Daily
Roanoke
Saturday, March 21st, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 21st of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ City Councilman Phazhon Nash held an Entertainment District Focus Group Thursday to gather ideas on the Berglund Center; local residents suggested renovations, more efficient parking—such as an overhead bridge—and even a casino to boost the area's appeal. WSLS 10
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Local entrepreneur Christopher Logan IV, born at Roanoke Memorial and raised in a tight-knit Northwest neighborhood, runs Formulas of Wealth to help residents learn smart financial strategies and build long-term stability. His work focuses on closing the education gap in money management. The Roanoke Tribune
- ➤ Three Brothers Fresh Seafood Market opened on Feb. 12 at Lamplighter Mall at 5524 Williamson Rd., offering 30 types of fresh fish and live seafood in neatly iced displays. The store is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (call 366-346-6659 for pricing). The Roanoke Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke native Alex Huyhn, a Northside High graduate, appears in the film 'Sinners' that ranked in the top ten films of 2025 and earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination for stunt work—he will next direct Black Panther 3 and develop an X Files reboot. The Roanoke Tribune
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A new rare earth processing lab opened at Virginia Tech’s Corporate Research Center in Blacksburg — a demonstration facility testing mineral separation methods for green tech. The Canadian-led Aclara project may boost U.S. production, with a larger facility planned in Louisiana. WVTF
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Franklin County High School’s FFA chapter held its annual Tractor Day Friday, March 20, when students drove tractors to school and delivered speeches on each tractor’s history (a nod to local farming traditions). WDBJ7
- ➤ The Excel Center and Virginia Western Community College partnered last Friday, March 13 to create direct pathways from a high school diploma to in-demand certifications for adult learners & career options in healthcare, light manufacturing and trades. The Roanoke Tribune
- ➤ Roanoke City Public Schools reported two band program honors after Superior ratings at the Virginia Band & Orchestra Directors Association’s District 6 Concert Assessment. Patrick Henry High earned the Virginia Honor Band Award and William Fleming High earned a Superior rating for the second year from its March 11 performance. The Roanoke Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Nearly six months after Williamson Road was reconfigured from two lanes to one each way (with a new center lane) to improve safety, business owners remain split; the city said feedback from 1,000 locals was evenly divided, and a steering committee will meet in July to decide the road's future. WDBJ7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ One year after 10-year-old Autumn Bushman died by suicide amid bullying concerns, her family is remembering her today with a benefit ride at Salem Civic Center at 11 a.m.—all proceeds will support Tudor House’s suicide prevention programs. WSLS 10
- ➤ On March 10, community leaders, healthcare workers and residents gathered at the Burrell Center to honor Dr. Isaac David Burrell and his legacy that improved access during segregation; Mayor Cobb declared Burrell Day and speakers stressed compassion + justice for future care. The Roanoke Tribune
- ➤ A new study by the University of New Mexico finds that high blood pressure-related deaths among women ages 25 to 44 have quadrupled over 20 years due to delayed diagnosis. Doctors advise focusing on medications, exercise & diet to manage the rising risks. WDBJ7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Salem RidgeYaks will host their inaugural fan fest today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Salem Memorial Ballpark, where families can explore activities like a bouncy house, petting zoo, face painting, and a speed pitch station, plus watch Roanoke College play Eastern Mennonite University in a doubleheader. WFIR News
- ➤ Roanoke native players Elijah Mitchell and Jada Cook earned spots in the NCAA tournament following Selection Sunday, March 15, and will play for their college teams this week — a proud moment for local fans. The Roanoke Tribune
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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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Shakedown Citi - Grateful Dead Tribute
6:30-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant sounds of Shakedown Citi, a Grateful Dead tribute known for their high-energy performances and unique setlists.
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2nd Ever Screamiverse Expo
10 AM - 5 PM — Terror Manor — Check website for entry details — Explore the haunted tour with music in a lively midway atmosphere.
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