new Downtown Roanoke Virtual Tour provides residents and visitors with an easy way to explore and familiarize themselves with the downtown area.
Police are investigating a shots fired incident that claimed the life of a six-year-old boy. Roanoke Police have arrested a woman following the death of a man in February. A local Political Science Professor says the young vote may be President Biden's best bet to get back in the White House in 2024, but they could also be what keeps him out.
Police are investigating a “spoof call” regarding a shooting that caused Radford University to go into lockdown. Governor Glenn Youngkin is again fielding questions about whether or not he will run for the White House next year. A local barbecue spot Mama Jean's is taking the leap from food trailer to brick and mortar after construction costs halted their initial plan. Virginia elections officials say in-person voting for the June 20th primary election begins this Friday.
One person was taken to the hospital for mental health treatment following a barricade situation at a home in Bedford County. A pedestrian is said to be on life support after being struck by a car in the 21 hundred block of Bennington Street in S.E. Roanoke. A Congressman who represents parts of Southwest Virginia believes it’s time to impose term limits on some officials in the federal government.
Officials with Roanoke Blacksburg Regional airport rolled out their 20-year master plan during a recent community event. As early as June the United States could be in a position where it can't pay the bills on money borrowed. Virginia's senior US Senator weighs in on the current debate over the debt ceiling and its relationship to the next fiscal year budget. Artists are opening their doors to the public for Open Studios Roanoke 2023.
Some Roanoke residents are pushing back against plans to put a coffee shop in Fishburn Park.Gainsboro residents expressed confusion and criticism over a report presented this week aimed at guiding the long-neglected neighborhood’s revitalization. This is the tail end of National Volunteer Month - but the need for people with a wide variety of skills or just free time is a constant.
One person was injured when a train collided with a car in Bedford County. A Roanoke City man has been taken into custody and charged after remains were found in a burning vehicle last week in Bedford County. While the Mountain Valley Pipeline receives support from a Biden administration official, opponents of the pipeline say they are encouraged by a recent Supreme Court decision. Virginia's Attorney General gave an update on crime in the state and highlighted an often overlooked one that's growing rapidly.
Roanoke’s Mayor is again proposing ways to help bring an end to gun violence in the "Star City." New shows in the Star City. A new CTE center and the renovation of two elementary schools are Roanoke County Public Schools' top priorities, but according to their Superintendent, they don't intend to stop there.
Members of the Roanoke community are calling for action after a fatal shooting in the downtown area. A Botetourt County man, who is accused of pepper spraying police during the riot at the US Capitol in 2021, is facing the toughest punishment delivered so far in the investigation of the riot. Football is set to return to Roanoke College with one condition.
A man was taken into custody after he barricaded himself inside a home in Southwest Roanoke. A man has been convicted on charges connected to a fatal road rage incident on Williamson Road last year. Efforts to combat homelessness look different since the pandemic -- less typical agencies are now tasked with cracking down on an influx of people living outdoors.
A 3-year-old child has died after being struck by a car in a parking lot. Members of Roanoke City’s Gun Violence prevention commission hope improving communications will decrease incidents of gun violence. A new study finds that nearly 120 million Americans live in localities with unhealthy air.
The City of Roanoke ranks second in the nation for non-fatal overdoses. Roanoke City officials will soon decide on a budget that looks to keep core services intact and give the school district more funding. This week marks a major milestone for a company that has made an impact all over the valley and the region - Lionberger Construction turns 100 years old.
A man is dead following a reported shooting in the Grandin area of Roanoke. A Virginia Tech professor who studies social media says young men and Discord can be a worrisome combination. A man is facing several charges after he allegedly tried to kill at least one Bedford County Sheriff’s deputy. Virginia U-S Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine are part of an amicus brief appealing the ruling by a federal judge in Texas suspending the FDA approval of the abortion pill mifepristone.
Governor Youngkin was on hand as LEGO broke ground on the company’s first manufacturing facility in the United States. About a month before it was set to expire anyway, the COVID National Emergency was officially declared over this past Monday. But an official with the Virginia Department of Health says we are not all the way out of the woods just yet.Roanoke's Fashion Week is returning for its fourth year -- now with an all new line-up of events.
Expelled last week by the Republican-controlled Tennessee House of Representatives after taking part in a protest over gun reform in the wake of the Nashville mass shooting, two Black democratic lawmakers have been reinstated.After a decade supporting the Blue Ridge Marathon, Foot Levelers talks impacts and goals for the future. As race weekend gets underway in Martinsville, some fans were able to track laps for charity.
State Democrat lawmakers are calling on the Youngkin administration to reconsider a policy that changes how felons restore their voting rights. Members of Roanoke City Council considered passing a resolution last year in support of abortion access, but the effort fizzled because only one councilman supported the move.The Galen College of Nursing has opened its 15th campus nationwide - this one in Roanoke County in the former Allstate building. A grand opening will come this summer.
Roanoke City leaders came together for a workshop to discuss ways to reduce incidents of gun violence. Newport News grand jury yesterday indicted the mother of the 6-year-old boy who shot his first grade teacher at Richneck Elementary School three months ago. Its not personal says the challenger about his bid for a seat on the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors from the Catawba District, its about change and moving forward.
A former Virginia Governor is discussing how his past legal troubles compare to those of Donald Trump. The Franklin County Humane Society is asking for help after a dog was shot. The Blue Ridge Rock Festival is returning to the Virginia International Raceway this year.
A 16-year-old boy has been taken into custody and charged in connection with an alleged assault against a police officer. Area food banks are seeing increased demand after emergency SNAP benefits were eliminated. A long-closed section of the Blue Ridge Parkway is set to reopen soon, but one spokesperson reminds visitors it's not open YET.
6th District Republican Congressman Ben Cline called it a "sad day for our nation" when Donald Trump was indicted on 34 counts that included felony charges. Others might disagree, but Cline - an attorney by trade - lays out his case.A former Virginia US Congresswoman believes charges against former President Donald Trump are connected to a scheme meant to defraud voters.
A UVA political expert says former President Trump’s hush money case in New York is not the investigation people are paying attention to. In a bid to improve service reliability, AEP has submitted a rate review application asking to increase rates by over $200-million-dollars. Salem City officials say a skate park is no longer part of the renovation project at Moyer Sports Complex.
WFIR receives three AP awards. Updates on power outages. A Students for Life event goes wrong with a protest turning violent. Roanoke community gathers to remember victims of gun violence. Vinton road is closed for demolition downtown.
Governor Youngkin says he is in disbelief after a grand jury in New York indicted former President Donald Trump on charges related to an alleged hush money scheme with adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Roanoke City officials held their final meeting regarding the possible enforcement of a youth curfew. While some clinics will be largely unaffected by Medicaid's "unwinding", others are bracing for impact.
A drive-by shooting in Roanoke left a young girl and boy with minor gunshot wounds. Civil rights leaders say the death Ivo Otieno must lead to changes and his family needs to be served justice. If you haven't tried it, you've probably heard of it -- acupuncture is being used to battle addiction.
Roanoke City Fire-EMS crews say no one was injured when a car crashed into a home. A month after the General Assembly adjourned, lawmakers are still working to approve a state budget. Virginia has a new delegate after a special election last night.
The Rev. Al Sharpton will deliver the eulogy at the funeral of a 28-year-old Black man who died while he was being admitted to Central State mental hospital in Petersburg. A Lynchburg area Congressman is voicing support for legislation he believes will give parents more of a say when it comes to their child’s education. Virginia's Governor made a stop in Roanoke to sign bills meant to provide vulnerable Virginians with greater support.
Newly released surveillance video shows a group of Henrico County sheriff's deputies and other employees at Virginia’s Central State mental hospital pinning Irvo Otieno to the floor until he was motionless and limp. Roanoke's Chief of Police will keep working for the city but not as chief. Newport News elementary school teacher Abby Zwerner spoke publicly for the first time since she was shot in January by a 6-year-old student during an interview.
Prosecutors will soon release the video that led authorities to charge seven sheriff's deputies and three state mental hospital employees with second-degree murder in the death of a handcuffed and shackled man.An area finance expert is dispelling fears about the banking sector in the wake of the second-largest bank failure in U.S. history. The Salem Red Sox has entered into an agreement to sell the team.
Attorneys for the family of a Black man who died in police custody say video of the incident shows seven Henrico County sheriff's deputies pushing down "every part of his body" with "absolute brutality." Proposed changes to Virginia’s standards of learning when it comes to history and social sciences were at the center of a public hearing in Roanoke. Virginia's junior U.S. Senator says its too early to be pointing fingers in any one direction after two recent high-profile bank failures have some on edge about other financial institutions.
A juvenile has been taken into custody and accused of killing five horses. An Amherst County High student was arrested after a 12-gauge shotgun was found in a car. A test question posed to students is drawing pushback from the Commonwealth’s Lt. Governor.
Seven sheriff's deputies have been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a 28-year-old man at a state mental hospital. Roanoke City Council hosted the first of two public hearings regarding a possible curfew for minors. Uber announces it’s expanding an in-app safety feature that’ll allow drivers and riders in Roanoke to record audio during trips.
A man faces drug charges in Bedford County. Montgomery County leaders are considering a proposal that calls for the construction of a new travel center along I-81. A first-of-its-kind parade is an unusual event featuring giant puppets and floats featuring huge paper mache heads.
An assault and battery suspect has been taken into custody. A leading global supplier of vehicle parts will establish its North American headquarters in Salem. A former speaker of the House of Delegates will “definitely consider and explore” a possible run for Governor in 2025.
Once again we were joined live by phone from Washington DC by 6th District Republican Congressman Ben Cline, to talk about the recent election and what’s on his agenda for both the lame duck session and the next Congress, when his party will have the majority in the House of Representatives
A play set in Russia that covers a 90-year span from Stalin to the fall of the Berlin wall - and to Vladimir Putin in 2010 - is being staged at Virginia Tech tonight through next Tuesday. The director says it will strike a chord with current events, as WFIR's Gene Marrano reports:
1 in 5 people in the U.S. are now classified as a family caregiver – that’s according to data revealed by Elder Care Solutions, which is based here in Roanoke. CEO and owner Kimberly Whiter works with an advisory team to help families deal with the overwhelming cost of long-term care. Whiter joined us live in studio this morning to talk about that issue – and about a major conference she is organizing at Hotel Roanoke later this month (Nov 14-16) – The Care Colloquium.
The Roanoke Rail Yards open the new SPHL campaign versus Fayetteville tomorrow night. Today Rail Yard Dawgs president Mickey Gray and the new chairman of the board, Jamie McGinn – also a principal owner of the franchise - joined us this morning live in studio.
The Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs are getting set for the SPHL season opener on Friday night at the Berglund Center. Head coach Dan Bremner on goals for his team - which made it all the way to the league Championship series after a long mid-season slump. Bremner says he's looking forward to a large crowd of loud Dawgs hockey fans on Friday night versus Fayetteville at the Berglund Center.
High inflation has put a crimp in most people's lifestyles but United Way of Roanoke Valley President and CEO Abby Hamilton said live in-studio this morning that "ALICE" families - those who are Asset Limited, Income Contrained and Employed - are having an especially hard time. Hear the complete conversation now:
Democrat Jennifer Lewis will try for a second time to best Republican incumbent Ben Cline. She was live by phone this morning, touching on a number of issues.
Rep. Ben Cline spoke with us from "The Swamp" as he calls it on inflation, gas prices, the election in November and his Democratic opponent, Jennifer Lewis
Governor Youngkin is speaking out against a new education policy that he says infringes on a parent’s rights. One school system establishes regulations that restrict cell phone usage. More light is shed on an alleged Fourth of July mass shooting police say was thwarted.
Mayor Sherman Lea's State of the City address highlighted gun violence as one of the most serious issues facing the Valley. He says that it isn't solely a law enforcement issue, a man is dead after an encounter with a homeowner, and Roanoke man charged with robbing a downtown bank and spitting on a cop in January is sentenced to more than a year in prison.
An area GOP US Congressman is speaking out against President Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan. ,A 4-year-old is recovering after a recent shooting, We will tell you about a grant created to help black-owned businesses
Roanoke author and former Roanoke Times journalist Beth Macy has just released her fourth book, "Raising Lazarus - Hope, Justice and the Future of America's Overdose Crisis," a followup to the best selling-book and later a Hulu miniseries - "Dopesick." Beth Macy launched "Raising Lazarus" locally with a "Book No Further" event earlier this week. She spoke with WFIR's Gene Marrano about Raising Lazarus last week ... and here is a Longer Listen:
Opponents of the Mountain Valley Pipeline are reacting to federal regulators granting the project a four-year extension. A look at the difference in COVID-19 news coverage in rural areas compared to large cities. A restaurant that closed in Roanoke is opening back up.
A former Roanoke City Councilman has been sentenced to prison time following a recent conviction. There's been an appeal after one of those January 6th prison sentences issued to a former police officer. A Virginia US Congressman does not agree with how his party is working to influence Republican primaries across the county.
Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor is calling on the Biden administration to address issues at the US-Mexico border. A man is arrested after threatening to "blow up Roanoke." Governor Youngkin discusses giving surplus money back to Virginians.
Some Southwest Virginia school districts are weighing in after last year’s SOL scores were released by state education officials, A man is arrested after a bomb threat and robbery and we will tell you about a pet store that has shut its doors
Education officials are discussing improved safety measures as Roanoke city students prepare to head back to the classroom. No one was injured after a fire early this morning in Vinton. A time period is set for one company to expand broadband access in Bedford County.
The Roanoke author of “Dopesick” has released a new book that examines solutions to the ongoing opioid crisis. Authorities are searching for a man described as armed and dangerous who led them on a high-speed chase. Governor Youngkin is named in a lawsuit claiming he received an improper tax bonus.
A local elementary school will be getting more mental health professionals to work with students. Carilion received a donation to expand its cancer program. The latest on when the Wasena Bridge Replacement Project will begin.
A local woman working with victims of sex trafficking says that it's happening here in Roanoke. The most severe sentence for anyone related to storming the Capitol on January 6th is issued for a man in our area. Virginia author tries to determine if Governor Northam was actually in that racist yearbook photo.
Eight months after Roanoke City Council approved a downtown city sidewalk sleeping ban, residents in other parts of the city are raising concerns about the homeless population. The first red flag law is issued in Roanoke County. A former Roanoke restaurant will be turned into a boutique hotel.
We hear from an employee what happened before 'Joe Goodpies' in Vinton closed for good. Two former Rocky Mount police officers accused of storming the U.S. Capitol on January 6th appear to be headed for very different sentences. Virginia's Attorney General discusses what he calls the "unlawful CDC Mandate"
We hear from a Democratic Congresswoman and a local Republican Congressman about the raid on President Trump's Mar-A-Lago estate. A driver is cited for going 152 mph in a 55-mph zone.
One of Virginia’s US Senators is discussing a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act he says will help those impacted by black lung. A former Rocky Mount police officer faces what would be the longest prison sentence associated with the Capitol Riot. Two separate homes in Bedford County are struck by lightning.
Recent negotiations in Washington D.C. that delivered a climate and tax deal could impact the future of the Mountain Valley Pipeline. A former police officer will NOT be criminally charged after a controversial traffic stop with a black Army Lt. We'll tell you why you might have noticed discolored water coming out of your faucets.
Roanoke City Council hears from education officials about security improvements meant to better protect students. Virginia US Senators are weighing in on the death of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al Zawahiri. We hear about the controversy surrounding where Floydfest '23 is relocating.
Alcoholic beverages being legally consumed outside in Roanoke comes to an end -- but could it come back? A Republican U.S. Congressman from our area discusses medical marijuana legislation. A Virginia man drove more than 300 miles to confront another man who he said dated his daughter, then fatally shot him in a fight.
Some Roanoke residents are voicing concerns about the city’s plan to improve Williamson Road, The FBI is looking into allegations made against a former Virginia Lieutenant Governor, and One person dies after smoking while on oxygen.
The father of a slain WDBJ-7 journalist has created a political action committee to support candidates looking pass gun control and keep big tech in check.For the first time, ALL students at six Roanoke County public schools will receive free school meals, regardless of their families' income.A judge set bond for former Roanoke City Councilman Robert Jeffrey Jr during a hearing yesterday, clearing the way for his release from jail until he is sentenced next month.
The family of a missing teen with autism says they are happy that he is home safe and sound, Virginia's AG is threatening a hospital system with legal action, A former Virginia Tech football player acquitted of murder announces where he will play this year
Opponents of the Mountain Valley Pipeline plan to hold a rally after MVP asks for a extension in order to complete construction. A woman is sentenced after killing her 2 year old son, After almost 60 years at 1500 hours, Virginia's Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists have voted to reduce program requirements to 1000 hours.
A Roanoke based group comes together for a prayer breakfast honoring those lost to gun violence. The Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s office is investigating after a suspect stabbed a 99-year-old woman in the hand during an incident Saturday. Bettors at Virginia's first full-fledged casino preferred slots to table games in its first week of operation.
A Virginia US Congresswoman says former President Donald Trump violated his oath of office by not addressing last year’s Capitol riot. Virginia's Republican Attorney General joined 17 other state attorneys general in calling on Google not to limit anti abortion clinic results. Work is now underway to remove -- and eventually adopt -- four thousand beagles from a breeding facility that is closing down west of Richmond.
Bedford County emergency crews rescued a woman who passed out while hiking up a mountain. A new beer is raising money for a local woman to compete in the Olympics. A former safety for the Washington Commanders is in court after an accident that killed his passenger.
A Virginia Congresswoman will be a key part of an upcoming hearing conducted by the commission investigating the January 6th capitol riot. A former Governor is having issues with his colleagues over being too close with Virginia's current governor. Mill Mountain Zoo is mourning expected and unexpected deaths.
Officials hold a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of LewisGale's second freestanding ER. The third largest solar farm on the east coast is set to be built in our region. Details about Virginia's new 9-8-8 number for mental health services.
Governor Youngkin paid a visits Buchanan County residents who are recovering after last week’s flooding. A teen pleads guilty to fatally shooting another teen. UVA has partnered with a brewery that has a location in Roanoke to make a new beer.
Assessment teams head out today across a hard-hit area of Buchanan County to determine full scope of damage from this week's devastating floods. US Senator Tim Kaine says turning reproductive rights laws back to the states is faulty reasoning. A new roundabout in Roanoke County at Hanging Rock is expected to be open to traffic sometime this afternoon.
Severe storms cause damage to the home of the former co-host of K-92’s Mornin’ Thang. A man is arrested for charges including the attempted murder of a deputy. Amanhole reportedly exploded in downtown Roanoke.
Roanoke County leaders are discussing the next steps of their plan to construct a new career and technical education facility. A protest against a Republican Congressman crashes this week's Amtrak announcement. A mill is closing after 172 years in business.
Some residents are asked to stay inside following an alleged incident outside of town. Three men are arrested for robbery. A basketball streaming series will film in Virginia.
Major construction projects meant to improve I-81 are discussed. A vehicle chase ends with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder is now willing to testify in a Congressional hearing.
Stories today include
-Authorities say a tip from a “citizen hero” prevented a planned mass shooting during a Fourth of July gathering in Richmond.
-A woman pleads guilty to charges related to the riot at the Capitol on January 6th.
-There's a new Virginia cider trail.
And more!
A Virginia lawmaker wants TikTok formally investigated, The annual public safety report was at the center of a recent Roanoke City council meeting, and we'll tell you why UVA has removed two fraternities...
Pro-Choice supporters held a 4th of July rally to call for action in the wake of Roe v Wade being overturned. The latest on the fire that has disrupted downtown Vinton for days. Details about a veteran charity ride that raised more than $70,000 for a scholarship fund.
Pro-Choice supporters held a 4th of July rally to call for action in the wake of Roe v Wade being overturned.
Covering as many new laws as we can in a single newscast. New laws start today across Virginia.
Important age restrictions at the Salem Fair. A longer look at the Roanoke Starbucks becoming the first union store in Southwest Virginia. Some lawmakers in our area have been tasked with crafting abortion legislation.
A local GOP Congressman says he was elated when he heard the US Supreme Court had struck down Roe v Wade. That as a "March for Reproductive Rights" march is planned in Roanoke. We also continue looking at new Virginia laws that take effect Friday.
Pro and anti-abortion groups made their way to downtown Lynchburg in wake of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v Wade. A VDOT contractor has been hit and killed this morning in an accident on Interstate-81. A Starbucks store in our area has voted to unionize.
A lot going on at the state and federal level. Catch up on the latest on the News Express podcast
One of the winners in Tuesday’s Democratic Primary for Roanoke City Council reportedly handed out sample ballots that lacked a legally required disclosure.Congress holds a hearing regarding allegations against the Washington Commanders. Roanoke City residents are set to receive relief after paying personal property taxes
Republican voters in the 6th Congressional district made their way to the polls to select a nominee for November’s general election.A second daily Amtrak train from Roanoke to Washington, D.C., is set to begin next month. Two more inmates that escaped from a Virginia prison camp are back in custody
A Southeast Roanoke school for people with special needs says a letter stating it would not be providing lunch was a “miscommunication.” A Roanoke County coach is facing charges that are sexual in nature. The Roanoke area is adding jobs faster than other areas of Virginia except for one.
Republican 6th District Congressman Ben Cline is seeking a third term and Democratic candidate Jennifer Lewis is already gearing up her campaign. But first, Ben Cline takes on an opponent in a Republican primary coming up this Tuesday. At 28 years old Merritt Hale would become the youngest member of the US Congress if he wins the primary and then the General Election in November. Merritt Hale joined us live by phone this morning live by phone. Hear the complete conversation below:
WFIR News hosted a forum for city council candidates seeking Democratic nominations.A look at how prevalent the gun industry is in Virginia. A sheriff and a Commonwealth’s Attorney have announced they are leaving the Democratic Party due to disagreements with the party’s position on certain issues.
Roanoke-area home prices set another record last month, but what about higher mortgage interest rates? Details about Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder choosing not to testify at a Congressional hearing. A missing child is found safe thanks to some neighborhood dogs.
Roanoke’s Gun Violence prevention commission is doubling down on efforts to get the community involved in ending gun violence. A UVA graduate involved with the Trump administration discusses January 6th. Dangerous summer heat can bring potentially fatal consequences.
In the wake of recent school threats, Roanoke City’s Mayor says he is in favor of placing metal detectors on campuses. Virginia's Junior US Senator voices support for a gun violence prevention proposal. NAACP President wants a Washington Commanders coach to resign or be fired.
A former Virginia US Congressman says tonight’s hearing regarding last year’s US Capitol riot will surprise people. A Washington Commanders coach is criticized for his comments about the Capitol riot and no children were hurt when a daycare bus overturned
In the wake of recent mass shootings, a Virginia Congressman is set to introduce legislation that calls for a 1 thousand percent tax on AR-15’s. An expected COVID-19 case surge this summer as more people get out and congregate may not wind up as bad as some thought. More on that and on the local hepatitis outbreak. Raytheon Technologies said yesterday it is moving its global headquarters from Massachusetts to Arlington County
In the wake of recent school threats, Roanoke City Council is looking at how to make students safer. Efforts to prevent Hepatitis A are stepped up in Roanoke. We'll tell you why Mountain Valley Pipeline is arguing that the court isn't following its own procedures.
Current numbers from the Virginia Department of Health regarding the number of deaths from fentanyl show a sharp increase over the past few years. An alleged threat against a Roanoke City Public School. A big-name concert for tonight has been postponed.
Newly released dash-cam video sheds light on the moment Roanoke County Police shot and killed an 18-year-old boy who was carrying a BB gun. Authorities apprehend a teenager after an online school threat. More details about the "Summer Refreshment Zone" coming to downtown Roanoke.
State lawmakers are set to return to Richmond today to vote on a budget compromise. Roanoke County Fire and Rescue has confirmed that the hiker who fell from the summit of McAfee Knob on Sunday did not survive his injuries. Three juveniles are being held during an investigation involving drugs and stolen firearms in Campbell County.
Jurors have acquitted a former Virginia Tech football player who had been accused of fatally beating a man he says he initially believed from a Tinder match to be a woman.A man is in critical condition after falling more than 50 feet from the top of McAfee Knob in the Masons Cove area of Roanoke County.The Roanoker Restaurant has shut its doors for good after 81 years in business.
A Virginia Congressman was present for a hearing regarding the state of school security. Roanoke City is set to host another gun buy-back event after larger than expected demand for events like this. A group of high school students walkout to protest gun violence.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Its no secret that many have struggled with those issues over the past two years. Now a Roanoke musician has collaborated on a new song about mental health - and learning to cope. WFIR's Gene Marrano has more on "okay," In Depth:
Virginia's Governor at the time of the Virginia Tech shooting reflects on the Uvalde, Texas elementary school shooting. Details about why some believe Roanoke City is leading the way in keeping guns out of unauthorized hands. One Roanoke area center is offering free baby formula today.
Virginia state officials are reacting to a shooting by an 18-year-old gunman at a Texas elementary school claiming the lives of 19 children and two adults. We're hearing details about a dispute that led to a local school recently being placed in lockdown. We tell you about the latest hepatitis A scare in Roanoke.
A judge has ruled witnesses in the upcoming murder trial of a former Virginia Tech football player can not testify anonymously. A man allegedly armed with a bomb robs a local grocery store. The Washington Commanders have purchased 200 acres of land in Virginia that could be the home of their new stadium project.
A Roanoke-based business is expanding into several larger Virginia metro areas -- while keeping all its production in Roanoke as it creates a larger statewide presence, election round-up with candidates in each major political party securing a nomination, and A judge calls a former sheriff's bribery scheme "sophisticated and very intricate"...
A Republican delegate is pursuing restraining orders that would prevent access to two books that some believe are obscene. A man pleads not guilty to fatally beating another ma he met on a dating app, believing he was a woman. Officials warning public about scams amid baby formula shortage.
Officials with the Roanoke City School district are discussing protocols following the discovery of unloaded guns near a school building. A longer at the fate of a 200-year-old cottage in Roanoke’s Fishburn Park. If you ate at one Roanoke County restaurant the health department is advising you to get a Hepatitis A vaccine.
State Democrats believe a task force recently announced by Governor Youngkin fails to address, what they believe, is the number one reason behind violent crime. Parents react after two unloaded guns are found at an Roanoke City elementary school. A Lynchburg restaurant is accused of not paying workers close to 200 thousand dollars in overtime.
At the start of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra season finale for its classical music series late last month, an original, 2-minute composition called "Ukraine Lives," was played for the Berglund Center audience. David Stewart Wiley talks more about that with WFIR's Gene Marrano, "In Depth."
A Roanoke-based organization is calling for additional funding to help address violence in the community. A local fire chief will start overseeing fire programs for the entire state. There's a new police chief in "town"
We hear from Roanoke County Police Chief Howard Hall about increased efforts to cite drivers who use hand-held cell phones while behind the wheel. For a 2nd weekend, an abortion rally brings hundreds to downtown Roanoke. An expert weighs in on the prescription drug supply chain in the US, and how there's some "sleight of hand"
A proposed housing complex by one of Roanoke’s most powerful developers has become an unlikely campaign issue in the race for City Council. Another person in our region is facing charges related to the U.S. Capitol Riot on January 6th. A 67-year-old student is a commencement speaker at tonight's Virginia Western Community College graduation after overcoming school segregation-related delays.
The “Experience Conference” is back in-person for 2022, a full-day conference at Hotel Roanoke on June 13th, where attendees are invited to collaborate, socialize, learn and grow professionally. Taylor Johnson, the Director of Talent Attraction for the Roanoke Regional Partnership, was live in-studio yesterday; she wants more people to “Get 2 Know ‘Noke.” See "Get 2 Know Noke" or a link on our website for more information. Tickets are limited for the Experience Conference at Hotel Roanoke on June 13th and the price goes up next Monday.
Opera Roanoke's season final is coming up this Friday night and Sunday afternoon, when Guiseppe Verd's "Requiem," is on stage at Jefferson Center. Artistic director Steven White will conduct the musicians and singers, including the Opera Roanoke Chorus. This "Requiem" will also honor and remember those lost during the pandemic, as WFIR's Gene Marrano explains "In Depth":
After being voted down, a lawmaker says the Women's Health Protection Act may return. A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit brought by 12 women against Liberty University for mishandling cases of sexual assault and harassment. We hear from an employee as a local Target holds a union vote.
Agencies serving the disadvantaged discuss local impacts of the ongoing nationwide baby formula shortage. Virginia's AG criticizes abortion rights walkouts. Details on the re-patriation of a WWII soldier. A nearby Target takes steps to form a union.
6th District Republican Congressman Ben Cline joined us this morning to touch on a number of issues including the leaked Supreme Court draft decision that could overturn Roe V. Wade, inflation and border security.
The family of a Roanoke woman is reacting after an arrest is made in her murder. A 20-year-old is charged with murder. There's a local rabies case after a person is bitten by a fox.
An area Republican US Congressman believes a leaked Supreme Court draft decision will help the GOP in the fall. Virginia's Democratic U.S. Senators discuss the decision and possible steps. Downtown Roanoke will be the site of a "Rally for Abortion Rights" this weekend.
A Wytheville resident who emigrated from Russia after the fall of the Iron Curtain and "perestroika" took hold has written her first novel. It's a coming of age story that also offers a glimpse into the Russian mindset as well. More with the author of "The Orchard" in this "Longer Listen" segment with WFIR's Gene Marrano:
We have team coverage after a leaked draft from the US Supreme Court suggested possibly overturning Roe V. Wade after 50 years.
State officials are reacting to a leaked draft decision that suggests the US Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe V Wade. A former postal worker accused of marijuana mail theft is sentenced. A new balance center will be a first for the Roanoke region.
Residents braved the elements and attended the wrap-up of the 30th annual Roanoke Pride Festival. Two people head to the hospital after a home invasion in Roanoke County. The 2nd highest monthly sports wagering activity month in Virginia.
Democrats killed Governor Youngkin's proposal to suspend Virginia's 26-cent gas tax this summer. Two Southwest Virginia lawmakers were at the center of the debate over whether to put a Northern Virginia school board on the ballot this year. A look at the journey to the first-ever championship series for the five-year-old Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs hockey franchise.
A group of Roanoke City firefighters is speaking out against a pay scale being discussed by the city council. Mystery surrounds the sudden death of a 20-year-old college softball player. A man pleads guilty after the death of an 18-year-old.
On Friday's Podcast!!
A Roanoke City parent voices frustration after leaders hold a summit that focused on improving school safety.
State police are investigating after a vehicle crash in Franklin County claimed the lives of two people.
Roanoke County police are searching for a person who has been seen looking into apartments
Officials at Roanoke Blacksburg regional airport are reacting to a judge’s ruling that has led to airlines removing mask mandates. Updates on efforts on Governor Youngkin's gas tax proposal. A look at why Virginia could have new misdemeanor penalties for simple adult marijuana possession.
A Franklin County man is charged with stalking his ex-girlfriend and killing her husband in New York. The newest face on Roanoke City Council is actually no stranger to the job. The case between the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center and neighbors heads to the Virginia Supreme Court.
A shoplifting suspect is arrested after crashing a car into a Roanoke home. A woman is killed after getting out of her wrecked car. Today a Roanoke City Council person is expected to be appointed to a vacant seat.
A Republican vying for the party’s nomination in the 9th District is speaking out after being disqualified. A look at Sam Roman’s two-year anniversary as Roanoke’s top cop. Roanoke City crews have reportedly cleared the homeless encampment we first told you about last month.
A former Vice President used a speech at UVA to inspire conservatives to stand up to what he calls “woke America”. We have a closer look at an uptick in overdose deaths in our region. The Washington Commanders Team President discusses the optics of a Maryland or Virginia bidding war over a new stadium.
A former candidate for Roanoke City Council is making another bid for one of three seats up for grabs this fall. A jury has convicted a former police officer for storming the U.S. Capitol on January 6th. Doctors are warning you to keep your marijuana edibles somewhere safe.
An area Republican U.S. Congressman is calling on the Biden administration to strengthen its immigration policy and not repeal Title 42. Virginia's Senior Senator says we must continue to hit Russia financially, but a steady flow of weapons is also needed. A Virginia man is charged with murdering the older brother of a Cleveland Browns linebacker.
Friends of a 2019 Roanoke County murder victim react to an arrest being made this week. There's a new police chief in town. Governor Youngkin announced that he will donate his first-quarter salary.
Roanoke City School officials are discussing an upcoming summit that will focus on improving student safety. Jurors have heard conflicting explanations for why a former Rocky Mount police officer entered the U.S. Capitol during last year's riot. Former Vice President Mike Pence is scheduled to speak about his policy agenda in Virginia.
Roanoke City Council heard from candidates who are looking to replace former councilman Robert Jeffrey Jr. Governor Youngkin signs legislation that strengthens animal cruelty laws. The General Assembly Special Session is delaying possible rate increases at Virginia Tech.
Virginia lawmakers return to Richmond today for a special session. Thefts from vehicles occur in two localities in our region. A former officer agrees to cooperate with federal prosecutors against his colleague charged in the U.S. Capitol Riot.
A protest last night was held by those seeking to make the area a safer place from sexual and domestic violence. We have a close look at how Roanoke's population has changed this year with The Roanoke Rambler. Virginia's Attorney General joins efforts aimed at regulating Tik Tok and Snapchat.
Roanoke City leaders address those calling for metal detectors to be installed in schools after a recent shooting. One local police department is cracking down on speeding in school zones. We hear from the organizer of the inaugural Floydfest Comedy Showcase.
A Roanoke City student was taken into custody after a gun was fired in a school bathroom. An expert discusses the deadly African Pit Viper bite a man is recovering from. Will Smith's Oscar slap is used to defend a man in a double murder trial.
Virginia U.S. Senator responds after President Biden says Russia's President "Can't Remain in Power." Details about a conservative climate change conference. A jury has acquitted a police officer charged with firing a stun gun at a Black man.
Roanoke City leaders come together to celebrate the opening of a center looking to help students at Fallon Park Elementary. Two different incidents of guns on school grounds -- someone was arrested in both instances. Police are trying to decide whether any adults will face criminal charges after seven children ended up in the hospital after taking prescription medicine.
Roanoke City leaders say a school bus being struck by a bullet is creating new concerns regarding gun violence. A VT swimmer is criticizing the NCAA for allowing a transgender swimmer to compete in the women's division. Hear it here first -- new non-stop service coming to Roanoke Blacksburg Regional Airport.
Roanoke City school officials are reacting after a school bus was struck by gunfire. Two former Northside High School students are suing the Roanoke County School Board, district leaders, and a former soccer coach for more than 19 million dollars alleging sexual harassment, grooming, and abuse. A homeless camp appears to be growing not far from Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport.
Roanoke City Council is discussing how they plan to carry out a search for Robert Jeffrey Jr’s replacement. No suspects in one shooting but a suspect is apprehended after a 'shots fired' call. A local Republican Congressman is using President Biden's words against him.
Hundreds of residents came together to remember a police officer killed in the line of duty. A former police officer pleads guilty to storming the U.S. Capitol on January 6th. A look at why a pandemic-related shortage of microchips means an increase in taxes.
Virginia U.S. Senator discusses the US continuing to support Ukraine. The Cancel MVP movement takes to the sidewalks hoping to stop the natural gas pipeline. Trials continue for convicted Roanoke City Councilman Robert Jeffrey Jr.
The Covington police officer killed while responding to a domestic incident is remembered. A new report recommends closing the current VA medical facility in Salem. A local missionary group is on the ground in Ukraine helping people that other organizations can't always get to.
A City of Covington police officer was among those killed during a shooting at a gas station. COVID-19 weekly updates are coming to an end in our region. Governor Youngkin works his way around the cabinet appointee process.
It looks like raw and blustery conditions may greet us for tomorrow's planned St. Patrick's Day activities in Roanoke forcing changes to some, and at least one cancellation. Democratic leaders are calling on Governor Youngkin to declare a state of emergency activating the state's anti-price gouging law as gas prices continue going up. After 77 years a WWII soldier killed in the line of duty will finally have a funeral.
Rising gas prices and energy policy sparked debate between Virginia Republicans and Democrats in the House of Delegates. In conjunction with the online news source the Roanoke Rambler, we have a look at the future of Roanoke's bus service. The weather forecast is wreaking havoc on this weekend's St Patrick's Day events.
An area GOP Congressman says the Biden administration must have a plan to increase domestic oil production to ease gas prices. Analysts discuss gas prices with the average in the Roanoke region now topping $4.00 a gallon. A Virginia Tech expert says it's also bound to have a noticeable impact on what we pay for many of the things we eat.
Roanoke City Council set to meet today about possibly ending sister-city ties with Pskov, Russia. Two very different demonstrations related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict -- one supporting Ukrainians while another says the U.S. should not be involved. Carilion Clinic is lowering its level of restrictions for all hospitals.
A Virginia US Senator is raising concerns that Russia may use cryptocurrency to evade sanctions. A bill is introduced by a Virginia U.S. Senator to prohibit importing Russian crude oil. Analysts find that inflation is contributing to 53% of Virginians having a hard time paying for their usual household expenses.
Roanoke's mayor says he does NOT want to sever ties with Russian sister city.
A Botetourt County woman wins $400,000 from the VA lottery without leaving her house
There will be no legislation to start allowing retail sales of recreational marijuana later this year in Virginia
A Ukrainian American with ties to southwest Virginia weighs in on the ongoing conflict in his home country, inflation impacts a recent consumer sentiment poll, and the Roanoke Country Public school's backpack run is returns for a 9th year.
A former Virginia Governor says Russian operations in Ukraine must be met with heavy sanctions. Roanoke police accidentally destroyed computer records for a city councilman facing embezzlement charges. While in pursuit of a suspect, deputies get help from a goat.
A former Regan White House staffer discusses the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. A gun is found at one Roanoke City school prompting a 'hold and secure' alert. A popular fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant is coming to Roanoke.
An area Republican delegate announces his intention to run for a newly created state Senate district. Details about a restaurant chain owner planning to buy the former Roanoke Times press building on Campbell Avenue in downtown Roanoke. At least one wireless provider is shutting off 3G service tomorrow.
For many years now Virginia Children’s Theatre has paused every season from the lighter fare it stages to present a play that tackles a serious subject impacting today’s youth. With suicide the third leading cause of death for those between 10 and 24 years of age, this year it is teen suicide. “Apologies” is on stage at North Cross School next Friday and Saturday for three free performances. Brett Roden is the producing artistic director for VCT; he was live in studio this morning, along with Kathleen Thorell from Tudor House, speaking with WFIR's Gene Marrano and Ian Price:
The trial for a Marine accused of killing his step-father in 2019 has begun in Franklin County. Criminal charges will not be filed in the case of a kindergartener who drowned at a YMCA pool last year. Teachers and firefighters in Roanoke are taking steps - slowly - to possibly form unions.
Governor Youngkin has signed legislation that will make masking in Virginia schools optional effective March 1st. Roanoke County Police are searching for a missing 29-year-old man. Only one bill remaining in the General Assembly would legalize adult recreational marijuana use in Virginia this year, but it faces an uphill battle.
State lawmakers worked through several bills as they approach a key deadline of the legislative session -- including legislation to authorize marijuana retail sales in Virginia. A man is facing murder charges after the death of a 7-year-old. A review is underway on critical race theory in Virginia schools.
Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor is blaming President Biden for what she calls a sense of lawlessness across the country. We hear from the Gun Violence Prevention Commission as we learn about several shooting incidents in Roanoke City. Governor Youngkin has apologized after mistaking one Black legislator for another in a text message.
A state Senate Committee has rejected legislation that looked to prohibited abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy in most circumstances. A Radford University professor discusses the cultural phenomenon around the Super Bowl. A deputy Virginia attorney general has resigned after The Washington Post raised questions about social media comments the newspaper reported she made about the 2020 election, the January 6 Capitol riot and other matters.
Now here's Brent Stevens from Hollins University "At the Movies," with what's new at the historic Grandin Theatre: "Death on the Nile":
Area lawmakers were part of the debate in the General Assembly about whether to ban school systems from imposing mask requirements. Several officer-involved shootings happen in our region within a couple of days. The US Geological Survey has confirmed a small earthquake occurred last night in Bedford County.
After more than 2 years, a musical returns to the Showtimers Community Theatre in Roanoke, starting tomorrow night for a two-week run. Its the two-time Broadway musical "She Loves Me." Stevie Holcomb is the director, Brad Craft plays the salesman Sipos(see-pos) and Gary Reid is the show's producer. They joined WFIR's Gene Marrano earlier this week for a preview.
The General Assembly is set to discuss legislation that would create a parental opt-out from local school mask mandates. Two people were taken to the hospital after a shooting last night in Roanoke. Roanoke County is acquiring property to build a new fire and rescue station.
Roanoke City leaders express frustration after gun violence in Blacksburg and in the star City. Lawmakers look at bringing the Washington Commanders back to Virginia, while other lawmakers look at allegations against the NFL team's owner.
Blacksburg residents react to a shooting that claimed the life of a Roanoke high school student and injured four others. Details after two shootings in Roanoke over the weekend -- one of the incidents was fatal. Governor Glenn Youngkin's campaign sparks controversy for lashing out at a high school student on Twitter.
The only Black Republican in the Virginia House took to the chamber floor to criticize the legislative Black caucus for rejecting his application for membership. Members of area law enforcement gather to hold a procession along I- 81 North for Officers “JJ” Jefferson and John Painter who were killed during Tuesday’s shooting at Bridgewater College. A state Senate committee has killed two key pieces of education legislation sought by Governor Youngkin, including one that was designed to eliminate the teaching of critical race theory in K-12 schools.
Dr. Chapman Rackaway is the chair and a professor in the Department of Political Science at Radford University. He's also a "subject matter expert" on the Supreme Court. With the upcoming retirement of Stephen Breyer he weighs in on the choices for President Biden.
We're still several months away from the start of the outdoor music season but Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges has already put together a strong lineup for 2022. Park president Waynette Anderson joined us for a live in-studio preview.
Members of the Bridgewater community are coming together following a shooting that killed two law enforcement officers. That shooting stirred some painful memories for Virginia U.S. Senator Tim Kaine. A judge is holding off for now on deciding whether local school boards or Governor Youngkin have the final say on if students must wear masks in school to protect against COVID-19.
A suspect is facing capital murder charges after two Bridgewater College officers were shot dead. Dueling lawsuits over Governor Youngkin's executive order allowing parents to opt-out of school mask mandates. This comes as a new poll indicates a majority of parents support the steps teachers and administrators are taking to keep COVID out of classrooms.
Is it necessary for some employers to stick to 10-day isolation for employees with COVID-19 symptoms? Carilion Clinic hospitals set a more strict visitation level. Two nearby universities drop their COVID-19 vaccine mandate for in-person instruction.
Virginia’s new Republican attorney general has issued an opinion regarding college vaccine mandates. A U.S. Supreme Court subject matter expert with Radford University discusses the upcoming vacancy. Republicans eye significant changes to marijuana legislation with at least eight bills.
A state tip line allows parents to report concerns in the classroom -- like Critical Race Theory being taught. A well-known figure is running against Republican Congressman Bob Good. Gun legislation in Virginia remains uncertain with a split between Democrats and Republicans in Richmond.
A Bedford County man is in custody for suspected hoarding and animal cruelty after nearly 30 dogs are rescued. The latest after several Roanoke-area shootings including a suspect apprehended in North Carolina and a warning from Roanoke's Mayor that punishment for shooting crimes should be "quick, decisive, and strong"
Governor Youngkin responds to school boards that have filed lawsuits challenging his executive order that calls to make masking optional in the classroom. A group of Roanoke County parents pushes back against its local mask mandate. Health officials weigh in on when mask mandates might go away altogether.
The road to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris for the U.S. Women's Cycling team will come through Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Governor Glenn Youngkin has asked the Virginia Supreme Court to dismiss a lawsuit challenging his executive order allowing parents to opt-out of mandates requiring children to wear masks in school. The CEO of 'Mentor' discusses national mentoring month.
Legislation allowing use of unapproved medicines on patients diagnosed with COVID has been rejected by a state senate committee. Governor Glenn Youngkin toured Carilion Clinic and then visited the new testing center that opened yesterday outside the Community Vaccination Center at Valley View Mall. He also rolled out his COVID Action plan. Starting Monday you can file your taxes but there are several changes to the tax code you may want to know about.
Roanoke, VA residents express concerns about parking due to leftover snow. A mask manufacturer discusses N-95. Tips from AAA on how to avoid going to the gas pump as often.