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 report on a push to suspend the gas tax as fuel prices rise, concerns over U.S. involvement in the Iran conflict, and multiple fire incidents in Roanoke and Roanoke County. Plus updates on local business reopenings, wage gap concerns, and a new playground opening in Roanoke. Get fast, reliable local news from Roanoke and across Virginia.

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 solicitation-related charges, as Montgomery County Public Schools continues its investigation. In Botetourt County, officials are moving forward with plans for a massive Google data center campus in the Greenfield area, a նախագ project expected to bring tens of millions in annual revenue while raising questions about water usage and infrastructure.

We also have new developments in multiple local criminal cases, including details surrounding a deadly shooting in northwest Roanoke tied to an apparent drug-related meeting, and an arrest in Franklin County where a man is charged with the murder of his missing brother. Meanwhile, Roanoke city leaders are working to resolve zoning issues involving The Least of These Ministry as it continues serving the homeless population.

Community activism is also in focus, with Roanoke Indivisible organizing its “No Kings 3” rally at Elmwood Park as part of a nationwide weekend of protests addressing federal policies, including immigration enforcement and the ongoing conflict in Iran. At the national level, tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, as Iran rejects calls to pause the war and the U.S. increases troop deployments, drawing concern from lawmakers about long-term consequences.

Back in Virginia, a newly created Chief Energy Officer position aims to tackle rising energy costs, with a focus on renewable energy and grid efficiency. In Blacksburg, a new façade improvement program is helping local businesses enhance their storefronts through matching grants.

That’s the latest from WFIR News Express — follow the feed so you don’t miss the next update.

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 County budget plans. We also report on the growing redistricting referendum fight in Virginia, continued debate over a proposed Google data center, and local economic and community developments. Plus updates on recycling events, the Blue Ridge Marathon, and business improvements in Blacksburg. Get fast, reliable local news from Roanoke and across Virginia.

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 neighborhood concerns.

In this week’s On The Record: With the Roanoke Rambler, reporter Jeff Sturgeon breaks down the city’s enforcement action against The Least of These Ministry, which has been told to scale back services at its downtown location after zoning violations were identified. The ministry — known for providing warming buses, storage lockers, and outreach to unhoused residents — argues those same services were previously known, allowed, and even supported by city officials.

The situation could head to the Board of Zoning Appeals, where a decision would determine whether those services can continue — or must be reduced or removed. The case highlights a growing tension between enforcement rules and the role nonprofits play in filling gaps in public services.

The conversation also turns to Evans Spring, where a potential conservation-focused purchase could reshape the future of one of the last large undeveloped tracts in the city. The Blue Ridge Land Conservancy, working with a national partner, is exploring whether it can acquire part of the property — offering an alternative to commercial development that has long divided residents, city leaders, and environmental advocates.

As both stories unfold, they point to a broader issue facing Roanoke: how to balance growth, neighborhood concerns, and support for vulnerable populations — all while navigating policy, public trust, and competing visions for the city’s future.

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 center and its impact on the region. We also report on a road rage gun incident in Roanoke County, TSA staffing concerns at Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport, and political debate over data centers and national issues. Plus, updates on local events, nonprofit efforts, and hiring across Virginia. Get fast, reliable local news from Roanoke and across Virginia with WFIR News Express.

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 on the Vinton house fire victim identification, a fatal crash in Floyd County, and new developments in Virginia’s redistricting debate. Plus updates on prescription drug pricing legislation, tobacco enforcement laws, rising diesel costs, and local community projects in Roanoke. Get fast, reliable local news from Roanoke and across Virginia with WFIR News Express.

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 and delays. We also report on the Russia detention case involving a Salem Navy veteran, the FBI’s investigation into the ODU shooting, and key Virginia political updates. Get fast, reliable local news from Roanoke and across Virginia.

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 non-life-threatening gunshot wound on Orange Avenue NW, with evidence located nearby on 14th Street. We also have new developments in the case of a Salem Navy veteran imprisoned in Russia, as Congressman Ben Cline and Virginia senators push for his designation as wrongfully detained while his family launches a petition for his release.

At the national level, the Pentagon is requesting an additional $200 billion to continue the war in Iran, while Virginia Senator Mark Warner is calling for more details before offering support. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers question Homeland Security officials on global threats, while a separate House hearing led by Congressman Morgan Griffith focuses on lowering healthcare costs and improving patient access, with concerns about insurance company influence and pricing transparency.

Back at home, Roanoke leaders continue efforts to address homelessness as the Hope and Home Task Force works toward recommendations, while police build community relationships through their latest Chief’s Walk in Northwest. There’s also discussion about the future of the Berglund Center and a possible regional approach to entertainment development.

We’ll also tell you about a new Roanoke-based events platform aiming to simplify how residents find local happenings, a new coffee truck business getting started on Franklin Road, and a major federal grant awarded to Virginia Tech for power grid innovation.

In sports, the Salem RidgeYaks prepare for their inaugural fan fest this weekend, Liberty advances in the NIT, and Virginia and Virginia Tech hit the court in NCAA Tournament action.

That’s the latest from WFIR News Express — follow the feed so you don’t miss the next update.

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 national security and the war in Iran. Also in today’s WFIR News Express: redistricting referendum turnout trends, a major Henry County fentanyl arrest, Roanoke’s homelessness response, a new Virginia Tech kidney stone treatment, and Salem’s new fire engine. Get a fast local news update from Roanoke, Salem, and across Virginia.

A potential shift in how Roanoke spends federal housing and development money is raising new concerns in Northwest neighborhoods — especially after the city fell short of its own investment targets in Southeast in the most recent reporting cycle.

In this week’s On The Record: With the Roanoke Rambler, reporter Jeff Sturgeon joins WFIR to discuss growing uncertainty around the city’s long-standing “target area” strategy, which has historically directed the majority of federal HUD funding into specific neighborhoods. A new draft plan would significantly reduce that focus, while also leaving unclear whether areas like Gilmer-Harrison — previously identified as next in line — will receive concentrated investment at all.

The conversation also turns to the future of the Jefferson Center, where city leaders are exploring hiring a private management firm to take over operations of the 100-year-old building as it faces millions in deferred maintenance and long-term financial strain. Vice Mayor Terry McGuire says the goal is to stabilize the venue without repeating past structural challenges.

Plus, a look at tensions inside Valley Metro, where a brief, coordinated refusal to work overtime disrupted service earlier this month — highlighting ongoing contract negotiations, staffing shortages, and rising costs. A proposed fare increase to $2 per ride is now on the table as transit leaders try to balance operations and labor demands.

A closer look at how funding decisions, public assets, and essential services are all intersecting in Roanoke right now.