Daily
Roanoke
Saturday, April 11th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 11th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ St. John’s Episcopal and Second Presbyterian churches join Habitat Roanoke to launch the second Build it Together home project in the city, serving a larger local family. The Roanoke Times
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Mill Mountain Theatre revealed a new production that takes audiences back to the '70s. The show will tour local venues soon + more details on dates and locations will be shared shortly. WDBJ7
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke Regional Partnership's 2025 report shows the region gained $176 million in investment and 715 jobs as part of the Thrive 2027 plan, which raised $565 million and created 3,175 jobs; Google bought land in Botetourt County for a data center as manufacturing and outdoor events spurred business inquiries. WFIR News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Virginia's first high school for adults is at Melrose Plaza. The Goodwill Industries Excel Center partners with Virginia Western Community College, serving 50 students per semester and aiming to grow to 300 annually — a model that may expand regionally. WFIR News
- ➤ Virginia Tech President Tim Sands will step down in the coming months after a 12-year tenure that saw a 30% rise in enrollment (with applications up 200%). Campus leaders and state officials praised his contributions (while students reacted with surprise and hopes for fresh leadership). WSLS 10
- ➤ Today, elementary students at Glen Cove Elementary used STEM skills to design egg protection systems during the third annual Egg Drop hosted by Roanoke County Public Schools. Eggs were dropped 60 to 80 feet from a helicopter and six surviving eggs earned Golden Parachute Awards plus additional class recognitions. WSLS 10
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Two nearly grown bobcats at SWVA Wildlife Center will be released into the wild next week at an undisclosed location — fans can watch them on the WSLS bobcat cam before they leave. WSLS 10
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Cannabis Control Authority launched a campaign warning that even small amounts of cannabis can impair driving by slowing reaction time and judgment. A 2024 survey showed one in three mistakenly view cannabis users as safer drivers + evidence-based DUI tests remain key as Virginia nears its upcoming retail market. WVTF
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ First Pitch, Check Donation has provided funds to support local suicide prevention and mental health programs. Announced Apr. 10, the contribution will help community services + boost support efforts. WDBJ7
- ➤ A Swedish study finds that children whose mothers had high PFAS exposure during pregnancy are more likely to develop asthma — low levels did not raise the risk, underscoring the potential harm of contaminated water sources. WDBJ7
- ➤ Today in Roanoke, Melrose Plaza hosts the 'I’ve Got the Power' autism awareness event featuring speaker Ashley Drayton, a parent panel and a live performance by Grammy‐nominated artist Morgan Janay — an advocate for viewing autism as a superpower. Organized by Guy Smith, the event runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. WDBJ7
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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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Gareth Pearson Live Performance
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Spot on Kirk — Ticket prices vary — Experience the explosive fingerstyle guitar mastery of The Welsh Tornado, Gareth Pearson.
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Leonard Blush and the Camelcals
5:30-9:30 p.m. — Parkway Brewing Company — Not specified — Experience a vibrant rock and roll performance by a versatile live band from Roanoke, Virginia.
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Roanoke Valley Holistic Expo
10 AM – 5 PM — Salem Civic Center — Free admission — Experience a day of holistic discovery with inspiring vendors and wellness activities.
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Swan Lake
7-10 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the world’s most iconic ballet brought to life by a cast of international dancers in a stunning performance.
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2026 Community School Strawberry Festival
11 a.m. - 7 p.m. & 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Free entry — Enjoy delicious strawberry shortcakes and local music amidst artisan vendors.
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Explore & Pour Festival
11 AM – 4 PM — Explore Park — $25 for wine tastings — Enjoy a full day of wine, live music from Latin Heat, and local artisan shopping in a scenic setting.
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Coppélia Performance
3-6 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the whimsical ballet where toys come to life in a magical toyshop.
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The Shoobies Live
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Parkway Brewing Company — Free entry — Experience live music in a vibrant brewery setting with rotating food trucks.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Roanoke
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