Daily
Roanoke
Thursday, May 8th, 2025
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Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Grow Wild Play Studio in Daleville offers one hour open play sessions in a low-stimulating space where children explore and parents gather over a coffee bar—owner Chelsey Craft said she created the spot after realizing many caregivers needed a safe place for early play and connection, and reservations are required. WDBJ7
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ The U.S. government announced it made the largest fentanyl bust in history when agents arrested 16 people—including one Salem resident—and seized 11.5 kilos of fentanyl, 3 million pills, $5 million in cash, weapons and vehicles from operations in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. ABC 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Rhino Sports is getting ready for Metallica fans and has shared key details to help attendees prepare for the event—this includes stage lighting designed by a Virginia Tech alum. The venue will offer a unique live experience for fans. WDBJ7
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine will have Radford native Dr. Sanjay Kishore speak as keynote at May 10 commencement at the Jefferson Center in Roanoke — he will urge graduates to use their medical training to serve all patients and support underserved communities in Southwest Virginia. The Roanoke Star
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The National Park Service will resurface 22 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway this summer on US 220 from milepost 122 to 143 near Pine Spur as part of a pavement preservation program. Work will begin the week of May 12 and continue through September — drivers should expect delays with single lane closures and flag-guided traffic — as crews complete the project in stages. WFXR-TV
- ➤ The National Park Service announced that 22 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway will be resurfaced this summer — work will start next week and continue through September with drivers facing short, single-lane closures from milepost 122 near US 220 to milepost 143 near Pine Spur. WDBJ7
- ➤ VDOT plans a $16 million project to replace the traffic signal with a roundabout at the busy intersection of Routes 24 and 634 in Vinton — where about 12,000 to 15,000 vehicles travel daily — to boost safety after 17 crashes were reported between 2016 and 2020. Construction will begin in 2028 with a detour for 4 to 6 months and a public hearing scheduled on May 20 at 5 p.m. at the Charles R. Hill Community Center. WSLS 10
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The $2.8 billion NCAA settlement pending federal judge approval may let colleges share money with athletes for use of their name, image and likeness while leaving non-revenue sport athletes in uncertain situations—athletes now face many challenges as new rules are set. Virginia Tech walk-on Jake Rimmel was cut after Thanksgiving break and trains on his own—he hopes to return next fall even though many teammates have already left college sports. WVTF
TRAVEL NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR Compression packing cubes are a travel game-changer — fit twice as much, stay organized, and avoid suitcase chaos. Perfect for any trip, they keep clothes tidy, save space, and make packing and unpacking a breeze. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Roanoke.
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Strawberry Festival
2:30-8:30 p.m. — The Farmers' Market at Citizen Square — Free entry — Enjoy fresh strawberries, ice cream, and family-friendly activities including bounce houses and face painting.
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Kiwanis Pancake and Auction Day
7:00 AM - 12:30 PM — Berglund Center — Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Roanoke's largest civic organization's 30th annual pancake event.
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Sunday School with Pastor Phil
11:00 a.m. — Church — Free entry — Explore Christian training through the Way of Love with Pastor Phil.
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Van Morrison Tribute Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Ticket information not provided — Enjoy a captivating journey through the timeless music of Van Morrison with Pat Garvey's One Irish Rover.
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Scott Robertson Memorial Golf Tournament
One of the largest Junior Golf Tournaments in the USA - players from 8 different countries + USA Rated as a top 10 event in the country! A chance to see the future of PGA and LPGA tours @ Roanoke Country Club. Thanks!
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Gainsboro Neighborhood Block Party
11 AM – 2 PM — Gainsboro Library — Free entry — Celebrate community spirit with food, games, and neighborly fun.
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Dominion Air Open House
12-8 p.m. — Dominion Air Machinery Co — RSVP required — Explore the facilities and learn about the latest in air machinery technology.
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Jordan Davis Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — Elmwood Park Art Walk — Cost not specified — Experience the hits of Billboard's Top New Country Artist in an intimate outdoor setting.
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Roanoke Festival in the Park
All day — Elmwood Park Art Walk — Free entry — Celebrate art, music, and community in this beloved annual festival since 1969.
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Strand Theatre Revival Free Jazz Concert
11 PM – 2 AM — 109 Henry St NW, Roanoke, VA — Free entry — Celebrate the legendary history of jazz music at the historic Strand Theatre with a night of free performances.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Roanoke
Welcome to the Daily Roanoke, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Roanoke, Virginia community. If you like the Daily Roanoke, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Roanoke.
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