Daily
Roanoke
Tuesday, May 12th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 12th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Google announced plans to build a data center in Botetourt County near Daleville and is negotiating power agreements to use clean energy under the Va Clean Economy Act (with many details still kept private) as critics call for more information. WVTF
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Tattoo Experience Runway Show returns to Roanoke, featuring local tattoo artists and creative runway designs at a downtown venue. Organizers will share further details on time and location soon. WDBJ7
- ➤ A South Boston-based filmmaker will debut his Western film 'A Long Time Coming' in Roanoke soon + further screening details are to be announced. WDBJ7
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gasoline prices in Roanoke rose to $4.17 per gallon on Monday (a 10.8-cent increase over the past week) as reported by GasBuddy, with local prices still above last month and last year's averages. WDBJ7
- ➤ Dominion Energy will invest $1.1 billion in grid upgrades to reduce outages and modernize its system for higher power demands in the region, with improvements set to roll out over the next several years + benefiting local customers. Roanoke.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Franklin County School Board heard public comment on May 8 after eliminating family liaison positions—community members raised concerns over the impact on school support services. Officials will review the feedback for possible next steps. WDBJ7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Beth Macy, a best-selling author (former local reporter), challenged Congressman Ben Cline’s voting record outside his downtown office today, setting the stage for a potential primary contest as challenger Tom Periello returns to the district. WFIR News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ A Roanoke homeschooled student is fighting for inclusion in school sports as current eligibility rules are challenged by supporters. Local officials will review the guidelines soon and decide on extending participation for homeschooled athletes. WDBJ7
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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.
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Gary Allan Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Tickets starting at $31 — Experience the Southern rock sounds of Gary Allan live in concert.
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Dark Star Orchestra Concert
6-9 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Ticket prices vary — Experience the live sounds of Dark Star Orchestra under the stars in Roanoke's favorite park.
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Gasoline Alley Festival
8:30-11:30 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Free entry — Enjoy an outdoor celebration of music, arts, crafts, and family fun.
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1964 The Tribute
8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. — Elmwood Park — Ticket info not specified — Experience the magic of The Beatles with this authentic tribute band recreating a live concert experience.
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Boogie on the Mountain: Kerosene Willy
6-8 p.m. — Mill Mountain Discovery Center — Cost information not provided — Enjoy an evening of great music and food at the scenic Mill Mountain.
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68th Annual Sidewalk Art Show
10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Taubman Museum of Art — Free entry — Explore Southwest Virginia’s premier outdoor fine art show featuring diverse artwork from local artists.
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Josh Gates
8-11 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticketed event — Experience an exciting evening with Josh Gates in Roanoke, VA.
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Tom Hamilton Live Concert
6:30-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Ticketed event — Experience a night of diverse musical exploration with Tom Hamilton, renowned artist and member of various bands.
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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The reward for conformity is that everyone likes you but yourself.
~ Rita Mae Brown
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