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
RSO Conductor David Stewart Wiley to Retire in 2028 After 31 Seasons | Spanberger Signs Assault Weapons Ban | Roanoke City Council Zoning Meeting Stalls | Roanoke Valley's Morning News on WFIR
Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Conductor David Stewart Wiley announces he will retire in 2028 after 31 seasons — the longest tenure in RSO history. Plus: Governor…
- WFIR News Express
Iran energy crisis warning, Roanoke surveillance debate, assault weapons ban & Greenway expansion — WFIR News Express 5/18/26
Today’s WFIR News Express covers Senator Mark Warner’s warning of a possible energy crisis tied to the Iran conflict and rising gas prices, along with heated…
- WFIR News Express
Virginia assault weapons ban draws GOP criticism ahead of July 1 start
Virginia Republicans and Democrats remain sharply divided over how to address gun violence after Governor Abigail Spanberger signed a new assault weapons ban…
- WFIR News Express
The Roanoke Region Food and Farm Trail officially launches
Patterned in part after similiar initiatives elsewhere the Roanoke Foodshed Network has worked with local partners to create a network of local farms and food…
- WFIR News Express
Virginia redistricting appeal, Roanoke homeless ministry ruling, surveillance debate & dance studio closure — WFIR News Express 5/15/26
Today’s WFIR News Express covers the NAACP joining Virginia’s emergency Supreme Court appeal over redistricting, along with Roanoke’s zoning ruling against The…
- WFIR News Express
Virginia August primary raises turnout concerns as summer voting begins
Virginia voters could start casting ballots next month for an unusually timed August primary. WFIR's Ian Price has more.
- WFIR News Express
Virginia AG Jay Jones Takes Redistricting Fight to U.S. Supreme Court While Celebrating Federal Tariff Win | Spanberger to Veto Collective Bargaining Bill | Roanoke Valley's Morning News on WFIR
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones is pursuing an upset victory before the U.S. Supreme Court over a redistricting ruling previously thrown out by Virginia's…
- WFIR News Express
Virginia is now the first state in the south and the 15th nationwide to create a paid family and medical leave program.
Its been about a decade in the making and after being vetoed twice in the last administration it goes live in 2028. Virginia's paid family and medical leave…
- WFIR News Express
Virginia paid family leave approved, Roanoke school cuts, homeless shelter fight & redistricting appeal — WFIR News Express 5/13/26
Today’s WFIR News Express covers Virginia becoming the first Southern state to approve paid family and medical leave, along with Roanoke City school program…
- WFIR News Express
Local Colors festival returns to celebrate its 35th year
A local festival celebrating the region’s diversity returns this weekend. Local Colors will be commemorating three decades of cultural celebration by…
- WFIR News Express
Virginia Democrats face end of window for extreme redistricting move
Democrats have until tomorrow for any last-ditch effort to revive Virginia’s redistricting push for this year’s elections. WFIR’s Ian Price has details on the…
- WFIR News Express
New speed cameras target Interstate 81 work zone in Roanoke County starting today
Virginia State Police are urging Roanoke Valley residents to slow down as speed safety cameras on Interstate 81 become active starting today. WFIR’s Conner…
- WFIR News Express
VDOT Announces a First-in-the-State inventory of all of the Commonwealth's Multiuse Trails
Virginia’s Department of Transportation has released afirst-in-the-commonwealth plan that could place more than 4-million Virginians within walking distance of…
- WFIR News Express
Inseparable's 'Care That's Fair' Campaign Highlights VA's Struggling Mental Healthcare Industry
In honor of mental health awareness month, a bipartisan mental health advocacy organization launches a campaign across Virginia. Inseparable’s ‘Care That’s…
- WFIR News Express
Roanoke Mountain Adventures is on the move - to a bigger location at Black Dog Salvage
Black Dog Salvage will make room for Jeff Todd and Roanoke Mountain Adventures by opening their Ashlawn Street warehouse to the public again, where they will…
- WFIR News Express
Southwest Virginia Ballet celebrates 35 years with "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
A local ballet company promises a dreamy night out in celebration of more than 30-years of performances in the Valley. Southwest Virginia Ballet's production…
- WFIR News Express
Virginia Tech professor reflects on passing of CNN founder Ted Turner
A professor for Virginia Tech’s School of Communication reflected on the life and legacy of a cable news pioneer. That story from WFIR’s Conner Arthur:
- WFIR News Express
Those planning a vacation should do it now and not wait for gas prices to come down
IF the Strait of Hormuz does not open soon to let oil tankers through without incident Gas Buddy predicted yesterday prices at the pump could reach a record…
- WFIR News Express
Roanoke Council to vote Monday on FY 2026-27 budget after March revenue review
Roanoke City Council is scheduled to vote Monday of next week on the city’s recommended fiscal year 2026-27 budget. WFIR’s Ian Price reports.
- WFIR News Express
5-5 Play For A Purpose
A local football team is hosting an event meant to rally support for the family of Autumn Bushman. More from WFIR’s Clark Palmer:
- WFIR News Express
Hollins University receives $10 million gift to support HOPE Scholarship program
A local university recently received a $10 million boost for one of its scholarship programs, with the goal of expanding access to education in Southwest…
WFIR News ExpressBeale's Brewery set to reopen tomorrow under new owner
The new owner of Beale’s brewery says it will serve as a community space that people will always have a connection too. More from WFIR’s Clark Palmer:
- WFIR News Express
Radford political science chair weighs in on former FBI director’s indictment over social media post
In the wake of the indictment of a former FBI director on charges of allegedly making threats against President Trump, Radford University’s political science…
- WFIR News Express
Governor defends existing data center deals as Botetourt critics press for changes
WFIR's Ian Price talks with Governor Abigail Spanberger and organizers from the Southwest Virginia Data Center Transparency Alliance about Google's planned…
- WFIR News Express
VA Drivers Raise $115,000 for the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation
In late 2021, a specialty plate program benefiting the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation was announced. Since then, Virginia’s drivers have raised more than…
- WFIR News Express
'Miniatures on the Market' Returns for its Second Year
Market Square will play host to a barn-full of miniature animals this weekend. WFIR's Emma Thomas has details
- WFIR News Express
Governor on Retail Marijuana Legislation
Governor Abigail Spanberger now has to decide whether to sign or veto Virginia’s marijuana sales bill after lawmakers rejected her amendments last week. WFIR’s…
- WFIR News Express
Virginia Redistricting Referendum: Chapman Rackaway on the 51-49 Vote and Legal Challenges Ahead
Radford University Political Science Chair Chapman Rackaway analyzes Virginia's narrow approval of a controversial redistricting referendum that creates a…
- WFIR News Express
Bedford teacher arrest, redistricting referendum debate, renter fee concerns & Botetourt school funding push — WFIR News Express 4/10/26
On this Friday, April 10, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, a Bedford County teacher is under arrest following allegations of an inappropriate relationship…
- WFIR News Express
Roanoke robbery arrest, Montgomery County child death, Iran conflict response & Youngkin future — WFIR News Express 4/8/26
Today’s WFIR News Express covers an armed robbery arrest in Roanoke and a Georgia man charged in a Montgomery County child death investigation. We also report…
- WFIR News Express
Iran conflict tensions, McAfee Knob upgrades, Roanoke road closures & redistricting vote — WFIR News Express 4/7/26
Today’s WFIR News Express covers rising tensions in the Iran conflict and Virginia leaders’ response, along with new federal funding for McAfee Knob upgrades…
- WFIR News Express
Route 220 traffic delays, Roanoke crime trends, gas station robbery arrest & data center impact — WFIR News Express 4/6/26
Today’s WFIR News Express covers major traffic impacts along Route 220 tied to wind farm transport, along with new Roanoke crime statistics showing trends in…
- WFIR News Express
Virginia NAACP redistricting push, Greenbrier debt sale, Virginia Western student support & Botetourt water concerns — WFIR News Express 4/3/26
On this Friday, April 3, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, the Virginia NAACP is speaking out ahead of the upcoming redistricting referendum, calling it…
- WFIR News Express
Roanoke hit-and-run arrest, Botetourt data center concerns, immigration debate & redistricting fight — WFIR News Express 4/2/26
Today’s WFIR News Express covers a fatal hit-and-run arrest in Roanoke, growing concerns over a proposed Google data center in Botetourt County, and ongoing…
WFIR News ExpressRoanoke City Council Race Takes Shape & Local Business Changes | On The Record: With the Roanoke Rambler
Roanoke’s City Council race is quickly taking shape — with a growing field of candidates and a competitive primary on the horizon.In this week’s On The Record…
- WFIR News Express
Virginia budget talks stall, gas tax push, Iran conflict concerns & Roanoke fires — WFIR News Express 3/30/26
Today’s WFIR News Express covers ongoing Virginia state budget negotiations ahead of a special session, including debate over data center tax breaks. We also…
- WFIR News Express
Blacksburg principal arrest, Botetourt County Google data center moves forward, and Iran war tensions escalate — WFIR News Express 3/27/26
On this Friday, March 27, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, a Blacksburg elementary school principal has been placed on leave following his arrest on…
- WFIR News Express
Roanoke school job cuts, redistricting referendum fight, data center debate & local budget updates — WFIR News Express 3/26/26
Today’s WFIR News Express covers Roanoke City Public Schools cutting 170 positions due to a budget shortfall, along with new details on Roanoke and Roanoke…
WFIR News ExpressRoanoke Zoning Fight Over Homeless Services & Evans Spring Conservation Talks | On The Record: With the Roanoke Rambler
A dispute between the City of Roanoke and a well-known local ministry is raising bigger questions about how the city handles homelessness, zoning, and…
- WFIR News Express
Roanoke County budget proposal, Google data center debate, road rage gun incident & TSA concerns — WFIR News Express 3/25/26
Today’s WFIR News Express covers Roanoke County’s $285 million budget proposal with no tax increase, along with growing discussion around the Google data…
- WFIR News Express
Roanoke budget cuts and delays, Vinton fire victim identified, Floyd County fatal crash & redistricting debate — WFIR News Express 3/24/26
Today’s WFIR News Express covers Roanoke’s fiscal year 2027 budget proposal, including job freezes, project delays, and reduced revenue growth. We also report…
- WFIR News Express
Roanoke budget proposal today, deadly Vinton house fire, Russia detention & ODU shooting probe — WFIR News Express 3/23/26
Today’s WFIR News Express covers a deadly house fire in Vinton and Roanoke’s fiscal year 2027 budget proposal being presented today, including potential cuts…
- WFIR News Express
Roanoke shooting in Eureka Park, Salem Navy veteran jailed in Russia draws congressman response, and Iran war funding debate — WFIR News Express 3/20/26
On this Friday, March 20, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, Roanoke Police are investigating a shooting in the Eureka Park area after a man was found with a…
- WFIR News Express
Salem veteran imprisoned in Russia, Iran war debate, and Roanoke homelessness response — WFIR News Express 3/19/26
A Salem Navy veteran’s imprisonment in Russia is drawing attention from Virginia lawmakers, while Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine raise new concerns over…
WFIR News ExpressRoanoke Neighborhood Funding Shift, Jefferson Center Plan & Valley Metro Pressure Tactics | On The Record: With the Roanoke Rambler
A potential shift in how Roanoke spends federal housing and development money is raising new concerns in Northwest neighborhoods — especially after the city…
- WFIR News Express
March 17, 2026: Google Data Center Debate, VA Politics & Restaurant Week | WFIR News Express
Today’s WFIR News Express covers the proposed Google data center in Botetourt County, new developments tied to the Brandon Shah case, Virginia redistricting…
- WFIR News Express
Enhanced severe weather risk for Roanoke Valley, budget stalemate triggers special session, and early voting continues for Virginia redistricting referendum — WFIR News Express 3/16/26
On this Monday, March 16, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, the Roanoke Valley is under an enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms, with the potential for…
- WFIR News Express
Stewartsville Elementary to close, iGaming concerns grow, assault firearms ban sparks sales surge, and Roanoke events ramp up — WFIR News Express 3/13/26
This is the Friday, March 13, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express — posted shortly after a delayed Thursday update, so you may see two back-to-back episodes in…
- WFIR News Express
Budget talks stall over data centers, Roanoke comes up empty in Richmond, and rabies confirmed in Bedford and Campbell — WFIR News Express 3/12/26
This WFIR News Express update was recorded for Thursday, March 12, 2026, and is being posted late on Friday, March 13, 2026. A separate new update for Friday…
WFIR News ExpressPolice Grant Audit Finds Overspending, 11th Street Revitalization & Roanoke Funding Misses | On The Record: With the Roanoke Rambler
A new audit finds Roanoke police overspent a state gun violence prevention grant by nearly $100,000, raising new questions about oversight, mentoring…
- WFIR News Express
WFIR News Express 3-10-2026
Here is the latest news about the upcoming redistricting referendum and the search for a fugitive high school football coach.
- WFIR News Express
Roanoke double-homicide suspect identified, Hotel Roanoke sale moves forward, and early voting begins for Virginia redistricting referendum — WFIR News Express 3/9/26
On this Monday, March 9, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, Roanoke Police say detectives have identified the suspect in February’s deadly shooting on Carroll…
- WFIR News Express
Redistricting fight heats up, Roanoke gun violence debate, Middle East evacuation criticism, and Tuco’s Taqueria closes — WFIR News Express 3/6/26
On this Friday, March 6, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, Virginia Republicans launch a campaign urging voters to reject the proposed statewide redistricting…
- WFIR News Express
Early voting back on in Tazewell, Iran war powers fallout, Roanoke crime tech, and meals tax questions — WFIR News Express 3/5/26
On this Thursday, March 5, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, the Virginia Supreme Court orders early voting to proceed Friday in Tazewell County, reversing a…
WFIR News ExpressRoanoke Meals Tax May Stay Higher, Planning Director Resigns & Restaurant News | On The Record: With the Roanoke Rambler
Roanoke’s financial challenges continue to shape decisions at City Hall.In this week’s On The Record: With the Roanoke Rambler on WFIR News Express, reporter…
- WFIR News Express
Shooting near Valley View Mall, Roanoke homicide count rises, Iran war powers vote, and Yokohama job fair — WFIR News Express 3/4/26
On this Wednesday, March 4, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, Roanoke Police investigate a shooting outside Shaker’s near Valley View Mall after a parking lot…
- WFIR News Express
WFIR News Express 3-3-2026
Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.
- WFIR News Express
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…
- WFIR News Express
WFIR News Express 2-26-2026
Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.
- WFIR News Express
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.