Downtown Parking Survey, City Council Primary Results, Hemp Lawsuit Against Governor | Roanoke Valley's Morning News — August 5, 2026

Miss the morning broadcast? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia for Wednesday, August 5, 2026.In this episode of Roanoke Valley’s Morning News, hosts Joey Self and Ian Price cover proposed solutions to downtown Roanoke's parking challenges, the official results of Tuesday's Democratic primary elections, and a federal lawsuit filed by Virginia hemp companies against Governor Abigail Spanberger.Downtown Roanoke Parking Options: Roanoke City Council reviewed survey results showing 83% of respondents feel one-hour parking limits are insufficient. Consultants presented potential solutions including parking meters, extended free street parking, or free parking in garages.City Council Democratic Primary: Newcomers Rayquan Moore and Danny Clausen won Democratic nominations for Roanoke City Council alongside incumbent Vivian Sanchez Jones, while incumbent Peter Volasinn and newcomer Harvey Brookins were eliminated.GOP US Senate Primary: Bert Mizisalla secured the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate with 51% of the vote, defeating David Williams and Kim Farington to advance against three-term Democratic incumbent Mark Warner this November.Broadband Contract Reassigned: A Moneta-based internet provider is taking over a massive broadband expansion project in Franklin, Henry, and Patrick counties after state officials removed River Street Networks.Hemp Companies Sue Governor: Seven Virginia hemp businesses, including Simply Hemp in Henry County, filed a federal lawsuit against Governor Abigail Spanberger to block upcoming state regulations capping THC levels starting August 15.Walker Foundry Demolition: Heavy machinery began clearing five acres of concrete at the historic Walker Foundry site in Norwich for a $45 million project featuring 130 workforce housing units and a commercial Greenway hub.Brambleton Avenue Armed Robbery: Roanoke County Police released surveillance photos and are searching for a short, stocky man who robbed a Brambleton Avenue business at gunpoint on July 31.Salem Historic Preservation Push: Resident John Bream urged Salem City Council to establish an architectural review board and create grant funding to protect historic homes from demolition.Day of Play on Williamson Road: The Greater Williamson Road Area Business Association will host its free 2nd Annual Commonwealth Day of Play this Saturday at Brookside Par 3 Golf Course.Lynchburg Expressway Overhaul: VDOT is preparing a $60 million project starting next month to reconstruct the Lynchburg Expressway and Kemper Mountain Road interchange into a partial cloverleaf.AARP Loneliness Warning: AARP Virginia is promoting local coffee socials to help middle-aged and older adults combat chronic isolation.Salem Ridgeyaks Win Big: Powered by a two-run homer from Luis Andujar, the Salem Ridgeyaks defeated Fayetteville 10-4 in Game 1 of their home stand.Former Liberty Coach Passes Away: Former Liberty Flames baseball coach Jim Toman passed away at age 64 following a battle with cancer after leading the program from 2008 to 2016.WNBA Unveils Cleveland Sirens: The WNBA officially revealed the Cleveland Sirens as its 16th expansion franchise, set to begin play in 2028.NFL Preseason Kickoff: The NFL preseason kicks off tomorrow night with the Hall of Fame Game between Carolina and Arizona on Sports Radio 101.1 FM.Stay informed on the go—subscribe to the WFIR News Express feed for your daily Roanoke Valley news updates.📌 Local & Regional Headlines🏆 WFIR Sports Wrap-Up