WFIR

06/16/2026

Local political scientist says US-Iran deal looks to be a good step forward

We've heard from President Trump on a number of occasions that the two sides were "close," to reaching an agreement on opening the Strait of Hormuz and what to do about enriched uranium that could become a nuclear weapon - but it appears as if this Friday might actually be the day. Dr. Ed Lynch onc

06/16/2026

Virginia just reached a deal to launch legal cannabis sales — but you'll have to wait until summer 2027.

Gov. Spanberger and lawmakers announced a compromise Tuesday that would allow up to 350 ma*****na retail stores statewide, ending a standoff after she vetoed an earlier bill this spring.

Personal possession has been legal since 2021, but there's been no legal way to buy it — until now.

The deal includes equity protections for communities hit hardest by enforcement and strict product testing requirements. It's expected to pass with the state budget by July 1.

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger and state lawmakers announced a compromise Tuesday that would launch legal ma*****na sales July 1, 2027, ending a monthslong standoff over how to regulate the state's cannabis market. The agreement comes after Spanberger vetoed earlier legislation

06/15/2026

USA Cycling Mountain Biking Championships adds another year - back in Roanoke Valley for 2027

The USA Cycling Mountain Biking Championships that were held last year in downtown Roanoke, at Carvins Cove and at Explore Park, are back again next month for a week of racing beginning July 12. During an event at Elmwood Park this morning that revealed the six courses competitors will tackle next m

06/15/2026

More than just the name of a high school - who was Colonel William Fleming?

In the second installment of our VA 250 series we hear about William Fleming - more than just the name of a local high school - Colonel William Fleming was a contemporary of Andrew Lewis, whom we heard about last week - and Fleming has a connection to Thomas Jefferson. Despite his severe injuries du

06/15/2026

Virginia Tech expert offers tips to support drought-stressed lawns

Footprints that linger on your grass are a silent cry for help from a thirsty yard. As the Roanoke and New River Valleys continue to endure a severe drought, homeowners are watching their green spaces fade to tan and beige. Dr. Dan Sandor, an assistant professor of turfgrass science at Virginia Tech

06/13/2026

One person is dead and multiple people are injured after a tent collapsed at EastLake Community Church in Moneta. Severe weather reportedly hit during an anniversary service with nearly 1,000 attendees.

One person is dead and several others are injured after a tent collapsed Saturday night in Moneta. The incident occurred at EastLake Community Church during an anniversary service. Bedford County officials confirmed the collapse. Severe weather impacts service Close to 1,000 people were present

06/13/2026

Unfortunately a terrible tragedy has struck a local church as the storm that just hit, knocked down a large tent with hundreds beneath it. Sadly many casualties and at least one fatality reported thus far. 🙏🏽

06/12/2026

Eureka Park Recreation Center cuts the ribbon on renovated/expanded facility

Closed for almost two years while undergoing renovations and a 5700 square foot expansion, the Eureka Park Recreation Center cut the ribbon today on a reimagined facility that also includes murals depicting life and some familiar faces in northwest Roanoke. The rec center first opened in 1965. The

06/12/2026

Austrian life sciences company RINGANA will invest $85 million in a U.S. headquarters and production facility in Roanoke, creating 435 jobs and marking the region’s largest foreign direct investment project.

RINGANA plans to establish its first U.S. headquarters, production and distribution facility in the City of Roanoke. The Austrian life sciences company will invest $85 million over five years. The project expects to create 435 new jobs in Virginia. It represents the largest capital investment by

06/11/2026