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

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.

US-Iran Ceasefire Extension, Google Botetourt Data Center Controversy & Roanoke Armed Robbery Arrest | Roanoke Valley's Morning News on WFIR

A 60-day ceasefire extension between the US and Iran is set to be formalized with a Memorandum of Understanding — as negotiators continue working through details around Iran's nuclear stockpile. Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, says he wants to see the fine print. WFIR's Gene Marrano has the story. Google's proposed data center campus in Botetourt County drew hundreds of residents to Lord Botetourt High School Wednesday night. Google says the Greenfield site in Daleville has already generated $18 million in tax revenue for the county and could support around 400 permanent jobs once operational — with roughly 1,000 construction jobs over the next two to three years. Protesters raised concerns about water use, transparency, and the pace of data center development across Virginia. Congressional candidate Beth Macy called for a moratorium on new data centers. Virginia's gun violence reduction bills have been signed into law. WFIR's Clark Palmer reports. Plus, the cannabis retail compromise moves closer to passage — though the head of Virginia NORML says the deal has room for improvement, particularly around the new state excise tax structure. A section of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Explore Park will close June 22nd for 8 to 10 weeks of road reconstruction. A separate stretch near Route 460 reopens Friday. Locally, a Roanoke man is in custody after license plate reader technology helped crack an armed robbery investigation on Williamson Road. And two Virginia cities rank among the top 20 best-run cities in the nation — WFIR's Emma Thomas has the story. Roanoke Valley's Morning News with Joey Self on WFIR, News/Talk 960-AM & FM-107.3.

[6/17] Virginia Budget Battle, Cannabis Retail Deal & Lynchburg Primary Nullified | Roanoke Valley's Morning News on WFIR

Tuesday, June 17th edition of the Roanoke Valley's Morning News — uploaded June 18th. Virginia Senate committee members are pushing back against the budget proposal backed by Governor Spanberger and the House of Delegates. WFIR's Clark Palmer has the details on where the stalemate stands heading into the final stretch before the July 1st deadline. The state's cannabis retail compromise is taking shape. Governor Spanberger and lawmakers unveiled a framework that directs 75% of first-year license fee deposits to a cannabis equity business loan fund and would issue up to 100 micro business licenses by May 2027. The deal is expected to pass as part of the state budget before July 1st. New details explain why the Lynchburg Republican firehouse primary was nullified. The state party's appeals committee confirmed the local party allowed voting by email — even though only one ballot was actually returned and counted. The full nominating process was nullified 55 to 17 by the State Central Committee. Also: It's Brain Health Month — AARP Virginia outlines warning signs of cognitive decline and is hosting a free event at the Harrison Museum of African American Culture in Roanoke on June 24th. Virginia Tech launches a new AI minor open to all undergraduate students beginning in August. And the two missing giraffe calves from Natural Bridge Zoo have been found safe, with the Virginia Attorney General's Office confirming the animals are now in professional care. RAM House Executive Director Melissa Woodson says the relocated day shelter will be open by June 30th. Roanoke Valley's Morning News with Joey Self on WFIR, News/Talk 960-AM & FM-107.3.

ECPI's Roanoke Campus to Host Summer Resource Festival on June 20th

ECPI will be hosting the free Summer Family Resource Festival at their Roanoke Campus on Airport Road this Saturday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Culture Calendar – a look at local events coming up this weekend and in the near future

Sponsored by the Roanoke Cultural Endowment. See more at Roanoke Cultural Endowment.org. One last concert for the 2025-26 season from David Stewart Wiley and players from the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra this Saturday near Smith Mountain Lake this weekend. Its the opening weekend for Shakespeare's classic tale of young love and tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, this Friday through Sunday at the Roanoke Bear Theatre in downtown Roanoke in the Community High School auditorium.