Ridgeway Double Murder, Book Ban Report, DOJ vs GMU, Martinsville Manager Suspended, Shallow Side in Roanoke, Rabid Fox Attack, FloydFest 2025

On this Thursday, July 24 edition of WFIR News Express:• The Henry County Sheriff’s Office identifies the two people found dead in Ridgeway earlier this week. Authorities say 22-year-old Mandy Coleman and 68-year-old William Morey were shot by suspect Joshua Coleman—Mandy’s husband—after a domestic dispute. Two children are safe.• Henry County deputies are investigating a Collinsville home invasion where resident Anthony Hagwood was shot and hospitalized. Authorities also found signs of forced entry, shell casings, and 10 pounds of marijuana at the scene.• A state legislative commission finds that five Virginia counties account for 75% of school library book removals since 2020. Officials say many divisions misinterpreted a 2022 law.• A rabid fox that attacked a woman in Bedford County has tested positive for rabies. Officials say the animal was killed during the attack.• Two people are in critical condition following a head-on crash in Bedford County. Fire crews extricated both patients and transported them to a hospital.• Bedford’s National D-Day Memorial earns a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award—ranking it among the top 10% of destinations worldwide.• Senator Tim Kaine co-sponsors the Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act, aiming to expand healthcare access in rural communities.• The U.S. Department of Justice launches a second civil rights investigation into George Mason University. NAACP officials defend the university’s diversity efforts.• Martinsville City Manager Aretha Ferrell Benavides is placed on administrative leave amid spending concerns, including costly trips and a golf outing. The city’s police chief is now acting manager.• Former President Trump renews pressure on Washington’s NFL team to abandon any name change if they want a stadium at the old RFK site. Local sports analysts say there’s no clear movement—yet.• Alabama-based alt-rock band Shallow Side headlines Sidewinders Saloon in Roanoke tonight—marking the Rock Channel’s first sponsored show at the venue.• A Lynchburg business owner is indicted for allegedly running a food stamp fraud scheme—exchanging SNAP benefits for cash using fake transactions.• The Virginia Diverse Chamber of Commerce hosts its 6th annual Roanoke Community Beautification Day this Saturday at Eureka Park, promoting unity and small business support.• FloydFest 2025 is underway with Virginia-based southern rock band Holy Roller hitting the stage today. Organizers say the festival’s improved layout brings fans even closer to the action.🎧 Listen now for your fast, local news catch-up.