New Virginia Laws Take Effect | Big Beautiful Bill Fallout | Roanoke Freedom Festival & Closures

Today on WFIR News Express:⚖️ New Virginia laws now in effect – from harsher penalties for fentanyl dealers to seatbelt rules and cell phone bans in schools. What changed this year?🏥 Healthcare experts warn of hospital closures if President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” cuts to Medicaid are passed.📝 Former House Speaker Todd Gilbert nominated as U.S. Attorney for Western District of Virginia.🔥 Smokey Bones BBQ near Valley View Mall to close this Sunday – no official reason announced.💰 Virginians bet nearly $600 million in May – sports wagering continues its massive growth.🎆 Roanoke’s Freedom Festival returns Thursday with fireworks, live music, and family fun – why it’s held on July 3rd this year.🎇 Officials urge fireworks safety statewide, with sparklers reaching temperatures of 2,000 degrees.🚗 State Police caution drivers ahead of the busy July 4th travel weekend, as Virginia surpasses 330 roadway fatalities so far this year.🌡️ New study finds historically redlined neighborhoods experience hotter temperatures, raising public health concerns in Virginia communities.Catch all these top headlines, legislation updates, and community alerts in today’s WFIR News Express.