Roanoke mayor addresses budget cuts, FLOCK surveillance technology

Veterinarian launches home pet hospice and end-of-life care service

For twenty years she worked as a veterinarian, much of that in her own practice, caring for dogs, cats - even pet pigs. Now this new chapter in her professional life finds Dr Carrie Turnbull caring for pets as they get closer to crossing over the Rainbow Bridge.  Turnbull sold her private veterinary practice last year, but she's not retiring - instead she created a mobile service - Clarity Vet Consulting - that offers in-home, personalized care for pets nearing the end of their life span - and comfort for the pet parents as they discuss the options available

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

Sponsored by the Roanoke Cultural Endowment. Its the opening weekend this Friday night through a Sunday matinee at the Dumas Theatre on Henry Street in downtown Roanoke, for Ain't Misbehavin' - A Musical Revue, the Tony award-winning play. This is also the opening week for Into the Woods at Attic Productions in Fincastle. Opening this Thursday at the Eleanor D Wilson Museum on the Hollins University campus, No Excellent Beauty - Disability Aesthetics, a two-person photography exhibition running through November 25th featuring the works of two artists who are dealing with late onset but unseen chronic illnesses.

Roanoke Pulls All Gunshot Detection Devices, City Cracks Down on Vape Shops, CNN Ranks Roanoke a Top 10 Town | Roanoke Valley's Morning News – July 7, 2026

Missed the morning broadcast? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia for Tuesday, July 7, 2026. In this morning's update of Roanoke Valley’s Morning News with Joey Self and Ian Price, we lead with a major reversal from city leadership as Roanoke completely pulls the plug on its controversial gunshot detection network following a critical "process error." We also dive into sweeping local policy changes from Roanoke City Council, including a unanimous crackdown on new vape and tobacco shops, alongside newly updated zoning laws for future data center projects. Local and Regional Stories Covered in This Episode: * Gunshot Sensors Removed: City Manager Valmarie Turner addresses Roanoke City Council regarding the complete deactivation and removal of all local gunshot detection devices. The decision comes after a process error severely damaged public trust. * Vape Shop Restrictions: City Council votes unanimously to impose strict 2,000-foot buffer zones around schools, churches, daycares, and public parks to prevent new vape and tobacco shops from opening. * Data Center Zoning Updates: Roanoke updates its industrial zone guidelines, officially requiring data center developments to secure a "special exception" to move forward. Meanwhile, housing density amendments are sent back to planning. * Birthright Citizenship Debate: Congressman Morgan Griffith reacts to a recent 6-3 Supreme Court ruling. Griffith discusses potential legislative "guardrails" to address international birth tourism in U.S. territories. * Roanoke Earns Top CNN Honors: CNN ranks the Star City the 10th "Best Town in America to Visit". Vice Mayor Terry Maguire credits years of dedicated investment in outdoor infrastructure, trails, and a vibrant downtown. * Elder Care Panel Initiative: Experts from Pinnacle Living and Hermitage of Roanoke discuss the "third stage of life," highlighting resource preparation for Roanoke's rapidly aging demographic. * Around the Valley: AARP Virginia issues a fresh warning over stealthy gas pump card skimmers; the scenic overlook at Smith Mountain Lake temporarily closes for structural upgrades; and Beacon Credit Union expands with a new branch on Orange Avenue. * WFIR Sports: Heartbreak on the pitch as Belgium eliminates the U.S. Men's National Team from the World Cup with a 4-1 victory. Plus, contract details on Nikola Jokić's potential historic $350 million supermax extension with Denver. Stay informed on the go—subscribe to the WFIR News Express feed for your daily Roanoke Valley news updates.

Preparing for the "third stage" of life

Are you or a loved one ready for the post-retirement "third stage of life," with plans in place to reduce isolation, eat better and figure out the financials of living well past retirement? Two panelists from a recent information session on what Eldercare and living longer might look like speak out.

WFIR News Express 7-6-2026

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.