🌱 Travel Rate Increases At ROA + Shamrock Festival On Saturday

Hello again, Roanoke! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Roanoke Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Roanoke Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local to write about Roanoke long term. So if you're interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

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First, today's weather:

A.M. rain; otherwise, cloudy. High: 67 Low: 46.

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Attention, top law firms! We're now offering sponsorship opportunities for local firms interested in building lasting connections with clients in Roanoke. Click here to learn more.

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Here are the top three stories in Roanoke today:

1. According to a report from the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, air travel has rebounded since the beginning of the pandemic. Despite the optimism of the initial growth numbers, officials are worried that a pilot shortage might limit that growth. Officials warn that available airline seats have not grown, despite the 80 percent increase in travelers when compared to last year. (WFIR News Talk Radio)
2. The Shamrock Festival will be this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. after being rescheduled due to last weekend's wind and cold temperatures. Attendees will enjoy live music and adult beverages. The downtown Roanoke event is currently searching for volunteers to staff the festivities. (WSLS 10)
3. Due to rising gas prices, Feeding Southwest Virginia is asking the community for donations. The funds will be used to provide fuel for their trucks that deliver food throughout Southwest Virginia to those in need. The price of diesel has reportedly increased more than 55 percent when compared to last year's prices. (WSLS 10)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Night Howls At The Mill Mountain Zoo (5:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Roanoke Fire-EMS canvassed a neighborhood to install smoke alarms and share fire safety tips. The neighborhood was the site of a recent fire. (Twitter)
• Wine Gourmet and Medmont Mercantile celebrate their new brand. The two now occupy a space in Promenade Park Shopping Center. (RVTV)
• The Rescue Mission of Roanoke asks for the community to donate Welcome Home Kits. Click to order a kit from Amazon. (Facebook)

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That's it for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.