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.

Today’s WFIR News Express covers the proposed Google data center in Botetourt County, new developments tied to the Brandon Shah case, Virginia redistricting and 6th District politics, and the start of Williamson Road Restaurant Week. Get a fast local news update from Roanoke, Botetourt, and across Virginia with WFIR News Express.

On this Monday, March 16, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, the Roanoke Valley is under an enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms, with the potential for tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail. After the front moves through, gusty winds and sharply colder air follow — with a chance of snow Monday evening and a hard freeze expected midweek.

We also cover the latest fallout from the Old Dominion University shooting, as a Republican delegate blames Democratic policy and the FBI says it will investigate the attack as terrorism. In Richmond, the General Assembly adjourns without passing a budget, setting up a special session on April 23 amid disagreement over data center tax exemptions — while lawmakers pass bills including recreational marijuana sales beginning in 2027, legalized skill games, and collective bargaining for state employees.

In federal news, judges decline to extend Robert Tracci’s term as acting U.S. attorney for Virginia’s Western District. Locally, Roanoke College unveils the new Kim Kyu-sik Center for Korean Studies in partnership with the Republic of Korea, Virginia Tech men’s basketball declines an NIT invitation, and Roanoke celebrates the opening of the new Wasena Skate Park and Pump Track.

Plus, Virginia Tech’s Appalachian Studies program receives a $5 million grant to expand Monuments Across Appalachian Virginia, the Excel Center and Virginia Western sign an agreement to create new career pathways for adult learners, and Lynchburg’s Agudath Sholom Synagogue outlines security measures following a recent attack elsewhere.

And as early voting for the April 21 redistricting referendum continues, Congressman Morgan Griffith weighs in on the map debate and what could change if voters approve the plan.

That’s the latest from WFIR News Express.

This is the Friday, March 13, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express — posted shortly after a delayed Thursday update, so you may see two back-to-back episodes in the feed.

In today’s update, the Bedford County School Board votes 5–2 to close Stewartsville Elementary at the end of this school year, despite strong community opposition, as officials cite financial pressure and low enrollment. Attorney General Jay Jones issues a statement after a shooting at Old Dominion University in which the threat was neutralized and two people were reportedly wounded.

At the General Assembly, experts warn of the potential harm from legalizing online casino gambling, while lawmakers negotiate two major data center bills dealing with siting impacts and public disclosure of water usage. In Roanoke, a gun shop reports a major sales surge as an assault firearms ban awaits the governor’s signature, and Senator Mark Warner highlights the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act as it clears the U.S. Senate.

We also report a Henry County fentanyl and meth arrest involving a suspect already out on bond, a Lynchburg man sentenced to 35 years in prison in the death of his infant daughter, and a look ahead to local spring events — including Dr Pepper Park’s “Green Envy” St. Paddy’s Day party this weekend, the 5 Points Outdoor Concert Series at The Dog Bowl, and a Lent-friendly fish meal returning to Taziki’s Mediterranean Restaurant on Franklin Road in Roanoke.

That’s the latest from WFIR News Express.

This WFIR News Express update was recorded for Thursday, March 12, 2026, and is being posted late on Friday, March 13, 2026. A separate new update for Friday will be posted later.

In this episode, Virginia lawmakers face the prospect of a special session as budget negotiations stall over data center tax exemptions, with Governor Abigail Spanberger floating a compromise tied to energy consumption. We also cover a press conference from high-profile Virginia Democrats and the Virginia NAACP raising concerns about deceptive mailers tied to the April 21 redistricting referendum.

Health officials confirm multiple rabid animals in Bedford and Campbell counties, and we report on a Roanoke woman sentenced in federal court for a nearly $2 million COVID-19 PPP fraud scheme. We also look at fallout for Roanoke at the General Assembly, where the city’s funding requests — including airport and Amtrak-related projects — received no state support this year.

Plus: Roanoke College lands federal funding for its Explore@RC dual enrollment lab school; the Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport renews its Care Cupboard donation drive to support TSA employees affected by the government shutdown; a new Virginia Tech study highlights the economic impact of the Creeper Trail; the Bedford County School Board weighs closing Stewartsville Elementary; Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Virginia hosts “Handbag Hullabaloo” in Vinton; and Congress recommends Radford native Col. John Ripley for a posthumous Medal of Honor.

That’s the latest from WFIR News Express.