🌱 Man Convicted In 1st Down Bar Murder + Starbucks Union Rally

Happy Friday, people of Roanoke! Here's everything you need to know going on in Roanoke today.

---

First, today's weather:

Warmer; a bit of morning rain. High: 59 Low: 33.

---

Here are the top three stories in Roanoke today:

1. Ahmad Mubdi has been found guilty of a deadly Roanoke shooting that happened in Sept. 2020. Mubdi, 51, has been convicted of shooting and killing Derrick Bostick, 35, outside 1st Down Sports Lounge. He was found guilty on charges of first-degree murder, using a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possessing a firearm while a convicted felon. (WSLS 10)
2. All of Roanoke's ABC stores are returning to normal operating hours. Stores will begin opening at 10:00 a.m. daily with closing times varying from store to store. The recent changes to operating hours are in response to declining COVID-19 infection rates. (WDBJ7)
3. Labor union activists and employees gathered in Roanoke to organize for representation at Starbucks. The rally is in response to a recent 19 percent increase in corporate revenue and CEO raises while employees are burnt out. Virginia's Starbucks employees join 24 other state's in organizing their labor while pressure from corporate grows. (Augusta Free Press)

---

From our sponsor:

Tackling a big to-do list around the house to start the new year? Our partners at Thumbtack, the home services app, have made hiring trusted local pros for pretty much any job extremely easy and intuitive. In minutes, you can find a painter, plumber, roofer or someone to help with small jobs such as trash hauling or appliance repair. And Thumbtack's rating system can give you confidence that you're hiring a quality pro you can count on. Click here to get started.

---

Today in Roanoke:

• Break the Rules: Blowing Up Leadership Norms At The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce (11:30 AM)

---

From my notebook:

• Roanoke Valley Television can show you how to bear-proof your trash can in preparation for warmer weather. Check out their tweet for tips. (Twitter)
• Deputy Chief David Guynn has officially completed the Executive Fire Officer Program with the National Fire Academy. The Roanoke Fire & EMS Department is dedicated to ongoing training designed to keep our community safe. (Facebook)
• Roanoke Police Department announced the detention of 13 suspects accused of committing various drug-related crimes. (Twitter)

---

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month (February 28)
• Add your event

---

Loving the Roanoke Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers

---

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning 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.