WFIR News Express

WFIR News
  • 0.0 (0)
  • DAILY NEWS
  • UPDATED DAILY

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

  1. 9H AGO

    Campbell County crash kills 90-year-old woman, Jay Jones joins birthright citizenship fight, and MacAfee Knob funding boosts trailhead improvements — WFIR News Express 2/27/26

    On this Friday, February 27, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, a 90-year-old woman is dead following a crash at the intersection of Richmond Highway and Scotts Farm Road in Campbell County. Authorities say the driver of a Honda Ridgeline crossed into the median, overturned multiple times, and came to rest on the opposite side of the highway. Phyillis Proffit was pronounced dead at the scene. At the U.S. Supreme Court, Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones joins a multistate coalition defending birthright citizenship, calling it a core constitutional right as the Court weighs a challenge to an order backed by President Trump. Meanwhile, talks between the U.S. and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program take place in Switzerland, as Senator Tim Kaine pushes for a bipartisan War Powers Resolution to prevent unauthorized military action. President Trump’s first State of the Union of his second term — the longest in American history — drew nearly 28 million viewers, according to preliminary Nielsen ratings. Virginia Tech political science professor Karen Hult says such addresses rarely shift public opinion, even as approval numbers show signs of softening. In local courts, a Roanoke man pleads guilty to aggravated involuntary manslaughter and aggravated DUI maiming in a crash that killed Brooklyn Goff and seriously injured another woman. Sentencing is set for June. Roanoke County receives 6.3 million dollars in federal funding for improvements at the MacAfee Knob trailhead, including upgraded restrooms, parking enhancements, and pedestrian connections. The president of the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club calls the investment a milestone for managing heavy hiking traffic. On Capitol Hill, Congressman Suhas Subramanyam attends a House Oversight Committee hearing in New York involving Hillary Clinton and questions surrounding Jeffrey Epstein. Clinton has denied any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal operation. A new Roanoke College statewide survey shows Virginians are feeling more optimistic about the economy, while in Bedford County, Supervisor Bob Davis defends controversial comments about Somali immigrants, saying he is protected by the First Amendment. Christiansburg Town Council approves rezoning for nearly 90 homes near Kimball Lane despite neighborhood concerns, and one of our sister stations hosts a prom dress giveaway to help local students prepare for the big night. That’s the latest from WFIR News Express.

    9 min

  2. 1D AGO

    WFIR News Express 2-26-2026

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

    6 min

  3. 2D AGO

    WFIR News Express 2-25-2026

    Here is the latest reaction to President Trump's State of the Union address and the Roanoke City School Board's budget discussions.

    8 min

  4. 3D AGO

    WFIR News Express 2-24-2026

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

    6 min

  5. 4D AGO

    WFIR News Express 2-23-2026

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

    8 min

  6. FEB 20

    Christiansburg mobile home fire kills child, Spanberger tapped for national response, and Roanoke entertainment district debate continues — WFIR News Express 2/20/26

    On this Friday, February 20, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, a child is dead and three others are injured after a mobile home fire in the 1600 block of Peppers Ferry Road in Christiansburg. Two children were airlifted to Wake Forest Medical Center for burn treatment as investigators work to determine the cause of the blaze. At the Capitol, the General Assembly session heads toward crossover as the Speaker of the House says Republicans have shown restraint this year. Meanwhile, newly elected Governor Abigail Spanberger is set to deliver the official Democratic response to President Trump’s State of the Union address next week, elevating the first-term governor to the national stage. In higher education and healthcare, Virginia Tech President Tim Sands outlines 2026 priorities during his State of the University address, including research growth and a potential regional medical facility upgrade. A new Virginia Tech Patient Research Center, backed by $26.5 million in state funding, aims to expand access to advanced clinical trials in Southwest Virginia through a partnership with Carilion Clinic. February is American Heart Month, and we spotlight a little-known but potentially serious heart condition that advocates say is more common than many realize. In local headlines, the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs part ways with media manager and play-by-play voice Mitch Stewart following a DWI charge. Franklin County approves 103 new homes near Smith Mountain Lake as part of Westlake’s second phase, targeting much-needed housing growth within commuting distance of Roanoke. It’s also pothole season across the Roanoke Valley, with VDOT urging drivers to report road damage and outlining how to file vehicle damage claims. We look at the early success of Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge’s first-ever fall tourism campaign, and in Wythe County, five people are arrested after deputies seize methamphetamine, firearms, and cash during a search in Max Meadows. Plus, Roanoke leaders continue exploring revenue options around the Berglund Center as an entertainment district focus group meets for a second time, and we remember Wes Worsham — the namesake of Worsham Field at Lane Stadium — who has passed away at the age of 93. That’s the latest from WFIR News Express.

    11 min
  7. Historic Demolitions, Roanoke Council Race & Vintage Thrift Boom | On The Record: With the Roanoke Rambler

    FEB 18

    Historic Demolitions, Roanoke Council Race & Vintage Thrift Boom | On The Record: With the Roanoke Rambler

    Historic properties across the Roanoke Valley are facing demolition — and preservation advocates are raising concerns. On this week’s On The Record: With the Roanoke Rambler, reporter Jeff Sturgeon joins WFIR live in studio to discuss the demolition of an early 1800s farmhouse at North Cross School, a possible teardown at Roanoke College, and the uncertain future of the Washington Park caretaker’s cottage and Fishburn Mansion. We also break down the 2026 Roanoke City Council race, including retired Rabbi Kathy Cohen entering as an independent candidate and the growing debate over school funding, NDAs, and the proposed casino project. Plus — a lighter look at Roanoke’s growing reputation as a destination for vintage and thrift shopping, with more than a dozen secondhand stores fueling a resale boom. Local politics, preservation battles, and fashion finds — all in this week’s edition.

    12 min

  8. FEB 17

    Botetourt wind farm finally rises, Autumn’s Law delayed, and Roanoke Valley foster care crisis deepens — WFIR News Express 2/17/26

    On this Tuesday, February 17, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, Virginia’s first wind farm begins taking shape in Botetourt County after a decade of delays. The Rocky Forge Wind project will place 13 turbines on North Mountain, with opponents raising concerns about tourism impacts and wildlife, while developers point to safety and local tax revenue — and Google is set to purchase the power. In Richmond, a cyberbullying crackdown tied to the death of Roanoke County student Autumn Bushman hits a snag, as lawmakers vote to delay “Autumn’s Law” for further review. We also track political fallout as Rep. John McGuire announces a reelection bid while proposed redistricting could dramatically reshape Virginia’s 5th District ahead of an April referendum. Plus, a Northern Virginia congressman calls for testimony from a British official after additional Epstein files are released, and Roanoke police arrest a suspect accused of impersonating an officer during a home invasion. We also break down the debate over immigration enforcement rhetoric after Virginia ends formal state cooperation with ICE, with WFIR political analyst Chapman Rackaway urging careful historical comparisons. Locally, new reporting highlights Roanoke’s foster care crisis — the second-highest rate in Virginia — with agencies urgently seeking more foster families. We also have a Town of Bedford comprehensive plan update, winter running health guidance, a Lunar New Year celebration returning to Roanoke this weekend, and Virginia Tech’s Hokie House securing its building after 60 years on Main Street. We’ll also note renewed attention on library funding during Library Lovers Month and a sports note as Faith Christian School hosts back-to-back state quarterfinal basketball games. That’s the latest from WFIR News Express.

    12 min
See All (578)

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
    578
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © WFIR News
  • Show Website
    WFIR News Express