Daily
Roanoke
Tuesday, January 6th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 6th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Mrs. Dorsey's Clothes Closet in Salem opened its new location on Monday (providing free clothing without judgment) for community members in need. The Roanoke Times
- ➤ Residents in southeast Roanoke are pushing to revitalize their neighborhood with proposed changes to boost local business and public spaces. Community leaders say plans are in development and further details are expected in upcoming meetings. WDBJ7
- ➤ The Diversity Center laid off long-time staff, including Bernard Alvarez — a founding member — after federal funding cuts as Virginia readies a new director for diversity, equity and inclusion. Katie Lewis and Mayor Cobb stressed the need for community support and private donations to sustain its vital programs. WSLS 10
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A house fire on Monday in Catawba displaced six residents and seven dogs when firefighters responded to smoke and flames on Newport Rd at around 3:55 p.m. (one person was taken to the hospital and one dog received treatment at an emergency vet). ABC 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Exchange Music Hall debuted on New Year’s Eve inside downtown Roanoke’s former First National Exchange Bank — a historic venue — and plans enhancements to support its growing role in local music events. WFIR News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ GasBuddy’s survey showed Roanoke gas prices averaged $2.67 per gallon on Jan. 5, marking a 0.8 cent weekly rise yet staying 12.5 cents lower than a month ago and 18.5 cents lower than last year (prices ranged from $2.29 to $2.99 per gallon). WDBJ7
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Roanoke Valley Master Naturalist Chapter held monthly workdays in 2025 with 17 volunteers who logged over 65 hours to remove invasive species. Specialist Lindsay Caplan led the removal of 4,960 pounds on a recent workday (the effort was recognized by VNHP) and the group will continue its work in 2026. WSLS 10
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Rocky Mount Town Council approved a special exception permit for Franklin County’s new CTE Center, E911 Dispatch Center and Public Safety offices at 260 Weaver Street. The project will benefit local students and businesses — addressing town traffic concerns as construction moves ahead. WDBJ7
- ➤ The Virginia Museum of Transportation has backed the Rails with Trails project to preserve the unused 50-mile Norfolk Southern B-Line for future excursions. A vote on the project is scheduled for today. WSLS 10
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Nearly 400,000 Virginia residents face steeper health premiums after federal tax credits lapsed — healthcare advocates warn rural hospitals in the region may struggle as Congress debates a short-term extension. WFIR News
- ➤ Stuart Community Hospital reopened in Patrick County on Jan. 5 for emergency and inpatient care after eight years without a hospital. Braden Health spent 15 million dollars renovating the facility and hired over 150 local workers with plans to upgrade equipment as patient volumes increase. Cardinal News
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K-Pop Glow Party and Laser Show
6-8 p.m. — Science Museum of Western Virginia — Family-friendly event — Experience an electrifying glow party with a mesmerizing laser light show set to K-Pop music.
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Speakeasy Jazz Nights
7-9:30 p.m. — The Pine Room at Hotel Roanoke — $40 ticket — Experience the charm of a pre-Prohibition jazz club featuring T-FOX & the Fox City Band.
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Do Portugal Circus
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Valley View Mall — Tickets available — Experience the excitement of a circus under the Big Top for the first time in Roanoke!
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Winter Majesty: A Cozy Paint & Sip Night
6-8 p.m. — Well Hung Vineyard - Restaurant — Check ticket price — Dive into a cozy painting session with splashes of winter colors.
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Do Portugal Circus
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Valley View Mall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Do Portugal Circus for the first time in Roanoke under the Big Top!
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Do Portugal Circus
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Valley View Mall — Tickets available — Experience the magic of the circus in Roanoke for the first time under the Big Top.
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Do Portugal Circus
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Valley View Mall — Tickets available — Experience the excitement of a circus performance in Roanoke for the first time ever.
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Public Ice Bumper Cars
12:30-6:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — $11 + fees — Experience the thrill of ice bumper cars, perfect for all ages.
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WNRN's Dead Air 5
5 PM — Jefferson Center — Proceeds support WNRN and local non-profits — Celebrate 30 years of WNRN with over 20 bands performing Grateful Dead tunes.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.
~ Greek Proverb
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