The US Forest Service has proposed eliminating the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule for almost 45 million acres covered by the rule – citing the “regulatory burden,” but some fear that could lead to development – or more wildfires. There’s still time to comment on the proposal. Coming on the heels of President Trump’s executive orders focuses on expanding domestic timber and fossil fuel production, opponents like Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship President David Jenkins says more roads means more wildfires for starters. Jenkins says opposition to the Roadless Rule may have more impact if it comes from groups like Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship that normally align with the policies of this White House.  Locally the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy has issued a statement opposing Repeal of the Roadless Rule, saying , “national forests are too important to open them to more industry and development.” More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:

See a link to the Roadless Rule on the US Forest Service website to leave a comment – pro or con – through October 6, or use the link below:

Comment on Road Rule here

The Southwest Virginia Data Center Transparency Alliance was formed to oppose Botetourt County plans to build data centers on the Greenfield campus in Daleville, citing environmental and quality of life concerns. Transparency Alliance spokesperson Kathyrn Hatam commented live in studio this morning about a lack of public transparency related to the proposed deal with Google.  The Southwest Virginia Data Center Transparency Alliance also opposes the Data Center now proposed for the Wood Haven Technology Park in Roanoke County – with a lack of transparency again being the main sticking point. Hear the complete conversation with Kathyrn Hatam about proposed local data center projects on the link below, or watch it on our Facebook.

After several years of fundraising, searching for a new building and then construction, the RAM House day shelter now on Elm Avenue cut the ribbon on its new Jain Care Center today.  RAM House had been housed in a century-old former church on Campbell Avenue. The new Jain Care Center includes a full kitchen, counseling and health care services, and assistance in finding affordable housing. RAM House executive director Melissa Woodson says even after a soft opening last month that included another ribbon cutting just for those experiencing homelessness who came in seeking help, she noticed a difference. Woodson also says they are still fundraising for the project, seeking another million dollars.

A new trail constructed on Mill Mountain last year – the 1.5 mile John Peake Pass – was formally dedicated today with family and friends on hand this morning. John Peake was a Patrick Henry High School graduate and a Virginia Tech alum. He was also an avid mountain biker, before succumbing to a cancerous brain tumor in 2022. The Roanoke Parks Foundation helped fund the multi-use John Peake Pass trail as part of a larger Mill Mountain trail building project. A commemorative bench has also been dedicated in his honor. Emily Peake is his widow:

The Lt Governor of Virginia was in the Star City to get input from residents about data centers and a potential merger involving one of Virginia’s top utility companies. More from WFIR’s Clark Palmer:

For the past year-plus there’s been a slightly different “vibe” on the Virginia Western Community College campus – in July 2025 a new president came on board. Today Dr Laura Treanor is officially inaugurated – and receives her Presidential Medallion. Its the new Virginia Western VIBE – as in Visionary Innovation, Bold Engagement. At least one staff member was wearing a VIBE t-shirt yesterday as Dr. Laura Treanor talked about this morning’s formal inauguration – more than 14 months after she succeeded Dr Bobby Sandel. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:

Its the second of three weekends for Oklahoma! the musical at Mill Mountain Theatre in downtown Roanoke, this Wednesday through a Sunday matinee. The Danville Concert Association has presented touring artists since 1953. The 2026-27 season opens this Saturday with Bluegrass and Americana from the Kruger Brothers. Kristen Barker, is President of the Board of Directors for the Association. The Ailey II Dance performance is October 8th. The Grandin Theatre is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with two films, Sin Nombre next Tuesday September 29th, and La Bamba on October 13th. Indian Folk Dance music at Jefferson Center this Thursday night with the Rajasthani Caravan. Hear more on link below:

A spice retailer previously known from farmer’s market stands will celebrate a grand opening in Roanoke next month. As WFIR’s Caitlin Barker reports, the new storefront is a space for both the community and other local food services.

Some of the best minds in the business when it comes to studying schizophrenia are convening at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute in Roanoke today and tomorrow, to explore more precise treatments for a mental health condition that affects how a person thinks and behaves, and often results in hallucinations. Examining how schizophrenia may be redefined through advances in computational phenotyping and next-generation pharmacology. Integrating brain, behavioral, and biological data, Dr Michael Halassa from the FBRI, a joint venture with Virginia Tech and Carilion, is co-host of a symposium that features guest speakers from academia and the pharmaceutical world. He says new “wonder drugs” are constantly arriving on the market. More on the “Precision Therapeutics Symposium” from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:

The executive director of the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority has confirmed that the Wood Haven Technology Park is being evaluated as a data center site by a company called Clearview Dynamics, which has built data centers elsewhere for AI customers. John Hull says Clearview will conduct a due diligence phase that could run until March 2027. Hull, who is also executive director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership, says Spring Hollow Reservoir would be the principal water source for a data center at Wood Haven Technology Park, which sits off I-81 and is jointly owned by Roanoke City, Roanoke County and the City of Salem.