Daily
Roanoke
Thursday, January 29th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of January.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Following the storm on Jan. 28, local body shops + towing companies have been busy clearing debris and helping residents with damaged vehicles. They continue to work long hours to repair issues and open blocked roads. WDBJ7
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ After a storm disrupted services yesterday, deliveries in town were delayed. Local crews are working to clear backlogs and expect normal operations later today — officials said. WDBJ7
- ➤ A federal appropriations package signed into law last week provides about $2.4 million for nuclear power research in Southwest Virginia; the Wise-based Energy DELTA Lab receives $1.4 million + Virginia Tech gets $1 million for reactor safety studies, supporting plans to repurpose old coal mining sites. Cardinal News
- ➤ Express Employment is hosting a job fair on Feb. 5 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Salem Civic Center to help nearly 400 workers affected by Yokohama Tires layoffs; local businesses will offer resume help and career coaching at no cost. WSLS 10
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ School staff said in a Tuesday night meeting that a $16.5 million budget gap, caused by reduced funding and rising costs, may force Roanoke schools to cut 156 jobs & vital programs in the coming fiscal year. Roanoke.com
- ➤ Brookville High School teacher Megan Emanuel was honored with the January Education Impact Award for building a theater program that offers creative opportunities for students. A 1997 graduate who uses local camps and family support to shape the arts, she earned nearly 40 nominations & $250 for her work. WSLS 10
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City officials are exploring options for the Berglund Center. They will hold community meetings next week to gather input on the facility's future role in local events (details pending). WDBJ7
- ➤ City Councilman Phazhon Nash held the first Entertainment District Focus Group meeting last night at the Berglund Center complex to gather resident feedback on a possible casino and plans for retail upgrades (including Gainsboro residents' input and a $30 million deferred maintenance need); five more sessions are planned. WFIR News
- ➤ VDOT is using specialized motor graders to remove thick ice from secondary roads in the Salem district today after a heavy winter storm; crews work 12-hour shifts and ask residents to park off-street to allow equipment room to operate. WSLS 10
- ➤ Virginia lawmakers are working to expand child care access as rising costs put pressure on working parents—proposed measures may be introduced in the coming months to support young families and child care workers. This initiative comes as the state addresses long-standing challenges in the child care system. Roanoke.com
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Today, the American Lung Association rated Virginia’s tobacco control as F due to low funding for smoking prevention + cessation, limited smoke free air and lack of tobacco taxes. The report cites smoking rates among adults and teens and urges bolstering controls to improve public health statewide. WDBJ7
- ➤ Ragnar, a 9-year-old therapy dog with B-cell lymphoma from Oakey’s Funeral Service, began chemotherapy in October at the Virginia Tech Carilion campus and has been regaining strength; his caregivers and community now rally around him during his 25-week treatment plan. The Roanoke Star
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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.
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Toubab Krewe Live Performance
8-10 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Ticket prices vary — Experience unique music that transcends conventional genres and resonates deeply with the spirit of community.
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Public Ice Bumper Cars
12:30-6:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — $11 + fees — Experience the thrill of bumper cars on ice for children aged 2 and up.
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Riverdance 30 - New Generation
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — Tickets required — Celebrate 30 years of Irish dance magic with innovative performances and a new generation of dancers.
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
Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.
~ George Bernard Shaw
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