On this Thursday edition of the WFIR News Express:

• ⚖️ Defense attorneys lay out their case as the UVA shooting trial moves toward a Friday sentencing, describing Christopher Darnell Jones Jr.’s traumatic childhood and deteriorating mental state.

• 🗳 Spanberger campaign leadership breaks down their winning strategy, crediting an affordability-focused message that resonated statewide.

• 🏥 Rural Health Day highlights growing shortages, as advocates warn that nearly half of Virginia’s neighborhoods lack adequate primary care access.

• 🚑 LewisGale Montgomery’s ER marks one year, with leaders calling the facility a long-needed upgrade for Christiansburg and I-81 travelers.

• 🏛 Rep. Ben Cline pushes a symbolic vote on socialism, drawing criticism from Democrats who call the measure political theater.

• 💰 Beth Macy posts a huge opening haul, raising $350,000 in her first 24 hours running in VA-06.

• ⚖️ Pulaski County moves to end a 47-year tax-sharing agreement with Radford, prompting a fight over millions in lost revenue.

• 🐴 Healing Strides reflects on more than a decade serving veterans through equine therapy.

• 🦅 Avian flu confirmed in vultures across Southwest Virginia, but experts say the risk to people and poultry remains low with proper precautions.

• 🚫 Water authorities urge residents not to dump holiday grease, offering free disposal kits to prevent sewer blockages.

🎧 WFIR News Express — your quick, reliable update on what matters across the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia.