Daily
Roanoke
Thursday, February 5th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of February.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Virginia’s Blue Ridge’s first Regional Holiday Marketing campaign in December 2025 produced record digital engagement with 83,321 rooms sold and $8.69 million in revenue, significantly exceeding state and national averages. WFIR News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ WSLS 10 backs The Current, a storytelling project that blends journalism & filmmaking. The digital videos will premiere on The Current Roanoke YouTube channel and later appear on WSLS 10 platforms as the collaboration expands. WSLS 10
- ➤ Roanoke’s Hunton Life-Saving Crew, the nation’s first all-Black volunteer rescue squad, was founded on Dec. 21, 1941 (two weeks after Pearl Harbor) to serve segregated Black communities. The crew helped inspire similar units nationwide and is now commemorated by a historical marker at the former Hunton YMCA. WSLS 10
- ➤ This weekend, Mill Mountain Theatre stages Natural Shocks—a one-woman play blending dark comedy with social commentary—while downtown Bear Theatre hosts staged readings Friday through Sunday and Attic Productions debuts a youth version of Tales from Brothers Grimm; new art by Leuyen Win Pham opens at Taubman Museum this Thursday. WFIR News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Virginia Department of Forestry celebrated the Shenandoah Borderlands Project that protects over 5,000 acres in Albemarle and Nelson counties through a partnership with USDA Forest Service, Piedmont Environmental Council & private landowners. The $8 million-funded project completed easements on two properties and will finish three more in coming months. WSLS 10
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke received $75K from a casino operator on Feb. 4 — the donation will support local services. WDBJ7
- ➤ GLTC said a shortage of bus drivers is reducing service frequency, and riders may face delays on some routes today—officials said the agency is working to hire more drivers. WDBJ7
- ➤ Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport hosts a pop-up Global Entry enrollment event on March 26–27, 2026, where applicants who have completed online applications can schedule interviews at the airport conference room. Bring required documents and pay the nonrefundable $120 fee for a five-year membership + free parking is available for 30 minutes. WSLS 10
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Today is World Cancer Day. An Italian study of over 800 cancer survivors found heavy ultra-processed food intake raised overall death risk by 48%, while new research showed the 2024-2025 COVID shot cut hospitalizations by 40%+ and reduced severe cases. WDBJ7
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke Valley SPCA announced a partnership with Pets for Patriots to connect at-risk animals with military service members. The program aims to help pets find homes & build bonds with veterans and active duty personnel. WDBJ7
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A real estate consulting firm released a housing market study this week showing that high development costs and limited land challenge the growth of diverse housing in Roanoke County. Officials plan to use the report to shape future housing initiatives. The Roanoke Times
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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.
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Tuba Skinny Performance
9 PM – 1 AM — Jefferson Center — Cost info not provided — Experience the vibrant sounds of traditional New Orleans music with Tuba Skinny.
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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