Daily
Roanoke
Thursday, February 26th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Since last July, Melrose Plaza has served as a one-stop shop with a grocery store, library, bank, and adult classes, and today it features exhibits on Roanoke's African American history, including the Harrison Museum and History Wall (honoring local pioneers) in the community. WSLS 10
- ➤ Local food banks are reporting a surge in need from families in Roanoke, including middle-class households, as the Presbyterian Community Center in northeast Roanoke has served over 250 people from 100 households since January. Donations from local churches and community partners are helping meet the rising demand across the region. WDBJ7
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Manufacturing and construction sectors will host job events in Roanoke Valley soon, offering job seekers plus networking opportunities while organizers finalize dates and locations. WDBJ7
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Avio USA will invest over $500 million to build a new rocket motor facility at the Southern Virginia Multimodal Park in Hurt. The project, scheduled for completion by 2028, is expected to add over 1,000 jobs and spur growth in nearby communities (Altavista, Motley, Gretna). WDBJ7
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Virginia Veterinary Conference held Feb. 19 to 21 at The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center honored Virginia Tech educators with awards for contributions to veterinary medicine, including Terry Swecker who earned Paul F. Landis Veterinarian of the Year Award plus recognition for mentoring and teamwork given to four colleagues. The Roanoke Star
- ➤ Roanoke City Public Schools announced Tuesday it received a $450,000 state grant to build a solar-powered microgrid that will boost emergency shelter capacity at Patrick Henry and William Fleming high schools, with construction to finish by end of 2026 + Secure Solar Futures providing $2.1 million for the project. WSLS 10
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The 200-year-old Huntingdon farmhouse in Northeast may be saved after developers choose a renovation option over a townhome plan that officials said was not up to code + the Western Virginia Water Authority released records showing water use for a Google data center in Botetourt County. WFIR News
- ➤ Virginia legislators are weighing state funds to help lower premium hikes that resulted from federal tax cuts, aiming to stabilize the health market. Negotiators have yet to confirm the final budget, and any support will begin July 1. WVTF
- ➤ Botetourt County approved an agreement for the proposed Google data center to draw 2–8 million gallons daily from Carvins Cove Reservoir; the developer & Helios Botetourt will cover water upgrades while officials warn that extra demand may force earlier regional supply expansion. WSLS 10
- ➤ Douglas Wilder, 95, reflected on his historic governorship and praised new Governor Spanberger during an interview in Roanoke today. He urged Virginians to stay engaged and monitor the state budget (a key to strong leadership) to support local progress. WSLS 10
- ➤ The Western Virginia Water Authority released records that show Google's planned data center in Botetourt County will use 2 million gallons a day at first and 8 million later after a court ruling made water use public. The move may set a state precedent (with lawmakers considering tougher rules) for water transparency. WDBJ7
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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.
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Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony Concert
7:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience powerful music from Shostakovich, Mozart, and Wagner in a captivating orchestral evening.
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Grand Finale Sale
Crowning Touch is closing it's doors after 30 years and selling all remaining cons. inventory. Discounted furniture, tools, home decor and more. 540-982-5800 Option 1 6704 Williamson Rd. Roanoke
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Virginia Spartans vs. Roanoke Catholic Soccer Match
6:15-8:00 p.m. — Roanoke Catholic School — Ticket prices may vary — Watch the Virginia Spartans take on Roanoke Catholic in an exciting high school soccer matchup.
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VPhA 145th Annual Convention
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center — Registration fees apply — A three-day gathering for pharmacy professionals to learn, network, and engage.
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Shoobies at Parkway
5:30 PM — Parkway Brewing Company — Cover band performance — Enjoy tight vocal harmonies with real steel pans from local talent.
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
Desire is a contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.
~ Naval Ravikant
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