Daily
Roanoke
Thursday, January 15th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A Roanoke College survey finds that Virginians see rising trust levels, nearly matching pre-pandemic figures, as reported by economist Dr. Alice Kassens. The data point to a hopeful shift in community sentiment across the state. WFIR News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A local publisher is set to relaunch an arts magazine next month featuring local artists whose work is shown in beautiful photos (according to WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno). WFIR News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Local construction projects are facing delays and rising costs as a labor shortage slows progress on key commonwealth initiatives + contractors say the limited skilled workforce is straining project budgets. WDBJ7
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Volunteers from the Roanoke Valley Master Naturalist Chapter removed 4,960 pounds of invasive species on their latest workday, gaining hands-on experience — across 65 volunteer hours this year — and will continue similar efforts in 2026. WSLS 10
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ State Sen. Chris Head and Del. Terry Austin propose budget amendments in the upcoming session to secure $40 million for upgrading ROA’s terminal and $7 million for a runway extension study — plans that aim to boost travel efficiency and support local growth. Cardinal News
- ➤ Roanoke County is planning adjustments to the McAfee Knob shuttle service today after a state grant ended; changes to the schedule — ending service on Fridays and holiday Mondays and compressing operating hours to a consistent 10-hour span — could lower costs from $165,000 to about $78,000. The board of supervisors supports the proposals, and the revised service will be included in the fiscal 2027 budget. WVTF
- ➤ The Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission announced the Greenway Coordinator role will transfer to the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, which will integrate the position with RVTPO to better manage federal funds — boosting support for the growing network. The Roanoke Star
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A new report from the American Cancer Society projects more than 2.1 million cancer cases and 626,000 deaths nationwide in 2026, as better detection, less smoking and improved treatments help lower overall mortality + a new Commonwealth law now eliminates follow-up testing costs after abnormal mammograms. WDBJ7
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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.
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Big Lick Comic Con
10 AM – 5 PM — Berglund Center — Tickets available — Celebrate comics, cosplay, and pop culture with celebrity guests and panels.
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 smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.
~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
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