🌱 Federal Drug Arrests + Teachers' Pay Increased

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:

Cooler with periods of rain. High: 46 Low: 39.

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Here are the top three stories today in Roanoke:

1. A federal law enforcement task force arrested 13 Roanoke area residents on a variety of federal charges related to drug crimes. The charges are related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine along with possession of explosives that has led to an increase in crime in the Roanoke Valley. The community is being asked to continue its diligent efforts in reporting crimes to the department. (WDBJ7)
2. Roanoke City Public School educators will see their pay increase by as much as 14 percent next year. The increase is due to the district's $30 million budget increase that was approved by the school board on Tuesday. The increases come at a time when the district has more than two dozen open positions. (WDBJ7)
3. The Roanoke City Police Department reports that one person has been detained following a traffic stop. The incident occurred in Northwest Roanoke with a pursuit ending on 13th Street NW and Staunton Avenue NW Wednesday morning. This is an ongoing case according to the department. (WSLS 10)

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Today in Roanoke:

• School Board Regular Meeting At Roanoke County (6:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Students at Roanoke College engaged in Roanoke River studies. The outdoor excursions are part of the environmental studies program. (Instagram)
• In celebration of Black History Month, students at RCPS watched Hidden Figures at The Grandin Theatre. The film was accompanied by an educational booklet that provided visual elements for the experience. (Facebook)
• The Valley Metro is officially in motion! Click for a schedule of the new trolley. (Instagram)

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That's it for today! See you all tomorrow morning for your next 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.