The lack of big shows or big games is not a failure of management or marketing, it’s simply a fundamental change in the entertainment market. Roanoke needs to keep that in mind as it contemplates an “entertainment district.”
Roanoke Zone
Roanoke, Roanoke County, Salem, Vinton, Franklin County, Craig County, Botetourt County
Russia apprehends former Salem man at sea, sentences him to 5 years in prison
Chuck Zimmerman, a 1985 Salem High School graduate, was sailing to New Zealand when the Russians picked him up in international waters on a side trip into the Black Sea. Those who follow Russia say it’s common practice for the country to “collect” Americans and then trade them in prisoner swaps.
Roanoke City School Board approves preliminary budget in preparation of cuts
The school board’s budget is not final and does not yet detail cuts to programs or personnel that will need to be made in the upcoming fiscal year, but it did include 2% raises for RCPS employees.
Job and program cuts on the table as Roanoke school board prepares to vote on budget
The division is considering 2% raises for employees, while also having to eliminate about 150 staff positions. It’s also considering cuts to the elementary gifted program.
Longtime Jefferson Center director Cyrus Pace says so long to Roanoke and hello to Lynchburg venue
Cyrus Pace has led the nonprofit foundation that operates Jefferson Center for 15 years. He’s taking a similar job at the Academy Center of the Arts.
Judge approves $7.3 million class-action settlement in Luna Innovations lawsuit
The Roanoke-based tech company and former executives faced civil allegations of securities fraud. The settlement is neither an admission nor a concession to plaintiffs, according to a judge’s order.
Roanoke County Planning Commission to discuss zoning amendments
The agenda documents for Tuesday’s meeting do not list any discussion of zoning ordinances related to abortion clinics, which will soon be studied by the planning commission.
Roanoke school division receives grant for solar-powered microgrid
Such microgrids generate power from the sun and store it in batteries for future use.
Kathy Cohen will seek Roanoke City Council seat
Cohen cited school funding in the city as one of the issues that prompted her to run for one of three council seats up for election this fall.
Study: Economic impact of Tech’s biomedical operations in Roanoke more than doubles in 8 years
A 2018 study predicted this rise. The economic growth in the Roanoke Valley has actually run higher than forecast.

