Good morning, Roanoke.

Feeding Southwest Virginia is working to prepare for the coming year by continuing to provide food to local neighbors after recent challenges.

Last year they delivered almost 21 million pounds with a 40,000-pound donation from a local church, and they now welcome additional donations + volunteers to help expand their efforts.

MystiCon returns to Roanoke at a local venue this weekend (organizers provided a detailed schedule); the fan convention will offer interactive exhibits, panel discussions, and creative displays celebrating mystery and pop culture.

Carla Brindle and Katelyn Sarver described MystiCon — a festival featuring music, art, independent films, and vendors — as set to take place Jan.

23-25 at the Holiday Inn Tanglewood, bringing a diverse cultural experience to Roanoke.

Consultant Michael D.

Clark of Oxbow Strategies says Virginia holds rich outdoor assets — like mountains and forests — yet lacks a statewide framework to boost its $13.4 billion recreation economy, a gap that Roanoke’s local successes show could improve with new state investments.

A local hydroponics garden in Rocky Mount continues to engage students in hands-on math lessons as teachers say the innovative system boosts understanding and curiosity.

The school plans to expand the program next semester (providing more opportunities for experiential learning).

Roanoke schools are overcapacity by more than 700 students and are testing temporary relief measures with mobile classroom trailers—costing $4.3 million—that await funding approval at the January 20 council meeting.

Salem High School forensics coach Mark Ingerson was selected for the VHSL Hall of Fame.

His speech and debate teams earned 20 state titles (since 2006).

After years of work, Salem’s I-81 project nears completion.

Crews finish the sound barrier wall between exit 127 and exit 140 as paving awaits warmer weather; the project aims to add lanes and improve safety, and the next phase from Roanoke to Botetourt County will soon start.

Virginia lawmakers introduced the bipartisan Affordable Medicine Act to form a Prescription Drug Affordability Board—this board would set price caps on costly drugs to help patients who often must choose between medicine and everyday needs.

The measure is waiting for further legislative action before reaching the governor’s desk.

VDH confirmed a measles outbreak in northern Virginia with the second case of 2026 reported today, and local doctors urge residents 6 months and older to get a flu shot and COVID vaccine while advising pregnant women to reduce infection risks during National Birth Defects Awareness Month.

The Bromont C2 International Competition Omnium launched the 2026 track campaign when Anna Hicks led a win in the Scratch Race and Marlies Mejías claimed the overall victory — a strong signal for Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY28 as local cycling fans rally for upcoming races and a spring camp.

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.