Winter Storm Fallout, Roanoke Protests, Crime Updates & Free Tax Help

WFIR News Express brings you the latest headlines from Roanoke, Botetourt, Bedford, Franklin County, Lynchburg, and the New River Valley. VDOT prepares for more winter weather, as Franklin County residents express frustration after being without power for nearly a week following Winter Storm Harlow.In Roanoke, protesters gathered outside the Poff Federal Building to push back against Elon Musk’s role in the federal government. Meanwhile, a flooded underpass near Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital stranded multiple vehicles, prompting another warning from VDOT: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.In crime news, a Danville police officer was shot multiple times while investigating a hit-and-run. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares announces an arrest in a 2017 double homicide in Newport News, while the HALT Fentanyl Act, co-sponsored by Congressman Morgan Griffith, advances to the Senate.In education, Covington Middle School extends virtual learning another week after a carbon monoxide leak sent dozens to the hospital, and Appomattox County Public Schools remain closed due to a cybersecurity incident.For Roanoke residents, TAP’s VITA program offers free tax preparation for those making less than $67,000 per year, helping ease the burden this tax season.Stay informed with the latest news from across the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia with WFIR News Express.