A new strip club with live entertainers could open soon on Franklin Road, marking the first such venue in Roanoke in years. But the plan is not finalized.

Roanoke City Council approved four new full-time positions targeting transportation, tourism, sustainability, and grant management. They come with a price of more than $500,000 or half a million added to the city budget.

Roanoke police say crime is down from last year. They recently presented numbers to City Council and shared how they are working with organizations to make sure crime is down all across the city.

Local business owners are gearing up for what they hope is a successful Small Business Saturday.

ROANOKE, Va. – With corporate giants dominating online holiday sales, small local businesses are relying on shoppers’ dollars this holiday season to stay afloat. After 38 years of business, this year started off slow for Laura Duckworth, co-owner of Gift Niche in downtown Roanoke. Duckworth said sales normally trickle in at the start of October, but December’s sales alone help support her business till at least March. And other business owners seem to be in the same boat. I just take it day by day.”But to the business owners who are looking for a light at the end of the tunnel, Dale said keep pushing forward.