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.

WFIR News Express brings you the latest headlines fromRoanoke, Botetourt, Bedford, Franklin County, Lynchburg, and the New River Valley.A Danville man faces child exploitation charges after authorities discovered illicit videos on his phone. Meanwhile,winter weather continues to impact Southwest Virginia, withdowned trees, power outages, and increased emergency calls in Lynchburg and Roanoke County.

In Washington,a federal judge rules that Trump’s buyouts for federal employees can proceed, a movesupported by Salem-area Congressman Morgan Griffith but criticized bySenator Tim Kaine. Meanwhile, Griffith’sHALT Fentanyl Act, aimed at permanently classifying fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs, is now in the hands of the Senate.

In law enforcement,ICE officials arrest seven illegal immigrants in Fairfax County, including individuals withcriminal convictions in Virginia. And in politics,Virginia Tech experts weigh in on Trump’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce, with some judges pausing key executive orders.

Elsewhere,Virginia lawmakers debate funding for wildlife corridors, aiming to reduce collisions and protect drivers.Blacksburg Town Council votes to censure member Liam Watson over misleading information on EMS cost recovery.

In business and community news,Virginia State Parks celebrate over 221,000 volunteer hours in 2024, contributing $7.4 million in service. And withValentine’s Day here, a Virginia Tech dietitian shares why chocolate might be good for your heart.

Stay updated with the latest news from acrossthe Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia with WFIR News Express.

WFIR News Express brings you the latest headlines fromRoanoke, Botetourt, Bedford, Franklin County, Lynchburg, and the New River Valley.Winter storm Harlow caused 849 crashes statewide, withover 100 in Southwest Virginia.VDOT crews continue road treatments and warn ofpossible weekend flooding due to rising temperatures and rain.

In Roanoke, anew audit reveals Valley Metro mismanaged public funds, includingmisusing federal relief dollars and failing to pay vendors on time. Meanwhile,legislation in the General Assembly could allow localities to raise sales tax for school renovations—but only with voter approval.

At the national level,President Trump appoints Virginia’s Public Safety Secretary Terry Cole to lead the DEA, making him one of the most high-profile law enforcement officials in the country.Senator Mark Warner opposes Tulsi Gabbard’s confirmation asDirector of National Intelligence, citing concerns over surveillance laws.

Elsewhere,five people are hospitalized after a snowplow crash in Campbell County, andPatrick Henry Correctional inmates assisted in fighting the Franklin County wildfire that burned 500 acres.

In entertainment,Rick Springfield is set to perform at Elmwood Park in Roanoke on June 8, andSouthwest Virginia Ballet’s director announces his departure after years of leadership.Virginia State Parks campgrounds reopen March 7, with some closures due to upgrades atClaytor Lake, Grayson Highlands, and Fairy Stone State Park.

Stay updated with the latest news from acrossthe Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia with WFIR News Express.

WFIR News Express brings you the latest headlines fromRoanoke, Botetourt, Bedford, Franklin County, and the surrounding region.Governor Glenn Youngkin declares a state of emergency, triggeringVirginia’s anti-price gouging law to prevent unfair hikes on essentials like food and gas.VDOT crews prepare roads ahead of a mix of snow, ice, and sleet expected across Southwest Virginia.

In Roanoke,City Council requests a judge to fill Mayor Joe Cobb’s vacant seat, while thePlanning Commission approves a rezoning plan for a150-unit affordable housing project in Southeast Roanoke. Supporters say it willhelp low-income residents, but some neighborsexpress traffic concerns.

Elsewhere, authorities arrest aRockbridge County man on human trafficking charges, whilea Henry County man is charged after making a bomb threat at Dollar General. In Radford,a Bluefield man is in custody after leading police on a six-mile chase in a stolen vehicle.

In health news,Carilion Clinic expands midwifery services to meet growing demand inRoanoke and Rocky Mount, offering24-hour care at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

In sports,Virginia High School League bans transgender athletes from girls’ sports, followingTrump’s new executive order. And in entertainment,rock legend Alice Cooper is coming to the Salem Civic Center this August—tickets go on sale Friday.

Stay informed with the latest updates from acrossRoanoke and Southwest Virginia with WFIR News Express.

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.

Brent Stevens from 5 Points Creative takes you At the Movies with a look at what’s new at Roanoke’s historic Grandin Theatre. This weekend’s feature is Nickel Boys, a powerful adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Tune in to hear more about the film and why it’s worth a trip to the Grandin.

#RoanokeMovies #GrandinTheatre #NickelBoys #AtTheMovies #RoanokeVA

Looking for things to do in Roanoke? This week’s WFIR Culture Calendar highlights must-see events across the region! From theater productions like Dissonance at Mill Mountain Theatre and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in Fincastle to live music, art exhibits, and a special Opera Roanoke recital, there’s something for everyone. Plus, hear about a local author’s talk at the Taubman Museum and a live album recording from Roanoke’s own Mad Iguanas.

Get the full lineup of arts and entertainment events happening in and around Roanoke this weekend!

#RoanokeEvents #CultureCalendar #ThingsToDoRoanoke #LiveMusicRoanoke #RoanokeArts

WFIR News Express brings you the latest headlines from Roanoke, Vinton, Bedford, Lynchburg, and the Roanoke Valley. Vinton Police search for a suspect after the Truist Bank on Washington Avenue was robbed. In Roanoke, immigrant-owned businesses close in protest of Trump’s new immigration order, which removes protections for schools and churches from ICE enforcement.

In Lynchburg, three 14-year-olds face charges after bringing a firearm to Sandusky Middle School, leading to a school lockdown. Meanwhile, nine people—including a Roanoke man—are arrested in a Campbell County prostitution sting.

On Capitol Hill, Senator Tim Kaine warns federal workers about Trump’s buyout offer, and Congressman Gerry Connolly protests the shutdown of USAID after Elon Musk’s new agency takes control.

In community news, the Docs for Morgan charity basketball game returns to Patrick Henry High School to honor Virginia Tech student Morgan Harrington, and Roanoke landmarks go red for American Heart Month.

Plus, Mill Mountain Theatre presents Dissonance, a powerful play exploring race and friendship, and The Hotel Roanoke hosts the Heart Ball to raise funds for the American Heart Association.

Stay up to date with the latest news across Roanoke, Bedford, Botetourt, Franklin County, and the surrounding region with WFIR News Express.