Daily
Roanoke
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, more than 700 athletes gathered at Roanoke College for the 15th Annual Little Feet Meet hosted by Special Olympics Virginia - 35 schools joined the games that paired students with and without intellectual disabilities to build inclusive communities. WSLS 10
- ➤ On Wednesday, Apr. 22, GIVE Roanoke supported 95 local nonprofits in its Donation Day event that united donors and volunteers to boost funds for vital local initiatives. The event highlighted efforts to strengthen local services and resources across the community. WDBJ7
- ➤ On March 24, off-duty Deputy Kevin Wayne Myers used training to save a choking 7-month-old at a local restaurant, earning community praise. He will be honored today at the American Red Cross 22nd Annual Celebration of Heroes + the event runs at Hotel Roanoke from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. WSLS 10
- ➤ Hundreds of young athletes gathered at Roanoke College yesterday at the 15th Annual Little Feet Meet. The event ran from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — with an opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. featuring chief meteorologist Jeff Haniewich as emcee. WSLS 10
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday, Apr. 22, Salem RidgeYaks hosted its annual education day at the ballpark, where local students enjoyed a special morning first pitch (a twist on their typical school day). WDBJ7
- ➤ The Franklin County Public School Board decided Wednesday night not to give employee bonuses because of budget constraints. The board said teachers may get bonuses next fiscal year once the state budget is finalized (school officials explained). WSLS 10
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center released a healthy one-year-old American Beaver today as part of the GIVE Roanoke event that funds care for nearly 2,800 wild animals. The center aims to raise $40,000 to support its ongoing wildlife care programs. WSLS 10
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Today, on Earth Day, local residents boost their health by gardening, which is a full-body workout that builds bone strength and may lower dementia risk, as neurosurgeon Deborah Benzil (Cleveland Clinic) advises using stretches and sunscreen. WSLS 10
- ➤ Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a bipartisan package of bills on Wednesday to improve maternal health care across Virginia by expanding access to mental health screenings and remote monitoring for high-risk pregnancies. ABC 13
- ➤ Sen. Tim Kaine introduced legislation this week to expand primary care training that may help underserved communities. The Primary Care Team Education Centers Act will boost hands-on learning at health centers, rural clinics and schools, pending review in Congress. WSLS 10
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno explains that Virginia Tech’s Eric Stallknecht advises gardeners to inspect foliage and roots (like checking for white roots) when picking plants to help them thrive this spring. WFIR News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke School held a mini Olympics on Apr. 22 where students competed in races and field events. The competition showcased school spirit and athletic skill. WDBJ7
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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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Black Label Society Concert
7-10:30 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Tickets from $33.75 — Experience the electrifying heavy metal sounds of Black Label Society alongside Zakk Sabbath and Dark Chapel.
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Hands-On Process Improvement Workshop for Spanish Speakers
8 AM – 12 PM — Virginia Western Community College — $275 — Engage in a hands-on workshop to learn effective process improvement techniques through interactive simulations.
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Leonard Blush and the Camelcals Live
5:30-9:30 p.m. — Parkway Brewing Company — Check event page for pricing — Enjoy an energetic blend of rock and roll and country with Leonard Blush and the Camelcals.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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