MS-13 Sentencing, Roanoke Business Growth, Trump’s Tariffs & More Local Headlines

Stay informed with WFIR News Express, your trusted source for Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia news. A Montgomery County judge sentences an MS-13 gang member to life in prison for a deadly shooting, while Bedford County authorities arrest a man on child sex crime charges. In business news, Panda Express officially opens at Valley View, marking another major expansion in Roanoke’s dining scene. Meanwhile, a local marketing expert discusses how AI is transforming small businesses in the region. On the political front, Senator Mark Warner criticizes Trump’s new tariffs, warning they could drive up costs for Virginians. Governor Glenn Youngkin highlights a statewide crackdown on human trafficking, which has already led to 21 arrests and 12 victims rescued. Elsewhere, the Virginia General Assembly debates tax rebates and Appalachian Power rates, and Montgomery County officials warn residents of a new mail scam targeting locals. Listen now for Roanoke Valley’s top news with WFIR News Express!