Each Wednesday, WFIR’s Ian Price goes On The Record with The Roanoke Rambler’s Jeff Sturgeon to discuss the stories shaping life in the Roanoke Valley. From city finances and development debates to schools, culture, and community voices, this weekly segment brings local journalism to life — breaking down what’s happening and why it matters.
🎧 Catch new conversations every Wednesday morning on the WFIR News Express Podcast feed.
Author Beth Macy — known for Dopesick and Raising Lazarus — is reportedly preparing to announce a run for Congress, challenging Republican Ben Cline in Virginia’s 6th District.
Also in today’s update:
✈️ Flight disruptions continue at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport amid lingering FAA staffing shortages tied to the federal shutdown.
🎙 Senator Tim Kaine faces backlash from Democrats — including UVA’s Larry Sabato — after crossing party lines to reopen the government.
🏛 Speaker Don Scott says Democrats have a “mandate to shape Virginia’s future” following major election gains.
🏠 A proposed addiction treatment center near Valley View Mall hits a zoning roadblock.
🎶 FloydFest 2026: Daydream reveals its first wave of performers, including Tedeschi Trucks Band and My Morning Jacket.
🐴 Healing Strides of Virginia plans a new retirement program for its therapy horses.
🎧 WFIR News Express — your daily local update on Virginia’s top headlines and stories that matter to the Roanoke Valley.
On this Veterans Day, Virginia’s leaders are weighing in on the ongoing federal government shutdown — and its ripple effects across the Commonwealth.
🎙 Senator Tim Kaine faces pushback from fellow Democrats after crossing the aisle to help end a Senate impasse, while Senator Mark Warner says protections against new layoffs were key to his decision.
🇺🇸 Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger calls for an end to the shutdown, while Lt. Gov.-elect Ghazala Hashmi outlines her party’s plans to move quickly on reproductive rights and contraception protections.
🏥 A Central Virginia hospital ends OB/GYN services, raising new concerns about access to women’s health care in rural areas.
⚾ The Salem Red Sox officially become the Salem Ridge Yaks, with merchandise flying off the shelves.
🚗 Roanoke parking garages are getting a gateless entry system, and Sheetz honors veterans with free meals and car washes today.
🎧 WFIR News Express: The Roanoke Valley’s essential daily update — local, statewide, and always on your time.
Crews continue battling brush fires across Southwest Virginia, where blazes in Botetourt County have burned more than 3,000 acres. Forestry officials say recent winds and dry conditions remain a concern — but containment is improving.
Also in this episode:
🔹 Governor Glenn Youngkin announces SNAP benefits will resume this week, with federal and state funds covering roughly 90% of normal assistance.
🔹 Fair maps advocates push back on Virginia’s mid-decade redistricting plan, warning it could erode public trust.
🔹 Roanoke Police investigate a Sunday homicide in Northwest Roanoke.
🔹 A new affordable housing development is coming to Roanoke County, adding 80 income-restricted apartments near Hollins.
❄️ Plus: Warming centers open as colder weather moves in.
🎧 WFIR News Express — the Roanoke Valley’s essential daily update on Virginia’s top stories.
Top Virginia and Roanoke Valley headlines for Thursday, November 7, 2025:
🔥 Botetourt Wildfires: Fire crews continue battling the Bald Mountain and Lignite Fires near the Craig County line — more than 1,600 acres burned with no homes immediately threatened.
🚓 Salem Standoff Arrest: A 22-year-old man is in custody after an hours-long standoff on Wortham Street; no injuries reported.
🏛 Democratic Majority Expands: Speaker Don Scott credits outreach to rural voters as Democrats secure their largest House of Delegates majority in nearly 30 years.
🗳 Election Fallout: Senator Mark Warner hails the “blue wave” across Virginia; Steve Bannon blames Governor Youngkin for GOP setbacks, calling him “a Trump-hating disaster.”
🤝 Transition of Power: Governor Glenn Youngkin and Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger meet at the Executive Mansion, pledging a smooth transition before January’s inauguration.
💊 Henry County Drug Arrests: Two charged in a VICE investigation tied to the sale of Schedule I and II narcotics from Reed Creek Drive homes.
💡 Roanoke Nonprofit Honored: Dr. Jaclyn Nunziato named Social Entrepreneur of the Year for her work with Huddle Up Moms, urging greater private-sector engagement in community health.
🏠 United Way Relief Fund: United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge launches a short-term campaign to raise $40,000 for families needing housing and utility assistance.
🎸 Journey Farewell Tour: Iconic rock band brings “The Final Frontier Tour” to the Berglund Center June 4.
🎶 FloydFest 26 Lineup: Early lineup unveiled for “Daydream” edition — Tedeschi Trucks Band, My Morning Jacket, Lukas Nelson, and more to headline next July.
Fire danger remains high across the region, with firefighters battling multiple brush fires in Bedford, Botetourt, and Craig counties as windy, dry conditions persist.
Meanwhile in Richmond, Governor Glenn Youngkin congratulates Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger, pledging a smooth transition as Democrats prepare to take full control of Virginia’s government for only the third time in modern history.
Radford University’s Dr. Chapman Rackaway explains what Spanberger’s decisive win means for the balance of power and the direction of Virginia politics.
Also in this episode:
🔹 Jay Jones becomes the next Attorney General, as Jason Miyares concedes.
🔹 Senator Tim Kaine comments on the federal shutdown’s impact.
🔹 Democratic leaders outline priorities for their new majority.
🎧 WFIR News Express brings you Virginia’s top stories and political analysis every weekday morning.
Radford University Political Science Chair Dr. Chapman Rackaway joins WFIR’s Ian Price for in-depth analysis of Virginia’s 2025 election results — including Abigail Spanberger’s historic win for governor, Democrats’ sweep of statewide offices, and what the results mean for Glenn Youngkin’s legacy and the future of Virginia politics.
Rackaway discusses how national issues — from the federal shutdown to early voting trends — influenced state results, what to expect from a Democratic trifecta in Richmond, and why Virginia’s elections continue to serve as a bellwether for national politics.
🎧 Full unedited interview from WFIR’s “Roanoke Valley’s Morning News.”
This week on On The Record: With the Roanoke Rambler, reporter Jeff Sturgeon joins WFIR’s Ian Price for an in-depth look at two top local stories:
– A proposal to reopen a strip club on Franklin Road is raising legal and zoning questions. The city has already issued a code violation, and the identity of the project's backers — and whether it will require public input — remain unclear.
– A new Spanish restaurant, ¡Suerte!, is headed to downtown Roanoke. It’ll open inside the forthcoming Promissory Hotel, with a tapas-forward menu, curated Spanish wine list, and a vision to bring more affordable, authentic European-style dining to the city.
📬 Read both stories and sign up for weekly local reporting at RoanokeRambler.com
🎙 New episodes of On The Record: With the Roanoke Rambler air every Wednesday on WFIR and are available wherever you get your podcasts.
Virginia voters made history on Election Day 2025.
🗳 Abigail Spanberger becomes the first woman elected Governor of Virginia, defeating Winsome Earle-Sears in a decisive win.
⚖️ Democrats sweep statewide offices, with Jay Jones winning the Attorney General race and Ghazala Hashmi elected Lieutenant Governor.
🏛 In Southwest Virginia, Lily Franklin flips the 41st House District, while Sam Rasoul, Terry Austin, and Joe McNamara all win re-election.
🚓 Antonio Hash secures another term as Roanoke City Sheriff, and local school board races show shifting priorities among voters.
🎧 WFIR’s post-election coverage brings you statewide results, local reactions, and what comes next for the Commonwealth — all in today’s edition of the WFIR News Express.
WFIR’s Ian Price reports in this Election Night Update:
Abigail Spanberger makes history as Virginia’s first woman elected governor, defeating Republican Winsome Earle-Sears.
With more than 90 of 133 localities reporting, Democrats lead in the races for Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General — Ghazala Hashmi and Jay Jones both hold advantages.
In the Roanoke Valley, Sam Rasoul cruises to re-election, Joe McNamara leads in the 40th District, and Chris Obenshain holds a strong edge in the 41st.
Early returns suggest Democrats are positioned to retain control of the House of Delegates, but several key races remain close.
🎧 WFIR News Express delivers breaking Election Night results and analysis across Virginia — updated throughout the evening.
Your first Election Night update from WFIR News.
We’ll have frequent one-minute updates throughout the night as results come in for Virginia’s statewide races — including the contests for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General — plus key House of Delegates battles that could decide control of the General Assembly.
Stay tuned for live, concise updates from the WFIR Election Team — bringing you the latest returns, reaction, and analysis from across the Commonwealth.
🎧 WFIR News Express delivers breaking updates and full Election Night coverage — updated throughout the evening.
Your top stories on Election Day in Virginia – Tuesday, November 4, 2025:
🗳 It’s Decision Day: Voters choose the Commonwealth’s next Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General — plus key local races in Roanoke and across Southwest Virginia.
⚖️ Attorney General Race Spotlight: Jason Miyares pushes back on reporting that his office inflated early-release data as he faces Democrat Jay Jones at the polls.
🏛 Redistricting and Rhetoric: A fiery State Senate debate over condemning political violence highlights tensions from the Jay Jones texting scandal to comments about national figures.
🚨 Operation Washout: Nearly 100 suspects arrested in Danville during a major week-long anti-crime sweep involving more than a dozen agencies.
💰 Child Poverty Rebounds: A new report shows Virginia families still feeling the impact after pandemic-era relief programs expired.
⚡ Data Center Dispute: Campbell County residents raise fresh concerns after learning a controversial project could move forward without another vote.
☢ Carilion’s Cancer Center Goal: Fundraising continues for proton beam therapy — a first for the Roanoke region.
⏰ Clock Change Debate: As Virginians adjust to standard time, lawmakers push competing bills to end clock changes once and for all.
🎧 WFIR News Express brings you Election Day updates, Virginia politics, and Roanoke Valley headlines — all in under 10 minutes, updated every weekday morning.
Your top Virginia and Roanoke Valley headlines for Monday, November 3, 2025:
🌊 40 Years Since the Flood of ’85: Roanoke reflects on one of the city’s worst natural disasters — and the flood-control projects that reshaped the valley and made today’s biomedical district possible.
🍽 SNAP Delays Continue: With the federal shutdown dragging into week five, food aid remains uncertain despite a Virginia Tech expert’s warning that state emergency funds may soon run out.
💸 ACA Subsidy Showdown: Senator Mark Warner hears from Virginians who could lose health coverage as Affordable Care Act discounts expire — one of the key reasons Congress remains at a stalemate.
🗳 Redistricting Fight Deepens: A constitutional amendment for mid-decade map changes clears the State Senate; local GOP lawmakers call it “unholy.”
👩⚕️ Local Election Spotlight: Donna Littlepage challenges Joe McNamara in a competitive House of Delegates race — saying it’s not about party, but “making Virginia win.”
🔥 Gas Leak Scare: Three people treated for headaches after firefighters find a 100% explosive-level gas reading in Forest early Saturday.
🦸 Remembering Terry Baucom: Roanoke’s comic book community honors the beloved owner of B&D Comics, remembered for her humor, kindness, and love of storytelling.
🌍 Climate & Health: Virginia ranks 18th nationwide for climate preparedness in healthcare — lower emissions but moderate heat risks.
⚓ Historic Find: A Botetourt County woman helps return former Governor Linwood Holton’s WWII Navy footlocker to his family — a rediscovered “miracle,” says Senator Tim Kaine.
🎧 WFIR News Express brings you the Roanoke Valley’s biggest stories and statewide developments — all in under 10 minutes, updated every weekday morning.
Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.
Your top Virginia and Roanoke Valley headlines for Thursday, October 30, 2025:
🏛 Redistricting Vote: A proposed constitutional amendment to redraw Virginia’s congressional maps clears the House of Delegates — opponents call it a “power grab,” supporters say it’s needed to counter moves by red states.
🚌 Campaign Countdown: With Election Day just days away, Abigail Spanberger kicks off an 11-day, 40-stop tour as polls show her maintaining a lead over Winsome Earle-Sears in the race for Governor.
💼 Senate Tariff Showdown: Virginia Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner push back on President Trump’s tariffs against Canada — calling them a “misuse of emergency powers.”
👮 Botetourt Plea Deal: A former school bus driver pleads no contest to assaulting students — most charges dropped under strict conditions.
💊 Henry County Arrest: Deputies seize methamphetamine during a Collinsville raid, arresting a 31-year-old man.
❤️ Tudor House Expands: The Roanoke nonprofit supporting mental health and suicide prevention finds a permanent home inside the Jefferson Center, five years after its founding.
🍩 Running for a Cause: Salem’s sweetest 5K — the “Run for Donuts” — returns to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House.
🚗 Pantry Palooza Returns: Roanoke’s Least of These Ministry restocks food for neighbors in need — donations accepted drive-thru style this Saturday.
🎧 WFIR News Express delivers Roanoke Valley’s biggest stories and statewide developments — all in about 10 minutes, updated every weekday morning.
In this week’s On The Record: With the Roanoke Rambler, reporter Jeff Sturgeon joins WFIR’s Ian Price to break down top Roanoke news stories from today’s edition of The Roanoke Rambler (10/29/25):
– Roanoke Sheriff’s Race Scrutiny: New questions emerge about Republican James Creasy’s residency and campaign practices as early voting wraps up. Two sheriff’s office employees also raise concerns about staffing and political pressure under incumbent Antonio Hash.
– Valley Metro at 50 — and at a Crossroads: Roanoke’s bus system is celebrating 50 years — but behind the scenes, the city is preparing to shift financial control in-house and consider new management contractors to replace Transdev.
– A Venezuelan Author’s Journey: Carolina Smales, a local neuroscientist and children’s author, shares her powerful story of fleeing political persecution and finding community in Roanoke. Her interview is part of The Rambler’s “Four Quadrants, One City” series on segregation and identity.
📬 Read all of today’s stories and sign up for The Roanoke Rambler at RoanokeRambler.com for free.
🎙 New episodes every Wednesday morning.
Top Virginia and Roanoke Valley headlines for Wednesday, October 29, 2025:
🏛 Redistricting Amendment: Virginia Democrats propose a temporary constitutional amendment enabling lawmakers to redraw congressional maps if other states change theirs; GOP leaders call it a power grab ahead of Election Day.
🍽 Youngkin Unveils VENA: Governor Glenn Youngkin rolls out Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance (VENA) — $37.5M from the surplus to keep aid flowing on SNAP EBT cards during the federal shutdown.
💬 Shutdown Standoff: Sen. Mark Warner backs holding the line on health-care subsidies as the Senate rejects another stopgap bill.
🎁 Toys for Tots Impact: The shutdown limits Marine involvement; volunteers step in across the Roanoke Valley.
🚨 Teen Robbery Arrests: Roanoke Police charge two teens in multiple robberies, crediting community tips and social media photos.
🔥 Troutville Fire Training Center: Investigators cite an electrical failure as the cause; restoration planning is underway.
🏳️🌈 Conversion Therapy Case: A pending U.S. Supreme Court ruling could roll back Virginia’s ban for LGBTQ minors.
🏥 Carilion Campaign: $50 million drive announced to bring Proton Beam Therapy to the Taubman Cancer Center, with major early gifts.
Top stories from across Virginia and the Roanoke Valley for Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 — bringing you the headlines that matter most:
🏛 Redistricting Showdown: Governor Glenn Youngkin accuses state Democrats of trying to “undermine the will of the people” as a special session begins to redraw Virginia’s congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterms.
🗳 Election Update: A new Wason Center poll shows Abigail Spanberger maintaining her lead for governor just one week from Election Day.
⚖️ Data Correction from Miyares’ Office: Newly revised state data challenges Attorney General Jason Miyares’ claims about early-release laws and violent offenders.
🥫 SNAP Benefits in Jeopardy: With the federal shutdown still ongoing, the USDA halts November payments — prompting Governor Youngkin to tap Virginia’s emergency fund and Feeding Southwest Virginia to brace for impact.
🏘 Roanoke County Rezoning Votes: Supervisors consider a 100-unit apartment conversion on Thirlane Road, plus new short-term rental and construction projects in the Catawba and Cave Spring districts.
💔 Community Mourns a Local Advocate: The Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition honors founder Christopher Rhoton, credited with saving lives through addiction and overdose prevention work.
🐾 Soup & Sip Fundraiser: Supporters of TNR-SWVA host a charity event for feral cat rescue and care at Fables & Feathers Winery.
🎃 Halloween for a Cause: Dream Team Natural Disaster Relief and Higher Heights hold a free festival Friday night at McCadden Park with family activities, food, and music.
🧺 Pantry Palooza This Weekend: The Least of These Ministry calls for donations to support Roanoke’s homeless community.
⚾ Salem Red Sox Rebrand Launch: Fans invited to a free community event November 8th featuring live music, new team identity reveal, and appearances from Bud Foster and Red Sox pitcher Zack Kelly.
🎧 WFIR News Express — trusted local headlines in just minutes. Follow and listen daily for the stories shaping Southwest Virginia.
Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.
Top stories across the Roanoke Valley and Virginia for Friday, October 24th, 2025:
🏛 SNAP Emergency Declared: Governor Glenn Youngkin issues a state of emergency as the government shutdown threatens to halt SNAP benefits for 840,000 Virginians.
🥫 Warner & Kaine Press for Relief: Both U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine urge federal officials to release funds to keep food assistance programs running through November.
💬 Congressman Griffith Responds: The Southwest Virginia Republican says he’s frustrated that his constituents may lose aid amid the stalemate in Washington.
⚖️ Second Arrest in “Justice for Max” Case: A Vinton man joins his mother in facing animal cruelty charges connected to the viral dog abuse investigation.
🚔 Special Prosecutor Steps Aside: The attorney assigned to review Attorney General candidate Jay Jones’ reckless driving case withdraws from the appointment.
🌄 Tourism Boost for Salem: The city secures another Virginia Tourism grant, adding to more than 15 awards since 2020 to attract visitors.
🎓 Leadership Change in Roanoke County Schools: Dr. James Soltis named the next superintendent, succeeding Dr. Ken Nicely upon his retirement in 2026.
🍗 Downtown Dining Expands: Kirk & Soul opens in downtown Roanoke, blending Southern, Caribbean, and American flavors in a new fast-casual concept.
🎧 Listen to the full WFIR News Express update for all the details — local headlines in just minutes.