Daily
Roanoke
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Legal Aid Society of Roanoke Valley will host its 5th Annual Tea for Justice on May 7 at Charter Hall at the City Market Building. The event (11:30 AM to 1:30 PM) will feature a luncheon, tea service, silent auction, live music, and a keynote supporting legal aid. The Roanoke Star
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ New Kroger is preparing behind the scenes as ART 180 will soon close, and Virginia collective bargaining talks began April 16. Local leaders expect additional details to be released soon. The Roanoke Times
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Bedford County School Board postponed the decommission decision on Stewartsville Elementary for one year to allow a redistricting study amid declining enrollment + budget pressures, leaving parents concerned about missing details on future bus routes and staff changes. WSLS 10
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Caroline looked at the drought monitor on Friday, Apr. 16 to check local water conditions, and her review is expected to help guide upcoming water resource planning + ensuring the community stays prepared. WDBJ7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Over the past six months, Williamson Road has lost travel lanes and gained a center turn lane to slow traffic, with nearly 1,000 local residents and businesses giving mixed feedback in a survey; the Envision Williamson Road committee will meet in July to plan paving improvements later this summer. WSLS 10
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A local hospice is urging residents to begin advance care planning by offering resources at nearby offices & online. The initiative, announced on Apr. 16, helps patients document their future care wishes. WDBJ7
- ➤ A Consumer Reports investigation shows that some energy drinks contain up to 16 percent more caffeine than listed, and tests of 23 popular brands prompt warnings for parents to monitor teen consumption. The findings highlight the importance of checking labels for safe use. WSLS 10
- ➤ A local workout group celebrated its 10th year on Apr. 16 by hosting community exercise sessions at local venues + promoting fitness and healthy living among residents. WDBJ7
- ➤ Sleep specialist Brian Chen (Cleveland Clinic) advises adults to turn off screens and avoid exercise and eating in the hour before bed to protect melatonin production and prevent social jet lag, which can affect getting seven to nine hours of sleep for better energy tomorrow. WSLS 10
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Blue Ridge Marathon scheduled for Saturday will close key streets starting at 5 a.m. to keep runners safe. The closures affect parts of Jefferson Street, Franklin Road, Walnut Avenue — along with nearby no-parking zones for additional safety. WSLS 10
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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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The Darkside Experience - Pink Floyd Tribute
6:00 – 9:30 PM — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Cost info not provided — Experience an authentic tribute to classic Pink Floyd that feels just like being there.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Roanoke
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