Good morning, Roanoke.

Today, Cardinal launched its New River Valley News weekly newsletter to deepen local coverage in the region.

Funded by a Google News Initiative Growth Catalyst grant, the project will support dedicated reporting and community events as a first step to enhance local engagement.

Recently, UGA football star Chris Cole returned home to volunteer at the Roanoke Sheriff’s Office giveaway event — he chose to use his NIL money to buy gifts for local youth and serve as a role model.

Jerelle Carter, a partner at Performance 276 who teaches fitness classes and coaches multiple sports, shared his journey from growing up on a hog and tobacco farm in Axton to volunteering in the community & planning the new Echo Valley Micro Resort project on his family's historic land.

16-year-old Nazier Jackson is a rising voice in Roanoke civic life, serving as 2nd Vice President of the NAACP Youth Council and chair of its fundraising committee while preparing for a run for 1st Vice President next year – a move aimed at expanding community outreach.

Local barber Alan Munoz has converted his van into a mobile barber shop that offers on-demand haircuts + charges about $40 per cut based on travel distance, serving busy community members while honoring his family's legacy.

Patrice L. Lewis was promoted to partner at Gentry Locke effective Jan.

1; she will lead government affairs and regulatory matters while drawing on her local experience (a Roanoke native).

Roanoke Valley attorneys back a proposed merger of Appalachian School of Law and Roanoke College to create a sustainable legal education hub in Southwest Virginia.

The plan aims to boost local career pipelines and community legal services (further details pending).

Parents worried about kids feeling stressed by school, sports and extracurriculars can use tips from pediatric psychologist Kate Eshleman of Cleveland Clinic Children’s (who advises organizing homework and routines while keeping open communication) to help children recognize and manage stress.

Flu and co-infections are rising among children, so experts advise regular handwashing, keeping sick kids at home, and vaccination for those 6 months and older (especially kids with chronic conditions) to help reduce spread.

Parents should seek medical care if severe symptoms develop.

Andre Palmer, owner of Palmer Realty Group, received the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors Good Neighbor Award today at Hotel Roanoke for his volunteer work at The Hope Center (which also received a $1,000 donation).

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Big Lick Comic Con

10 AM – 5 PM — Berglund Center — Tickets available — Celebrate comics, cosplay, and pop culture with celebrity guests and panels.