Shows / WFIR News Express
WFIR News Express
This podcast brings you daily Roanoke Valley and Virginia news in a quick format. Listen to the news on your schedule!
Episodes
- WFIR News Express
Supreme Court Ends TPS for 350K Haitians, "Only a Man Can Win" Controversy in 9th District Race, Virginia Heat Wave Warning | Roanoke Valley's Morning News – June 30, 2026
A contentious Democratic primary is unfolding in Virginia's 9th Congressional District. Candidate Adam Murphy is pushing back against allegations from fellow…
- WFIR News Express
Virginia Assault Weapons Ban Faces Court Challenge, Two Shot Dead in Pittsylvania Home, Botetourt Courthouse Tops Off | Roanoke Valley's Morning News – June 29, 2026
Gun control advocates say Virginia's assault weapons ban — set to take effect Wednesday — is under attack in court. A ruling from a federal judge is preventing…
- WFIR News Express
38th Annual Salem Fair returns Wednesday
The City of Salem is ready to kick off July with a bang as the 38th Annual Salem Fair comes to town on the 1st. WFIR’s Conner Arthur has more:
- WFIR News Express
The Miss Virginia Pageant is back this weekend at the Berglund Center in Roanoke
Joining us live in studio this morning to talk about it was the reigning Miss Virginia Madison Whitbeck, who hails from Leesburg, and Miss Virginia’s Teen…
- WFIR News Express
Roanoke Sensor Scandal: "Colossal Failure," Data Center Fight, Housing Bill Blocked | Roanoke Valley's Morning News – June 25, 2026
Roanoke Valley lawmakers David Suetterlein and Joe McNamara are calling the city's unauthorized Flock Raven audio sensor installations “a colossal…
- WFIR News Express
this is your Culture Calendar – With a look at some of the local events coming up this weekend and in the near future
Its the second and last weekend for Shakespeare's tragic love story Romeo and Juliet at the Bear Theatre in downtown Roanoke in the Community High School…
- WFIR News Express
Feeding Southwest Virginia President and CEO Pamela Irvine will retire at the end of the year after 45 years with the Food Bank
The names may have changed but the struggle of the food insecure in Southwest Virginia continues - cuts to Medicaid eligibility is just the latest challenge…
- WFIR News Express
Virginia AG Defends New Gun Laws, Roanoke's Gunshot Sensor Scandal Deepens | Roanoke Valley's Morning News – June 24, 2026
Virginia's Attorney General says new gun bills signed by the Governor are not an attack on responsible gun owners. WFIR's Clark Palmer has details.On the state…
- WFIR News Express
Nominations open for Kendig Arts and Culture Awards
Named after a former president at Roanoke College who was a big supporter of local arts and culture, this is the 41st year for the Kendig awards, now a joint…
- WFIR News Express
Virginia Budget Passes: Data Centers Face $1.2B Energy Tax | Roanoke Valley's Morning News – June 23, 2026
Virginia's two-year state budget is heading to Governor Spanberger after passing both chambers Monday. The Senate voted 23-16 to keep data center tax breaks…
- WFIR News Express
not everyone in the Roanoke Valley and southwest Virginia jumped on the American Patriot bandwagon early during the Revolution
There were plenty of loyalists, and sometimes it was hard to figure out who was on the side of the rebellion - and who remained a "Tory." Here is WFIR's Gene…
- WFIR News Express
Data Centers are here to stay says proponent
As Botetourt County gets ready for the construction of three planned Google data centers on the Greenfield industrial park campus - despite some local…
- WFIR News Express
Roanoke Valley Water Officials Say No Crisis Despite 38-Year Low at Carvins Cove — Even With Google's Data Center Demands Factored In | Roanoke Valley's Morning News + Sports on WFIR
Botetourt County is moving forward with three planned Google data centers at the Greenfield industrial park — despite some local opposition — and Doug Kelly…
- WFIR News Express
“It’s time for change,” Republican candidate says in U.S. Senate primary race
With early voting officially underway for Virginia’s primary elections in August, one Republican challenging Virginia’s senior U.S. senator says it’s time for…
- WFIR News Express
VA Assault Weapons Ban Challenged, RCPS Superintendent Retiring & Juneteenth 2026 | Roanoke Valley's Morning News + Sports on WFIR
Virginia's new assault weapons ban is already facing resistance — and it hasn't even taken effect yet. A gun rights group expects the Justice Department to…
- WFIR News Express
US-Iran Ceasefire Extension, Google Botetourt Data Center Controversy & Roanoke Armed Robbery Arrest | Roanoke Valley's Morning News on WFIR
A 60-day ceasefire extension between the US and Iran is set to be formalized with a Memorandum of Understanding — as negotiators continue working through…
- WFIR News Express
ECPI's Roanoke Campus to Host Summer Resource Festival on June 20th
ECPI will be hosting the free Summer Family Resource Festival at their Roanoke Campus on Airport Road this Saturday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
- WFIR News Express
Culture Calendar – a look at local events coming up this weekend and in the near future
Sponsored by the Roanoke Cultural Endowment. See more at Roanoke Cultural Endowment.org. One last concert for the 2025-26 season from David Stewart Wiley and…
- WFIR News Express
[6/17] Virginia Budget Battle, Cannabis Retail Deal & Lynchburg Primary Nullified | Roanoke Valley's Morning News on WFIR
Tuesday, June 17th edition of the Roanoke Valley's Morning News — uploaded June 18th.Virginia Senate committee members are pushing back against the budget…
- WFIR News Express
Two Virginia Cities Take Spots among the Top 20 of a Nationwide 'Best Run Cities' Ranked List
Two of the Commonwealth's cities have earned spots in the Top 20 of a list ranking some the best run cities in America.
- WFIR News Express
Iran ceasefire outlook, Roanoke homelessness lawsuit, Bedford broadband fallout & George’s Flowers move — RVMN 6/16/26
Roanoke Valley’s Morning News returns after a brief technical publishing pause with updates on a possible U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement, Roanoke’s homelessness…
- WFIR News Express
VA250: who was Colonel William Fleming?
In the second installment of our VA 250 series we hear about William Fleming - more than just the name of a local high school - Colonel William Fleming was a…
- WFIR News Express
Virginia Tech expert offers tips to support drought-stressed lawns
As our area continues to see a severe drought going into the summer season, a Virginia Tech associate professor provided tips on how to determine when your…
- WFIR News Express
100+ arrests in Roanoke drug crackdown, Google data center meeting & Virginia Tech lawsuit — Roanoke Valley’s Morning News 6/11/26
Today’s Roanoke Valley’s Morning News covers Operation Combined Resolve, a major multi-agency law enforcement effort that led to more than 100 arrests and…
- WFIR News Express
From the WFIR News room this is your Culture Calenda
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…
- WFIR News Express
Virginia Tech study finds pet dogs outperform humans in spotted lanternfly searches
Virginia Tech researchers say ordinary pet dogs may be better at finding spotted lanternfly egg masses than trained human searchers. WFIR's Ian Price report
- WFIR News Express
Bedford cold case search, Roanoke school cuts & cannabis talks — Roanoke Valley's Morning News 6/10/26
Today’s Roanoke Valley’s Morning News covers renewed FBI activity at a Bedford County property tied to decades-old missing persons investigations, major budget…
- WFIR News Express
Baby Buri author brings her illustrated books to Roanoke
Many parents know how hectic and disruptive it can be to bring a new child into a family with older children, where everyone - in this case the parents, a…
- WFIR News Express
Andrew Lewis - if you live in the valley the name is probably familiar
You've may have seen his statue outside the Salem Civic Center - but who was General Andrew Lewis? Lewis had been a loyalist fighting under Lord Dunmore -…
- WFIR News Express
Andrew Lewis - if you live in the valley the name is probably familiar
You've may have seen his statue outside the Salem Civic Center - but who was General Andrew Lewis? Lewis had been a loyalist fighting under Lord Dunmore -…
- WFIR News Express
Rural hospital concerns, Virginia Tech funding impact, AI growth & new ROA flights — Roanoke Valley’s Morning News 6/8/26
Today’s Roanoke Valley’s Morning News takes a closer look at the impact of Virginia Tech’s record-setting donation and what it could mean for the university’s…
- WFIR News Express
Virginia Tech secures record $75 million gift for athletics and academics
In Blacksburg, it’s not just the university that’s “investing to win” in athletics; it’s major donors as well — pitching in a record amount of money, as WFIR’s…
- WFIR News Express
Multi-unit development in Roanoke overcomes legal challenge
Another multi-unit development in the City of Roanoke has overcome a legal challenge and is set to add another 24 much-needed living spaces to the city's…
- WFIR News Express
I-81 speed cameras, Roanoke housing development, firearm background check ruling & D-Day remembrance — Roanoke Valley’s Morning News 6/4/26
Today’s Roanoke Valley’s Morning News covers a new 24-unit housing development moving forward in Roanoke after surviving a legal challenge, along with the…
- WFIR News Express
Congressman Griffith on D-Day and Remembering Lucille Hoback Boggess
Bedford’s National D-Day Memorial will mark the 82nd anniversary of D-Day Saturday. WFIR’s Ian Price reports.
- WFIR News Express
This is your Culture Calendar: – local events coming up this weekend and in the near future.
Something new at the Taubman Museum of Art - during this Friday's monthly Art By Night, when all the downtown galleries and the Taubman Museum are open late…
- WFIR News Express
Hometown Heroes - two surviving local veterans of D-Day honored
2026 of course is the nation's 250th anniversary of its founding and in conjunction the US Department of Justice and US Attorney's Offices - like the Western…
- WFIR News Express
Deputy Logan Utt suspect history, Bedford school fight, AI adoption surge & measles outbreak — Roanoke Valley’s Morning News 6/3/26
Today’s Roanoke Valley’s Morning News covers new details about the criminal history of the suspect charged in the killing of Carroll County Deputy Logan Utt…
- WFIR News Express
VT Marriage and Family Expert Shares Tips to Reduce Vacation Stress
Travel stress tends to bring out the worst in us, but one VT expert says it doesn’t have to. He has a few simple tips that could help your family skip the…
- WFIR News Express
Roanoke police indictment, Botetourt budget fight, new Virginia housing laws & 611 steam locomotive — Roanoke Valley’s Morning News 6/2/26
Today’s Roanoke Valley’s Morning News covers Botetourt County’s decision to delay budget approval amid questions over school funding, along with felony charges…
- WFIR News Express
Roanoke City councilman shares thoughts on current zoning code as discussions continue
Ahead of a city council meeting later this morning, Roanoke’s Republican councilman is hoping to see “tweaks” made to the city’s zoning ordinances in the near…
- WFIR News Express
June is Gun Violence Awareness Month
June is Gun Violence Awareness Month, and to observe the occasion the local group "Fed Up" has collected 80 photos of people who have lost a love one or loves…
- WFIR News Express
Virginia child care plan, Virginia Tech board fight, Roanoke zoning debate & Hotel Roanoke future — Roanoke Valley’s Morning News 5/29/26
Today’s Roanoke Valley’s Morning News covers Governor Abigail Spanberger’s new child care affordability initiative, the escalating dispute over the removal of…
- WFIR News Express
The 2026 Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation Endangered Sites list
What does an 1850 house in Salem, a now-closed golf course, an abandoned stone bridge and "Old Cave Springs," have in common. They all made the 2026 Roanoke…
- WFIR News Express
Roanoke City Council is expected to resume its housing and zoning debate Monday
Roanoke’s zoning debate is expected to continue Monday as City Council hears more public input on proposed housing changes. WFIR’s Ian Price has more.
- WFIR News Express
Roanoke teacher burnout concerns, school attendance changes, Virginia budget fight & airport expansion — Roanoke Valley’s Morning News 5/28/26
Today’s Roanoke Valley’s Morning News covers rising teacher burnout and absenteeism concerns in Roanoke City Public Schools, along with new attendance zone…
- WFIR News Express
Its back again this weekend - the 68th annual Sidewalk Art Show
Parts of Salem Avenue, along with the streets on both sides of the City Market building will be occupied by more than 130 artists this Saturday and Sunday from…
- WFIR News Express
Culture Calendar – a look at some of the local events coming up in the near future
The 68th annual Sidewalk Art Show in the streets near the Taubman Museum of Art returns this Saturday and Sunday. 130 or more artists - local, regionally and…
- WFIR News Express
Roanoke shooting, Google data center protests & assault weapons ban fight — Roanoke Valley’s Morning News 5/27/26
Today’s Roanoke Valley’s Morning News covers a shooting investigation in Northwest Roanoke, continued protests over the proposed Google data center in…
- WFIR News Express
The Lebanese Festival returns this weekend
Its become a foodie favorite over the past 25 years and attracts thousands of people over three days of food, music and community. The Lebanese Festival…
- WFIR News Express
Roanoke mayor speaks on privacy concerns over new surveillance tools
As the Star City continues its use of Flock Safety license plate readers, some residents are concerned about the potential use of audio sensors designed to…
- WFIR News Express
Ronald McDonald House reveals new logo, tag line
Visitors to the valley may come and go - but “Family Stays” when they are hear with a child needing serious medical attention at a local hospital or special…
- WFIR News Express
Roanoke mayor addresses budget cuts, FLOCK surveillance technology
FULL INTERVIEW -- Roanoke Mayor Joe Cobb joined the Roanoke Valley's Morning News LIVE in-studio to discuss $35 million in budget cuts (school and city cuts…
- WFIR News Express
Vinton acquires properties destroyed in 2022 fire to support revitilazation efforts
After a 2022 fire destroyed several properties in Downtown Vinton, the town is acquiring the sites for revitalization. More from WFIR’s Conner Arthur:
- WFIR News Express
Culture Calendar
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…
- WFIR News Express
At The Movies: Sheep Detectives
Tyler Lyons from the Grandin Film Lab, "At the Movies" ... with what's playing at the historic Grandin Theatre, Hugh Jackman in "The Sheep Detectives."
- WFIR News Express
Virginia advocates say Spanberger veto on marijuana retail market breaks promise, extends years-long stalemate
Governor Abigail Spanberger has vetoed legislation that would have created a retail marijuana sales market in Virginia. WFIR’s Ian Price reports.
- WFIR News Express
Pizza Den Closing, Marijuana Bill Veto & Festival in the Park | Roanoke Valley’s Morning News Update
Miss part of the Roanoke Valley’s Morning News on WFIR? This update catches you up on the top local and Virginia stories for Wednesday, May 20, 2026.Pizza…
- WFIR News Express
Festival in the Park is back in downtown Roanoke this weekend
Several generations of Roanokers always mark it on their calendars for the Memorial Day weekend if they are staying close to home. This Friday through Sunday…
- WFIR News Express
A Local Nonprofit is Spreading Awareness for Ovarian Cancer in Memory of a Roanoke Native
A local nonprofit is rising up to raise awareness about an under-studied and overlooked form of cancer with a community outreach event planned for June 6th.