Hurricane Aid Deadline, Roanoke County Affordable Housing Project, and Walmart DEI Rollback Criticism

In today’s WFIR News Express, federal officials remind Southwest Virginia residents that today marks the final day to apply for aid related to damages from Hurricane Helene. FEMA and the Small Business Administration urge applications for low-interest loans and disaster recovery assistance. Roanoke County breaks ground on Smith Ridge Commons, a 216-unit affordable housing project that promises modern amenities at reduced rents, with completion expected by fall 2025. The development is seen as a major step toward addressing the region’s workforce housing needs. The Virginia NAACP raises concerns over Walmart’s rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, calling it a step back for marginalized communities. In other news, Amherst County deputies investigate a string of home break-ins, Moneta emergency crews respond to an injured hunter after a tree stand fall, and Bedford County authorities report a crash caused by a driver swerving to avoid a deer. Additionally, Kansas’ 50th Anniversary Tour stops at the Berglund Center this week, and Virginia Lottery data shows a significant increase in sports wagering compared to last year. Catch these stories and more on WFIR News Express.