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.