Spanberger Beef Import Warning, Pulaski Councilman Ousted, Salem Green Space Debate | Roanoke Valley's Morning News — September 2, 2026

Miss the morning broadcast? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia for Wednesday, September 2, 2026.In this episode of Roanoke Valley’s Morning News, hosts Joey Self and Ian Price bring you coverage of Governor Abigail Spanberger's pushback against federal foreign beef imports, a local town council's decision to oust an arrested member, and community debates over green space preservation in Salem.Spanberger Denounces Foreign Beef Imports: Speaking at a Botetourt County roundtable, Governor Abigail Spanberger warned that a federal plan to import 300,000 metric tons of discounted foreign beef will harm Virginia cattle farmers without significantly lowering consumer grocery bills.Pulaski Council Member Removed: Pulaski Town Council voted unanimously to remove Councilman Steven Wayne Erickson following his arrest by the FBI on federal charges related to child sexual abuse material.Orange Avenue Shooting Arrest: Police arrested 30-year-old Richard Allen Eerie on malicious wounding charges following a shooting in the 1300 block of Orange Avenue Northwest that left one person hospitalized.Salem Green Space Preservation: At a Salem City Council meeting, resident Donna Cross urged city leaders to prioritize preserving open green space and aquifers over new commercial and residential developments like the HopeTree property.High School Practice Heat Protocols: Roanoke County high school athletic programs, including Hidden Valley High School, are enforcing strict heat and humidity monitoring to mandate water breaks every 20 minutes and gear restrictions during late-summer practices.Roanoke College Football Season 2: Athletic Director Curtis Campbell highlighted the progress of the Roanoke College Maroons football team as they prepare to open their second season in the ODAC against Virginia University of Lynchburg.Former AG Addresses Students: Former Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares spoke to high school students at the Reagan Ranch conference, emphasizing liberty, sacrifice, and the risks of socialism.Hope to Walk Award Finalist: Blacksburg-based nonprofit Hope to Walk was named a finalist for the $50,000 .ORG Impact Awards for providing low-cost prosthetic legs to amputees in developing countries.Melrose Plaza Art Donation: Former Roanoke art teacher Dan Keel donated his sculpture "Leaf" to Goodwill Industries of the Valleys for permanent display at Melrose Plaza.Salem Ridgeyaks Walk-Off Win: Adolis Guzman delivered a walk-off single in the 10th inning to lift the Salem Ridgeyaks past Hill City 8-7.LA Angels Sale Agreement: Owner Arte Moreno announced an agreement to sell controlling interest in the Los Angeles Angels to Stan Kroenke.Hokies Prepare for Opener: Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin expressed excitement as the Hokies enter game week ahead of their Saturday opener against VMI.Rail Yard Dawgs Roster Move: The Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs signed defenseman/forward John Alonzo for his second season in the Star City.Stay informed on the go—subscribe to the WFIR News Express feed for your daily Roanoke Valley news updates.📌 Local & Regional Headlines🏆 WFIR Sports Wrap-Up