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

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

this is your Culture Calendar – With a look at some of the local events coming up this weekend and in the near future

Its the second and last weekend for Shakespeare's tragic love story Romeo and Juliet at the Bear Theatre in downtown Roanoke in the Community High School Auditorium. Two new exhibits opening at the Eleanor D Wilson Museum on the Hollins University campus in the next few weeks - including Writing with Pictures - the narrative art of David Wiesner, a Caldecott Award winner for his illustrated Children's books.

Feeding Southwest Virginia President and CEO Pamela Irvine will retire at the end of the year after 45 years with the Food Bank

The names may have changed but the struggle of the food insecure in Southwest Virginia continues - cuts to Medicaid eligibility is just the latest challenge says Pam Irvine

Virginia AG Defends New Gun Laws, Roanoke's Gunshot Sensor Scandal Deepens | Roanoke Valley's Morning News – June 24, 2026

Virginia's Attorney General says new gun bills signed by the Governor are not an attack on responsible gun owners. WFIR's Clark Palmer has details. On the state budget: Radford University political science chair Chapman Rackaway says Republican critics like Delegate Joe McNamara have a point on affordability — but any state-level fix is limited because Virginia's economy is tied to national forces Richmond can't control. Governor Spanberger says she plans to propose amendments she describes as largely technical. Roanoke's gunshot sensor controversy is growing. A data entry error is blamed for 16 Raven devices installed at unapproved locations — including one resident's yard. Councilman Nick Hagen says he first learned of the problem from a Reddit post. Delegate Sam Rasoul says remove the technology entirely. The city says vendor Flock is covering removal and reinstallation costs. A former Alleghany Highlands school employee is serving four months after admitting she gave alcohol and vapes to minors. Congressman Ben Cline is pushing Congress to scrutinize how the NFL sells broadcast access. And searchers looking for missing Washington and Lee alumnus Ian Treger now have a possible sighting near Peru's Ausangate Mountain — his mother says if searches turn up nothing, the case may shift to an abduction investigation. Plus: Feeding Southwest Virginia marks 45 years, and Friendship Salem dedicates a garden honoring nurse Jane Morgan Harris. WFIR News/Talk 960-AM & FM-107.3 | Roanoke, Virginia

Nominations open for Kendig Arts and Culture Awards

Named after a former president at Roanoke College who was a big supporter of local arts and culture, this is the 41st year for the Kendig awards, now a joint venture between RC and Hollins University, where the ceremony will take place this tear on October 20. Individuals artist from all disciplines are eligible to be nominated, as are arts or cultural organizations, and individuals or businesses that support the arts, with separate awards in each category.