Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 14th of April.
Good morning, Roanoke.
🏘️ Community
During Women’s History Month, AFGE honored Alma L.
Lee, a trailblazing labor leader who retired in November 2025 after a 33-year career advancing union rights and veterans' care. Her impact has paved the way for improved working conditions in the community (she earned several accolades).
The American Red Cross will host its 22nd Annual Celebration of Heroes (Help Can’t Wait) on Thursday, April 23, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Hotel Roanoke, where local families will share how volunteers helped provide emergency shelter, meals, and hope.
Henri Gendreau, the Rambler founder, said he felt betrayed by new owner Ollie Howie, who fired the three-person reporting staff days after the sale closed on March 30 — the change shifts the outlet to freelance work.
Howie will address the plans on WFIR Wednesday at 7:45 a.m.
A new events calendar compiles over 30 community sources to highlight upcoming events in Roanoke from Apr.
15 to Apr. 22 — featuring live music, theatre, festivals and interactive exhibits with venue details to help locals plan; check individual listings for schedule updates.
🚧 Accidents
A cat was rescued from a burning home Monday, Apr.
13 in Roanoke when firefighters quickly responded to the blaze.
💼 Business
Voyant Beauty will close its Roanoke plant this summer and lay off about 95 workers, with layoffs in two phases and production ceasing by Aug.
31 — the facility will then operate in a limited capacity.
The City of Roanoke and Carilion Clinic approved a memorandum of understanding to launch RoVa Labs, a biotech incubator in the Innovation Corridor at 1030 South Jefferson Street.
The space will support startups and research spinoffs and is expected to create 250 jobs over five years.
Roanoke entrepreneur Ollie Howie became the new owner of The Roanoke Rambler after the transaction closed March 30.
He aims to maintain the trusted local voice and was announced on Tuesday, April 7 — his business experience and commitment to the community support his mission to preserve quality journalism.
🎭 Culture
The Roanoke SCLC held a ceremony at The Dumas Center on Saturday, April 4 to remember Martin Luther King Jr., featuring a moving presentation of his Mountain Top speech and inspiring remarks by Rabbi Howard Stein *emphasizing equal rights*.
📰 Economy
On Monday, April 13, Roanoke gas prices dipped slightly with an average of $3.89 per gallon—down 0.9 cents this week—with the cheapest station at $3.65 and the priciest at $4.29 amid state-wide shifts driven by global oil changes.
Gas prices in Virginia fell by 7.0 cents per gallon, averaging $3.99 last Monday according to GasBuddy (data from 4,081 stations).
Prices range from $3.47 to $5.01 (a difference of $1.54) while remaining higher than last month and last year.
🏛️ Government
Roanoke earned Virginia’s Top Employer for Interns recognition for a fourth year because its program provided paid internships for local college students to gain skills while supporting city departments.
In 2025, the City hosted 13 interns from nine colleges (with many returning as full-time employees).
The City will begin upgrades to Riverland Road and Star Trail parking in mid-April—installing a sidewalk from Garden City Greenway to the trail, improving drainage and lighting, and repaving the parking lot, with detours and alternative parking provided during construction through fall.
🏥 Health
A free Remote Area Medical clinic in Augusta County treated 560 patients with help from over 400 volunteers to meet rising local health care needs.
The nonprofit will host four more popup clinics in Virginia later this year + extend services in rural areas.
🎉 Roanoke Events
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Coppélia Performance
3-6 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the whimsical ballet where toys come to life in a magical toyshop.
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.
🏠 Roanoke Real Estate
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