In today's WFIR News Express for Thursday, June 20, we cover breaking developments and heartfelt community stories from across the region:

• A Radford University professor reacts to the shocking political attack in Minnesota and warns of its wider implications.

• A Virginia man pleads guilty to hate crimes targeting Latino victims in a chilling immigration-linked shooting.

• The community mourns the loss of James Lavender, who drowned at Smith Mountain Lake, as friends recall his legacy of laughter.

• New heat-related illness data spurs renewed calls for worker protection laws in Virginia.

• Senator Tim Kaine confronts the Pentagon over its controversial plan to strip military bases of inclusive new names.

• Plus: a look at Roanoke’s Living Legends, historic renovations, community outreach by law enforcement, and safety advisories for river recreation users.

🎧 Listen now for full coverage, exclusive interviews, and local updates only on WFIR News.

On this Juneteenth, Virginia’s senior U.S. Senator Mark Warner criticizes President Trump’s uncertain Iran policy. Roanoke Police arrest a suspect in the Meagan Martin murder case. Latino leaders increase outreach and resources amid immigration concerns. Roanoke County joins a national school reform effort. A new Brady’s Distillery tasting room is coming to Center in the Square. The City of Roanoke seeks 1985 flood memories for a preservation project. Democratic Lt. Governor nominee Hashmi faces off with Republican John Reid, who hasn’t spoken with his own ticket in months. Mast General Store celebrates 5 years in Roanoke with free popcorn, prizes, and a pet adoption event.

Roanoke Police are investigating the suspicious death of Meagan Martin. Plus: flood damage reports from Botetourt, election results from across Virginia, a major bike championship coming to Roanoke, bomb threat in Henry County, Cowell speaks on whistleblower lawsuit, new greenway in Vinton, pool reopens, recycling fair, and more.

Virginia heads to the polls for low-turnout primaries while new fentanyl legislation is signed into law. A registered sex offender is arrested in Alleghany County, and Smith Mountain Lake State Park earns national acclaim. Plus: Abigail Spanberger bus tour, Culpeper protester struck, opioid settlement, Blue Ridge Parkway fatality, and more local headlines.

Senator Tim Kaine introduces a war powers resolution aimed at preventing U.S. military involvement in Iran. Authorities in Botetourt County are searching for one suspect after a teen was arrested following a high-speed chase. Henry County deputies continue the search for missing 16-year-old Brookelynn Lyons. Protesters rallied in Roanoke as part of the national “No Kings” demonstrations against Trump administration policies. Virginia State Police seized millions in narcotics during a statewide operation. Bedford County deputies captured a suspect connected to multiple break-ins. In Lynchburg, 15 were arrested following a large fight. Primary elections approach in House District 40 and others. World Sea Turtle Day highlights Virginia’s role in species preservation. Governor Youngkin embarks on a European trade mission. Roanoke’s Pinball Museum expands as it marks its 10th anniversary. Mast General Store celebrates five years in downtown Roanoke with family-friendly events.

A manhunt is underway in Henry County after a high-speed chase. Over 200 graves of enslaved African Americans are being respectfully relocated in Pittsylvania County. Big changes to Roanoke City’s student cell phone policy are coming, and questions swirl over delayed teacher bonuses. We hear from Senators Kaine and Warner on FBI Academy plans, and a Virginia Tech expert on solving the housing crisis. Plus: a drowning at Smith Mountain Lake, college athletes getting paid, a 7-year-old Roanoke MENSA member with a Lego mission, and more local headlines.

A lower cost housing option for adults who travel from out of town to the Roanoke Valley to receive medical treatment is the idea behind "Hospitality House of the Blue Ridge," which is closer to having its own building, hoping to close on a property near Carilion Roanoke Memorial in the near future. Meanwhile a 5.5 million dollar capital campaign continues. Hospitality House executive director Emily Reburn (Ree-burn) spoke recently with WFIR's Gene Marrano, and here is a "Longer Listen."

A former Cave Spring High School student speaks out about past encounters with ex-athletic director Randall Meck, who recently pled guilty to federal charges. One person has died and another hospitalized after separate water emergencies at Smith Mountain Lake. Juneteenth and Flag Day celebrations are coming together this weekend at McCadden Park. Five people are hospitalized after a crash involving a Bedford County ambulance. Bedford County names its first-ever female command staff captain. Roanoke Mayor Joe Cobb regains clergy credentials from the United Methodist Church. Roanoke City ends the fiscal year with a $2.4 million surplus despite previous overspending. The Roanoke City School Board approves a $317 million budget for the upcoming year. A Roanoke Police recruit reflects on the moment she helped save a fellow officer’s life. A Campbell County shelter dog detects a man mid-seizure, helping him get medical care. Solar tax credits and green energy incentives face elimination in the latest federal budget bill. A new Joint Economic Committee report warns over 300,000 Virginians could lose health insurance. Hospitality House of the Blue Ridge inches closer to securing a building to host out-of-town medical patients. Roanoke residents can drop off unwanted electronics this Saturday. And a region-wide summer food drive will be held Friday to combat hunger.

A judge dismisses child abuse charges against three Rivermont Roanoke Southwest School staffers. Governor Youngkin honors a fallen deputy with a bridge renaming. Virginia’s U.S. Senators push back on Trump Administration plans to downsize Job Corps. Plus: a new mead tasting room opens downtown, a fire billing policy starts in Henry County, and Virginia tops a new income ranking. Listen to today’s full WFIR News Express for all the stories making headlines in the Roanoke Valley and beyond.

• WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports that United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge is warning of a funding crisis for Roanoke nonprofits

• WFIR’s Clark Palmer spotlights the urgent need for volunteer advocates to support Virginia foster children through CASA

• WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno shares why actor C. Thomas Howell is visiting the Grandin Theatre this week to celebrate The Outsiders

• Virginia State Police seize over $1.3 million in drugs during a weeklong operation

• A Roanoke man is charged with possession of child pornography

• A beloved cat dies and several residents are displaced in a SW Roanoke apartment fire

• A Humvee crash in Dinwiddie sends two people to the hospital with life-threatening injuries

• Washington Park Pool officially opens in Roanoke City

• A Revolutionary War hero from Salem finally gets recognition at a new museum exhibit

• A stolen truck investigation spans Bedford to Roanoke County

• Mill Mountain Zoo launches a Sloth Naming Contest to welcome its newest resident