Here is the latest reaction to President Trump's State of the Union address and the Roanoke City School Board's budget discussions.

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.

On this Friday, February 20, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, a child is dead and three others are injured after a mobile home fire in the 1600 block of Peppers Ferry Road in Christiansburg. Two children were airlifted to Wake Forest Medical Center for burn treatment as investigators work to determine the cause of the blaze.

At the Capitol, the General Assembly session heads toward crossover as the Speaker of the House says Republicans have shown restraint this year. Meanwhile, newly elected Governor Abigail Spanberger is set to deliver the official Democratic response to President Trump’s State of the Union address next week, elevating the first-term governor to the national stage.

In higher education and healthcare, Virginia Tech President Tim Sands outlines 2026 priorities during his State of the University address, including research growth and a potential regional medical facility upgrade. A new Virginia Tech Patient Research Center, backed by $26.5 million in state funding, aims to expand access to advanced clinical trials in Southwest Virginia through a partnership with Carilion Clinic.

February is American Heart Month, and we spotlight a little-known but potentially serious heart condition that advocates say is more common than many realize.

In local headlines, the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs part ways with media manager and play-by-play voice Mitch Stewart following a DWI charge. Franklin County approves 103 new homes near Smith Mountain Lake as part of Westlake’s second phase, targeting much-needed housing growth within commuting distance of Roanoke.

It’s also pothole season across the Roanoke Valley, with VDOT urging drivers to report road damage and outlining how to file vehicle damage claims. We look at the early success of Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge’s first-ever fall tourism campaign, and in Wythe County, five people are arrested after deputies seize methamphetamine, firearms, and cash during a search in Max Meadows.

Plus, Roanoke leaders continue exploring revenue options around the Berglund Center as an entertainment district focus group meets for a second time, and we remember Wes Worsham — the namesake of Worsham Field at Lane Stadium — who has passed away at the age of 93.

That’s the latest from WFIR News Express.

Historic properties across the Roanoke Valley are facing demolition — and preservation advocates are raising concerns.

On this week’s On The Record: With the Roanoke Rambler, reporter Jeff Sturgeon joins WFIR live in studio to discuss the demolition of an early 1800s farmhouse at North Cross School, a possible teardown at Roanoke College, and the uncertain future of the Washington Park caretaker’s cottage and Fishburn Mansion.

We also break down the 2026 Roanoke City Council race, including retired Rabbi Kathy Cohen entering as an independent candidate and the growing debate over school funding, NDAs, and the proposed casino project.

Plus — a lighter look at Roanoke’s growing reputation as a destination for vintage and thrift shopping, with more than a dozen secondhand stores fueling a resale boom.

Local politics, preservation battles, and fashion finds — all in this week’s edition.

On this Tuesday, February 17, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, Virginia’s first wind farm begins taking shape in Botetourt County after a decade of delays. The Rocky Forge Wind project will place 13 turbines on North Mountain, with opponents raising concerns about tourism impacts and wildlife, while developers point to safety and local tax revenue — and Google is set to purchase the power.

In Richmond, a cyberbullying crackdown tied to the death of Roanoke County student Autumn Bushman hits a snag, as lawmakers vote to delay “Autumn’s Law” for further review. We also track political fallout as Rep. John McGuire announces a reelection bid while proposed redistricting could dramatically reshape Virginia’s 5th District ahead of an April referendum.

Plus, a Northern Virginia congressman calls for testimony from a British official after additional Epstein files are released, and Roanoke police arrest a suspect accused of impersonating an officer during a home invasion. We also break down the debate over immigration enforcement rhetoric after Virginia ends formal state cooperation with ICE, with WFIR political analyst Chapman Rackaway urging careful historical comparisons.

Locally, new reporting highlights Roanoke’s foster care crisis — the second-highest rate in Virginia — with agencies urgently seeking more foster families. We also have a Town of Bedford comprehensive plan update, winter running health guidance, a Lunar New Year celebration returning to Roanoke this weekend, and Virginia Tech’s Hokie House securing its building after 60 years on Main Street. We’ll also note renewed attention on library funding during Library Lovers Month and a sports note as Faith Christian School hosts back-to-back state quarterfinal basketball games.

That’s the latest from WFIR News Express.

On this Monday, February 16, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, the Virginia Supreme Court allows an April 21 redistricting referendum to move forward, with early voting starting March 6, while noting opponents can raise future legal arguments. In Richmond, lawmakers push competing proposals that could shape Virginia’s gaming future — including a bill to regulate and tax skill game machines and renewed discussion around creating a Virginia Gaming Commission.

In the Roanoke Valley, nearly 400 Yokohama workers are still scheduled to be laid off in mid-March as the Salem plant winds down, with two hiring events set for tomorrow and March 5 at the Salem Civic Center. We also have several public safety updates, including a Roanoke crash that knocked out power to more than 2,000 customers, and an arrest tied to a Covington shooting. In Bedford, crews respond to a fire at Fajita Grill with no injuries reported.

We also track major state headlines: a Rockbridge County man is sentenced on child pornography charges, House lawmakers advance legislation limiting when local officers can assist federal immigration enforcement, and Virginia Republicans select a new party chairman with redistricting expected to be a top focus. Plus, a Virginia Tech professor urges responsible use of artificial intelligence in research, Virginia’s Ryan White Part B program cuts HIV services after a rebate error, Lynchburg City Council votes to restrict where abortion clinics could operate, and the Lynchburg Hillcats rebrand as the Hill City Howlers for 2026.

And in arts and culture, a new nonprofit theater group debuts its first play this weekend, aiming to bring more diversity to local community theater casts.

That’s the latest from WFIR News Express.

On this Friday, February 13, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, 9th District Democratic congressional candidate Adam Murphy is speaking out after a reported racist incident targeting Virginia Tech Sociology Professor Biko Agozino in Christiansburg. Murphy says a group of eight white men parked outside Agozino’s home, yelled racial slurs, threw ice bricks into the driveway and blared music in what he called a calculated act of intimidation. The incident has been reported to Christiansburg Police.

We also cover the ongoing debate in Washington over Department of Homeland Security funding, as Democrats in the U.S. Senate block a House-passed bill, raising the possibility that roughly 260,000 federal employees could miss paychecks if lawmakers fail to reach an agreement. Sixth District Congressman Ben Cline weighs in, while Democrats push for changes to immigration enforcement policies.

Plus, Cline announces $17 million in new federal funding for Interstate 81 widening projects from Bristol to Winchester, with VDOT set to determine which sections receive the money. In Virginia’s 6th Congressional District, Henrico County attorney and Army veteran Hugh Murray joins the Democratic primary field alongside Beth Macy and Tom Perriello, as redrawn district lines lean Democratic.

We also report on the arrest of a Newport News man in connection with a robbery at Member One Federal Credit Union in Roanoke County, a barn fire on Catawba Valley Drive that did not impact the Homeplace Restaurant, a three-hour rescue that saved a dog named Winnie from a 50-foot well in Lynchburg, updates on Vinton’s War Memorial renovations and new hotel development, a major donation tied to Virginia’s redistricting referendum, and a busy weekend bird count across the Roanoke Valley.

That’s the latest from WFIR News Express.

Major changes for a longtime Roanoke employer, renewed tension over school funding, and a long-awaited transit upgrade.

On this week’s On The Record: With the Roanoke Rambler, reporter Jeff Sturgeon joins WFIR live in studio to break down Orvis selling its 334,000-square-foot warehouse at the Roanoke Centre for Industry and Technology to a Coca-Cola affiliate for nearly $30 million. Orvis says it’s staying in Roanoke and leasing back space — but the move comes amid restructuring tied to tariffs and a downsized footprint.

We also discuss why Roanoke City Public Schools briefly considered closing the new Community Empowerment Center at the historic Lucy Addison building, how funding changes approved by City Council are shaping budget decisions, and what programs could still be at risk.

Finally, after more than 15 years of stalled efforts, Walmart is moving forward with building a real bus stop and shelter at Valley View — one of the busiest stops in the Valley Metro system.

A wide-ranging look at business, education, and transportation in Roanoke.

On this Tuesday, February 10, 2026 edition of WFIR News Express, the Rescue Mission of Roanoke is leading RIDE — the Roanoke Interagency Daily Express, a homeless transportation shuttle that debuted in December and now moves about 82 people a day between the Rescue Mission and the RAM House Day Shelter using RADAR bus transit. The program has funding through June, but organizers estimate it will take about $130,000 to sustain the service for a full year and are asking the public for support.

We also have a quick look at the surprising warm weather in the Roanoke Valley, helping melt lingering snow and ice after Winter Storm Fern. In Richmond, Governor Abigail Spanberger’s office says lawmakers have passed about half of her Affordable Virginia Agenda, including measures aimed at lowering heating and energy costs, improving renter protections, addressing prescription drug pricing, and supporting affordable housing development.

Plus, Delegate Tim Griffin is removed from two House committees after a tense exchange during a subcommittee meeting. A bill advancing in the House would require private schools receiving state funding to administer SOLs, follow non-discrimination rules, and receive accountability ratings. We also track the growing push to eliminate Virginia’s car tax, with competing proposals still in play, along with a budget proposal tied to student fees and athletics funding at Virginia universities.

We also note a new report showing Virginia ranks 15th nationally for women’s representation in state government. Former Congressman Tom Perriello weighs in as Virginia’s redistricting fight continues, with an April special election still listed unless the Virginia Supreme Court blocks it. Locally, Twisted Track Brewpub hosts speed dating in Roanoke, and Salem residents speak out against Roanoke College’s plan to demolish a historic house built during or before the Civil War by enslaved or formerly enslaved people.

That’s the latest from WFIR News Express.