Daily
Roanoke
Tuesday, March 17th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Roanoke chapter of the SCLC held a Bloody Sunday remembrance event at the Dumas Center on Saturday, March 7, 2026, with speakers and performers honoring civil rights victims and stressing voting rights. The event highlighted a renewed community commitment to justice and remembrance. The Roanoke Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Nicole Zuraitis and her trio performed two sets at the Jeff Center Jazz Club on Thursday, March 5. The award-winning musician played original songs and classics that moved the audience and recalled her first Grammy win. The Roanoke Tribune
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke County Public Schools will host their 13th annual Backpack Run at Green Hill Park on March 21 at 9 a.m. Participants can run a 5k or 10k to support the Education Foundation which provides scholarships for seniors and grants for teachers. WSLS 10
- ➤ The Excel Center held its Term 3 Celebration on Feb. 26 where faculty from Goodwill Industries recognized students for outstanding attendance, SOL exam completion, and leadership under the theme (Watch Us Grow) despite winter weather and family obligations. The event celebrated academic and personal growth. The Roanoke Tribune
- ➤ Franklin County High School’s FFA chapter will host its annual Tractor Day on Friday, Mar. 20, where students drive tractors to school, present posters, and deliver speeches about agriculture & history while connecting with peers and community. WDBJ7
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Airport staff rescued a red-tailed hawk today at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport after finding it unable to fly and transported it to the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center, where a veterinarian said it will recover fully before returning to its mate in the coming weeks. WSLS 10
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke City Council and Public Schools met on Monday to review budget adjustments and explore funding revisions. They stressed working together and discussed key projects (including a boundary study to ease overcrowding). WDBJ7
- ➤ Board Chair Dr. Mac Scothorn told WDBJ that Google’s planned data center on 312 acres at the county’s Greenfield Center will use local water wisely and bring at least $30 million in tax revenue, with planned upgrades for power and water infrastructure + talks on a new water source underway. WDBJ7
- ➤ Virginia officials report that following cold weather in January and February they expect more LIHEAP requests from low-income residents facing high energy bills. The increase could prompt similar funding as last year though state allocations remain pending. WVTF
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A Roanoke support group held a meeting on Monday, Mar. 16 to help locals cope with loss. Leaders offered advice and resources (with guidance from trained counselors) (ensuring confidentiality) to those in need. WDBJ7
- ➤ In a new update from Hometown Health, guidelines for managing high cholesterol were released yesterday (Mar. 16) to support local heart health. Health experts advise residents to review these recommendations with their doctors. WDBJ7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Three women's basketball teams earned NCAA Tournament bids. Virginia Tech, seeded No. 9, will head to Austin to face Oregon on Friday — JMU, as Sun Belt champs, is set for a game in Morgantown, while the Cavaliers play a First Four game in Iowa City on Thursday. WDBJ7
- ➤ Today, a new regional skating haven opened at Wasena Park to teach tricks such as ollies, flip tricks and kickflips. Mayor Joe Cobb said the facility will offer lessons for riders of all levels. The Roanoke Times
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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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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.
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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.
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Local Author Fair
Join us for the Local Author Fair on April 11 from 11–2 at the South County Library, where you can meet local authors, explore a variety of books, and hear the stories behind their work. It’s a great opportunity to connect with the writing community, discover new reads, and support local talent.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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