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

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:

Carvins Cove Drought Plan, VA Ranks 3rd for Business, Weapons Ban Warning | Roanoke Valley's Morning News – July 10, 2026

Missed the morning broadcast? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia for Friday, July 10, 2026. In this episode of Roanoke Valley’s Morning News with Joey Self and Ian Price, we lead with breaking environmental news as the Western Virginia Water Authority issues a voluntary Step 1 drought contingency plan. With water levels at Carvins Cove dropping nearly 15 feet below normal due to months of low rainfall, officials are urging residents to adopt immediate conservation habits. We also cover Virginia’s impressive rise in national economic rankings and a critical legal warning issued to gun owners across the Commonwealth. Local and Regional Headlines Covered in This Episode: * Carvins Cove Emergency Drought Plan: The Western Virginia Water Authority activates voluntary conservation measures as Carvins Cove drops 14.7 feet below normal. Spokesperson Sarah Baumgardner shares practical household tips to significantly reduce daily water consumption. * Virginia Ranks Top 3 for Business: A major national ranking by CNBC places the Commonwealth third on its annual "Best States for Business" list. Governor Abigail Spanberger praises Virginia's world-class talent and collaborative economic development strategy. * Assault Weapons Ban Warning: Former Republican State Delegate Tim Anderson urges gun rights advocates to remain cautious despite a recent statewide injunction, warning of pivotal legal shifts ahead of July 21st. * Adult Education Funding Boost: Virginia Credit Union furthers its $150,000 multi-year commitment to Goodwill Industries of the Valleys with a fresh $30,000 investment supporting the Excel Center Adult High School at Melrose Plaza. * National Championships Return in 2027: USA Cycling announces that the Endurance Mountain Biking National Championships will return to Roanoke in 2027, following a massive $2.6 million economic impact from last year's event. * Roanoke County Summer Business Update: Local commercial updates highlight the relocation of George's Flowers, an expansion for Wine Gourmet, and new non-stop daily flights connecting Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport to Dallas-Fort Worth. * WFIR Sports Roundup: Rail Yard Dawgs defenseman and captain Matt O'Dea departs Roanoke to join a California expansion team. Plus, a look at record-breaking World Cup soccer viewership, Shohei Ohtani hitting his 300th career home run, and a fond farewell to Roanoke native and former MLB pitcher Al Holland. Stay informed on the go—subscribe to the WFIR News Express feed for your daily Roanoke Valley news updates.

Regional Drought Triggers Emergency Water Restrictions, New $2.4M Roanoke Healthcare Sim Center Opens, Google Botetourt Data Center Scale Revealed | Roanoke Valley's Morning News – July 9, 2026

Missed the morning broadcast? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia for Thursday, July 9, 2026. (Audio for this broadcast can be accessed on-demand via reference file: 7-9-26 RVMN.mp3). In this episode of Roanoke Valley’s Morning News with Joey Self and Ian Price, we lead with widespread environmental concerns as persistent drought conditions force water suppliers across Southwest Virginia to activate emergency conservation plans. With Carvins Cove dropping over 14 feet and Pulaski's reservoir sitting 19 feet below normal, the Western Virginia Water Authority and Aqua Virginia have enacted mandatory and voluntary restrictions through the end of the year. We also cover a major collaborative milestone for local medicine as Carilion Clinic and LewisGale (HCA Healthcare) cut the ribbon on a brand-new, $2.4 million Center for Clinical Advancement on Electric Road. Local and Regional Stories Covered in This Episode: * Emergency Water Conservation: Severe drought conditions trigger strict conservation mandates across Pulaski, Botetourt, and Franklin counties as local reservoirs hit near-historic lows. * $2.4M Healthcare Sim Center Opens: Carilion Clinic and LewisGale officially open their state-of-the-art simulation lab in the former Allstate building, featuring high-tech mannequins to sharpen the skills of local nurses and residents. * Google's Botetourt Project Scaled: Newly released corporate environmental data reveals that Google's upcoming Botetourt County data center will rank as its 6th largest complex in the nation based on water capacity, pulling up to 2 million gallons per day. * Roanoke Vape Shop & Blight Crackdowns: City Council members praise new 2,000-foot buffer zones policing vape shop locations while simultaneously demanding stricter enforcement and tax penalties on vacant, boarded-up properties. * Mange-Inflicted Black Bear Warning: Roanoke authorities issue an urgent public warning after multiple sightings of an aggressive black bear suffering from severe mange near Allandale and Clydesdale Street Southwest, with additional reports in Vinton. * EBT Card Skimmer Scams: Widespread electronic card skimming rings targeting local SNAP benefits prompt the Virginia Department of Social Services to expedite the rollout of chip-enabled EBT cards this September. * Charges Dropped Against Local Coach: A grand jury declines to indict former Northside High School basketball coach Ryan Hubberd, officially closing the legal case. * Taxpayer Cost of Voided Election: Public records reveal that a recently voided Virginia special election cost taxpayers over $11.6 million, forcing local municipalities to absorb massive unbudgeted hits. * WFIR Sports: World Cup soccer tournament updates as Lionel Messi carries Argentina into the quarterfinals; Ryan O'Hearn sets a franchise record with a 10-RBI game; Shohei Ohtani smacks his 300th career home run; and the Roanoke valley dynamic sports community mourns the passing of local baseball legend Al Holland at age 73. Stay informed on the go—subscribe to the WFIR News Express feed for your daily Roanoke Valley news updates.