Two Virginia Cities Take Spots among the Top 20 of a Nationwide 'Best Run Cities' Ranked List

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

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