New VA Budget Data Center Tax Takes Effect, Roanoke Wins 9th All-America City Award, Severe Triple-Digit Heat Wave | Roanoke Valley's Morning News – July 1, 2026

As Roanoke Arts Commission crafts "Plan 26," they ask residents to weigh in via an arts and culture survey online

Its called "Plan 26," an upcoming revision to the City of Roanoke's Arts and Culture plan that's been in place since 2011. Before its finalized, the Roanoke Arts Commission wants to hear from citizens via an online survey. Funded by the city, the Roanoke Arts Commission will take the Plan 26 survey results to help craft a revised arts and culture plan, and then present it to the City's Planning Commission and City Council this fall.

New VA Budget Data Center Tax Takes Effect, Roanoke Wins 9th All-America City Award, Severe Triple-Digit Heat Wave | Roanoke Valley's Morning News – July 1, 2026

Missing the morning broadcast? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia for Wednesday, July 1, 2026. In this episode of Roanoke Valley’s Morning News with Joey Self and Ian Price, we cover the newly approved Virginia state budget going into effect today. The bipartisan-approved budget avoids a historic government shutdown, delivers a record $2 billion in public education funding, and levies a landmark $1.2 billion energy consumption tax on data centers. We also have crucial details on a dangerous, multi-day stretch of First Alert Weather days with heat advisories pushing feels-like temperatures into the triple digits. Local and Regional Stories Covered in This Episode: * Virginia Budget & Data Centers: Lawmakers clash over grid impacts and the new energy consumption tax on data centers, while a new energy report details the billions saved by shifting data center grids to clean energy. * Roanoke National Honors: The City of Roanoke takes home the prestigious 2026 All-America City Award for the 9th time. Plus, details on how you can shape the city's future through the "Plan 26" Arts and Culture survey. * Tragic Update: The family of missing 29-year-old Lexington man Ian Traeger confirms his body has been recovered following a hiking trip in Peru. * Rideshare Safety Laws: New state safety requirements take effect today for rideshares as Virginia lawmakers push back against corporate federal liability shields. * Roanoke Police Investigation: Officers search for persons of interest after a weekend assault on Plantation Road leaves two elderly citizens seriously injured. * Around the Commonwealth: Martinsville updates its workplace investigation into a former city manager, local career firefighters get a $2 million boost for cancer screenings, and Mill Mountain Zoo alters routines to keep animals safe ahead of its 74th anniversary. * WFIR Sports: World Cup soccer updates as Mbappé and Messi lead the Golden Boot race, massive NBA Free Agency updates regarding LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard, and local Carolina League baseball action. Stay informed on the go—subscribe to the WFIR News Express feed for your daily Roanoke Valley news updates.

Supreme Court Ends TPS for 350K Haitians, "Only a Man Can Win" Controversy in 9th District Race, Virginia Heat Wave Warning | Roanoke Valley's Morning News – June 30, 2026

A contentious Democratic primary is unfolding in Virginia's 9th Congressional District. Candidate Adam Murphy is pushing back against allegations from fellow Democrat Joy Powers that his campaign is using an “only a man can win” agenda. WFIR's Clark Palmer reports on the dispute between Murphy, Powers, and candidate Douglas Crockett as they vie for the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican Morgan Griffith. The US Supreme Court voted 6-3 to allow the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status for around 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians who fled war and safety concerns. Many have lived and worked in America for a decade or more. Gene Marrano reports on the ruling and its implications. Virginia's two-year budget is now signed, investing more than $100 million toward affordable housing, $75 million for State Police recruitment, and establishing hundreds of millions in federal contingency funds. The Right to Contraception Act takes effect tomorrow. A heat wave moves in Wednesday through Friday with highs near triple digits — cooling centers open at all six Roanoke library branches and other locations. New details emerge about the Vinton home where 59 cats died in a fire. Botetourt County unveiled a historic marker honoring the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail in Daleville. Mill Mountain Zoo welcomes two new Patagonian cavies for the first time in nearly a decade. In sports: Austin Rotobush heads to the Fresno Falcons. NBA free agency opens tonight at 6 p.m. The World Cup knockout round continues. WFIR News/Talk 960-AM & FM-107.3 | Roanoke, Virginia

Virginia Assault Weapons Ban Faces Court Challenge, Two Shot Dead in Pittsylvania Home, Botetourt Courthouse Tops Off | Roanoke Valley's Morning News – June 29, 2026

Gun control advocates say Virginia's assault weapons ban — set to take effect Wednesday — is under attack in court. A ruling from a federal judge is preventing Virginia State Police from enforcing the ban while Franklin County Republican Senator Bill Stanley's case in Washington County moves forward, seeking to eliminate it entirely. Richmond Sheriff Antwanette Irving says the gun ban and related control measures are essential to reduce gun violence. Attorney General Jay Jones plans to appeal the ruling. The Flock gunshot detection controversy is becoming a factor in this fall's city council race. Of nine candidates running for three open seats, only two support keeping the technology: incumbent Vivian Sanchez Jones and independent David Bowers. The rest oppose it or want a pause over privacy concerns. Two people have been identified after being found shot inside a Pittsylvania County home over the weekend. The victims are 34-year-old Cody Jonathan James Saltsman and 35-year-old Caitlin Stinard Unterman. Investigators have not said whether the vehicle crash into the home and the shooting are connected. Botetourt County celebrated a major milestone with a topping-off ceremony for its new $37 million circuit courthouse in Fincastle — replacing a building from 1975. Construction is expected to wrap by fall 2027. The 38th annual Salem Fair opens Wednesday with new rides, shows, and special programming honoring America's 250th birthday. Floyd Fest ticket prices increase at midnight — My Morning Jacket headlines the July 22–26 festival. In sports: Salem beat Myrtle Beach 7-6 Sunday with a walk-off in the ninth. Wimbledon gets underway today, and the World Cup knockout round continues. WFIR News/Talk 960-AM & FM-107.3 | Roanoke, Virginia

38th Annual Salem Fair returns Wednesday

The City of Salem is ready to kick off July with a bang as the 38th Annual Salem Fair comes to town on the 1st. WFIR’s Conner Arthur has more: