Daily
Roanoke
Wednesday, May 13th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 13th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The new local events calendar highlights community activities + including live music, theater, sports, family outings and civic gatherings scheduled from today through next week; readers are advised to contact venues directly for any changes. The Roanoke Rambler
- ➤ White Dog Winery has launched a community event that invites locals to raise a glass and support hometown programs. The winery expects the gathering to boost local initiatives & unite the community. WDBJ7
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Carroll County greenhouse Pluck’d is shipping locally grown tomatoes to major East Coast retailers from its Austinville facility today. The $100M operation uses AI monitoring and natural pest control (training local workers) as it prepares to add a second greenhouse soon. WSLS 10
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Local Colors Festival will return for its 35th year this Saturday at Elmwood Park. The free event will feature cultural performances, food, & fun to celebrate more than 50 nations. WFIR News
- ➤ A 75-year-old steam locomotive (restored in 2014) still runs today in Roanoke as a rolling testament to the city’s railroad legacy. The museum needs funds and support to keep the historic engine operating for future generations. WSLS 10
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke City Public Schools approved a preliminary 2026-27 budget on Tuesday night to address a $14 million shortfall; the cuts include fewer fall activity buses and a smaller PLATO Program for gifted students, and the board will meet May 26 to discuss overcrowding. WSLS 10
- ➤ Virginia Tech graduate students wrapped up drone detection tests with the Secret Service at the Innovation Campus in Arlington, aiming to counter unmanned aerial threats. Meanwhile, President Tim Sands (set to step down soon) will be inducted into the Blacksburg Technology Council Hall of Fame at Hotel Roanoke on Thursday. Cardinal News
- ➤ Facing a $14 — $16.5M shortfall, Roanoke City Public Schools will offer afterschool bus service Monday through Thursday for 173 riders this spring and scale back the PLATO gifted program to fourth and fifth graders at Highland Park Elementary; further changes will be considered pending new funding. The Roanoke Rambler
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Climate Central analysis indicates that climate change is driving a potential 19% increase in flood losses in Southwest Virginia by 2050. Local authorities are working to close weather data gaps — installing a new rain gauge near Dante to boost flash flood warnings. WVTF
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Anthem HealthKeepers Plus has partnered with the Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition to install six free naloxone vending boxes in high-need areas (Roanoke, Martinsville, and Henry County). The boxes are designed to help reduce opioid overdoses and provide life-saving medication to locals. WSLS 10
- ➤ Coal miner advocate Vonda Robinson spoke out after courts stayed new silica dust rules in April 2025, leaving many miners with black lung. She is urging lawmakers to pass the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act to help protect miners' health in Southwest Virginia. Cardinal News
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Maggie Hutton offers five simple upkeep tips for Roanoke drivers to boost gas mileage as fuel prices climb. Drivers can check tire pressure, replace filters, use fuel additives, clean injectors, and keep up with oil changes (steps that save money without costly repairs). The Roanoke Rambler
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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.
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Journey: Final Frontier Tour 2026
7:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying farewell performance by the iconic rock band Journey featuring their greatest hits.
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
Art is the lie that enables us to realize the truth.
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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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