WFIR News Express

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.

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

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.

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

Here is the latest news from across the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

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!