Black Civil War Monument, Google Data Center Pushback, Youngkin Criticized, and Restaurant Week Returns — WFIR News Express 1-16-26

On this Friday, January 16, 2026, WFIR News Express covers:• A historic monument honoring Black Civil War soldiers from the U.S. Colored Troops is set to be unveiled, marking the first statue of its kind in Virginia and highlighting an often-overlooked chapter of American history.• Human remains found last month are identified as a man missing since 2023, with investigators determining there is no indication of foul play and the case now considered closed.• A traffic stop leads to the arrest of a Forest man after deputies seize large amounts of suspected fentanyl, psilocybin mushrooms, crack cocaine, cannabis, pills, and cash.• Opposition continues to a proposed Google data center, with residents raising concerns about water usage, environmental impact, and long-term sustainability.• A key Democratic state senator criticizes outgoing Governor Glenn Youngkin’s final State of the Commonwealth Address, saying it left out major issues facing the Commonwealth.• President Donald Trump’s proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10 percent draws criticism from economists and rattles major bank stocks.• A new business association forms to bring together hundreds of businesses in one of Roanoke’s largest commercial corridors.• Restaurant Week returns, offering special lunch and dinner menus at more than two dozen participating downtown eateries.• Pediatric healthcare access expands as Carilion Children’s Pediatric Medicine opens a new office, reducing travel for families in rural areas.• Mysticon returns for the first time since before COVID, featuring panels, films, music, vendors, scholarships, and a costume contest.That’s the latest from WFIR News Express — your source for local, state, and national headlines.