🌱 Top Ten Cleanest Places To Live + New Playgrounds

Good day, neighbors! It's me again, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Roanoke Daily.

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First, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 79 Low: 56.

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Here are the top three stories today in Roanoke:

1. A new report by the American Lung Association claims that Roanoke is now a Top Ten "Cleanest Place to Live." The new designation is largely due to a reduction in the number of "upwind" coal-powered plants. Cleaner electric vehicles are also a factor in the cleaner air. (WFIR News Talk Radio)
2. Children's Hospital patients find a little relief in a giant real-world version of "Where's Waldo." The game is taking place outside the patients' windows at the nearby Crystal Spring Tower construction site. The big Waldo cutout moves around the construction site each day in order to provide a new challenge for the children. (WSET)
3. The Roanoke Parks and Recreation Department is opening six new playgrounds this summer. The single largest park expansion in the last 20 years is due to a recent $2.3 million investment. In addition to the new parks, various courts will be getting repairs. (WSLS 10)

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Today in Roanoke:

• In the Heights: Mill Mountain Theatre At The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce (All Day)

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From my notebook:

• Virginia State Parks has over 30 events happening this Saturday to celebrate Earth Day. Click to plan your weekend. (Instagram)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke announces a new cash match opportunity by an anonymous donor. Click to donate! (Facebook)
• Roanoke Police Department welcomes back Officer S. Frosell. Click for the full story. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. I'll see you soon!

— 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.