Data Centers are here to stay says proponent

not everyone in the Roanoke Valley and southwest Virginia jumped on the American Patriot bandwagon early during the Revolution

There were plenty of loyalists, and sometimes it was hard to figure out who was on the side of the rebellion - and who remained a "Tory." Here is WFIR's Gene Marrano with the third in a series of VA-250 stories with a local twist,"In Depth."

Data Centers are here to stay says proponent

As Botetourt County gets ready for the construction of three planned Google data centers on the Greenfield industrial park campus - despite some local opposition - Doug Kelly CEO of the American Edge Project, says data centers and Artificial Intelligence - relied on by more and more Americans - go hand in hand, And this is a global competition for AI supremacy adds Kelly. ---------------------------------------- [N:\Newsroom\Active\6-22 Data#1.wav][00:25] Outcue= ---------------------------------------- Botetourt county says Google's investment at the Greenfield Center is worth at least 18 million dollars over the first five years, which includes funding for capital projects. Kelly says local government leadership is key to future growth:

Roanoke Valley Water Officials Say No Crisis Despite 38-Year Low at Carvins Cove — Even With Google's Data Center Demands Factored In | Roanoke Valley's Morning News + Sports on WFIR

Botetourt County is moving forward with three planned Google data centers at the Greenfield industrial park — despite some local opposition — and Doug Kelly, CEO of the American Edge Project, says it's the right call. Kelly argues data centers and AI go hand in hand, and that the race for global AI supremacy means local government leadership is essential to future growth. Botetourt County says Google's Greenfield investment is worth at least $18 million over the first five years, including funding for capital projects. WFIR's Gene Marrano has the story. Carvins Cove is at its lowest level since February 2008 — but water officials say the valley's now-interconnected reservoir system means it's far from a crisis. Spring Hollow sits at roughly 80% capacity, and even a worst-case drought scenario combined with Google's planned Botetourt data center usage would still leave meaningful reserves. The bigger concern, experts say, may be the enormous electricity demands data centers require. A Radford native is being posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Marine Colonel John Ripley — a 1957 Radford High School graduate — is being honored for single-handedly destroying the Dong Ha Bridge under three hours of heavy enemy fire during a 1972 North Vietnamese advance. Ripley later led Hargrave Military Academy before his death in 2008. Congressman Morgan Griffith called his courage a model for future generations. Also: Governor Spanberger announces a cannabis retail deal — legal sales could begin July 1st, 2027, with possession limits doubling to two ounces. The ROAD to Housing Act passes the Senate with more than 40 provisions, including several authored by Senator Mark Warner, aimed at expanding affordable housing. Three Republicans are vying to challenge Warner in November's general election, with early voting already underway. GO TEC — a hands-on engineering program that has reached 39,000 Virginia middle schoolers — faces a funding cliff after being left out of the state budget. Montgomery County's interim sheriff wins the GOP nomination. Hidden Valley's Matt Neale — Virginia's 2026 Teacher of the Year — shares how he built lessons around the opioid crisis. Roanoke hosts the Miss Virginia pageant June 25th–27th at Berglund Center. A motorcyclist is dead after a DUI crash on Colonial Avenue Friday night. And a dog named Moose is doing just fine after Galax firefighters freed his paw from a park bench. Plus your morning sports rundown. Roanoke Valley's Morning News with Joey Self on WFIR, News/Talk 960-AM & FM-107.3.

“It’s time for change,” Republican candidate says in U.S. Senate primary race

With early voting officially underway for Virginia’s primary elections in August, one Republican challenging Virginia’s senior U.S. senator says it’s time for a change in the seat. WFIR’s Conner Arthur has more:

VA Assault Weapons Ban Challenged, RCPS Superintendent Retiring & Juneteenth 2026 | Roanoke Valley's Morning News + Sports on WFIR

Virginia's new assault weapons ban is already facing resistance — and it hasn't even taken effect yet. A gun rights group expects the Justice Department to challenge the legislation signed by Governor Spanberger, while law enforcement agencies across the state are being praised by gun rights advocates for refusing to enforce the ban. A Spotsylvania County judge denied a request to block it from taking effect July 1st, but the legal fight continues with the next hearing set for June 25th. WFIR's Clark Palmer has both stories. Roanoke City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Verletta White has announced her retirement, effective June 27th, 2027. White has led the division for seven years, overseen more than 2,500 student industry certifications this school year, and was named Virginia's 2024 Superintendent of the Year. The school board will begin a national search for her replacement. Senator Mark Warner — Vice Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee — says Iran played the U.S. and Israel “at least to a tie” in the 111-day war and that America is not better off. He's also pushing back on the White House canceling a confirmation hearing for the next Director of National Intelligence. WFIR's Gene Marrano reports. Also today: Roanoke moves forward on a formal Urban Renewal Apology for the destruction of the historically Black Northeast and Gainsboro neighborhoods, including a proposed tax on Berglund Center tickets to fund reparations. Google's Botetourt County data center draws resident concerns about Carvins Cove water use. Early voting is underway for Virginia's August 4th primaries — three Republicans are competing to challenge Warner in November. Roanoke's 75-year-old Fire Station #2 is getting replaced. Nearly 500 first responders are training in Blacksburg. And the USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships return to Roanoke July 11–18 — but organizers need 300 more volunteers. Plus your morning sports rundown. Roanoke Valley's Morning News with Joey Self on WFIR, News/Talk 960-AM & FM-107.3.