Local Government, Civic Affairs and Education | News/Talk 960-AM & FM-107.3 WFIR

Area residents used a protest in downtown Roanoke to call for ICE to be abolished in the wake of a fatal shooting in Minneapolis. Details from WFIR’s Clark Palmer:

Northern Virginia Democratic Congressman Don Beyer says Secretary Noem and Trump aide Steven Miller should resign from their posts following the shooting:

Roanoke area GOP Congressman Ben Cline told Fox News that ICE agents were enforcing the law when Good was shot:

Blue Ridge Literacy was founded in 1985 to strengthen those skills for adults in western Virginia. Over the past four decades it has evolved into a focus on increasing English proficiency for refugees and immigrants settling in the Roanoke Valley, people escaping war-torn countries or those simply looking for a better life. Changes over the past year on who is eligible to come to the United States – and who can legally remain here – has meant some pivoting for Blue Ridge Literacy as well. WFIR’s Gene Marrano spoke recently with BRL’s executive director about those changes, and here is a “Longer Listen.”

A Republican looking to unseat the Commonwealth’s Senior US Senator says she will bring much needed change to D.C. Fairfax Station resident Kim Farington, who worked at the White House Office of Management and Budget where she oversaw financial management policy for the entire federal government, is one of the Republicans running to unseat Virginia’s Senior US Senator Mark Warner during the November mid term elections. Farington tells WFIR News Warner has ignored constituent concerns during his time in office.

Farington also discussed Democratic messaging when it comes to affordability:

.

Friends of Mountain View recently appeared before Roanoke City Council, unveiling plans for the future of the Historic Fishburn Mansion. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.

The Friends of Mountain View and Roanoke Parks and Rec officials touted the value of the Historic Fishburn Mansion historically, culturally and it’s potential to bring in revenue when they presented the Mountain View Master plan to Roanoke City Council recently. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports.

Mountain View Master Plan

The Rescue Mission of Roanoke is preparing to extend a little Christmas cheer tomorrow to those experiencing homelessness – and those just having a hard time making ends meet. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:

As area high school students wrap up the first semester of their senior year, attention turns to college.  Leaders at VWCC want to remind students and parents there’s a free option to eligible students. WFIR’s Den

ise Allen Membreno has more.

The Community College Access Program or CCAP offers area high school students a chance to continue their education for free. As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports the deadline for applying to the program is approaching.

Around two decades ago New River Valley resident and animal lover Robin Yefko came up with an idea she even had trademarked and is patent pending – an “Animal Angel Tree,” for pets, akin to the Salvation Army Angel Trees which are decorated with wish lists from children. “Tessa’s Tree of Hope,” named after a cat Yefko once had, is decorated with gift ideas for pets – now at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter in Blacksburg – until December 23. The Animal Angel Tree located at the Marathon gas station on Tom’s Creek Road in Blacksburg features ornaments with pictures of each pet – and their wish list. Under ten dollars is fine says Yefko.

An annual award recognizing an individual who goes above and beyond for the Roanoke community has returned with the announcement of the 2025 Roanoke Citizen of the Year. WFIR’s Conner Arthur has that story:

The RAM House day shelter that serves Roanoke’s homeless population is making significant progress on a capital campaign to renovate its new, larger space coming soon on Elm Avenue. WFIR’s Gene Marrano with an update:

It’s the season of giving in Bedford County, and a local agency is gearing up to spread some holiday cheer to children through an annual toy drive that’s seeing a record number of applicants as WFIR’s Conner Arthur reports: