Daily
Roanoke
Tuesday, January 20th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 20th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Shamill Ross, a longtime Allstate Insurance risk analyst and dedicated community advocate, shares her journey and work with the NAACP and Council of Community Services. The interview highlights her Roanoke roots, proud military upbringing, and cherished local memories (including block parties at Lincoln Terrace). The Roanoke Tribune
- ➤ A nonviolent community workshop took place at Melrose Plaza on MLK Day & aimed to teach youth conflict resolution through bystander intervention and personal stories; art panels from The Empathy Project remain on display until Jan. 24 to support healing after gun violence. WDBJ7
- ➤ The Hope Center in Roanoke is helping families stay warm during persistent cold & offers a space to charge phones and receive food if power fails. Open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., the center can be reached at 540-293-5392 for assistance. WSLS 10
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A fire broke out at Pebble Creek Apartments on Circle Brook Dr. in Cave Spring on Sunday, Jan. 18, displacing seven residents as first responders extinguished the blaze in about 15 minutes & officials began investigating the cause. WDBJ7
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Michael Hamlar of Hamlar Curtis Funeral Home and Crematory announced a new Melrose Business Association — to support local businesses — and invites owners to an interest meeting on Thursday, Feb. 5 at the L.H. Hamlar Event Center, 4516 Melrose Ave NW. The Roanoke Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Cyrus Pace, the longtime executive director of Jefferson Center, will step down in March after more than a decade leading cultural programs and fundraising campaigns. Community members note his role in uplifting local music education and arts initiatives. The Roanoke Tribune
- ➤ The Science Museum of Western Virginia will close its Center in the Square location on Dec. 31, 2026, ending a 42-year partnership; visitors can still enjoy exhibits throughout this year. ABC 13
- ➤ Roanoke’s Grandin Theatre and Harrison Museum of African American Culture are teaming up for the 10th Annual Black History Month Film Program; the event will include a kickoff gala and a screening of Within Our Gates on Jan. 29 with a $25 ticket for the main film and free admission for other screenings. WFIR News
- ➤ Center in the Square confirmed (Monday) that the Science Museum of Western Virginia will leave its location by Dec. 31, 2026, ending a 42-year partnership. The center will repurpose the freed fourth and fifth floors to boost interactive exhibits downtown. WSLS 10
- ➤ The Exchange Music Hall opened on Dec. 31 in downtown Roanoke as part of a new complex featuring a boutique hotel & restaurant in a former bank building. More concerts and private events are planned as the venue fills a niche in the local music scene. Cardinal News
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The Roanoke Economic Development Authority received a $2.5M award to redevelop the former Walker Foundry site in Norwich for affordable housing led by Greg Kaknes and The Foundry Realty — the project will add 200 new units and create a down payment assistance fund managed by Total Action for Progress. The Roanoke Tribune
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke’s own Jamarion Henderson competed at the Silver Gloves Regional Championships in Jacksonville, N.C. from January 9–11 and advanced to the semifinals in an intense bout against Josiah Williams (a nation-ranked opponent) before his close loss highlighted his skill and determination. The Roanoke Tribune
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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.
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Valentine's Day DIY Workshop
3-6 p.m. — Board & Brush Creative Studio — Pre-registration required — Create your own unique wood sign with paint and wood stain while enjoying complimentary beverages.
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Public Ice Bumper Cars
12:30-6:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — $11 + fees — Enjoy a fun-filled family activity with ice bumper cars for all ages.
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Rend Collective Concert
7 PM - 1 AM — Jefferson Center — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience an energetic performance from an eclectic collective of multi-instrumentalists from Northern Ireland.
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
The first draft of anything is garbage.
~ Ernest Hemingway
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