News
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.
This week is ‘Roanoke Valley Saves Week,’ an initiative promoting financial literacy– in addition to that, April is financial literacy month, and with that WalletHub has released a new report where the commonwealth didn’t do half bad, WFIR’s Alex Torres reports:
Update: Hershberger Road has reopened.
Previous: Roanoke City Police say a pedestrian sustained what appeared to be serious injuries when they were hit by a car this morning on Hershberger Road NW. Evidence indicates a driver was traveling west on Hershberger when the pedestrian entered the road and was hit. The driver remained on scene and is cooperating with authorities.Westbound lanes of Hershberger Road NW between Bean Street and Williamson Road NW are closed.
Previous: A listener is reporting that someone was hit by a car this morning on Hershberger Road in Roanoke City. No word on the person’s condition at this time.
The Freedom First Down by Downtown Music Festival is coming to Roanoke on Blue Ridge Marathon weekend, April 18-21. A popular local band is back on stage that weekend for the first time in several years – the front man for My Radio, JP Powell, also co-starred with his wife Shaleen Powell and local arts and culture luminaries in the award-winning music video “It’s Here.” Both were live in studio this morning. Hear the full length interview below:
County health rankings are out. Anyone interested in knowing how healthy their community is can access the information. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports.
Detailed health information about each county in the United States is available online. These county health rankings include all of Virginia. As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports health officials hope localities will use the information to become healthier.
Ferrum College has accepted an invitation to join Conference Carolinas effective July 1, 2025. The Conference Carolinas Board of Directors voted unanimously in favor of the addition of Ferrum College as the 16th member of the NCAA Division II conference.
“By transitioning to Division II, Ferrum College aligns itself with a conference whose motto of body, mind and soul aligns with Ferrum College’s beliefs and values. The transition also positions Ferrum College to join a family of institutions who share our vision for competitive athletics, academic rigor, and service. Furthermore, it offers Ferrum College the opportunity to open new avenues for growth and success on and off the field in a values-based culture.” – Dr. Mirta Martin, President, Ferrum College
“Together with my colleagues on the Board of Trustees of Ferrum College, I stand here today to wholeheartedly support this historic milestone in the athletic journey of Ferrum College. The move to Division II athletics reflects Ferrum College’s dedication to ensuring a quality overall athletic experience for our students while maintaining our steadfast commitment to academic excellence and integrity,” – Mr. Scott Showalter, Chair, Ferrum College Board of Trustees
A new era in Virginia Tech Women’s basketball started today as the Hokies welcomed Megan Duffy as the new head coach. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.
Virginia Tech introduced its new women’s basketballl coach to the Hokie nation today. As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports Megan Duffy is replacing Kenny Brooks.
If you’ve been on the Roanoke River Greenway recently you may have noticed a trend – more people out enjoying themselves on foot, a bike or even a skateboard. With that in mind, the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission is sending a another message about safety. WFIR’s Gene Marrano has that story: