Spanberger Poll Slips, Shot Detector Debate, VMI Bullwhip Scare | Roanoke Valley's Morning News — July 16, 2026

Spanberger Poll Slips, Shot Detector Debate, VMI Bullwhip Scare | Roanoke Valley's Morning News — July 16, 2026

Miss the morning broadcast? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia for Thursday, July 16, 2026. In this episode of Roanoke Valley’s Morning News with Joey Self and Ian Price, we bring you a comprehensive look at the shifting political, environmental, and public safety landscape in Southwest Virginia. We dive into the controversial debate surrounding city gunshot detectors, the latest statewide polling figures showing a shift in support for the Spanberger administration, and the surprising resolution to a recent active shooter scare at VMI. * The Gunshot Detection Device Controversy: Candidates running for Roanoke City Council clash over the city's Flock "Raven" gunshot detection audio devices. Following recent location errors and unapproved installations, Democratic candidates Danny Clausen and Rayquan Moore raise concerns about neighborhood policing and privacy, while Independent David Bowers advocates for direct resident input before deploying Shot Detectors. * Spanberger Poll Slips Underwater: Six months into her term, Governor Abigail Spanberger's approval ratings have slipped to 44% approval and 47% disapproval, according to the VCU Summer 2026 Commonwealth Poll. While Western Virginians and men largely disapprove of the administration, a rare bipartisan majority of over 70% of Virginians agree on opposing tax incentives for data centers. * VMI "Active Shooter" Mystery Solved: Academy police confirm that the overnight gunfire sounds that triggered lockdowns and a massive emergency response at the Virginia Military Institute were actually caused by a local teenager cracking a bullwhip on post. The incident has officially been declared a false alarm. * Northeast Roanoke Autism Playground: The Via Day School (formerly the Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center) cuts the ribbon on its newly designed playground. The playground features sensory cubbies, autism-safe swings, and customized rubber lay mats to prevent students from mouthing mulch. * Roanoke City Archery Hunting Proposed: City council is reviewing a regulated archery hunting ordinance to thin out dense local deer herds. Modeled after Roanoke County guidelines, the plan details 10-foot-minimum deer stands away from public parks and schools, aiming for a potential 2027 bow-season start. * Emmanuel Wyatt Clark Wanted: Roanoke Police appeal to the public for help tracking down wanted suspect Emmanuel Wyatt Clark, who faces serious charges including burglary, arson, and probation violations. * Roanoke Region Under Drought Emergency: State monitoring teams officially declare a drought emergency for the Roanoke evaluation region, which is currently sitting nearly 8 inches below its normal rainfall average. * Rural Broadband Contract Revoked: The Virginia Office of Broadband strips North Carolina-based River Street Networks of its state contracts after the company failed to secure funding to connect more than 30,000 potential customers in Franklin, Henry, and Patrick counties. * Virginia Violent Crime Decreases: Newly released 2025 state data reveals reported homicides in Virginia fell 13.9% and overall drug crimes dropped 6%, resulting in a nearly 6% decrease in violent crime victims compared to the previous year. * Democratic Debate Over ICE: Joy Powers, a Democratic candidate running in the 9th Congressional District, urges her party to have hard, candid conversations about ICE with red-county voters on the campaign trail. * WFIR Sports: Argentina defeats England after a Lionel Messi setup to advance to the FIFA World Cup final against Spain; UVA coach Tony Elliott names Missouri transfer Bo Pribula the starting quarterback for the upcoming season; and ACC Media Kickoff events continue in Charlotte with head coaches addressing reporters. Stay informed on the go—subscribe to the WFIR News Express feed for your daily Roanoke Valley news updates.

Data Center Backlash, VMI Shooter False Alarm, Congressional Age Debate | Roanoke Valley's Morning News — July 15, 2026

Miss the morning broadcast? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia for Wednesday, July 15, 2026. In this episode of Roanoke Valley’s Morning News, hosts Joey Self and Ian Price bring you a comprehensive look at the shifting political, environmental, and public safety landscape across Southwest Virginia. We examine a growing statewide coalition fighting rapid data center expansion, an overnight active shooter false alarm that locked down a local university, and the national debate over age limits in Congress following the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. * Statewide Data Center Opposition: Activists from Northern Virginia’s high-density "Data Center Alley" are joining forces with Southwest Virginia residents to demand stronger environmental and health regulations. The coalition points to local flashpoints, including Botetourt County's proposed Google facility drawing 2 million gallons of water daily from a drought-depleted Carvin's Cove, and Roanoke City's recent vote requiring special exemptions for future data centers to ensure public input. * VMI Active Shooter False Alarm: An overnight active shooter scare at the Virginia Military Institute triggered a temporary shelter-in-place order at neighboring Washington and Lee University. State and local investigators later confirmed the incident was a false alarm caused by an unknown object making gunfire-like banging noises outside the barracks. * The Gerontocracy Debate: The passing of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham has renewed national debates over aging leaders in Washington. Radford University political science chair and WFIR analyst Chatman Rackaway breaks down the expanding age gap between Congress and the public, explaining how current seniority rules keep older, established lawmakers in power. * Martinsville Extreme Drought: The Martinsville Water Resources Authority requests immediate voluntary water conservation from residents after the State Drought Monitoring Task Force upgraded the region to an "extreme drought" classification. * 2026 State Energy Plan: Chief Energy Officer Joseph Almond invites residents to participate in an online survey before July 31 to help shape the Commonwealth's upcoming October energy plan. * Rocky Mount Fuel Leak: Downtown Rocky Mount businesses, including the Seamart, safely reopened after excavation crews resolved a localized underground fuel leak on North Main Street. * I-81 Rest Stop Hazmat: Montgomery County emergency services briefly shut down the Interstate 81 rest area at mile marker 129 to investigate a hazardous materials situation, confirming no ongoing public danger. * Championship Relocation: The USA Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships moved from Carvin's Cove to Elmwood Park due to extreme heat, with final races set for Explorer Park this Friday. * Three Balloons Fundraiser: Franklin Road workshop Three Balloons announces a "Christmas in July" sale on July 25 to support employment opportunities for young adults with intellectual challenges. * Carroll County Slaying Bond Denied: A Carroll County judge denied bond for Michael Puckett, the suspect accused of the aggravated murder of 31-year-old Deputy Logan Ut during a May 29 welfare check. * Back-to-School Health Rush: Local health officials urge families to quickly book mandatory school immunizations and physicals before summer clinic appointment slots fill up. * WFIR Sports: Spain beats France 2-1 to reach the FIFA World Cup final, while England and Argentina face off today; the AL shuts out the NL 4-0 in the All-Star Game (Cody Bellinger named MVP); Pulaski beats Greeneville 15-5; and ACC Football Kickoff begins with media appearances by UVA's Tony Elliott and Hokies' James Franklin. Stay informed on the go—subscribe to the WFIR News Express feed for your daily Roanoke Valley news updates.

Three plays in area this weekend; new exhibit at Taubman Museum

Its the second and last weekend at the Dumas Theatre in downtown Roanoke for The Musical Revue and Tony-Award winning play Ain't Misbehavin', based on the music of Harlem Renaissance legend Fats Waller, from almost a century ago. The production from Shine by JP runs from this Friday night through a Sunday matinee. At Mill Mountain Theatre Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - a musical - debuts this Wednesday night on the Trinkle Main Stage and runs through August 2nd, as Willie Wonka opens the gates to his mysterious factory. Its the second of three weekends this Thursday through Sunday's matinee for the musical Into the Woods at Attic Productions in Fincastle, the Broadway hit with music from Stephen Sondheim. Kerry Williams is directing the play for Attic Productions. Much more - click on Calendar link below:

Christmas in July at 3 Balloons next Saturday July 25

About two dozen mostly young adults are employed in three-hour shifts by 3 Balloons, a retail arts and crafts workshop and retail store on Franklin Road."3 Balloons" opened earlier this year, selling what employees with intellectual challenges are turning out. Now via a special promotion they hope to get more people in the door, to learn about the 3 Balloons mission,

Tom Perriello Targets McGuire, Google Data Center Protests, "Roanoke Raven" Goes Viral | Roanoke Valley's Morning News – July 14, 2026

Missed the morning broadcast for Tuesday, July 14, 2026? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia. In this episode of Roanoke Valley’s Morning News with Joey Self and Ian Price, we track former 5th District Congressman Tom Perriello’s bold assertions on incumbent John McGuire’s political vulnerability ahead of the midterms. We also look into the mounting resident protests over the long-term natural resource impacts of Google's planned Botetourt County data center campus, and track the valley's newest viral sensation—a masked do-gooder known as the "Roanoke Raven." Local and Regional Stories Covered in This Episode: * 5th District Midterm Tension: Former Congressman Tom Perriello speaks out on the Power Lunch Podcast, targeting incumbent John McGuire's voting record on healthcare and state issues as a point of vulnerability heading into November. * Google Data Center Resistance: Botetourt County residents turn out in large numbers to protest the planned Google data center campus, raising intense concerns about water capacity and grid strain. * The Saga of the Roanoke Raven: A masked local volunteer goes viral on TikTok for picking up litter and distributing water bottles to the unhoused during local heatwaves, prompting a social media rival—the "Vinton Vulture"—to call him a charlatan. * Statewide Solar Initiative: Governor Abigail Spanberger announces that Virginia is the first state in the nation to launch "Switch Together," an optional solar group-purchasing program projected to save homeowners roughly $2,200 a year on electricity. * Lynchburg Stabbing Arrest: Authorities hold 25-year-old Diamond Monroe without bond on malicious wounding charges following an early-morning stabbing on Langhorne Road. * Biscuit World's Lost Vault: During bank renovations on Franklin Road, workers discover a lost 1992 deposit pouch filled with cash and checks from the former Tudor's Biscuit World, yielding a surprise direct donation to the Tudor House suicide prevention nonprofit. * Bedford County School Security: School officials mandate a strict new clear-bag requirement for all spectators attending school-sponsored athletic events starting this fall. * WFIR Sports Updates: The FIFA World Cup semifinals kick off this afternoon with France squaring off against Spain; the MLB All-Star Game takes center stage tonight; and new Virginia Tech football coach James Franklin arrives in Roanoke to rally Hokies fans. Stay informed on your schedule—subscribe to the WFIR News Express feed for your daily Roanoke Valley news updates.