As Virginians recover from the nation’s longest federal shutdown, key developments are reshaping the Commonwealth — from food security to politics and education:

• 🥫 Full SNAP benefits return this week, with long-term funding now secure through 2026.

• 🎓 UVA Faculty Senate calls for board resignations amid fallout from former president Jim Ryan’s departure and a federal DEI probe.

• 🗳 Two Democrats — Joy Powers and Ken Mitchell — launch campaigns to challenge Republicans Morgan Griffith and Ben Cline, setting up major Southwest Virginia races ahead of 2026.

• 🚉 Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific shareholders approve a merger plan that could reshape freight operations by 2027.

• 🏛 Roanoke City Council to consider a Fishburn Mansion historic marker and a major solar expansion for schools.

• 🎶 The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra creates a new memorial fund honoring late Superintendent Dr. Rita Bishop and her legacy in music education.

🎧 WFIR News Express — your daily rundown of Virginia’s top headlines, local impact, and stories shaping the Roanoke Valley.