Daily
Roanoke
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 21st of January.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ In Roanoke, the 12th annual Gauntlet Business Program and Competition kicks off a 10-week course on February 3 — with Q&A sessions tonight and January 27 from 6 to 7 p.m. The program also introduces a new Quest track for tech ventures. WFIR News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Virginia Museum of Transportation is hosting an exhibit this Saturday to remember the Norfolk and Western 611 wreck 70 years ago, plus it will reveal new project details at the museum. WSLS 10
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Smith Mountain Lake Association recorded that spring 2025 testing rated 65% of streams satisfactory while fall scores dropped to 50% due to drought; normal rainfall is expected to boost measurements as Save Our Streams volunteers continue monitoring water quality. WDBJ7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A House committee approved a bill to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour on Tuesday, with the measure set to move to the Appropriations committee next. The bill, backed by Gov. Spanberger and Delegate Ward, passed along party lines—rural critics warn it could drive out small businesses. WVTF
- ➤ Sen. Bill Stanley proposed 'Autumn’s Law,' which would make bullying a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia. The bill, named for Autumn Bushman (a 10-year-old Roanoke County student), has been referred to the Committee on Education and Health. WSLS 10
- ➤ Roanoke officials unveiled plans to boost downtown business and improve parking after Tuesday's interview showed efforts to attract new shops and housing. Mayor Joe Cobb and Council Member Nick Hagen (downtown advocates) plan to work with nonprofits to enhance safety and support local investments. WDBJ7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Swedish researchers created a blood test that predicts asthma attacks up to five years ahead with 90% accuracy while Vanderbilt research shows some 80+ individuals retain youthful memory because of protective genes. A University of Michigan survey reveals that more parents now allow kids to swear to fit in. WDBJ7
- ➤ Local wellness experts kick off Wellness Week by offering advice on building intentional healthy habits that support physical and mental well-being. Community centers + online sessions will share tips and resources throughout the week. WDBJ7
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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.
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Perpetual Groove Concert
7-10 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Tickets required — Experience an electrifying blend of rock, indie electronica, and metal from PGroove with an impressive light show.
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.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Roanoke
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