On this Friday, March 6, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, Virginia Republicans launch a campaign urging voters to reject the proposed statewide redistricting referendum as early voting begins. Supporters of the effort — including Congressman Ben Cline and several state delegates — warn the measure could weaken the political voice of rural Southwest Virginia. Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama posts a message on X encouraging Virginians to support the proposal, calling the shift to a 10–1 congressional map a temporary move.

Back in the Roanoke Valley, Interstate 581 reopens after an afternoon crash near Valley View Mall blocked southbound lanes for hours. Gun violence also remains a central issue in the Roanoke City Council race, as members of the city’s Gun Violence Prevention Commission and potential candidates weigh in while the city approaches the number of shooting deaths recorded in all of 2025.

Roanoke City Schools is considering eliminating activity buses as it confronts a $16 million budget shortfall, raising concerns from coaches and families whose students rely on the transportation to participate in sports and after-school programs. And a longtime local restaurant, Tuco’s Taqueria, announces it is closing its doors immediately, thanking the community for years of support.

On the international front, thousands of Americans struggled to leave the Middle East following the escalation of U.S. and Israeli strikes involving Iran. Senator Mark Warner criticizes what he calls poor planning by the White House as evacuation efforts ramp up. A Radford University economist also explains how the conflict could affect crude oil prices, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and the broader global economy.

Plus, Virginia wage growth ranks last nationally despite slowing inflation, a Roanoke-area delegate pushes to eliminate the state grocery tax to help middle-class families, and the 23rd annual Miracle Day Radiothon returns to raise money for children’s care at Carilion Children’s Hospital.

That’s the latest from WFIR News Express.

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 circuit court ruling with less than 48 hours to go before polls open. The high court says it will review redistricting lawsuits after the April 21 referendum, but voting continues statewide.

In Washington, Senator Tim Kaine vows to keep opposing unauthorized military action after the War Powers Resolution on Iran is defeated. We also have new developments as the U.S. works to schedule charter flights to help Americans stranded in Saudi Arabia and Jordan during ongoing airstrikes in Iran, and Congressman Suhas Subramanyam criticizes the administration’s response. In Southwest Virginia politics, 9th District Democratic candidate Adam Murphy accuses Congressman Morgan Griffith of being complicit and argues resources should be focused on rural needs at home as gas prices rise.

Back in Roanoke, we look at the Police Department’s Operations and Crime Control Center — monitoring more than 1,000 cameras — and how community groups like FEDUP and the Gun Violence Prevention Commission are responding as the city faces a historically violent start to 2026, even while overall violent crime trends lower. We also break down why Roanoke’s higher meals tax could stay in place longer, with public comment dates now scheduled.

Plus, an Axton man is arrested on child pornography charges, a report estimates tariffs added about $1,000 in costs for Virginia households last year with concerns for small businesses, and Roanoke’s Jefferson Center announces Executive Director Cyrus Pace is departing for a new role in Lynchburg.

That’s the latest from WFIR News Express.

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 Jeff Sturgeon joins Ian Price in studio to discuss why Roanoke leaders may keep the meals tax increase in place beyond its planned 2027 sunset as the city works to manage debt tied to major projects and close budget gaps.

We also talk about the resignation of the city’s planning director and the growing number of vacancies in the planning department — which could impact development reviews and building permits.

Plus, a quick look at new additions to Roanoke’s food scene, including Dorothy & Frank’s downtown restaurant and the debut of wines from Bent Mountain Winery.

Read the full reporting at RoanokeRambler.com.

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 disagreement, leaving one person with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. We also look at Roanoke’s six homicide victims so far in 2026 — matching the first-quarter pace of the city’s deadliest year — even as overall violent crime trends lower and officials point to interpersonal disputes, gun enforcement, and community tips.

In Southwest Virginia politics, Democratic candidates Adam Murphy and Douglas Crockett make their case in the 9th District race, arguing their party needs a more aggressive message ahead of November. In Washington, Senator Tim Kaine and colleagues push a bipartisan War Powers Resolution vote aimed at blocking future offensive military operations in Iran without congressional approval, as fallout continues after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei is killed in a U.S.-led airstrike and Congressman Eugene Vindman criticizes the lack of congressional briefing.

We also cover legislation that would strengthen protections for Virginians facing bank garnishment attempts, Roanoke Police searching for armed suspects in a Southeast Roanoke home invasion where investigators say the wrong house may have been targeted, and Salem’s second job fair to connect Yokohama Tire workers with new employment opportunities.

Plus, Roanoke Arts Pop! returns to the Taubman Museum this weekend, and The Exchange Music Hall announces The Wailers are coming to downtown Roanoke this spring.

That’s the latest from WFIR News Express.

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

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.

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

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

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

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