WFIR News Express

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

In this episode, we highlight how Virginians are rallying to support one another after Hurricane Helene, with a food and water drive taking place at the Salem Civic Center. Roanoke College political expert Jonathan Snow breaks down the Vice Presidential debate, focusing on JD Vance’s dodge of January 6th questions and Tim Walz’s missed opportunities on immigration. We’ll also dive into other major...

In today’s episode, we cover the upcoming food and water drive at the Salem Civic Center to aid those affected by recent storms in the New River Valley. WFIR and our sister stations are proud to sponsor the event, with Feeding Southwest Virginia asking for donations of bottled water and non-perishable foods. We also highlight ongoing disaster relief collections, the relocation of a local flower sh...

In today’s WFIR News Express Podcast, we cover U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, along with Rep. Morgan Griffith, requesting federal disaster assistance for Virginia in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s destruction. We also take a look at recovery efforts in Grayson and Pulaski Counties, where residents and crews are still dealing with significant damage. In Roanoke County, Clearbrook Elementa...

In today’s WFIR News Express Podcast, we cover Governor Youngkin’s visit to areas impacted by Hurricane Helene, as he assesses the storm’s damage. We also report on the arrest of a Roanoke County woman charged with second-degree murder following a fatal shooting in Salem. Additionally, we bring you updates on a Roanoke City shooting, a body discovered at Carvin’s Cove, and the ongoing debate over...

In today’s WFIR News Express Podcast, we report on the Roanoke City Commonwealth’s Attorney decision that a fatal officer-involved shooting in June was justified. We also discuss Roanoke City’s upcoming mayoral candidate forum, where residents will have the opportunity to hear from Vice Mayor Joe Cobb, Councilwoman Stephanie Moon-Reynolds, and Former Mayor David Bowers. Additionally, we cover the...

In today’s episode of the WFIR Streaming Update, we dive into the latest on Hurricane Helene as Governor Glenn Youngkin declares a state of emergency for Virginia. We’ll break down the storm’s projected path, how it could impact western parts of the state with heavy rainfall and flooding, and what precautions are being put in place. We’ll also discuss the enforcement of Virginia’s anti-price gougi...

In today’s WFIR News Express Podcast, we bring you the latest on a methamphetamine conspiracy linked to the murder of Big Stone Gap Police Officer Michael Chandler, with a recent sentencing in the case. We also cover the tragic deaths of two individuals in Roanoke County, followed by the discovery of the suspected shooter’s body in Franklin County. In Henry County, a domestic dispute led to seriou...

In today’s WFIR News Express Podcast, we report on a developing investigation in Roanoke County after two people were found dead, leading to local schools being placed in secure mode as a precaution. We also cover the strong turnout for early voting across the Commonwealth and Bedford County’s new funding to track highly regulated drugs used by first responders. Additionally, we provide updates on...

In today’s WFIR News Express Podcast, we bring you the latest on a high-speed chase in Henry County that left a deputy injured and two suspects in custody. We also cover a tragic police shooting in Montgomery County and share the inspiring story of a Franklin County man on the verge of receiving a life-saving kidney transplant. With early voting underway in Virginia, we provide updates on election...

In today’s episode of the WFIR News Express Podcast, we cover the aftermath of a Salem crime spree that led to the theft of two cars, including one with a 5-year-old boy inside. Hear from Shannon Whittaker, the man who found the child abandoned in the rain, as police continue their search for the suspect. We also report on the arrest of Roanoke City teacher Kevin Lee Joyce, charged with five count...

In today’s episode of the WFIR News Express Podcast, we begin with the latest on a crime spree in Salem, where a young child was left in a stolen vehicle. The suspect, who is still at large, is believed to be responsible for multiple car thefts and an attempted robbery. Local authorities, with support from surrounding departments, are conducting a manhunt, and Salem schools were briefly placed in...

In today's WFIR News Express Podcast, we cover the reopening of Breckinridge Middle School after a social media threat led to the arrest of a 13-year-old boy. Early voting approaches in Roanoke, and we break down the fundraising totals for mayoral and city council candidates. We also provide updates from a recent candidate forum and discuss Roanoke City Council’s decision to extend interim cit...

In today's episode, WFIR's Ian Price covers the latest updates from Roanoke City Council as they reaffirm controversial zoning amendments aimed at boosting housing affordability. We'll also dive into the arrest of a Covington man on multiple charges of sexual assault involving underage girls, plus news on the local economy, including the upward trend in visitor spending in Salem. Final...

In this WFIR News Express Podcast episode, we bring you the latest stories from Roanoke and beyond. Virginia Tech Police are on the lookout for a suspect involved in an assault near the Moss Arts Center. At the same time, Roanoke College unveils plans for a memorial honoring enslaved laborers integral to the region's history. We also cover the tragic discovery of a Bedford County man found dea...

In this episode of the WFIR News Express Podcast, we cover recent incidents of bomb threats in Henry County schools that have led to felony charges against two juveniles and the impact on neighboring Pulaski County schools. We also discuss the looming government shutdown as Congress struggles to pass a spending bill, with a continuing resolution on the table. Additionally, we report on a major dru...

In this episode of the WFIR News Express Podcast, we cover the sentencing of Kai Lansana to life in prison for the 2019 murder of Salonya Evans in Roanoke, bringing some closure to the victim's family. We also report on the recent incident involving a teenage boy hit by a car on Yellow Mountain Road, who has now been charged with violating pedestrian crossing laws. In politics, we discuss a fo...

In this episode of the WFIR News Express Podcast, we cover a range of important local stories. Roanoke City sees a significant decline in non-fatal drug overdoses, while September's National Recovery Month highlights the Bradley Free Clinic's efforts to combat substance abuse. We also report on a recent vehicle collision involving a young boy, Governor Youngkin's visit to discuss I-81...

Today's WFIR podcast brings you the latest news from Roanoke and Virginia. Get insights on Vice President Kamala Harris's upcoming debate against former President Donald Trump, where recent Virginia polls show Harris in the lead. We also cover local political developments, including Democratic Delegate Sam Rasoul's efforts to block Appalachian Power's proposed rate hike. Learn abou...

In today's WFIR news briefing, we cover the ongoing search for missing 61-year-old Robert Walter Renzetti in Roanoke, concerns surrounding the recent discovery of a deceased hiker on the Appalachian Trail, and an expert's insights on a DOJ indictment revealing Russia's disinformation efforts. Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears launches her bid for Virginia's top office, while a forme...

Roanoke Murder Case Mistrial : A Roanoke judge has declared a second mistrial in the case of Brian Salazar, who is accused of killing 65-year-old Paul Wortham in a downtown apartment lobby last summer. Salazar, who claims he acted in self-defense after being threatened, was indicted on second-degree murder charges. The incident resulted in Wortham's death after he sustained a fatal brain injur...

Latest Roanoke Valley and Virginia News.

A mother and her partner have been charged with child abuse and child cruelty after police found two kids chained by the ankle in a Fairfax County apartment. Residents at a Roanoke apartment complex say owners aren’t doing enough to prevent sewage from entering their homes. A woman has been sentenced to a year of probation on charges connected to a case of seven of Amherst County elementary school...

Latest Virginia and Roanoke Valley News.

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