Gloria Steinem Legacy, Evans Spring $50K Grant, Labor Day Campaigning | Roanoke Valley's Morning News — September 8, 2026

Miss the morning broadcast? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia for Tuesday, September 8, 2026.In this episode of Roanoke Valley’s Morning News, hosts Joey Self and Ian Price cover local reflections on the legacy of feminist icon Gloria Steinem, a major conservation grant awarded for Northwest Roanoke's Evans Spring property, and high-profile campaign stops along the Labor Day parade trail.Gloria Steinem Remembered: Virginia Tech professor Dr. Bonnie Zare reflects on the legacy of journalist and second-wave feminist pioneer Gloria Steinem following her passing at age 92.Evans Spring Conservation Grant: The Blue Ridge Land Conservancy secured $50,000 from the Conservation Fund to draft a community-focused preservation plan for Northwest Roanoke's Evans Spring property.Lake Nelson Vehicle Recovery: Dive teams in Nelson County recovered a submerged car and the body of deceased driver Graham Isaac Bolter of Waynesboro from Lake Nelson.Labor Day Campaign Trail: Candidates made high-profile appearances at the Buena Vista Labor Day parade, with U.S. Senator Mark Warner making his 20th appearance while Democratic challenger Beth Macy clashed with Representative Ben Cline over debate formats.The Inn at Virginia Tech Rebranding: The Inn at Virginia Tech unveiled "The Loyal," a rebranded farm-to-table dining concept replacing Preston's Restaurant under executive chef Edwin Scholly.Mid-Week Weather Outlook: Following a mild Labor Day weekend, daytime temperatures remain in the 80s with low humidity and cool 50-degree nights bringing an early fall feel.Roanoke College Football Opener: The Roanoke College Maroons kick off their season tonight on the road against Virginia University of Lynchburg.Salem Ridgeyaks Comeback: The Salem Ridgeyaks rallied with two runs in the eighth inning to defeat Hill City 4-3.College Football & NFL Updates: JMU defeated Liberty 20-13, while Virginia Tech rolled past VMI; in the NFL, Tua Tagovailoa was named the Falcons' starting quarterback for Week 1.NASCAR & MLB Highlights: Christopher Bell took the checkered flag at the Southern 500 in Darlington, and the New York Yankees reinstated Aaron Judge from the injured list.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