Lawmakers Eye State Gaming Commission; Casino Debate Deepens; Danville’s Lee Vogler Returns — Oct 22 | WFIR News Express

Top stories across the Roanoke Valley and Virginia for Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025:🎰 Gaming Oversight Push: Lawmakers discuss creating a Virginia Gaming Commission to regulate casinos and curb illegal gambling, as debate grows over new casino proposals in Roanoke and Tysons Corner.🏛 Roanoke Leaders Cautious on Casino: Vice Mayor Terry McGuire says he’s not ready to support a Berglund Center casino without more legislative backing and research on social impacts.🚨 School Threat Arrest: Alleghany County deputies arrest a suspect after an FBI tip led to a threat that shut down all local schools.💻 AI Data Center Bill: New federal legislation would study how Virginia’s booming data center industry affects rural communities and power grids.📊 Polls Tighten in Virginia Races: New surveys show mixed results — one gives Abigail Spanberger a 10-point edge, another shows the Attorney General race deadlocked.🍔 Brandon Avenue Robbery Attempt: Police search for a teen suspect after a failed armed robbery at a Roanoke fast-food restaurant.🩺 Roanoke Health Update: Local health officials brief City Council on the “State of the City’s Health,” addressing ongoing public health challenges.🐾 Movers for Mutts Drive: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK collects supplies for Angels of Assisi through October 31 to help animals — and the people who love them.🙏 Danville Comeback: Councilman Lee Vogler returns after surviving a July attack that left him with severe burns, calling his recovery a “miracle.”⚖️ Congressman Cline on Antifa: Ben Cline backs new Justice Department indictments against suspected Antifa members tied to a Texas ICE facility attack.🍕 Vinton Restaurant Owner Speaks Out: New York Pizza’s Giacomo Montuori responds after protests over an animal cruelty case involving his mother.🏨 Roanoke Landmark Reborn: The First National Exchange Bank building will reopen in December as The Promissory Hotel — blending history, dining, and live music.❄️ Name That Snowplow: Roanoke launches its annual contest to name 20 snowplows — last year’s winners included “Austin Plowers” and “Control Salt Delete.”