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

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.

A missing bank deposit from 1992 and Louis Tudor finds its way to non-profit created to honor him

It made them smile or gave them goose bumps. Six years after his death, the longtime owner of Tudor's Biscuit world, who died by suicide in 2020, made his impact again on family and friends who carry on in his name, as they work to prevent others from taking their own lives.

VA Candidate Demands Data Center Rules, SML Boat Crash Prompts Drought Warning, Masked Hero "Roanoke Raven" Goes Viral | Roanoke Valley's Morning News – July 13, 2026

Missing the morning broadcast? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia for Monday, July 13, 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 and environmental landscape in Southwest Virginia. We dive into the escalating debate over data center regulations, critical safety warnings at Smith Mountain Lake, and a viral local mystery. Top Stories Covered in This Episode: * The Data Center Regulatory Battle: Virginia’s 1st Congressional District candidate Tim Sowenski calls for immediate federal and state oversight of data centers, warning of massive strain on power grids and localized water tables. We also cover growing resident pushback against Google's proposed facility in Botetourt County, and how GOP U.S. Senate candidates clashed over greenlighting micro-nuclear energy solutions at a recent forum. * Drought Dangers at Smith Mountain Lake: Historically low water levels are exposing hazardous shoals across the lake. Marine volunteer fire and rescue crews successfully saved four people over the weekend after their vessel ran hard aground near marker B13. The Western Virginia Water Authority continues to request voluntary conservation habits as Carvins Cove rests nearly 15 feet below normal. * Who is the "Roanoke Raven"?: An anonymous local TikTok do-gooder has captured the internet's attention. Claiming to be a first responder, the masked figure has gone viral for picking up valley litter and distributing ice-cold water bottles to unhoused individuals during severe summer heatwaves. Other Regional Headlines: * Traffic Alert: Commuters face major morning delays on Route 220 Northbound near the Clearbrook Walmart following a tractor-trailer accident. * Tragic Bedford County Structure Fire: Volunteer crews with the Forest Fire Department contain a heavy house fire on Good Road; sadly, a family dog pulled from the smoke succumbed to its injuries. * Roanoke City Council Crackdowns: Local leaders push forward with strict 2,000-foot zoning buffers to restrict new vape shops while demanding stricter tax penalties to force out-of-state landlords to rehabilitate blighted, boarded-up properties. * Freedom to Give Campaign: Freedom First Credit Union launches a massive summer shelf-stable food donation drive to assist Feeding Southwest Virginia. * EBT Card Skimming Fraud: Virginia DSS fast-tracks the rollout of chip-enabled EBT cards this September after local SNAP recipients report their monthly food benefits being entirely drained by skimmers. * WFIR Sports: World Cup soccer updates as England and Argentina punch tickets to the semifinals; Matt O'Dea departs the Rail Yard Dawgs for an FPHL expansion team; Shohei Ohtani smacks his 300th career home run; Ryan O'Hearn drives in a record 10 RBIs; and a final tribute to local MLB pitching legend Al Holland, who has passed away at age 73. Stay informed on the go—subscribe to the WFIR News Express feed for your daily Roanoke Valley news updates.

Freedom to Give is food drive to benefit Feeding Southwest Virginia

Freedom First Credit Union says they want to make it as easy they can for those willing to support their "Freedom to Give," food donation drive, which ends this Friday at Elmwood Park. But you don't have to wait until then if you're able to make a contribution.  All donations of non-perishable, shelf-stable food made this Friday at Elmwood Park between noon and 6pm - or at one of the drop boxes in the Valley by this Thursday - will go to the Feeding Southwest Virginia Food Bank in Salem

Roanoke College alumnus running for congress calls for universal data center safeguards

As talks of data centers being constructed in Southwest Virginia continue, a member of the Virginia Sierra Club says the Commonwealth’s data center boom is bringing more questions than answers. More from WFIR’s Conner Arthur: