Good morning, Roanoke.

Roanoke’s skate park has reopened after a period of closure — the updated facility now offers a fresh spot for local skaters and will feature community events in the coming days.

Halwa Bakery won awards for excellence at a local ceremony on Friday, Mar.

13. The honors recognize the bakery’s commitment to quality and strengthen its growing presence in the community.

During Women’s History Month, women entrepreneurs in Roanoke continue to overcome financial and retail challenges—relying on persistence and strong customer relationships.

Business owners like Pauline Wood and Sue Rowe exemplify thriving local ventures—turning obstacles into success.

The Patchwork 250 initiative by WSLS 10 is celebrating 250 years of Virginia history by highlighting the legacies of Colonel William Fleming and General Andrew Lewis.

The project details how these local figures shaped our region’s military and political heritage and invites community members to explore their enduring impact.

Roanoke will host a revived St. Patrick's Day parade and festival downtown on March 17, featuring live music, food vendors and family-friendly activities that celebrate Irish culture.

Organizers expect strong community participation as local traditions are honored.

Roanoke College opened its Kim Kyusik Center for Korean Studies on its Salem campus last Friday to honor alumnus Kim Kyusik, who helped free Korea from Japanese rule & whose exhibits detail his legacy.

The center now serves as a community hub for learning.

Excel Center (the first public adult high school) and Virginia Western Community College signed a partnership agreement that lets students earn industry credentials while finishing high school courses.

The deal is set to broaden career paths for students in Roanoke.

Lawmakers are debating whether to end the sales tax exemption for data centers that saves tech companies on equipment and software, a policy that may cost the state up to $1.9 billion yearly.

The discussion may impact future projects including a proposed Google facility in Botetourt as budget talks continue.

Governor Spanberger has ordered state and local flags to fly at half-staff today (honoring Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, an ODU professor and veteran killed March 12).

The flags will remain at half-staff until sunset.

A new study finds that severe cases of COVID-19 & flu are linked to higher lung cancer risk.

The report was released on Mar. 13 and urges local health providers to focus on early care and prevention.

Virginia Tech researchers are testing an experimental vaccine to fight opioid addiction — a study first published on Mar.

13 that may lead to new treatment methods. Further trials are planned to assess its safety and effectiveness.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Squeaky Feet Jam Band Performance

6:30-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Ticket prices vary — Experience the full-flavor sonic marinade of a modern jam band from Denver.

That's So 70's Live Concert

7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. — Mill Mountain Theatre — Group discounts available — A high-energy celebration of 1970s music featuring the best disco hits, classic rock anthems, and funk grooves.