Top Virginia and Roanoke Valley headlines for Thursday, November 7, 2025:
🔥 Botetourt Wildfires: Fire crews continue battling the Bald Mountain and Lignite Fires near the Craig County line — more than 1,600 acres burned with no homes immediately threatened.
🚓 Salem Standoff Arrest: A 22-year-old man is in custody after an hours-long standoff on Wortham Street; no injuries reported.
🏛 Democratic Majority Expands: Speaker Don Scott credits outreach to rural voters as Democrats secure their largest House of Delegates majority in nearly 30 years.
🗳 Election Fallout: Senator Mark Warner hails the “blue wave” across Virginia; Steve Bannon blames Governor Youngkin for GOP setbacks, calling him “a Trump-hating disaster.”
🤝 Transition of Power: Governor Glenn Youngkin and Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger meet at the Executive Mansion, pledging a smooth transition before January’s inauguration.
💊 Henry County Drug Arrests: Two charged in a VICE investigation tied to the sale of Schedule I and II narcotics from Reed Creek Drive homes.
💡 Roanoke Nonprofit Honored: Dr. Jaclyn Nunziato named Social Entrepreneur of the Year for her work with Huddle Up Moms, urging greater private-sector engagement in community health.
🏠 United Way Relief Fund: United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge launches a short-term campaign to raise $40,000 for families needing housing and utility assistance.
🎸 Journey Farewell Tour: Iconic rock band brings “The Final Frontier Tour” to the Berglund Center June 4.
🎶 FloydFest 26 Lineup: Early lineup unveiled for “Daydream” edition — Tedeschi Trucks Band, My Morning Jacket, Lukas Nelson, and more to headline next July.