WFIR News Express

In today’s WFIR News Express , a standoff in Roanoke City ended with the arrest of 38-year-old Kevin Stefanik, who faces charges including two counts of attempted malicious wounding. The incident also caused a lockdown at Patrick Henry High School as police responded to a well-being check. Clark Palmer reports on the historic Forest Level Baptist Church in Bedford County, where the congregation is...

In today’s WFIR News Express , Salem City Council approves a major development plan for HopeTree Family Services’ land, allowing for new apartments, houses, and businesses. Despite residents’ concerns about traffic and runoff, HopeTree officials vow to maintain transparency throughout the project. WFIR’s Clark Palmer has the details. Gene Marrano speaks with Hollins University political science ch...

In today’s WFIR News Express , Virginia Tech Athletic Director Whit Babcock shares how revenue sharing and spending caps will reshape college athletics starting in 2025. WFIR’s Clark Palmer explains how this evolution will affect Virginia Tech’s programs. Denise Allen Membreno highlights Glenvar High School’s Steve Franco, whose hit comedy In-Laws, Outlaws & Other People That Should Be Shot op...

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

In today’s WFIR News Express , Roanoke Police are investigating two separate incidents: a fatal shooting on Lanford Street NW and a crash on Brandon Avenue SW where a vehicle struck an apartment building, killing a resident inside. State transportation officials provide updates on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. The storm caused $4 billion in damage across Virginia, with debris removal expected...

In today’s WFIR News Express , the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office confirms that a man accused of orchestrating his 97-year-old grandmother’s murder has died by suicide. The alleged murder-for-hire scheme resulted in charges for a second suspect, who remains in custody. In Roanoke County, a developer proposes an affordable housing project near the former Poage Mill Farm. Plans include townhomes,...

In today’s WFIR News Express , Roanoke City Council has introduced Valmarie Turner as the city’s new manager. Turner, formerly the deputy city manager in Fairfax, will take office next month, prioritizing affordable housing and crime prevention. Outgoing Mayor Sherman Lea said Turner was the unanimous choice of the council. The Produce Prescription program, which began as a small pilot in Roanoke,...

In today’s WFIR News Express , federal officials remind Southwest Virginia residents that today marks the final day to apply for aid related to damages from Hurricane Helene. FEMA and the Small Business Administration urge applications for low-interest loans and disaster recovery assistance. Roanoke County breaks ground on Smith Ridge Commons, a 216-unit affordable housing project that promises mo...

In today’s  WFIR News Express , a Henry County woman is behind bars after authorities uncovered an alleged murder-for-hire plot, with details of the scheme captured during a recorded meeting. We also examine the ongoing debate over a proposed constitutional amendment to restore voting rights for people convicted of felonies after incarceration. While advocates like Sheba Williams call for change,...

In today’s  WFIR News Express , Roanoke City Council is nearing a decision on its next city manager, with seven finalists interviewed and plans for a January start date. This comes after the resignation of Bob Cowell earlier this year and months of leadership by interim City Manager Lydia Pettis Patton. In Botetourt County, the Board of Supervisors has officially dissolved the Read Mountain Fire a...

In today’s WFIR News Express , Salem City Council pushes forward on a controversial HopeTree development plan, drawing criticism, a lawsuit, and fears over stormwater and traffic issues. We celebrate Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation’s efforts to protect the region’s past, spotlighting award-winning projects like the transformation of Belmont Baptist Church into modern apartments. We also tac...

In today’s WFIR News Express , we feature an in-depth look at Roanoke City Public Schools’ partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy to promote sustainability efforts across the district. Blue Ridge Literacy marks another successful year, with a surge in adults learning English and preparing for an even brighter future. On the crime front, Lynchburg Police investigate a shooting that left a 1...

In today’s WFIR News Express , we bring you exclusive coverage of the Mill Mountain Star’s 75th anniversary, featuring the rediscovery of a forgotten song recorded in its honor. We also highlight the recount request in the Roanoke City mayoral race and a Virginia U.S. Senator’s reaction to the withdrawal of a Trump nominee. Tune in for these stories and more, including details on local events, sta...

In today’s WFIR News Express , we report on a Floyd County judge’s ruling against Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s effort to withdraw Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a guilty plea in the 2022 UVA campus shooting, and a General Assembly committee hearing on balancing campus safety with protest rights. We also highlight a series of benefit concerts for Hurricane Helene recovery, U.S. Sen....

Roanoke is buzzing this weekend! From the Grandin Holiday Children’s Parade packed with floats and Santa sightings to the Mill Mountain Star’s 75th-anniversary celebration featuring hikes, history, and community fun. Plus, Clark Palmer dives into the heated debate over a new ordinance targeting vape shop locations near schools. Don’t miss these stories and more in today’s WFIR News Express!

An extended ramp closure on I-81 Southbound in Roanoke County this weekend could impact your travel plans. Governor Glenn Youngkin endorses Winsome Sears for Governor and Jason Miyares for re-election, while Bedford County leaders approve updates to their comprehensive plan. In state politics, Ken Mitchell and Lilly Franklin announce future campaigns, and marijuana laws in Virginia remain in a leg...

In today’s WFIR News Express: Congress returns for a lame-duck session amid looming budget battles, and Senator Mark Warner highlights the impact on small business loans and FEMA funding. Bedford County deputies chase suspects in a multi-vehicle theft investigation, and Roanoke Fire-EMS investigates an arson case at a nursing facility. We cover Virginia’s wildfire risks after a record-setting year...

Today on WFIR News Express: An Amtrak train derailment in Roanoke caused disruptions but no injuries as railcars slipped off the tracks early yesterday morning. Governor Glenn Youngkin highlights ongoing progress in Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, with $20 million in federal aid distributed so far and more than 10,000 FEMA applications submitted ahead of the Dec. 2 deadline. New data from Virgi...

Today on WFIR News Express: Virginia Democrats push forward a constitutional amendment to protect abortion rights, with the proposal sparking passionate arguments on both sides. Meanwhile, Roanoke’s mayoral race results are in, with Joe Cobb holding a 59-vote lead over David Bowers as the final tallies come in. Delegate Sam Rasoul announces his re-election bid, focusing on youth programs, mental h...

In today’s WFIR News Express, we’re covering a wide range of important stories across our region. Pulaski County Administrator Jonathon Sweet is facing Class 1 misdemeanor assault and battery charges stemming from an incident in September. In the New River Valley, concerns are rising after potentially hazardous chemicals were released into the New River during Hurricane Helene, with 13 containers...

Today on WFIR News Express: Vice Mayor Joe Cobb maintains a 53-vote lead in the Roanoke mayoral race, with absentee ballots still being counted. Roanoke Cement and Virginia Tech join forces on a pioneering carbon sequestration project aiming to reduce emissions equivalent to removing 360,000 cars from the road. Meanwhile, Virginia’s House of Delegates will soon review proposed amendments on aborti...

In today’s WFIR News Express, we bring you the latest from Roanoke’s mayoral race as Vice Mayor Joe Cobb holds a slim lead over David Bowers, with absentee ballots still being counted. We also share a deeply moving story of Alisha Davis, a mother honoring her son Brian Stone Jr., who was tragically lost to gun violence, as she speaks out at a community vigil. Virginia State Police are creating new...

In today’s WFIR News Express, we cover the latest in Roanoke’s tight mayoral race, with just 11 votes separating Republican candidate David Bowers from Democratic Vice Mayor Joe Cobb. As provisional ballots continue to be counted, the final outcome remains uncertain. We also spotlight Project CARDINAL, led by Virginia Tech, which aims to reduce carbon emissions in the Roanoke Valley with a $9 mill...

In today’s WFIR News Express , we continue our deep dive into the latest election results, with a closer look at how provisional ballots could influence outcomes in Roanoke’s mayoral race and beyond. As David Bowers and Joe Cobb remain in a near tie, Radford University’s Chapman Rackaway shares insights into the provisional ballot process and why some votes may remain uncounted. We also analyze ke...

Chapman Rackaway is a seasoned political analyst with expertise in Virginia and national elections. Known for his insightful commentary and depth of knowledge, Rackaway has spent over two decades analyzing voting trends, campaign strategies, and voter behavior across the Commonwealth and beyond. He joins WFIR to unpack the unexpected Roanoke City Council and mayoral race results, as well as the br...