In today’s WFIR News Express, a standoff in Roanoke City ended with the arrest of 38-year-old Kevin Stefanik, who faces charges including two counts of attempted malicious wounding. The incident also caused a lockdown at Patrick Henry High School as police responded to a well-being check.

Clark Palmer reports on the historic Forest Level Baptist Church in Bedford County, where the congregation is planning to rebuild after a gas explosion severely damaged the 151-year-old structure earlier this week.

In Roanoke County, a packed meeting at South County Library saw over 100 residents voice concerns about a proposed development at the historic Poage Farm property. While the developer emphasized efforts to address traffic and preserve parts of the land, neighbors remain worried about school overcrowding and the loss of the nearly 200-year-old farmhouse.

Alex Rios, a Salem man, has been convicted of a double homicide involving brutal shootings and stabbings in a Roanoke apartment last summer.

Tonight’s Star City Sustainability Series event will explore the effects of everyday chemicals on the environment and aquatic life, with research presented by Virginia Tech neuroscience instructor April Foo.

In Giles County, residents of Glen Lyn voted to dissolve their town charter, paving the way for significant changes as the town transitions to an unincorporated community.

Roanoke Police are investigating the theft of catalytic converters from delivery vans at George’s Flowers, a crime that took under eight minutes to complete.

Roanoke City School Board member Natasha Saunders-Cotton announced her resignation to focus on her family, reflecting on her time on the board as a rewarding experience.

Catch these stories and more on WFIR News Express.

In today’s WFIR News Express, Salem City Council approves a major development plan for HopeTree Family Services’ land, allowing for new apartments, houses, and businesses. Despite residents’ concerns about traffic and runoff, HopeTree officials vow to maintain transparency throughout the project. WFIR’s Clark Palmer has the details.

Gene Marrano speaks with Hollins University political science chair Ed Lynch about the fall of Syria’s Assad regime and the geopolitical impact of Bashar al-Assad’s exile to Russia after insurgents seized Damascus.

Families are turning to 529 college savings plans as meaningful holiday gifts. Virginia’s Invest529 program offers tax advantages and flexibility, making it a smart choice for addressing rising educational costs while spreading holiday cheer.

Former Franklin County Sheriff’s major Justin Sigmon is denied a new trial after being convicted of abusive sexual contact with a minor last November. Sigmon will be sentenced next week.

In other news, no injuries were reported following a gas explosion at Forest Level Baptist Church in Bedford County, though the building’s structural integrity remains in question. Roanoke-based Branch Civil Inc. receives a $34.4 million contract to improve intersections along the Route 220 and Route 419 corridors. Additionally, a Virginia man faces trial for allegedly funneling funds to the Islamic State.

Catch these stories and more on WFIR News Express.

In today’s WFIR News Express, Virginia Tech Athletic Director Whit Babcock shares how revenue sharing and spending caps will reshape college athletics starting in 2025. WFIR’s Clark Palmer explains how this evolution will affect Virginia Tech’s programs.

Denise Allen Membreno highlights Glenvar High School’s Steve Franco, whose hit comedy In-Laws, Outlaws & Other People That Should Be Shot opens this week at Showtimers for a two-week run.

Gene Marrano previews the YMCA at Tanglewood’s grand opening tomorrow. The $2 million project transforms a former department store into a fitness center with indoor pickleball courts, hot yoga, and more.

In Roanoke, the Toebean Cat Café is set to open this week, offering coffee, tea, and adoptable cats. Meanwhile, Vinton’s Santa Crawl returns tomorrow evening, spreading holiday cheer along four routes.

Franklin County deputies have charged a man with second-degree murder following a fatal shooting in Callaway, while Bedford County authorities are searching for a suspect involved in a robbery at a Forest ABC store. In Salem, Deputy Chief Matt Rickman has been appointed interim fire chief as Chief John Prillaman retires after 27 years of service.

Finally, Caesars casino in Danville is set to open next week, after a brief delay from its original launch date.

Catch all these stories and more on WFIR News Express.

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

In today’s WFIR News Express, Roanoke Police are investigating two separate incidents: a fatal shooting on Lanford Street NW and a crash on Brandon Avenue SW where a vehicle struck an apartment building, killing a resident inside.

State transportation officials provide updates on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. The storm caused $4 billion in damage across Virginia, with debris removal expected to take six months and road and bridge repairs stretching into next year.

Two youth football teams from Roanoke’s 540 Powerhouse are gearing up for the American Youth Football National Championships in Naples, Florida. The teams are seeking community support to cover travel expenses for the December 8–14 tournament.

Meanwhile, consumer sentiment in Virginia is on the rise, with many residents feeling optimistic about holiday spending. A Roanoke judge has dismissed a challenge to the city’s ordinance banning guns in public buildings and parks, keeping it in place while a lawsuit proceeds.

Additionally, Governor Glenn Youngkin announces more than $581,000 in grants for small businesses and organizations, including Roanoke’s Humble Hustle and Salem Tourism.

Stay informed with these stories and more on WFIR News Express.

In today’s WFIR News Express, the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office confirms that a man accused of orchestrating his 97-year-old grandmother’s murder has died by suicide. The alleged murder-for-hire scheme resulted in charges for a second suspect, who remains in custody.

In Roanoke County, a developer proposes an affordable housing project near the former Poage Mill Farm. Plans include townhomes, single-family homes, and commercial spaces aimed at addressing the area’s housing shortage. A community meeting will be held next week to discuss the project.

Roanoke College launches the RC-RV initiative with a $1 million gift to connect adult learners with in-demand workforce training. The program will offer stackable credentials in fields like artificial intelligence, helping professionals advance or shift careers.

In other news, local authorities are investigating a credit card skimming incident at Sheetz gas stations, and the City of Roanoke receives $750,000 in federal funding to address lead paint hazards in older homes. Plus, Christmas festivities kick off this week with the Dickens of a Christmas tree lighting in downtown Roanoke.

Stay tuned for these stories and more on WFIR News Express.

In today’s WFIR News Express, Roanoke City Council has introduced Valmarie Turner as the city’s new manager. Turner, formerly the deputy city manager in Fairfax, will take office next month, prioritizing affordable housing and crime prevention. Outgoing Mayor Sherman Lea said Turner was the unanimous choice of the council.

The Produce Prescription program, which began as a small pilot in Roanoke, is expanding to additional localities thanks to a $480,000 grant. Medicaid patients in Roanoke, Floyd, Franklin County, and Radford with diabetes or high blood pressure will receive nutrition classes and weekly prescriptions for fresh produce. Radford University will track the program’s outcomes over three years.

The Five Points Music Sanctuary is nearing the end of its three-year capital campaign, with $140,000 raised toward purchasing its building. The organization hopes to raise another $100,000 by year’s end to close on the property in January. Founder Tyler Godsey said the sanctuary continues to combine live music with community-focused initiatives.

In other news, health officials confirm three cases of rabies in area wildlife, comedian Nate Bargatze announces a Roanoke stop on his tour, and Gov. Glenn Youngkin receives Christmas trees to decorate the Executive Mansion from the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association.

Tune in for these stories and more on WFIR News Express.

In today’s WFIR News Express, federal officials remind Southwest Virginia residents that today marks the final day to apply for aid related to damages from Hurricane Helene. FEMA and the Small Business Administration urge applications for low-interest loans and disaster recovery assistance.

Roanoke County breaks ground on Smith Ridge Commons, a 216-unit affordable housing project that promises modern amenities at reduced rents, with completion expected by fall 2025. The development is seen as a major step toward addressing the region’s workforce housing needs.

The Virginia NAACP raises concerns over Walmart’s rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, calling it a step back for marginalized communities.

In other news, Amherst County deputies investigate a string of home break-ins, Moneta emergency crews respond to an injured hunter after a tree stand fall, and Bedford County authorities report a crash caused by a driver swerving to avoid a deer.

Additionally, Kansas’ 50th Anniversary Tour stops at the Berglund Center this week, and Virginia Lottery data shows a significant increase in sports wagering compared to last year. Catch these stories and more on WFIR News Express.

In today’s WFIR News Express, a Henry County woman is behind bars after authorities uncovered an alleged murder-for-hire plot, with details of the scheme captured during a recorded meeting.

We also examine the ongoing debate over a proposed constitutional amendment to restore voting rights for people convicted of felonies after incarceration. While advocates like Sheba Williams call for change, Delegate Paul Milde argues the measure goes too far.

New allegations of inhumane treatment at a Wise County supermax prison spark criticism from advocacy groups and lawmakers, with Delegate Sam Rasoul acknowledging progress but emphasizing the need for continued reform.

Plus, Small Business Saturday reminds shoppers of the economic power of supporting local merchants, while Carilion Clinic’s latest Community Health Assessment highlights ongoing challenges in underserved areas. In Bristol, leaders back a plan to reduce traffic on Interstate 81 by introducing rail access to remove thousands of tanker trucks.

Stay informed with these stories and more on today’s WFIR News Express.

In today’s WFIR News Express, Roanoke City Council is nearing a decision on its next city manager, with seven finalists interviewed and plans for a January start date. This comes after the resignation of Bob Cowell earlier this year and months of leadership by interim City Manager Lydia Pettis Patton.

In Botetourt County, the Board of Supervisors has officially dissolved the Read Mountain Fire and Rescue Department after over 25 years of service. Chief Jason Ferguson cites a lack of volunteers as the primary reason for the closure, though the station is now staffed 24/7 by full-time personnel, with a new fire station under construction in Bonsack.

As millions prepare for holiday travel, AAA offers tips to save on fuel and reduce stress, while Bedford County deputies are increasing patrols to ensure safety on local roads. Meanwhile, “Brown Friday” looms as plumbers brace for post-Thanksgiving grease clogs, and Bedford County provides grease recycling kits to prevent costly repairs.

We also cover a deadly fire in Martinsville, where remains were found after a five-hour blaze, and Virginia Tech experts share advice on navigating tense political discussions at the holiday table with active listening and respect.

Finally, Virginians are optimistic about holiday spending, a positive sign for local retailers heading into the season. Don’t miss today’s WFIR News Express for these stories and more.