Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger says her party needs to “do the hard work” if it hopes to win big in 2025 — and she won’t support redrawing the state’s political maps. Also in today’s WFIR News Express:

• A Roanoke woman sues Habitat for Humanity for $12 million after a serious construction site fall
• Councilman Phazhon Nash calls for changes to Roanoke’s controversial Evans Spring development
• Target “active shooter” call turns out to be a hoax
• Virginia State Police partner with Liberty University to recruit more troopers
• Bedford approves steep electric rate hikes for homes and businesses
• Political experts weigh in on redistricting fights and midterm strategy
• TacoFest returns to Roanoke, and so do Food Truck Thursdays
• City libraries launch a Halloween costume swap to help families save
• 7-Eleven robbery, deadly crash update, and more

🎧 Get the full update now — only on WFIR News.

On the September 2nd edition of WFIR News Express:

• Virginia’s unofficial election season kicks off as all three gubernatorial candidates—Winsome Earle-Sears, Abigail Spanberger, and Donna Charles—speak at the Buena Vista Labor Day Parade.

• Upcoming candidate forums for key House of Delegates races set in Salem and Blacksburg.

• A new Community Empowerment Center opens in Roanoke, offering family services, health support, and adult education.

• Senator Mark Warner questions the detention and deportation of a Salvadoran man accused of gang ties, now seeking asylum.

• School shooting aftermath in Minneapolis sparks calls for action from Warner.

• SOL test scores improve, according to Governor Glenn Youngkin, citing results from his administration’s “ALL IN” plan.

• Spanberger vows to repeal Youngkin’s immigration order if elected Governor.

• ICE arrests man charged with sex crimes involving a Virginia child.

• Racist sign targeting Winsome Earle-Sears condemned by both candidates.

• New poll numbers show Spanberger leading Earle-Sears by 5 points.

• Roanoke secures $160,000+ in FEMA funds for hurricane recovery.

• RICO indictments filed in Floyd County, targeting a regional criminal network.

• Over 200,000 Virginians may face rising health costs if federal tax credits expire.

• Powerball jackpot hits $1.3 billion, and one local mom shares her hopes.

• Former U.S. Attorney Todd Gilbert resigned, reportedly due to conflict with the Trump administration over staffing.

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

Two children are dead after a shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis — Virginia faith leaders are reacting, and flags will fly at half-staff. In Danville, a dog that killed an 8-year-old boy will be euthanized after rabies quarantine. Governor Youngkin says Virginia SOL scores are improving thanks to tougher academic standards.

Also in today’s episode:
🗳️ Abigail Spanberger vows to repeal Youngkin’s immigration crackdown if elected governor.
🚔 ICE arrests a man wanted for sex crimes involving a Virginia child.
🚨 Spanberger calls a racist sign targeting opponent Winsome Earle-Sears “repulsive.”
📊 New polling shows Spanberger leads Earle-Sears by 5 points.
⛳ A new indoor golf simulator venue is coming to the Roanoke Valley.
🏓 Roanoke’s Pierce Rakes is now Virginia’s top pickleball player — and he's headed to Dallas.
🏈 Terry McLaurin’s contract has layers — what's real and what’s incentive fluff?
🦆 Tiny ducks spark smiles in Franklin County in a growing community kindness tradition.
📝 Martinsville Council won’t release the investigative report that led to the city manager’s firing.
💳 Botetourt Chamber’s former director pleads no contest in embezzlement case.
📚 Artemis Literary Journal prepares to unveil its 49th edition at the Taubman Museum.

🎧 Catch it all on WFIR News Express — available wherever you get your podcasts.

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares says Roanoke College violated the Human Rights Act after alleged retaliation against female swimmers who opposed a transgender athlete’s participation. In other top stories: longtime WDBJ7 meteorologist Brent Watts announces his retirement, a man is arrested in a $440,000 Bedford County drug and gun bust, and Governor Youngkin says Virginia won’t pursue mid-decade redistricting like other states. Plus: an off-duty agent-involved shooting in Virginia Beach, whitewater recreation coming to Danville, and a major concert announcement for the Salem Civic Center. 🎧

📚 Historic moment for Roanoke: Virginia’s first-ever adult high school opens at Melrose Plaza, offering second chances with built-in child care and job support — and Governor Youngkin is on hand.

💰 Roanoke Valley home prices top $419,000 on average — the highest ever. Why it's happening and what it means for buyers.

🎨 Graffiti vandals hit a local gym, and police need your help.

🏛️ New Democratic candidate enters the race for Virginia’s 6th Congressional District.

🛤️ Broadband lawsuit against Norfolk Southern dropped after a major Virginia Supreme Court ruling.

🕊️ Good Samaritan Hospice expands into Lynchburg and adds in-home health care across the Roanoke Valley.

🌧️ Blue Ridge Parkway repairs near completion after landslides from Hurricane Helene.

🗳️ Plus: Salem rezoning, High Bridge Trail body discovery, and more.

🎧 Tap in now for a fast, fact-packed update on the day’s top local stories — only on WFIR News Express, your source for what’s happening across Roanoke and Southwest Virginia.

On this Friday edition of WFIR News Express — August 22, 2025:

• 🚔 Child Porn Arrest in Forest: A 38-year-old man is behind bars after investigators say he was caught with child sexual abuse material.

• 🌊 Roanoke Hotel Flooded: Heavy rains forced guests to evacuate an Extended Stay hotel. Fire and EMS responded fast — hear what one guest saw.

• 🏙️ State of the City: Mayor Joe Cobb touts progress on gun violence and housing, but says homelessness and zoning backlash remain challenges.

• 🧭 Redistricting in Virginia? A top Democrat hints the Commonwealth could be next in line.

• ⚖️ Racist Sign at Trans Rights Rally: Governor Youngkin and both major gubernatorial candidates respond after a sign targeting Lt. Gov. Earle-Sears goes viral.

• 🚗 Roanoke Parking Debate: Business leaders weigh in as a citywide parking study gets underway. Is there really a problem downtown?

• 🔪 Prison Attack Indictments: 66 felony charges filed after a gang-related stabbing of corrections officers at Wallens Ridge.

• 🗳️ Felon Voting Rights: Youngkin’s case-by-case restoration policy stands after a court challenge.

• 💼 Federal Job Cuts Hit Virginia: One Roanoke woman shares how losing her federal job impacted her — part of broader cuts tied to Trump’s agenda.

• 🍼 New Diaper Bank Launches: Local nonprofit Huddle Up Moms expands support for new mothers with free diapers and supplies.

• ✂️ Haircuts & Healing: A downtown Roanoke barbershop adds red light therapy for stress, pain, and energy.

• ⛳ $250K Hole-in-One? Ten locals take their shot at a massive payday during a charity event at Blue Hills Golf Course.

🎧 Listen now at WFIRNews.com — click the News Express tab.

On the August 21st edition of WFIR News Express:

• Zoning Lawsuit on Hold: A lawsuit over Roanoke City’s zoning amendments has been paused as city council works on new revisions.

• Todd Gilbert Resigns: The former Virginia House Speaker steps down just weeks after becoming U.S. Attorney for the Western District.

• Federal Education Clash: The Trump administration labels five Northern Virginia school districts "high-risk" over their support for transgender students, affecting over $50 million in funding.

• Tariff Fallout Warning: Senators Warner and Kaine cite new economic data linking recent tariffs to steep losses in U.S. manufacturing jobs and investments.

• Hurricane Erin's Acceleration: Meteorologists say the hurricane’s rapid intensification may become more common due to climate change.

• Furniture Market Expands: Virginia Furniture Market announces its 10th location with a major new showroom coming to Danville.

• Military Jet Crash: A U.S. fighter pilot survives after crashing into the ocean off Virginia’s coast during a training flight.

• Flag Order: Governor Youngkin orders flags at half-staff statewide in recognition of National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day.

• Vick’s Coaching Debut: Michael Vick takes the reins at Norfolk State for his first head coaching job—ESPN’s First Take and the game broadcast will spotlight the moment.

• Vietnam War Book Talk: A former Hill staffer turned Radford U. admissions counselor presents his new book on the evolution of the PAVN at a Roanoke bookstore.

• $10K Surprise for Schools: Southern Team Subaru donates $10,000 and supplies to Burlington Elementary, supporting 20 classrooms and over 400 students.

🎧 Listen now on our homepage → WFIRNews.com → Click the News Express tab
🗞️ Daily local headlines in 10 minutes or less — WFIR News Express.

On the Wednesday, August 20th edition of WFIR News Express:

• Historic Deal: Roanoke County finalizes the largest land acquisition in its history by taking over Explore Park.

• Election Pulse: A new Roanoke College poll shows Abigail Spanberger narrowing the gap with Winsome Earle-Sears in the Virginia Governor's race.

• Poll Trends: Trump’s favorability climbs in VA, while Governor Youngkin holds steady with 50% job approval.

• Salem VA Improvements: Federal funds headed to the Salem VA Medical Center and Lynchburg outpatient clinic.

• Miracle in the Shop: A Franklin County mechanic survives a brutal electrical accident and near-death experience.

• Civic Engagement Push: The Roanoke Regional Chamber launches the 2026 National Civics Bee for middle schoolers.

• Leadership Change: Lynchburg’s Police Chief Ryan Zuidema to become the new Chief of Police in Wilmington, NC.

• Funding Worries: Bradley Free Clinic in Roanoke responds to growing need and federal funding uncertainty with a fundraising concert.

• Hunters for the Hungry Donation: Northwest Ace and Salem Fair deliver $4,200 to the long-running venison program.

• Coach Murder Update: The man accused of killing Franklin County coach Tony Gill is denied bond.

• Fairfax School Allegations: Virginia State Police investigate whether staff at Centerville High helped minors obtain abortions without parental consent.

• New Tech Research Grants: Virginia Tech secures two HHS grants—one for chronic pain therapy and another for bone cancer research.

• Blue Ridge Tradition Restored: A ribbon-cutting celebrates a new hand-crafted shake roof on historic Mabry Mill.

🎧 Listen now on our homepage → WFIRNews.com → Click the News Express tab
🗞️ Daily local coverage from the WFIR News Team.

Democrat Abigail Spanberger opens a 7-point lead over Winsome Earle-Sears in Virginia’s governor race, according to a new Roanoke College poll. Plus:
• Roanoke Police launch a real-time crime center, “The Roc3”
• Debate locked in for October between Spanberger and Earle-Sears
• Trump’s DC National Guard deployment draws legal heat
• AG Miyares backs emergency drug crackdown and defends Guard response
• Guinea pig rescue in Roanoke — and they need names
• DRI’s sidewalk sale returns
• Structure fire turns deadly; Lynchburg official pleads guilty in federal case

All that and more in today’s WFIR News Express.