Early voting back on in Tazewell, Iran war powers fallout, Roanoke crime tech, and meals tax questions — WFIR News Express 3/5/26

On this Thursday, March 5, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, the Virginia Supreme Court orders early voting to proceed Friday in Tazewell County, reversing a circuit court ruling with less than 48 hours to go before polls open. The high court says it will review redistricting lawsuits after the April 21 referendum, but voting continues statewide.In Washington, Senator Tim Kaine vows to keep opposing unauthorized military action after the War Powers Resolution on Iran is defeated. We also have new developments as the U.S. works to schedule charter flights to help Americans stranded in Saudi Arabia and Jordan during ongoing airstrikes in Iran, and Congressman Suhas Subramanyam criticizes the administration’s response. In Southwest Virginia politics, 9th District Democratic candidate Adam Murphy accuses Congressman Morgan Griffith of being complicit and argues resources should be focused on rural needs at home as gas prices rise.Back in Roanoke, we look at the Police Department’s Operations and Crime Control Center — monitoring more than 1,000 cameras — and how community groups like FEDUP and the Gun Violence Prevention Commission are responding as the city faces a historically violent start to 2026, even while overall violent crime trends lower. We also break down why Roanoke’s higher meals tax could stay in place longer, with public comment dates now scheduled.Plus, an Axton man is arrested on child pornography charges, a report estimates tariffs added about $1,000 in costs for Virginia households last year with concerns for small businesses, and Roanoke’s Jefferson Center announces Executive Director Cyrus Pace is departing for a new role in Lynchburg.That’s the latest from WFIR News Express.