Redistricting fight heats up, Roanoke gun violence debate, Middle East evacuation criticism, and Tuco’s Taqueria closes — WFIR News Express 3/6/26

On this Friday, March 6, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, Virginia Republicans launch a campaign urging voters to reject the proposed statewide redistricting referendum as early voting begins. Supporters of the effort — including Congressman Ben Cline and several state delegates — warn the measure could weaken the political voice of rural Southwest Virginia. Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama posts a message on X encouraging Virginians to support the proposal, calling the shift to a 10–1 congressional map a temporary move.Back in the Roanoke Valley, Interstate 581 reopens after an afternoon crash near Valley View Mall blocked southbound lanes for hours. Gun violence also remains a central issue in the Roanoke City Council race, as members of the city’s Gun Violence Prevention Commission and potential candidates weigh in while the city approaches the number of shooting deaths recorded in all of 2025.Roanoke City Schools is considering eliminating activity buses as it confronts a $16 million budget shortfall, raising concerns from coaches and families whose students rely on the transportation to participate in sports and after-school programs. And a longtime local restaurant, Tuco’s Taqueria, announces it is closing its doors immediately, thanking the community for years of support.On the international front, thousands of Americans struggled to leave the Middle East following the escalation of U.S. and Israeli strikes involving Iran. Senator Mark Warner criticizes what he calls poor planning by the White House as evacuation efforts ramp up. A Radford University economist also explains how the conflict could affect crude oil prices, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and the broader global economy.Plus, Virginia wage growth ranks last nationally despite slowing inflation, a Roanoke-area delegate pushes to eliminate the state grocery tax to help middle-class families, and the 23rd annual Miracle Day Radiothon returns to raise money for children’s care at Carilion Children’s Hospital.That’s the latest from WFIR News Express.