Skill games regulation debate, Yokohama layoffs hiring events, and Roanoke Valley public safety updates — WFIR News Express 2/16/26

On this Monday, February 16, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, the Virginia Supreme Court allows an April 21 redistricting referendum to move forward, with early voting starting March 6, while noting opponents can raise future legal arguments. In Richmond, lawmakers push competing proposals that could shape Virginia’s gaming future — including a bill to regulate and tax skill game machines and renewed discussion around creating a Virginia Gaming Commission.In the Roanoke Valley, nearly 400 Yokohama workers are still scheduled to be laid off in mid-March as the Salem plant winds down, with two hiring events set for tomorrow and March 5 at the Salem Civic Center. We also have several public safety updates, including a Roanoke crash that knocked out power to more than 2,000 customers, and an arrest tied to a Covington shooting. In Bedford, crews respond to a fire at Fajita Grill with no injuries reported.We also track major state headlines: a Rockbridge County man is sentenced on child pornography charges, House lawmakers advance legislation limiting when local officers can assist federal immigration enforcement, and Virginia Republicans select a new party chairman with redistricting expected to be a top focus. Plus, a Virginia Tech professor urges responsible use of artificial intelligence in research, Virginia’s Ryan White Part B program cuts HIV services after a rebate error, Lynchburg City Council votes to restrict where abortion clinics could operate, and the Lynchburg Hillcats rebrand as the Hill City Howlers for 2026.And in arts and culture, a new nonprofit theater group debuts its first play this weekend, aiming to bring more diversity to local community theater casts.That’s the latest from WFIR News Express.