22 Oct 2026
$80M Tech Center Opens, Russia Holds Salem Native, Grandin Data Center Rally | Roanoke Valley's Morning News — October 22, 2026
Miss the morning broadcast? Catch up on the top stories impacting the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia for Thursday, October 22, 2026.
In this episode of Roanoke Valley's Morning News, hosts Joey Self and Ian Price cover the ribbon-cutting of Roanoke County's new $80 million career and technical center, the continued Russian detention of Salem native Chuck Zimmerman, and hundreds marching in Grandin Village to demand a freeze on data center construction.
$80M Roanoke County Career Center Opens: Officials cut the ribbon on the new 120,000-square-foot Roanoke County Career and Technology Center on Peters Creek Road, an $80 million facility replacing the Burton Center to prepare high schoolers for skilled trades starting in January.
Salem Native Still Detained in Russia: While Russia freed American Stephen Hubbard, Salem native Chuck Zimmerman remains imprisoned serving a five-year sentence, prompting lawmakers and Zimmerman's family to urge the Trump administration to negotiate a swap.
Grandin Data Center Moratorium Rally: Hundreds demonstrated along Grandin Road and held a forum at the Grandin Theatre demanding an immediate statewide freeze on data centers following Google's proposed campus at Woodhaven Technology Park.
Rocky Mount Emergency Access Demand: Franklin County NAACP leaders and Diamond Avenue Extension residents petitioned supervisors to open an emergency access road to Sycamore Street, warning train-blocked tracks endanger response times.
Perriello Calls for End to Iran War: In Vinton, 5th District challenger Tom Perriello called to end the conflict in Iran, arguing war-driven gas prices, tariffs, and federal diesel purchases from Russia hurt local families and farmers.
Keagy Towns Ribbon Cutting: A. Boone Real Estate and Ryan Homes cut the ribbon on Keagy Towns, a 24-unit townhome community on Medmont Circle near LewisGale Hospital with homes starting in the mid-$300,000s.
Social Security Funding Warnings: AARP Virginia urged federal candidates to outline plans to protect Social Security, warning automatic benefit cuts could top 25% within a decade without action.
VA-6 Prediction Market Betting: Over $70,000 has been wagered on Virginia's 6th District race on online exchange Kalshi, where incumbent Republican Ben Cline holds a substantial lead over Democrat Beth Macy.
Franklin County Larceny Suspect Sought: The Franklin County Sheriff's Office is asking public assistance to identify a six-foot-tall, 200-pound man wanted in connection with a local store larceny.
Henry County Mourns K9 Raja: The Henry County Sheriff's Office announced the passing of retired K9 Raja, who served six years in narcotics detection and tracking alongside Sgt. Waddle, earning a National Valor Award in 2022.
College Football Thursday Night: 7-0 James Madison visits Appalachian State in Sun Belt action, while Liberty visits Kennesaw State tonight.
World Series Eve: The 2026 World Series begins Friday in Milwaukee as the Tampa Bay Rays take on the National League champion Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1.
NBA Action: The Washington Wizards topped Milwaukee 128-116 and Charlotte defeated Brooklyn 110-103 in regular-season play.
WNBA Finals: Atlanta defeated Golden State 87-71 to take a 2-1 series lead, with Game 4 set for Saturday in Atlanta.
Weekend Sports Ahead: High school football returns Friday across the valley, Virginia Tech visits Clemson on Saturday, and the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs host Athens at the Berglund Center.
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