Daily
Roanoke
Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A retired area pastor vows to continue advocating for harsher penalties for bullying and cyberbullying under Autumn's Law—he remains committed to building community support for stronger protections. WFIR News
- ➤ Wildlife Warriors at the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center will hold a baby shower drive to collect supplies for wildlife; holding Saturday, Feb. 21, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 22, noon to 4 p.m. at Nature’s Emporium on 3912 Brambleton Ave, featuring a face painter + wildlife encounters. WSLS 10
- ➤ Local officials and community members discussed plans for an entertainment district downtown yesterday. The conversation could lead to new cultural venues and business growth in the area. WDBJ7
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Virginia's legislature plans to legalize a retail weed market, but farmers and small business groups worry the proposed start dates will leave current growers behind. They warn that long cultivation cycles and high investment needs may create challenges until licenses are issued (farmers urge a delay until fall). WVTF
- ➤ Tiny Cargo Company opened its first-of-its-kind manufacturing plant on Thursday in northeast Roanoke to produce milk exosomes used in skincare and nutritional supplements + repurposing a building once used for lumber and electronics storage, the new facility marks a step in the city's shift toward biomedical innovation. WVTF
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke College’s cannabis studies program is ready to adapt if retail marijuana sales advance this fall and will host three 1-hour online seminars (Feb. 23 to March 23) on cannabis, criminal justice and health. WFIR News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Trishul Kapoor (Center for Spine Health & Pain Management at Cleveland Clinic) advises locals to eat healthy, exercise, manage weight and lift carefully to prevent back pain, which affects up to 80% of people. He said to see a doctor if pain persists. WDBJ7
- ➤ Recent local health data shows that emergency visits for flu and COVID are low in Roanoke while RSV cases remain moderate in most areas and high in select nearby counties (wastewater tests hint at a coming rise). WSLS 10
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Franklin County will have a new housing development planned to boost local residential options, and officials said detailed plans and timelines will be released soon. WDBJ7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Rail Yard Dawgs relieved broadcaster Mitch Stewart of his duties Wednesday after a DWI on Feb. 17 and announced they are seeking an immediate replacement for the rest of the season. WFIR News
- ➤ Rail Yard Dawgs have dismissed broadcaster Mitch Stewart for violating the team code of conduct after nearly five seasons with the club. The team is now seeking an immediate replacement to cover play-by-play duties for the remainder of the season. WDBJ7
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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.
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The Shark is Broken
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Showtimers Community Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Dive into a comedic perspective of the behind-the-scenes antics during the filming of Jaws.
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Shadowgrass Concert
8-10 PM — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of captivating instrumental music from the rising band Shadowgrass.
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Steven Curtis Chapman Concert
7-10 p.m. — Parkway Church On The Mountain — Tickets from $50 — Experience a night of uplifting music with Steven Curtis Chapman in Roanoke.
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Spafford Live Performance
8-10 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Tickets Required — Experience astonishing improvisational jams from Spafford as they create a unique musical atmosphere.
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Nicole Zuraitis Live Performance
7-10 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Ticket prices may vary — Experience the genre-blurring sound of Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Nicole Zuraitis.
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Huntsville Havoc vs Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs
7:05-8:05 p.m. — Berglund Center — Watch the game live on FloHockey as the local team takes on their rivals.
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
If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.
~ Naval Ravikant
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