In today's WFIR News Express update, we unpack the tensions following the U.S. military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. Learn about Congressman Morgan Griffith’s call for congressional approval before further military actions, reflecting on the broader implications for international relations and U.S. foreign policy.
Explore the ongoing developments in Roanoke's affordable housing landscape as Delegate Sam Rasoul introduces new legislation to address the housing crisis. Discover how Roanoke's Economic Development Authority plans to use a $2.5 million award to transform the former Walker Foundry site into prime workforce housing.
Dive into local economic news with updates on Vinton's hotel project, now under a new developer, and the approved Career & Technical Education Center in Rocky Mount, promising hands-on training for students in trades like mechanics and welding.
Finally, we bid farewell to The Gift Niche, a downtown Roanoke staple, closing after 43 years amidst the challenges posed by online shopping. Co-owner Laura Duckworth shares insights on their future plans.
Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage on these stories and more, as WFIR continues to keep you informed on the latest local and international news.
A giant Ferris wheel over downtown Roanoke? This week’s On the Record tackles one of the boldest development ideas the city has seen in years.
Reporter Jeff Sturgeon from the Roanoke Rambler joins WFIR to break down a proposal that could place a 130-foot, permanent Ferris wheel atop Center in the Square or its adjacent parking garage, potentially reshaping Roanoke’s skyline and downtown identity. We dig into what’s known, what’s still conceptual, and how state funding, engineering studies, and city approval could determine whether the idea moves forward.
The conversation also explores quiet but significant leadership departures from Roanoke City Hall, including the exit of Deputy City Manager Sam Roman, and what those changes mean as the city navigates a period of transition. Plus, we revisit a high-profile defamation case involving former state senator Brandon Bell, now headed toward appeal, and take a look at emerging food and restaurant trends shaping Roanoke’s dining scene in 2026.
If you care about downtown development, local government, legal accountability, or where Roanoke is headed next, this is one of the most wide-ranging and revealing On the Record conversations in weeks.
In today's update, explore key stories shaping Virginia. Campbell County is at a crossroads as the Planning Commission rejects a zoning ordinance requiring special-use permits for data centers, with the Board of Supervisors set to decide on its future. Discover insights from Virginia Tech experts on the environmental impacts and benefits of data center expansion.
Senator Mark Warner weighs in on the political implications of Venezuelan President Maduro's extraction, drawing parallels to historical events. Meanwhile, a petition to recall Martinsville Mayor L.C. Jones gains traction, highlighting local governance concerns.
Stay informed on health developments as Congressman Morgan Griffith addresses tick-borne illnesses and celebrates the reopening of Stuart Community Hospital in Patrick County. Meanwhile, Virginia faces rising health insurance premiums, impacting nearly 400,000 residents due to the expiration of ACA tax credits.
In community news, Rocky Mount's Town Council approves a new CTE Center, and Botetourt County launches a fund to enhance recreational activities. With flu cases on the rise, the Virginia Department of Health urges residents to get vaccinated.
Finally, Roanoke Gas seeks a rate increase amidst inflation pressures, reflecting broader economic challenges. Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage of these stories and more, as we keep you connected and informed across Virginia.
In this episode, we delve into the significant events shaping Virginia and beyond. Explore the U.S. military's controversial operation in Venezuela, with in-depth analysis and reactions from political leaders like Senator Tim Kaine. Understand the community's perspective through peaceful protests in Roanoke, as residents voice their concerns about American foreign policy.
Celebrate local culture with the successful launch of Roanoke’s Exchange Music Hall. Learn about the debut's impact, upcoming improvements, and what to expect from future events that promise to enliven the community.
Stay informed on Campbell County's critical decision to change zoning laws for data centers, addressing resident concerns and shaping regional development. Get the latest on AeroFarms, a key player in vertical farming facing an uncertain future in Pittsylvania County.
Discover the growth and future plans of Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport, as passenger numbers hit record highs and ambitious projects are set in motion. Join the excitement with Virginia's Millionaire Raffle winners, celebrating the start of a prosperous new year.
Finally, enjoy a heartwarming story of Cleo, a missing support dog, joyfully reunited with her family in Tazewell, highlighting the power of community and compassion.
Stay connected with WFIR for comprehensive coverage of these impactful stories, keeping you informed and engaged every step of the way.
Welcome to WFIR News Express! Dive into Virginia's pivotal New Year updates. Discover sustainable cooling strategies for Botetourt County's data center, aiming to protect our natural resources. Learn about the wage increase impacting workers statewide, and understand new consumer protection laws that curb telemarketer intrusions. Virginia's health care landscape shifts as premium subsidies change, affecting 400,000 residents, while breast cancer testing becomes more affordable.
Explore social media restrictions for children, ensuring safer online experiences. Stay updated on local developments like the renovation of Fishburn Perk coffee shop and the Peacemakers group's search for a new home. Political dynamics unfold with insights into legislative priorities and the potential redraw of political maps.
Plus, kickstart your fitness journey with tips from local gyms and exclusive New Year membership offers. Stay informed and engaged with WFIR News Express, your source for comprehensive Virginia news!
Join WFIR News Express on New Year's Eve for a detailed look at Roanoke's vibrant celebrations. Discover the grand opening of the Exchange Music Hall with Grace Potter, and explore events from rooftop parties to gala dinners at Hotel Roanoke. Stay safe with "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaigns and increased police presence. Updates include a recent I-81 accident, Virginia State Police vehicle inspection reminders, and local political insights as we approach 2026 midterms. Attorney General Elect Jay Jones has been cleared in a past investigation, and changes are coming to the Blacksburg Town Council. Stay informed and celebrate safely with WFIR News Express!
Join us on the WFIR News Express Podcast for in-depth coverage of today's compelling stories. We provide crucial information for Virginians about the health insurance enrollment deadline to ensure coverage by January 1st. We delve into a Roanoke family's lawsuit against Delta and KLM Airlines over a bedbug-infested flight, and share insights into the future plans for Roanoke’s Historic Fishburn Mansion. As 2026 approaches, discover what Roanoke residents are resolving to change and expert tips for setting achievable goals. Learn about a bestselling novel collaboration between a retired professor and his granddaughter, and explore a unique winter outing at Blacksburg's Whiskey Springs Farm. Plus, celebrate local agricultural leaders with the Virginia Grand Basin Clean Water Farm Awards. Stay informed with WFIR News Express!
Tune into the WFIR News Express Podcast for a Festivus edition featuring today's top stories: the Trump administration's pause on Virginia's offshore wind project due to national security concerns, and the DOJ's limited release of Jeffrey Epstein files stirring frustration. Get tech advice for parents considering cell phones for the holidays, and explore a unique conservation effort involving stuffed animals. We also cover significant local news, including drug trafficking arrests, a tribute to educator Lucy Addison, and Roanoke's parking enforcement challenges. Additionally, hear about Governor Youngkin’s recent impact on the federal workforce and his official portrait unveiling. Stay informed with in-depth reporting on WFIR News Express!
On this Monday, December 22, 2025, WFIR News Express brings you the latest breaking news from Roanoke, Southwest Virginia, and across the Commonwealth.
In today’s update:
• A Roanoke man is charged in the stabbing of two teenagers, leaving one critically injured
• A deadly house fire in Bedford County claims one life and injures three firefighters
• Sen. Tim Kaine accuses the Justice Department of violating the Epstein Files Transparency Act, raising questions about federal accountability
• An inmate is indicted for the murder of a Virginia correctional officer, with additional attempted murder charges
• Gas prices in Virginia hit a four-year low, just as millions prepare for holiday travel
• State Police seize more than 220 pounds of narcotics and dozens of firearms in December enforcement operations
• American Airlines announces new nonstop service from Roanoke to Dallas-Fort Worth, with tickets now on sale
• Law enforcement ramps up DUI patrols statewide during the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” holiday campaign
• A carbon monoxide scare forces evacuations at a Bedford senior living facility
• The UVA Board of Visitors names a new president, drawing criticism from incoming state leadership
• A nonprofit expands efforts to deliver low-cost vision care and eyeglasses in Virginia and around the world
🎧 Fast, factual, and focused — this is WFIR News Express.
Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of 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.
Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.
On this Monday, December 15, 2025, WFIR News Express delivers the latest developing stories from Southwest Virginia and beyond.
In today’s update:
• One person is killed and three others hospitalized after a serious crash near Franklin Road in Roanoke.
• A United Airlines flight suffers an engine failure during takeoff at Dulles before safely returning.
• U.S. Senator Mark Warner calls on the Trump administration to release full video and documentation related to U.S. military boat strikes in the Caribbean, raising questions about transparency and potential war crimes.
• Senators Warner and Kaine endorse Elaine Luria and Tom Perriello, citing their national security experience.
• Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger challenges President Trump’s economic claims as new polling shows declining approval.
• Cold weather increases demand for shelter services, as RAM House announces a new matching-donor challenge.
• Pulaski Police arrest a suspect accused of placing a fake 911 hostage call to evade capture during a shoplifting investigation.
• Racing is set to return to Pulaski County, with plans underway to reopen a historic speedway in 2026.
• Virginia State Police seize nearly 86 pounds of narcotics and multiple firearms during a multi-day statewide enforcement operation.
🎧 Quick, clear, and credible — this is WFIR News Express.
Here is the latest new from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.
Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.
WFIR’s Ian Price goes On The Record with Roanoke Rambler reporter Jeff Sturgeon to unpack this week’s top stories. Del. Sam Rasoul is “testing the waters” for a run for Congress — a move that could eventually put him in a Democratic primary with author Beth Macy, who told The Rambler she welcomes the challenge and wants “leaders, not just career politicians.”
Jeff also explains why Reuben Lawson’s name has disappeared from the recently renamed federal courthouse in downtown Roanoke, after contractors damaged the stone backdrop while trying to replace the lettering.
The segment wraps with an update on Roanoke’s long-running zoning debate — how a promised compromise on housing rules has been delayed, why it may now overlap with the 2026 City Council race, and what it all means for efforts to expand housing options and affordability in the city.
On this Wednesday, December 10, 2025, WFIR News Express delivers the top stories shaping southwest Virginia — from major criminal cases to statewide political shifts and local economic updates.
Here’s what’s in today’s episode:
• A Virginia State Trooper injured in Carroll County after a vehicle struck his cruiser at a crash scene.
• A Troutville youth pastor pleads guilty to attempted child sex crimes following an FBI investigation.
• A Campbell County man sentenced for using online communications to solicit a child under 15.
• Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger, in a POLITICO-moderated interview, says her double-digit win shows voters expect action on affordability — and she weighs in on how potential redistricting should unfold.
• Former Congressman Tom Perriello announces a bid to reclaim his old 5th District seat as Democrats eye map changes.
• A gas leak at a Campbell County apartment complex sends several residents for treatment before crews identify improperly stored fuel as the source.
• NAACP vs. Shenandoah County Schools — a federal trial begins over whether reinstating Confederate school names violates students’ rights.
• Virginia farmers react after President Trump announces $12 billion in one-time federal farm aid.
• Fork in the Market prepares to reopen months after a fire shut down the downtown Roanoke restaurant.
• Holiday consumer sentiment rises in Virginia, with new Roanoke College data showing confidence outpacing the national average.
• Center in the Square turns 42, with major upgrades underway for the Pinball Museum, atrium, and Starcade.
🎧 A clean, fast, trustworthy news rundown — crafted for new listeners discovering the 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.