WFIR News Express

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

Carilion Clinic will soon be one of the few locations in the nation offering a new treatment for substance use disorder.

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

Democrat Beth Macy is challenging incumbent Republican 6th District Congressman Ben Cline in a mid-term where Democrats nationwide are looking to flip at least the House in November, early in-person voting begins next week. Congressman Cline will offer his thoughts on the election next week on WFIR

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

Miss the morning broadcast? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia for Tuesday, September 8, 2026.In this episode of Roanoke Valley’s Morning News, hosts Joey Self and Ian Price cover local reflections on the legacy of feminist icon Gloria Steinem, a major conservation grant awarded for Northwest Roanoke's Evans Spring property, and high-profile campaign stops along the Labor Day parade trail.Gloria Steinem Remembered: Virginia Tech professor Dr. Bonnie Zare reflects on the legacy of journalist and second-wave feminist pioneer Gloria Steinem following her passing at age 92.Evans Spring Conservation Grant: The Blue Ridge Land Conservancy secured $50,000 from the Conservation Fund to draft a community-focused preservation plan for Northwest Roanoke's Evans Spring property.Lake Nelson Vehicle Recovery: Dive teams in Nelson County recovered a submerged car and the body of deceased driver Graham Isaac Bolter of Waynesboro from Lake Nelson.Labor Day Campaign Trail: Candidates made high-profile appearances at the Buena Vista Labor Day parade, with U.S. Senator Mark Warner making his 20th appearance while Democratic challenger Beth Macy clashed with Representative Ben Cline over debate formats.The Inn at Virginia Tech Rebranding: The Inn at Virginia Tech unveiled "The Loyal," a rebranded farm-to-table dining concept replacing Preston's Restaurant under executive chef Edwin Scholly.Mid-Week Weather Outlook: Following a mild Labor Day weekend, daytime temperatures remain in the 80s with low humidity and cool 50-degree nights bringing an early fall feel.Roanoke College Football Opener: The Roanoke College Maroons kick off their season tonight on the road against Virginia University of Lynchburg.Salem Ridgeyaks Comeback: The Salem Ridgeyaks rallied with two runs in the eighth inning to defeat Hill City 4-3.College Football & NFL Updates: JMU defeated Liberty 20-13, while Virginia Tech rolled past VMI; in the NFL, Tua Tagovailoa was named the Falcons' starting quarterback for Week 1.NASCAR & MLB Highlights: Christopher Bell took the checkered flag at the Southern 500 in Darlington, and the New York Yankees reinstated Aaron Judge from the injured list.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

The conservation grant will fund the next step in a four-year long battle to preserve one of Roanoke City’s largest undeveloped tracts of land.

A local store will be offering its customers an opportunity to support the community while they shop.

Miss the morning broadcast? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia for Thursday, September 3, 2026.In this episode of Roanoke Valley’s Morning News, hosts Joey Self and Ian Price cover dangerous triple-digit heat advisories across the region, a tragic elementary school shooting in Waynesboro, and Governor Abigail Spanberger's executive action to protect state healthcare funding.Sweltering Labor Day Heatwave: Heat advisories remain in effect as heat index values climb up to 107°F across the region, prompting local high schools to enforce mandatory water breaks and gear adjustments during afternoon athletic practices.Tragic Waynesboro School Shooting: Authorities are investigating an incident at Westwood Hills Elementary School where 19-year-old Anthony Ignatios Isabel forced entry into the library, shot and injured a staff member, and then turned the gun on himself.Spanberger Healthcare Executive Order: Governor Abigail Spanberger signed an executive order directing state health agencies to protect Medicaid and food assistance coverage, as officials warn federal policy changes could cost Virginia up to $6 billion annually in lost federal revenue.Food Pantries Face Demand Surge: Pam Irvine, CEO of Feeding Southwest Virginia, warns that federal cuts to SNAP and Medicaid work requirements will severely strain regional food pantries across 26 counties and 9 cities.Franklin County Supervisor Resignation Walkback: Supervisor Mike Meredith announced he will not step down from his board seat, claiming his August 18 verbal resignation following data center disclosures was made under duress and was never legally binding.JJ Redick Speaks to Roanoke Youth: Cave Spring High School graduate and LA Lakers head coach JJ Redick made his first public Roanoke Valley appearance in 13 years, addressing over 500 students at the Summit Sportplex.Grace Period Food Pantry Opening: The former St. Timothy Lutheran Church building on Hardy Road in Vinton reopens this Saturday, September 5, as a free community food distribution center.Roanoke College Solo Mural: Local artist Nicole Gray completed her first solo mural depicting the Blue Ridge Mountains on Ares Hall at Roanoke College in Salem.Salem Development Debate: Resident Donna Cross urged Salem City Council to establish stricter protections for historic properties and local aquifers against sprawling commercial development.Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center Gala: The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center announced its annual "Night Owl on the Town" gala at Hotel Roanoke on September 19, aiming to raise $100,000 for animal rehabilitation.Roanoke College Football Kickoff: The Roanoke College Maroons football team opens its second ODAC season tonight on the road against Virginia University of Lynchburg.Salem Ridgeyaks Victory: Luis Andujar launched a two-run homer to lead the Salem Ridgeyaks past Hill City 10-4 in Game 1 of their home stand.Virginia Tech Game Week: Hokies head coach James Franklin expressed team excitement as Virginia Tech prepares for its Saturday night opener against VMI at Lane Stadium.NBA Sanctions Clippers Owner: The NBA suspended LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer for one year, fined the franchise $30 million, and stripped five first-round draft picks over salary cap violations involving Kawhi Leonard.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

At the Taubman Museum of Art this Friday night beginning at 5pm the 50th Anniversary launch of the Artemis Journal, featuring poetry and visual art.  Friday night's Artemis Journal launch is a ticketed event; it includes a poetry reading and discussion from 6 to 7pm with current US Poet Laureate Arthur Zee

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

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Least of these Ministries in downtown Roanoke on Luck Avenue has its signature annual fundraiser coming up on October 10 at Elmwood Park, so we figured this is a good time to catch up on everything going at “T-Lot.” Live in studio this morning was Dawn Sandoval, executive director for The Least of These Ministries. Hear the complete conversation below:

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion - a long-standing festival spanning two states - will be returning in a few weeks. The Festival Director says the stacked lineup is designed to feature today’s country stars and their up-and-coming counterparts.

Virginia has just been named among the nation’s 10 worst states for women’s equality.

Here is the latest from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

Borne after a women's summit one-day event Huddle Up Moms has grown and now has a storefront support shop and diaper bank in downtown Roanoke, not to mention other programs that let's new mothers that may also be struggling financially that they are not alone. Taco Fest this Saturday , which features a number of taco vendors and other food trucks, also includes live music all day, a kids zone and more

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

On the heels of a record-breaking year for Virginia’s tourism industry, several state organizations have come together to create a site aimed at helping seasonal travelers plan their fall getaway.

Its the second and last weekend at the Bear Theatre in downtown Roanoke for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, this Friday through Sunday. The 2026-27 season at Jefferson Center in downtown Roanoke kicks off this Thursday. Roanoke Ballet Theatre has announced its 2026-27 season. And the new Exchange Music Hall in downtown Roanoke operated by the people behind FloydFest have announced a slate of shows for this Fall. Hear much more in link below:

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

A program that connects Virginia’s incarcerated readers with books ranging from the educational to the entertaining is hosting its first event of the year.

Roanoke College alums, and those that are just fans of the Maroons Division 3 football team beginning its second official season next month, will have another school team to cheer on the gridiron in 2028. Women's flag football is on its way, as an "Emerging NCAA sport." lag football - NFL stars have played the sport at recent Pro Bowls - will feature 7-on-7 action, on a field 40 by 80 yards in size - as opposed to a men's 53 by 100 yards field

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

Virginia Tech’s VTeach program is returning for its 4th year with a new focus on rural school districts in Southwest Virginia.

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

Roanoke City Police have arrested a man following a stand off A pilot lane redesign on Williamson Road cut traffic crashes by "nearly 40 percent" without slowing down Star City drivers The Botetourt County Fire and EMS department will soon be able to perform blood transfusions right in the field after joining a new pre-hospital whole blood programThe Roanoke College athletics department has announced the addition of women’s flag football as a varsity sport

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia:

The City of Lynchburg is calling on its residents to help shape a project nearly a decade in the making.

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

Virginia Tech’s Biennial festival highlighting the power of spatial sound using the university’s five-story-high, state-of-the-art sound stage-slash-laboratory called “the Cube”, returns this Friday for its 10th year.

NASCAR’s upcoming season marks a special anniversary for one Virginia track.

Here is the latest news from the around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia,

5 Points’ summer concert series will be benefiting more than just the ears with its next act. The music sanctuary is teaming up with Bradley Free Clinic to host a benefit concert at the Dog Bowl, with proceeds going towards supporting the clinic's operations.

A recent study ranked Virginia among the Top 15 best states to live in in 2026, showing a notable rise in the Commonwealth's ranking since 2025.

Here is the latest news from across the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

Roanoke’s Kiwanis Club is honoring its 6th annual Star of the Year.

You can’t watch television or listen to the radio without seeing or hearing a commercial for GLP-1 weight loss drugs. As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports these relatively new drugs may treat several other conditions.The Virginia Department of Health is reaffirming already established vaccine recommendations and school immunization requirementsVirginia LT. Gov Ghazala Hashmi this week announced she will be conducting a listening tour next month to get resident input on the rising cost of energy

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

Virginia democrats will see the results of months of lobbying later this week when the DNC cements the early voting calendar at its 3-day summer meeting.

With help from a federal grant, Lynchburg Regional Airport is ready to complete a project ten years in the making.

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

A study highlighting the states with the most underprivileged children ranks VA among the top ten states with the most privileged kids.

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

As schools scramble to find ways to keep AI tools out of the classroom, one Virginia Tech education expert suggests finding ways to implement them safely.