WFIR News Express

🎙️ WFIR News Express – Daily Roanoke Headlines in Under 10 Minutes Stay plugged into Roanoke and Southwest Virginia with WFIR News Express — a fast, no-fluff, daily news update from the award-winning WFIR News team. Each weekday, we bring you the latest local stories, original reporting, and exclusive sound from area leaders, officials, and residents — all in less than 10 minutes. From crime and p...

Virginia will receive over $6.6 million from a national opioid settlement with Mylan — we break down the attorney general’s announcement. Plus: parents in Covington speak out through legal counsel after more troubling symptoms surface at the middle school. New Mill Mountain trails are officially under construction, a fun-sized petting zoo is headed downtown, and Roanoke celebrates savings week wit...

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

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

In today’s WFIR News Express: 📍 Roanoke police are investigating reports of hacked EBT cards and drained SNAP benefits 🚨 A 17-year-old is facing charges after a loaded handgun was found at Franklin County High 🕊️ We preview a community celebration of life honoring Autumn Bushman 🏛️ State lawmakers respond to Governor Youngkin's vetoes on minimum wage and paid sick leave 🌍 Virginia Senators...

A student is taken into custody after a gun is found at Franklin County High School. A deadly pedestrian crash in Blacksburg leaves a community shaken. Plus, a Salem church opens its doors for a powerful town hall on bullying after the tragic loss of a Roanoke County child. Also in this episode: A lingering odor raises new safety questions at Covington Middle, FDNY trains at Smith Mountain Lake, V...

A tale of two Roanoke's: Police investigate a deadly shooting near the Melrose Library in Northwest Roanoke, while officials tout safety improvements and boosted patrols in South Roanoke following the tragic death of a beloved community volunteer. Plus, parents raise new concerns at Covington Middle, Pete’s Deli says goodbye after nearly 60 years, and Congressman Ben Cline honors a championshi...

WFIR News Express for Monday, March 31, 2025 – A fast, ad-free local newscast for the Roanoke Valley and beyond. 🎧 In Today’s Episode: • **Roanoke Arrest Controversy** – A mother says her son, who is hearing-impaired, was traumatized after being arrested outside her daycare. Police say he was resisting arrest. • **Feeding Southwest Virginia Faces Crisis** – Emergency food assistance programs are...

On this Thursday, March 28 edition of the WFIR News Express , we bring you the day’s top stories from across the region: A tragic toddler death in Lynchburg is under investigation MS-13 gang leader arrested in Virginia , as Governor Youngkin targets sanctuary policies A Roanoke County suicide prompts new anti-bullying efforts in Lynchburg McAfee Knob’s new pedestrian bridge is officially open afte...

On today’s WFIR News Express for Wednesday, March 27th — we’re covering key stories across the Roanoke Valley and beyond: A Roanoke family is demanding answers after a 3-year-old was found alone in a daycare bathroom with two boys — no adult supervision The White House pushes back hard against Senator Mark Warner , after he slammed a security lapse involving a group chat and U.S. airstrikes in Yem...

On today’s WFIR News Express , we cover major headlines shaping Roanoke and surrounding areas: A 15-year-old runner slashed in Roanoke — a suspect is behind bars DEI policies rolled back at Virginia Tech and scrubbed from Roanoke City webpages New electric buses hit Roanoke roads as Valley Metro celebrates 50 years Senators Warner and Kaine press for answers on a national security group chat misha...

Today on the WFIR News Express : Roanoke Police are investigating after a teenage runner was punched near Patrick Henry High School In Henry County, a preschooler is accused of making a bomb threat Valley Metro unveils Roanoke’s first electric buses since 1948 U.S. Senator Tim Kaine questions national security breaches involving Trump Cabinet members Virginia’s SNAP benefits and school meal regula...

On today’s WFIR News Express: 🔥 Brush fires in Roanoke County and near the Craig County line fully contained ; downed power line likely cause. 📚 Virginia Tech education expert says marginalized students would suffer if the U.S. Department of Education is eliminated. 🔫 Botetourt County Sheriff's Office searching for shooting suspect following a violent domestic dispute. 🏃‍♂️ Blue Ridge Mara...

Today's WFIR News Express dives into key stories across Roanoke and Southwest Virginia: 🚨 A 7-year-old boy hospitalized after being hit by a car in Northwest Roanoke. 🐱 Two arrested after 47 cats found in “unsanitary” conditions at a Roanoke home cat rescue. ☣️ Acid spill injures six workers at Celanese chemical plant in Giles County—two in critical condition. 💵 Fatal crash in Botetourt Cou...

Today’s top stories in Roanoke & Southwest Virginia: 🐾 Roanoke animal rescue owners arrested —47 cats found in “deplorable conditions,” with felony animal neglect charges filed. 📉 Virginia unemployment claims surge 40% in one week, raising economic concerns. 🏀 March Madness meets fitness! Local trainer shares easy ways to stay active while watching the games. 🗳️ Senator Mark Warner urges th...

Today’s top stories in Roanoke & Southwest Virginia: 🚨 A Virginia State Trooper rescued a toddler found wandering alone in the middle of a roadway after leaving daycare. 🐶 Roanoke City Police officer fired for animal cruelty after neglecting his German Shepherd without food or water. 🚗 Gus Nicks Blvd. lane reduction debate continues —some say it improves safety, others argue it’s creating n...

Today in Roanoke, VA news: NCAA’s recruiting rules could change under new settlement, allowing NIL payments to high school recruits. Covington Middle School students return to in-person classes after a gas leak hospitalization. Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center needs donations after treating 541 animals from Smith Mountain Lake area last year. Roanoke stabbing under investigation after an inciden...

In today’s Roanoke, VA news: Virginia State Police seize $342K in drugs & 36 firearms in a statewide crackdown. Proposed SNAP cuts could affect thousands of families in Roanoke & Southwest Virginia. Roanoke Mayor Joe Cobb celebrates his historic election win with supporters. Mill Mountain Zoo reopens after winter storm damage. Roanoke’s Lawrence Koontz, Jr., former VA Supreme Court Justice...

🟢 Roanoke’s biggest event of the season is here! Thousands will flood downtown this weekend for the Freedom First St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Shamrock Festival. Find out what’s planned! 🍀🎶 🚨 A major scam alert in Roanoke —if you’ve received a suspicious message about unpaid balances, here’s what you need to know. 💰📱 ⚖️ 100-year sentence for the man who killed Big Stone Gap Police Officer...

🔹 Botetourt County crash leaves three pedestrians seriously injured —what police say happened in the crosswalk 🚗🚶 🔹 Measles concerns in Virginia —a local doctor weighs in on potential risks and what to know about the Dulles Airport case 🏥 🔹 Roanoke woman pleads guilty to massive PPP fraud scheme —she now faces up to 30 years in prison 💰⚖️ 🔹 Roanoke police find missing woman safe in Florida...

A Roanoke man was struck by an Amtrak train while attempting to escape police—how he survived and what charges he’s facing. Also today: 🔹 Roadwork on Route 419 in Oak Grove —what residents need to know before tomorrow’s open house 🔹 Blacksburg housing debate —is it the town’s job to build student housing? 🔹 New Maritime Gallery at the Virginia Museum of Transportation officially opens 🔹 First...

Local road changes on Gus Nicks Boulevard are sparking frustration, with residents saying detours are pushing dangerous traffic into their neighborhoods. Meanwhile, protesters in Blacksburg rallied for reproductive rights and rural healthcare, urging lawmakers to take action. In Bedford County , an 82-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly grooming a minor online. Salem is enforcing Virginia...

A Missouri couple is facing charges after allegedly abducting and abusing a 13-year-old Virginia girl they groomed online. Meanwhile, the families of the men killed in last week's Vinton custody exchange shooting speak out. Roanoke police are investigating a tragic train accident that left two dead, and a former Botetourt Chamber leader has been indicted for embezzlement. In other news, Virgin...

Virginia State Police have wrapped up a major law enforcement operation, resulting in over 600 felony arrests and the seizure of more than 400 pounds of illegal drugs. Meanwhile, a proposed move to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education has some local school officials worried about funding cuts. We also have updates on a Romanian national accused of a multi-state credit card skimming scheme, n...

Today's WFIR News Express covers the latest headlines from Roanoke, Salem, and beyond: Roanoke Police Searching for Homicide Suspect – 42-year-old Lamar Burkes was fatally shot in Northwest Roanoke; police have identified Quante Martice Dillard Sr. as the suspect. Protests at Salem VA Medical Center – Layoffs affecting probationary employees spark concerns about veteran care. Trump’s Address t...