Daily
Roanoke
Friday, January 16th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A 14-foot monument honoring 70 U.S. Colored Troops will be unveiled Sunday at the historic First Baptist Church lawn in Rocky Mount. The project follows years of work by the NAACP + local volunteers and marks the first monument of its kind in Virginia. Cardinal News
- ➤ Caroline Metheny joined the WDBJ7 weather team as announced on Jan. 15 — the addition is expected to enhance local forecasts in Roanoke. WDBJ7
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ On February 3, the 12th annual Gauntlet business mentoring and competition program returns for mostly virtual sessions that connect small business startups with mentors and networking opportunities. The Advancement Foundation also launched a one-on-one program (The Quest) for tech startups. WFIR News
- ➤ Owner Dustin Henegar plans to reopen Homeplace Restaurant by Easter weekend in Catawba; it closed in May 2021 and will bring back the familiar family atmosphere while providing job opportunities for people with special needs. WFIR News
- ➤ The Melrose Business Association now invites business owners in one of the city's largest business districts to join its new group. After years of planning, the organizers aim to boost local commerce + create opportunities for growth. WFIR News
- ➤ AeroFarms filed a WARN notice warning that its Cane Creek Parkway facility in Ringgold may close between Jan. 26 and Feb. 9 if it does not secure a buyer or new funding, possibly affecting 127 jobs (98 are held by Virginia residents). ABC 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Hometown Entertainment has released a guide to local weekend events, including family-friendly festivals + art shows scattered around town. The roundup offers residents an easy way to plan outings and connect with local culture. WDBJ7
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke County Public Schools expanded mental health services with the launch of the 'Let's Talk' program, announced yesterday. The initiative offers new support at schools (designed to help students manage stress) and will be progressively implemented. WDBJ7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Centra is exploring options for Virginia Baptist Hospital. Discussions on potential changes or new partnerships are expected to continue in the coming weeks (official details have yet to be confirmed). WDBJ7
- ➤ Carilion Children’s Pediatric Medicine is opening a new office on South Main Street in Lexington—offering families closer access to pediatric care. Appointments start Monday, Jan. 19. WDBJ7
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Center in the Square is exploring a proposal to add a Ferris wheel to its downtown rooftop for a Sky Garden — a project with fountains and gathering areas; the center will raise $250,000 for a feasibility study as state lawmakers may support funding when the General Assembly meets later this week. WVTF
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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.
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Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons Concert
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Taubman Museum of Art — Ticketed event — Experience a magical evening featuring the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons illuminated by candlelight.
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
Well done is better than well said.
~ Benjamin Franklin
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