Daily
Roanoke
Friday, May 16th, 2025
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Happy Trails Festival is a three-day event that started on May 15th and will run until May 17th — giving local families many fun activities in Roanoke. WDBJ7
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Book No Further—a downtown independent bookstore serving about 100 customers weekly—hopes to find a new owner by June 1 to save its storefront, and co-owner Doloris Vest said she will keep the online shop running if no buyer appears. This move aims to preserve the store's role in local tourism and community engagement. WSLS 10
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A young mother in Roanoke defied many odds by graduating after overcoming challenges in her education — her achievement was celebrated by local friends and family — as she looks forward to new opportunities. WDBJ7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bedford County Animal Shelter broke ground on Thursday for a $1.1 million expansion that will add 40 kennels + thousands of square feet to double its capacity. County officials said the project was overdue due to the growing pet population and it will be completed by fall. WDBJ7
- ➤ Virginia lawmakers have approved a law banning junk fees across most industries that will take effect July 1—consumers will be able to sue companies charging these fees while airlines and some utilities are exempt. WFXR-TV
- ➤ Roanoke city officials broke ground on two new attractions in Wasena Park: a skate park and an in-river park, with construction set to begin next month. The skate park will replace a 35-year-old facility near the old Wasena Bridge and finish later this year while the in-river park will improve one mile of the Roanoke River (the first of its kind in Virginia) and be complete next year. WFXR-TV
- ➤ Advocates warn that if Congress approves changes to SNAP, Virginia families may lose essential food support as states will bear more costs. The proposal—which adds extra paperwork as a work requirement—could reduce benefits like summer EBT for children, with southside areas such as Petersburg and Emporia expected to suffer the most. WVTF
- ➤ Virginia has faced housing challenges since the 2008 crisis and gubernatorial hopefuls are offering new ideas to increase affordable homes by changing local zoning rules and providing incentives for new construction. The candidates propose varied approaches—one favoring local flexibility and another stressing state and local partnerships—to help boost Virginia’s housing supply ahead of next year’s new governor. WVTF
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Good Samaritan Hospice is hosting Expressions of Grief Workshops where participants can use art to process loss. The Roanoke session runs on June 11th from 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. at 4751 Cove Rd., while another session will be held on June 6th from 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. at 1160 Moose Drive — Christiansburg. WFIR News
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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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Festival in The Park - Sunday (1964 The Tribute)
8:30-11:30 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Ticket information not mentioned — Experience an authentic Beatles tribute that captures the spirit of the 60s.
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YogaVenture 2025
2 PM – 4 PM — Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing — Ticketed event — Enjoy a rejuvenating weekend of yoga, mindfulness workshops, and outdoor adventures in serene mountain vibes.
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Wickets and Wine Fundraiser
11 AM – 3 PM — Historic Fishburn Mansion — $50 — Step back in time for croquet, wine, and delicious lunch while supporting historic preservation.
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The Big Run Roanoke 5K
5:45-7:30 p.m. — Fallon Park & Pool — Registration details available — Celebrate Global Running Day with runners of all ages and skill levels.
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Roanoke Higher Education Center Open House
4-6 p.m. — Roanoke Higher Education Center — Free entry — Discover educational programs and meet local academic representatives at this informative open house.
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