Daily
Roanoke
Thursday, March 12th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke Valley Speech and Hearing Center will host its first Second Chance Prom fundraiser on Saturday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at 5 Points Music Sanctuary on Maple Ave to raise funds for its Financial Assistance Program + tickets and donations support community voice programs. WSLS 10
- ➤ Congress recommended posthumously awarding Radford native Col. John Ripley (died 2008) the Medal of Honor for destroying the Dong Ha bridge during the Vietnam War to stop enemy movement, and local veterans keep his legacy alive with a memorial marker and a campus bridge named in his honor. WDBJ7
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke is preparing for its annual St Patrick’s Day celebration with a parade that will start Saturday at 11 a.m. on South Jefferson (turning right onto Campbell and left onto Williamson) and continue with festivities next Tuesday downtown. WFIR News
- ➤ Buddies, a bromantic comedy by Ben Abbott, opens Friday night at both the Bear Theatre and Community High School auditorium for two weekends. 9 to 5 the musical continues at Mill Mountain Theatre while Southern Hospitality, a hometown comedy, opens this weekend at Attic Productions in Fincastle & nearby areas. WFIR News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Local construction firms are facing a worker shortage as 92% of contractors nationwide report hiring troubles while Virginia Western Community College expands trade programs like welding, electrical wiring & HVAC to meet rising demand. WDBJ7
- ➤ Documents for a proposed Google data center in Botetourt County show plans for three facilities that could bring $1 billion in investment, 50 jobs, and new water infrastructure to the Roanoke Valley. If approved, developers will pay for water and sewer upgrades while officials plan for future needs. WSLS 10
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke County introduced spring break camps that will offer local students fun learning sessions at community centers and parks during the upcoming break. More details on registration and dates are expected soon. WDBJ7
- ➤ Roanoke College received $274,000 in federal funding yesterday to expand its Explore@RC dual enrollment lab school for high school students. The funding will help students earn up to 12 college credits with new tech access, course support and career mentoring around the valley. WSLS 10
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Delegate Rasoul’s $600K proposal to fund a downtown study to assess projects including a Ferris wheel was left out of the current state budget bill, so the study will not move forward now—officials may revisit the proposal with future amendments. WSLS 10
- ➤ Virginia lawmakers scrapped a planned Prescription Drug Affordability Board in favor of the Affordable Medicine Act, which offers all Virginians Medicare drug discounts. Governor Spanberger may amend the legislation ahead of the General Assembly's April session—transparency in pricing remains a focus. WVTF
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Doctors say colorectal cancer cases in adults under 50 are expected to more than double in the next decade. Experts note that unhealthy diets and obesity may raise risks and urge residents to check food labels and opt for whole foods to help lower the chance of developing the disease. WDBJ7
- ➤ Local health researchers reported a rise in colon cancer cases among young adults based on recent studies. Health experts recommend earlier screenings and increased awareness to help catch the disease sooner. WDBJ7
- ➤ VDH confirmed three rabid animals were found between March 6 and March 9 in the Central Virginia Health District, with a raccoon on Crestview Drive in Bedford and skunks on Suburban Road and Bethany Road in Campbell, though no humans were exposed. ABC 13
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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.
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Filter Concert
6:30-9 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Tickets $44-$74 — Experience a night of rock with Filter, Finger Eleven, and Local H on tour together.
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Blippi: Be Like Blippi Tour
6-9 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Tickets from $27 — Experience an interactive live show with Blippi filled with music, laughter, and curiosity-igniting adventures.
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Runaway Gin - A Tribute to Phish
8-11 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Tickets available — Experience an unforgettable night with the world’s most notable Phish tribute band.
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A Taste of Ireland
8:00 PM – 11:59 PM — Harvester Performance Center — Ticketed event — Experience the vibrant spirit of Ireland through music, dance, and heartfelt storytelling.
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Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage Live
7:30-10 p.m. — The Spot on Kirk — Ticket prices vary — Experience the mind-spinning indie rock and folk artistry of Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage.
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MDA Cruise In Car Show
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Free admission — Celebrate 45 years of automotive passion at this final community car show.
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Disco Diner: A Tribute to Widespread Panic
8-11 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Check event page for costs — Experience a high-energy tribute to Widespread Panic featuring talented local musicians.
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Chirp at The Spot on Kirk
7-10:30 p.m. — The Spot on Kirk — Check website for details — Experience a night of progressive rock and funk with Ann Arbor's own Chirp.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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