Miss the morning broadcast? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia for Tuesday, November 3, 2026. In this episode of Roanoke Valley's Morning News, hosts Joey Self and Ian Price cover Election Day voting across the Roanoke Valley, the Federal Reserve's looming interest rate decision, and municipal council races in Roanoke and Salem. Election Day Polls Open & Free Transit: Polls are officially open across the Commonwealth until 7:00 PM, with Valley Metro operating all bus routes in Roanoke fare-free throughout the day to ensure accessible transportation for voters heading to precincts. Roanoke & Salem City Council Races: Roanoke voters are choosing three council members from a seven-candidate slate featuring Vivian Sanchez-Jones, Danny Clawson, Rayquan Moore, Amanda Marko, Stephanie Moon Reynolds, Cathy Cohen, and David Bowers; Salem voters are filling two seats from a field comprising Hunter Holliday, JD Taylor, Jeffrey Hofflich-Nichols, AJ Harbold, and Mark Henrickson. Federal Reserve Interest Rate Decision: As central bankers wrap up a two-day policy meeting this afternoon, Virginia Tech economist David Bieri examines whether stubborn 3.7% inflation and steady employment numbers will push the Fed toward a rate hike or prompt a hold until December. Capitol Hill Projections & 6th District Race: Radford University political science chair Chapman Rackaway forecasts Democrats taking House control with 224 to 225 seats and a 50-50 Senate split, while expecting incumbent Ben Cline to hold off challenger Beth Macy in Virginia's 6th District. Youngkin Addresses Unleash Prosperity: Former Governor Glenn Youngkin spoke at an Unleash Prosperity event, arguing that moderate Democrats have vanished from the party leadership and pointing to Governor Abigail Spanberger's election as a turning point in state politics. Roanoke Homelessness Task Force Report: The Mayor's 21-member Hope and Home Task Force delivered its final recommendations to City Council, proposing a pilot tiny home village, a regional service center, public camping bans, and an expanded STAR community crisis intervention team. Elliston Vulnerable Adult Abuse Arrests: Montgomery County Sheriff's deputies arrested 36-year-old Megan Marie Spradling and 37-year-old Daniel McClellen on felony counts including neglect of an incapacitated adult resulting in serious injury and malicious wounding. Botetourt County Data Center FOIA Lawsuit: Attorney John Fishwick filed a lawsuit against the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors, alleging the board violated the Virginia Freedom of Information Act by approving a performance agreement for the Greenfield Center data center without public disclosure. Franklin County Redistricting Legal Challenge: Franklin County supervisors are facing public scrutiny over more than $2,300 in taxpayer funds spent joining an amicus brief opposing General Assembly redistricting plans without an open board vote. College Basketball Season Tip-Off: Men's opening action saw High Point down Liberty 72-57, San Francisco defeat Radford 76-62, and Miami (OH) top JMU 86-77; tonight, Virginia Tech hosts Coppin State and Virginia takes on Drexel. Women's College Hoops Openers: Virginia Tech rolled past North Carolina Central 85-39, Virginia defeated Maryland Eastern Shore 87-45, and Liberty topped Frostburg State 73-30. Rail Yard Dawgs Roster Transactions: Roanoke traded defenseman Tim Gould to Quad City for the rights to Trey Fetschko, while C.J. Valerian earned an ECHL call-up to New Mexico ahead of a four-game SPHL suspension. College Football Slate: Thursday night action features JMU visiting Southern Miss, followed by Virginia Tech traveling to SMU on Friday and Liberty visiting New Mexico State on Saturday. Stay informed on the go—subscribe to the WFIR News Express feed for your daily Roanoke Valley news updates.
