Virginia Budget Passes: Data Centers Face $1.2B Energy Tax | Roanoke Valley's Morning News – June 23, 2026

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.

Virginia Budget Passes: Data Centers Face $1.2B Energy Tax | Roanoke Valley's Morning News – June 23, 2026

Virginia's two-year state budget is heading to Governor Spanberger after passing both chambers Monday. The Senate voted 23-16 to keep data center tax breaks but require $1.2 billion in energy taxes — a compromise Senator Louise Lucas says achieves the right balance. The House followed 71-22. Roanoke County Delegate Joe McNamara opposed the $205 billion plan, arguing lawmakers missed a chance to cut the grocery tax for working Virginians. The budget includes $13 million for Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, $6 million for a new Patient Research Center, and nearly $2 million for Roanoke's Excel Center. Also: Orvis is relocating its Roanoke operations to 802 Kyle Ave. after nearly 40 years in the city. A Franklin County deputy faces involuntary manslaughter charges after a 2025 crash that killed a Rocky Mount man. Roanoke pauses its Raven gunshot sensor rollout after 16 devices were found installed at unapproved locations. And Flock license plate cameras are quietly spreading across Christiansburg. In sports: Lionel Messi breaks the all-time World Cup scoring record. The U.S. faces Turkiye Thursday night. NASCAR at Sonoma is postponed to July 5th. WFIR News/Talk 960-AM & FM-107.3 | Roanoke, Virginia