
WFIR News Express
Virginia Tech Researchers Find 'First Evidence' of a Potential New Insecticide Resistance in Bed Bug Gene Mutation
Researchers at Virginia Tech have found the first evidence of a so-called ‘super-bug’s’ latest mutation.

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This podcast brings you daily Roanoke Valley and Virginia news in a quick format. Listen to the news on your schedule!
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WFIR News Express
Researchers at Virginia Tech have found the first evidence of a so-called ‘super-bug’s’ latest mutation.

WFIR News Express
Miss the morning broadcast? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia for Friday, October 2, 2026. In this episode of Roanoke Valley's Morning News, hosts Joey Self and Ian Price cover Montgomery County terminating its license plate camera program over privacy concerns, a $32 million highway overhaul planned for Bonsack, and key state energy and public safety updates across the region. Montgomery County Ends Flock Camera Use: Sheriff Robert Page announced the department is terminating its automated license plate reading camera contract following privacy concerns and a lack of state regulatory standards. $32 Million Route 460 Intersection Overhaul: VDOT is launching a major safety and traffic redesign along Route 460 in Bonsack to ease congestion for 40,000 daily commuters. Missing Lynchburg Man Arrested: A 55-year-old Lynchburg man reported missing in September was found safe and subsequently arrested on 20 felony counts of child pornography possession. Sen. Warner Pushes Data Center Guardrails: Senator Mark Warner urged Congress to pass legislation requiring data center developers to disclose water and power usage and protect residential utility ratepayers. Virginia Tech Safety Report Trends: Virginia Tech's annual Clery Act report revealed rapes dropped to 8 cases in 2025 while stalking and dating violence reports nearly tripled, which officials attribute to increased student awareness. Governor Unveils Net-Zero Energy Plan: Governor Abigail Spanberger released a 200-page state energy plan aimed at achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while requiring data centers to offset grid infrastructure costs. Parkway Brewing Downtown Ribbon Cutting: Parkway Brewing Company officially celebrated the grand opening of its second location in downtown Roanoke at The Bower on Campbell Avenue. 5th District Congressional Poll: A new Washington Post poll shows Republican Representative John McGuire leading Democratic challenger Tom Perriello by 6 points heading into November. Domestic Violence Awareness Event: The Legal Aid Society of Roanoke Valley and TAP are hosting a survivor story and panel event tonight at the Dumas Center to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Iconic Blockbuster Sign Removed: Workers removed the long-blacked-out Blockbuster Video sign on Electric Road in Southwest Roanoke County nearly two decades after the store closed. Bent Mountain Fall Festival Postponed: Event organizers rescheduled the annual Bent Mountain Fall Festival to Saturday, October 10, due to rain in this weekend's forecast. Virginia Tech Football Hosts Pitt: Lane Stadium hosts a matchup of 4-0 teams tonight as Virginia Tech takes on Pittsburgh in a key ACC showdown. High School Football Scores: Blacksburg defeated Cave Spring 34-27, and William Byrd topped Radford 42-35 in Thursday night action. NFL Thursday Night Football: The Cleveland Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-24, while the Washington Commanders prepare for their London matchup against Indianapolis. MLB Postseason Division Series: Atlanta eliminated Philadelphia 6-2, advancing to face Los Angeles as Division Series matchups begin Saturday across Major League Baseball. Stay informed on the go—subscribe to the WFIR News Express feed for your daily Roanoke Valley news updates.

WFIR News Express
Miss the morning broadcast? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia for Thursday, October 1, 2026. In this episode of Roanoke Valley's Morning News, hosts Joey Self and Ian Price cover expanded addiction recovery services at the RAM House, new state permitting laws for tobacco and vape retailers, and the finalized $14 million sale of the Hotel Roanoke Conference Center. RAM House Peer Recovery Focus: The RAM House day shelter is highlighting expanded peer recovery services at its Jane Care Center on Elm Avenue, where Recovery Services Director Daniel Cox connects unhoused individuals with addiction treatment and housing support. Tobacco and Vape Permit Mandate: Virginia tobacco and vape retailers must now hold a state ABC permit costing $300 to $400 annually and enforce mandatory ID checks on all sales. Hotel Roanoke Conference Center Sale: The City of Roanoke completed the $14 million sale of the Hotel Roanoke Conference Center to the Virginia Tech Foundation, unifying ownership of the center and the historic hotel. Dominion Merger Review Deadline: The window for a special legislative session to extend the review period for the proposed $67 billion Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy merger expired, leaving the SCC with a January 11 deadline. Tanglewood Crossing Development: Construction at Starkey Road and Route 419 in Southwest Roanoke County will bring Bubbakoo's Burritos, Dave's Hot Chicken, Biscuit Belly, European Wax Center, Mattress Warehouse, and residential units by March 2027. WE Cundiff Elementary Remodel: Educators and local leaders celebrated the completion of a $20 million-plus renovation at WE Cundiff Elementary in Vinton, replacing open-concept layouts with modern enclosed classrooms. Regional School Staffing Shortages: School systems across Roanoke, Franklin, Radford, and Grayson counties issued urgent calls for substitute teachers, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers. Voting Rights Amendment Rally: Delegate Sam Rasoul and advocates rallied in Roanoke in support of Ballot Question 3 to automatically restore voting rights to Virginians who have completed felony prison sentences. Vinton Fire Site RFP: The Town of Vinton is seeking development proposals for four downtown parcels destroyed in a 2022 fire, aiming for a boutique hotel or mixed-use project. Youth Screen Time Proposal: Salem resident Cynthia Mundy urged City Council to establish an after-school Heart Academy focused on the arts and outdoors to help youth reduce screen addiction and depression. Lexington News-Gazette Milestone: Publisher Matt Paxton and the Lexington News-Gazette celebrated 225 years of continuous print publication in Rockbridge County. MLB Postseason: Alex Bohm hit a two-out, 10th-inning home run to lift Philadelphia past Atlanta 4-3, while the White Sox beat Houston 7-3, the Yankees defeated Boston 9-2, and San Diego beat the Cubs 4-1. Virginia Tech Baseball: Hokies head baseball coach John Szefc signed a contract extension through 2030. NHL Season Opener: The defending champion Florida Panthers opened the regular season with a 1-0 overtime win over Carolina. Stay informed on the go -- subscribe to the WFIR News Express feed for your daily Roanoke Valley news updates.

WFIR News Express
Miss the morning broadcast? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia for Wednesday, September 30, 2026. In this episode of Roanoke Valley's Morning News, hosts Joey Self and Ian Price cover a high-speed police pursuit in Franklin County that ended in a major drug seizure, a standoff on Wayne Street that blocked Roanoke traffic, and voluntary water restrictions issued in Rocky Mount. Plus, local data center debates, parent pushback against school redistricting, and political updates on Southwest Virginia congressional matchups. 100+ MPH Pursuit and Drug Seizure: Franklin County deputies arrested 58-year-old Timothy David Robertson after a chase exceeding 100 mph ended in a rollover crash on Hatchett Road, where officers discovered 28 grams of methamphetamine and prescription pills hidden inside a dashboard air vent. Roanoke Wayne Street Standoff: Police arrested 39-year-old Donald Lee Vizel on domestic assault charges following a Monday afternoon standoff at a Wayne Street NE apartment that temporarily shut down traffic along Williamson Road and Noble Avenue. Rocky Mount Voluntary Water Restrictions: Town officials in Rocky Mount issued Stage 2 voluntary water conservation measures, asking residents and businesses to restrict lawn watering and car washing as Blackwater River levels continue to drop. Data Center Taxpayer Backlash: Democratic 9th District candidate Joy Powers spoke out against taxpayer-funded infrastructure for large data centers, arguing tech companies like Google should cover their own power and water expansion costs in Botetourt County. Bedford County School Closing Pushback: Parents voiced strong opposition at a Forest town hall regarding redistricting plans that could close an elementary school alongside Stewartsville Elementary, warning against daily student bus rides exceeding 90 minutes. Virginia Congressional Race Outlook: Radford University political science chair Chapman Rackaway provided analysis on regional races, noting Republican incumbent Morgan Griffith remains solid in the 9th District while 6th District Democratic challenger Beth Macy continues building fundraising momentum against incumbent Ben Cline. Del. Rasoul's Legislative Workshop: Delegate Sam Rasoul gathered 40 constituents at Melrose Library for his 8th annual "You Write the Bill" workshop to draft grass-roots proposals on affordable housing, education, and data center oversight. Sen. Kaine Opposes Athlete Earnings Cap: U.S. Senator Tim Kaine announced his opposition to the Protect College Sports Act, criticizing provisions that cap student-athlete compensation without providing athletes a seat at the bargaining table. MLB Postseason Opening Round: Major League Baseball wild card action kicked off as the Atlanta Braves beat Philadelphia 5-3 on an Austin Riley three-run homer, the White Sox topped Houston 6-3, the Padres shut out the Cubs 8-0, and the Yankees swept past Boston 9-0. High School & College Football: Virginia Tech defeated Boston College 21-14, Virginia routed Delaware 42-3, JMU handled Old Dominion 46-20, and Roanoke College shut out Gallaudet 52-0. NFL Quarterback News: Case Keenum stepped in for injured starter Caleb Williams to lead Chicago over Philadelphia 27-7, while Washington running back Austin Ekeler prepares to return to action. Stay informed on the go—subscribe to the WFIR News Express feed for your daily Roanoke Valley news updates.

WFIR News Express
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. See more at Roanoke Cultural Endowment.org. Its is the last weekend this Wednesday night through a Sunday matinee for Oklahoma - the Musical at Mill Mountain Theatre in downtown Roanoke. One week from this Thursday October 8th The Revolutionists opens at Showtimers Community Theatre in Roanoke and runs through October 18th
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