WFIR News Express

WFIR News
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This podcast brings you daily Roanoke Valley and Virginia news in a quick format. Listen to the news on your schedule!

  1. 2d ago

    Flock Cameras Axed in Montgomery Co., $32M Route 460 Overhaul, Missing Man Arrested | Roanoke Valley's Morning News — October 2, 2026

    Miss the morning broadcast? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia for Friday, October 2, 2026. In this episode of Roanoke Valley's Morning News, hosts Joey Self and Ian Price cover Montgomery County terminating its license plate camera program over privacy concerns, a $32 million highway overhaul planned for Bonsack, and key state energy and public safety updates across the region. Montgomery County Ends Flock Camera Use: Sheriff Robert Page announced the department is terminating its automated license plate reading camera contract following privacy concerns and a lack of state regulatory standards. $32 Million Route 460 Intersection Overhaul: VDOT is launching a major safety and traffic redesign along Route 460 in Bonsack to ease congestion for 40,000 daily commuters. Missing Lynchburg Man Arrested: A 55-year-old Lynchburg man reported missing in September was found safe and subsequently arrested on 20 felony counts of child pornography possession. Sen. Warner Pushes Data Center Guardrails: Senator Mark Warner urged Congress to pass legislation requiring data center developers to disclose water and power usage and protect residential utility ratepayers. Virginia Tech Safety Report Trends: Virginia Tech's annual Clery Act report revealed rapes dropped to 8 cases in 2025 while stalking and dating violence reports nearly tripled, which officials attribute to increased student awareness. Governor Unveils Net-Zero Energy Plan: Governor Abigail Spanberger released a 200-page state energy plan aimed at achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while requiring data centers to offset grid infrastructure costs. Parkway Brewing Downtown Ribbon Cutting: Parkway Brewing Company officially celebrated the grand opening of its second location in downtown Roanoke at The Bower on Campbell Avenue. 5th District Congressional Poll: A new Washington Post poll shows Republican Representative John McGuire leading Democratic challenger Tom Perriello by 6 points heading into November. Domestic Violence Awareness Event: The Legal Aid Society of Roanoke Valley and TAP are hosting a survivor story and panel event tonight at the Dumas Center to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Iconic Blockbuster Sign Removed: Workers removed the long-blacked-out Blockbuster Video sign on Electric Road in Southwest Roanoke County nearly two decades after the store closed. Bent Mountain Fall Festival Postponed: Event organizers rescheduled the annual Bent Mountain Fall Festival to Saturday, October 10, due to rain in this weekend's forecast. Virginia Tech Football Hosts Pitt: Lane Stadium hosts a matchup of 4-0 teams tonight as Virginia Tech takes on Pittsburgh in a key ACC showdown. High School Football Scores: Blacksburg defeated Cave Spring 34-27, and William Byrd topped Radford 42-35 in Thursday night action. NFL Thursday Night Football: The Cleveland Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-24, while the Washington Commanders prepare for their London matchup against Indianapolis. MLB Postseason Division Series: Atlanta eliminated Philadelphia 6-2, advancing to face Los Angeles as Division Series matchups begin Saturday across Major League Baseball. Stay informed on the go—subscribe to the WFIR News Express feed for your daily Roanoke Valley news updates.

  2. 3d ago

    Vape Permit Rule Starts Today, RAM House Recovery Focus, Hotel Roanoke Sold | Roanoke Valley's Morning News — October 1, 2026

    Miss the morning broadcast? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia for Thursday, October 1, 2026. In this episode of Roanoke Valley's Morning News, hosts Joey Self and Ian Price cover expanded addiction recovery services at the RAM House, new state permitting laws for tobacco and vape retailers, and the finalized $14 million sale of the Hotel Roanoke Conference Center. RAM House Peer Recovery Focus: The RAM House day shelter is highlighting expanded peer recovery services at its Jane Care Center on Elm Avenue, where Recovery Services Director Daniel Cox connects unhoused individuals with addiction treatment and housing support. Tobacco and Vape Permit Mandate: Virginia tobacco and vape retailers must now hold a state ABC permit costing $300 to $400 annually and enforce mandatory ID checks on all sales. Hotel Roanoke Conference Center Sale: The City of Roanoke completed the $14 million sale of the Hotel Roanoke Conference Center to the Virginia Tech Foundation, unifying ownership of the center and the historic hotel. Dominion Merger Review Deadline: The window for a special legislative session to extend the review period for the proposed $67 billion Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy merger expired, leaving the SCC with a January 11 deadline. Tanglewood Crossing Development: Construction at Starkey Road and Route 419 in Southwest Roanoke County will bring Bubbakoo's Burritos, Dave's Hot Chicken, Biscuit Belly, European Wax Center, Mattress Warehouse, and residential units by March 2027. WE Cundiff Elementary Remodel: Educators and local leaders celebrated the completion of a $20 million-plus renovation at WE Cundiff Elementary in Vinton, replacing open-concept layouts with modern enclosed classrooms. Regional School Staffing Shortages: School systems across Roanoke, Franklin, Radford, and Grayson counties issued urgent calls for substitute teachers, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers. Voting Rights Amendment Rally: Delegate Sam Rasoul and advocates rallied in Roanoke in support of Ballot Question 3 to automatically restore voting rights to Virginians who have completed felony prison sentences. Vinton Fire Site RFP: The Town of Vinton is seeking development proposals for four downtown parcels destroyed in a 2022 fire, aiming for a boutique hotel or mixed-use project. Youth Screen Time Proposal: Salem resident Cynthia Mundy urged City Council to establish an after-school Heart Academy focused on the arts and outdoors to help youth reduce screen addiction and depression. Lexington News-Gazette Milestone: Publisher Matt Paxton and the Lexington News-Gazette celebrated 225 years of continuous print publication in Rockbridge County. MLB Postseason: Alex Bohm hit a two-out, 10th-inning home run to lift Philadelphia past Atlanta 4-3, while the White Sox beat Houston 7-3, the Yankees defeated Boston 9-2, and San Diego beat the Cubs 4-1. Virginia Tech Baseball: Hokies head baseball coach John Szefc signed a contract extension through 2030. NHL Season Opener: The defending champion Florida Panthers opened the regular season with a 1-0 overtime win over Carolina. Stay informed on the go -- subscribe to the WFIR News Express feed for your daily Roanoke Valley news updates.

  3. 4d ago

    100 MPH Meth Chase Crash, Wayne Street Standoff, Rocky Mount Water Warning | Roanoke Valley's Morning News — September 30, 2026

    Miss the morning broadcast? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia for Wednesday, September 30, 2026. In this episode of Roanoke Valley's Morning News, hosts Joey Self and Ian Price cover a high-speed police pursuit in Franklin County that ended in a major drug seizure, a standoff on Wayne Street that blocked Roanoke traffic, and voluntary water restrictions issued in Rocky Mount. Plus, local data center debates, parent pushback against school redistricting, and political updates on Southwest Virginia congressional matchups. 100+ MPH Pursuit and Drug Seizure: Franklin County deputies arrested 58-year-old Timothy David Robertson after a chase exceeding 100 mph ended in a rollover crash on Hatchett Road, where officers discovered 28 grams of methamphetamine and prescription pills hidden inside a dashboard air vent. Roanoke Wayne Street Standoff: Police arrested 39-year-old Donald Lee Vizel on domestic assault charges following a Monday afternoon standoff at a Wayne Street NE apartment that temporarily shut down traffic along Williamson Road and Noble Avenue. Rocky Mount Voluntary Water Restrictions: Town officials in Rocky Mount issued Stage 2 voluntary water conservation measures, asking residents and businesses to restrict lawn watering and car washing as Blackwater River levels continue to drop. Data Center Taxpayer Backlash: Democratic 9th District candidate Joy Powers spoke out against taxpayer-funded infrastructure for large data centers, arguing tech companies like Google should cover their own power and water expansion costs in Botetourt County. Bedford County School Closing Pushback: Parents voiced strong opposition at a Forest town hall regarding redistricting plans that could close an elementary school alongside Stewartsville Elementary, warning against daily student bus rides exceeding 90 minutes. Virginia Congressional Race Outlook: Radford University political science chair Chapman Rackaway provided analysis on regional races, noting Republican incumbent Morgan Griffith remains solid in the 9th District while 6th District Democratic challenger Beth Macy continues building fundraising momentum against incumbent Ben Cline. Del. Rasoul's Legislative Workshop: Delegate Sam Rasoul gathered 40 constituents at Melrose Library for his 8th annual "You Write the Bill" workshop to draft grass-roots proposals on affordable housing, education, and data center oversight. Sen. Kaine Opposes Athlete Earnings Cap: U.S. Senator Tim Kaine announced his opposition to the Protect College Sports Act, criticizing provisions that cap student-athlete compensation without providing athletes a seat at the bargaining table. MLB Postseason Opening Round: Major League Baseball wild card action kicked off as the Atlanta Braves beat Philadelphia 5-3 on an Austin Riley three-run homer, the White Sox topped Houston 6-3, the Padres shut out the Cubs 8-0, and the Yankees swept past Boston 9-0. High School & College Football: Virginia Tech defeated Boston College 21-14, Virginia routed Delaware 42-3, JMU handled Old Dominion 46-20, and Roanoke College shut out Gallaudet 52-0. NFL Quarterback News: Case Keenum stepped in for injured starter Caleb Williams to lead Chicago over Philadelphia 27-7, while Washington running back Austin Ekeler prepares to return to action. Stay informed on the go—subscribe to the WFIR News Express feed for your daily Roanoke Valley news updates.

  4. 4d ago

    Last weekend for Oklahoma! Two plays open next weekend; History Museum used book sale this weekend.

    From the WFIR News room this is your Culture Calendar – With a look at some of the local events coming up this weekend and in the near future. Sponsored by the Roanoke Cultural Endowment. See more at Roanoke Cultural Endowment.org. Its is the last weekend this Wednesday night through a Sunday matinee for Oklahoma - the Musical at Mill Mountain Theatre in downtown Roanoke. One week from this Thursday October 8th The Revolutionists opens at Showtimers Community Theatre in Roanoke and runs through October 18th

  5. 5d ago

    Nvidia AI Security Push, Secret Data Center Disclosures, Cave Spring Shooting Search | Roanoke Valley's Morning News -- September 29, 2026

    Miss the morning broadcast? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia for Tuesday, September 29, 2026. In this episode of Roanoke Valley's Morning News, hosts Joey Self and Ian Price bring you a comprehensive look at the critical technology, public safety, and environmental issues shaping Southwest Virginia. Today's coverage highlights tech giant Nvidia introducing new AI safety tools as Senator Mark Warner warns of rapid AI expansion, new public disclosures surrounding secretive local data center deals, and law enforcement searches following a shooting in Cave Spring.Local & Regional Headlines Nvidia AI Safety Tools & Warner Warnings: Chipmaker Nvidia introduced a new security platform for frontier-level artificial intelligence companies to prevent rogue AI agent activity. The move comes as Virginia Senator Mark Warner continues his call for mandatory federal guardrails on rapidly advancing AI models.Secret Data Center Records Uncovered: Public records obtained by a local business owner reveal that a secretive industrial effort known as "Project Lightning" at Wildwood Commerce Park in Carroll County is a proposed data center.Data Center Transparency Alliance Pushback: Kathryn Hatam and the Southwest Virginia Data Center Transparency Alliance are calling for public accountability regarding local data center projects, including Woodhaven Technology Park in Roanoke County and Google's proposed facility in Botetourt.Cave Spring Shooting Search: Roanoke County Police continue searching for three suspects involved in a weekend shooting and robbery in the 4300 block of Garst Mill Road that left one victim hospitalized in stable condition.Rocky Mount K9 Stabbing Arrest: Authorities charged 43-year-old Taran Irene Matty with multiple felonies after she allegedly stabbed a Henry County Sheriff's K9 unit with a box cutter during an arrest following a hit-and-run crash.Youth Marijuana Penalty Advocacy: Advocates with Rise for Youth appeared before state lawmakers to urge protections for young Virginians against harsh delinquency penalties as the state prepares for legal retail marijuana sales next year.Virginia Mortgage Rates Rise: A new study from WalletHub ranks Virginia 26th in the nation for rising mortgage interest rates, with state averages hovering around 5.27 percent.National Forest Roadless Rule Challenge: Conservationists with Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship are opposing a U.S. Forest Service proposal to eliminate the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule across 45 million acres, citing increased wildfire risks.John Peake Pass Trail Dedicated: Family members, friends, and Roanoke city leaders gathered on Mill Mountain to formally dedicate the new 1.5-mile John Peake Pass multi-use trail in honor of the late local mountain biker.College Football Results: Virginia Tech defeated Boston College 21-14, Virginia dominated Delaware 42-3, JMU topped Old Dominion 46-20, and Roanoke College shut out Gallaudet 52-0.NFL News & Injury: The Washington Commanders earned a 33-31 victory over Seattle despite quarterback Jayden Daniels suffering a dislocated left elbow, while Carolina fell to Cleveland 21-18.MLB Wild Card Postseason: Major League Baseball wild card playoff matchups begin today, headlined by the Boston Red Sox taking on the New York Yankees.NASCAR Darlington Win: Joey Logano claimed victory in the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.WFIR Sports Wrap-UpStay informed on the go—subscribe to the WFIR News Express feed for your daily Roanoke Valley news updates.

  6. 6d ago

    Youth Marijuana Penalties, Cave Spring Shooting Search, Woodhaven Data Center | Roanoke Valley's Morning News -- September 28, 2026

    Miss the morning broadcast? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia for Monday, September 28, 2026. In this episode of Roanoke Valley’s Morning News with Joey Self and Ian Price, we bring you a comprehensive look at the key legal, environmental, and public safety issues across Southwest Virginia. Today's coverage highlights social justice advocates calling for youth protections in Virginia's upcoming retail marijuana market, a law enforcement search for three suspects in a Cave Spring shooting, and a proposed federal rule change impacting local national forests. Youth Marijuana Enforcement Debate: Social justice advocates with Rise for Youth called on the General Assembly's Joint Commission to eliminate delinquency designations for minors and maintain lower civil fines as Virginia prepares to launch legal retail marijuana sales next year. Garst Mill Road Shooting Search: Roanoke County Police are searching for three suspects involved in a Saturday afternoon shooting and robbery in the 4300 block of Garst Mill Road in Cave Spring that left one victim hospitalized in stable condition. Woodhaven Data Center Due Diligence: Roanoke City Mayor Joe Cobb addressed the proposed land deal at Woodhaven Technology Park, confirming the city did not sign a non-disclosure agreement and will perform strict due diligence regarding site parameters. Moneta to Rocky Mount Highway Study: Transportation planners have launched a feasibility study to explore expanding the primary connector between Moneta and Rocky Mount into a four-lane highway to handle growing Smith Mountain Lake commuter and tourist traffic. Forest Service Roadless Rule Challenge: Conservationists with Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship are opposing a U.S. Forest Service proposal to eliminate the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule across 45 million acres, warning that adding roads to the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests will increase wildfire risks. Virginia Mortgage Rate Study: A new WalletHub study ranks Virginia 26th in the nation for mortgage rate increases, with average rates hovering near 5.27% following recent federal rate hikes. 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb: Local first responders raised approximately $25,000 for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation by climbing 110 flights of stairs in full gear at the Wells Fargo Tower. Mill Mountain Trail Dedication: Family members and city officials dedicated the new 1.5-mile John Peak Pass multi-use trail on Mill Mountain in memory of local mountain biker and Patrick Henry High School alumnus John Peak. Harvest Adjustments & Diesel Costs: Local agricultural operations, including Layman Family Farms in Montvale, are expanding irrigation and adjusting admission prices to navigate drought conditions and high diesel fuel costs. College Football Results: Virginia Tech defeated Boston College 21-14, Virginia dominated Delaware 42-3, JMU beat Old Dominion 46-20, and Roanoke College shut out Gallaudet 52-0. NFL Week Highlights: The Washington Commanders secured a 33-31 home victory over Seattle, while Carolina fell to Cleveland 21-18. MLB Wild Card Playoffs: Major League Baseball postseason action begins tomorrow with best-of-three wild card matchups, including the Boston Red Sox visiting the New York Yankees. NASCAR Darlington Victory: Joey Logano took the checkered flag in the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Stay informed on the go—subscribe to the WFIR News Express feed for your daily Roanoke Valley news updates.

  7. 6d ago

    New Study Finds That VA's Mortgage Interest Rates are On the Rise

    Virginia ranks 26th in the nation in a study highlighting states where mortgage interest rates are increasing the most.

  8. Sep 25

    WFIR News Express 9-25-2026

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

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About

This podcast brings you daily Roanoke Valley and Virginia news in a quick format. Listen to the news on your schedule!

Information

  • Creator
    WFIR News
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    804
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © WFIR News
  • Show Website
    WFIR News Express