Roanoke County Acquires Explore Park, VA Polls Shift, Salem VA Upgrades & Miracle Recovery in Franklin Co.

On the Wednesday, August 20th edition of WFIR News Express:Historic Deal: Roanoke County finalizes the largest land acquisition in its history by taking over Explore Park.Election Pulse: A new Roanoke College poll shows Abigail Spanberger narrowing the gap with Winsome Earle-Sears in the Virginia Governor's race.Poll Trends: Trump’s favorability climbs in VA, while Governor Youngkin holds steady with 50% job approval.Salem VA Improvements: Federal funds headed to the Salem VA Medical Center and Lynchburg outpatient clinic.Miracle in the Shop: A Franklin County mechanic survives a brutal electrical accident and near-death experience.Civic Engagement Push: The Roanoke Regional Chamber launches the 2026 National Civics Bee for middle schoolers.Leadership Change: Lynchburg’s Police Chief Ryan Zuidema to become the new Chief of Police in Wilmington, NC.Funding Worries: Bradley Free Clinic in Roanoke responds to growing need and federal funding uncertainty with a fundraising concert.Hunters for the Hungry Donation: Northwest Ace and Salem Fair deliver $4,200 to the long-running venison program.Coach Murder Update: The man accused of killing Franklin County coach Tony Gill is denied bond.Fairfax School Allegations: Virginia State Police investigate whether staff at Centerville High helped minors obtain abortions without parental consent.New Tech Research Grants: Virginia Tech secures two HHS grants—one for chronic pain therapy and another for bone cancer research.Blue Ridge Tradition Restored: A ribbon-cutting celebrates a new hand-crafted shake roof on historic Mabry Mill.🎧 Listen now on our homepage → WFIRNews.com → Click the News Express tab🗞️ Daily local coverage from the WFIR News Team.