Good morning, Roanoke.

Visitor spending in Virginia’s Blue Ridge reached $972.5 million in 2025, generating $47.1 million in tax revenue and supporting 7,542 jobs for Roanoke and nearby areas.

A spring marketing campaign in early 2026 drove $17 million in spending from campaigns in Washington, D.C., Richmond, and Virginia Beach/Norfolk (Visit VBR reported).

Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge reported a record $972.5 million in visitor spending in 2025 that generated $47.1 million in local tax revenue.

Its 2026 spring campaign and July mountain bike championships boosted spending and raised over $21,000 for trail maintenance + local parks and are set to return next year.

Roanoke College will automatically award a $5,000 per year scholarship to eligible first-year students from 24 counties and eight cities starting in fall 2027 — a move that removes income requirements and eases financial barriers for local learners.

Virginia officials declared a state of emergency to offer aid to farmers facing ongoing challenges.

Relief programs and support services are being coordinated now — further details are pending.

A new report finds local healthcare facilities require 3,308 registered nurses to meet community demand, intensifying pressure on overworked staff.

Nursing homes are adjusting schedules to keep consistent care for residents (familiar staffing is key) amid ongoing shortages.

A new George Mason University report shows the region from southwest Virginia to the Blue Ridge needs 4,200 nurses.

Blue Ridge Partnership for Health Science Careers, formed in 2018, partners with over 50 organizations to engage K-12 students in medical career pathways.

On Thursday, LewisGale Regional Health System announced that the HCA Healthcare Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to Feeding Southwest Virginia to purchase high-quality food boxes — a step to improve nourishment and health outcomes for locals facing food insecurity.

The grant supports efforts to expand access to nutritious foods in the region.

A regional authority approved a purchase agreement today for Wood Haven Technology Park as Clearview Dynamics LLC — formed this year — buys the land; details on its planned development remain unclear as due diligence continues.

The Promissory on South Jefferson cut its ribbon this morning — unveiling a Spanish-themed Suerte restaurant and a 27-room boutique hotel inside the historic bank building with high marble columns.

Local partners and Mayor Joe Cobb toured the renovated site.