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

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:

The Miss Virginia Pageant is back this weekend at the Berglund Center in Roanoke

Joining us live in studio this morning to talk about it was the reigning Miss Virginia Madison Whitbeck, who hails from Leesburg, and Miss Virginia’s Teen Aryana Guest, who attends Tabb High School. Preliminary competition ends tonight with the finals - and the new Miss Virginia and Miss Virginia's Teen will be crowned tomorrow night. Hear the complete interview below or watch it on the WFIR Facebook.

Roanoke Sensor Scandal: "Colossal Failure," Data Center Fight, Housing Bill Blocked | Roanoke Valley's Morning News – June 25, 2026

Roanoke Valley lawmakers David Suetterlein and Joe McNamara are calling the city's unauthorized Flock Raven audio sensor installations “a colossal administrative failure” and a serious constitutional issue, urging local governments to fully reconsider these automated listening networks. State Senator Tanika Roem plans to push legislation eliminating Virginia's data center tax breaks when the General Assembly reconvenes. The bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act passed Congress with veto-proof margins, but President Trump blocked the signing ceremony — Senator Tim Kaine responds. Kaine also achieved a long-sought goal: Congress passed resolutions reaffirming that only lawmakers — not the president — can authorize extended military action. Background checks for private firearm sales in Virginia resume July 1st after a judge dissolved the “Lynchburg Loophole” injunction. Governor Spanberger announces Department of Corrections reforms. Roanoke kitten rescue operators receive suspended sentences and lifetime animal bans. New court records reveal prior violations at the Vinton home where 59 cats died in a fire. With Amazon Prime Day ending tomorrow, the BBB's Julie Wheeler warns AI is making online shopping scams harder to spot. Temporary parking restrictions are in effect near McAfee Knob through July 2nd, with a free shuttle running this weekend. A new state historical marker honoring the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail is dedicated Monday in Daleville. In sports: Virginia Tech officially introduces Bryan White as the new VP and Athletic Director. The Salem Red Sox and Myrtle Beach Pelicans go to a game three tonight — first pitch at 6:35. North Carolina wins the College World Series over Oklahoma, 13-2. And the US men's national team plays Turkey tonight at 10 p.m. Eastern in their final World Cup group stage match. WFIR News/Talk 960-AM & FM-107.3 | Roanoke, Virginia