Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

My husband and I projected on Sunday that the huge snow and ice piles pushed to the corner of every Southside parking lot will finally thaw around the beginning of April—and then, a heatwave hit today. It’s supposed to get up to the mid-50s, maybe even low-60s, by late afternoon where we are, and I’m personally thrilled.

It seems a walk to our local coffee shop might be in order. While I don’t get out and stroll around as much in the wintertime, I certainly do enjoy supporting local businesses. It’s my small way of cheering on someone’s dream, be it a mom and pop restaurant, an independent bookstore, or the best London fog latte with two pumps of vanilla to ever grace the planet. 

If I had to guess, I’d bet you enjoy supporting the unique shops in your neighborhood, too. That’s why I’m so excited to shine a light on some of Virginia’s coolest immigrant-owned businesses in today’s lead story. I’m so glad you’re here. 

Estela Gonzalez Perez runs the espresso machine at her restaurant. (Cuban Island Restaurant)

By Aila Boyd

Here’s what you need to know: From international favors to highly specialized services, immigrant-owned businesses operate on both main streets and in major city centers. 

Our top picks:

• Inspired by Estela Gonzalez Perez’s native Cuba, the Cuban Island Restaurant in Roanoke started as a food truck in 2007, after her husband recommended that they branch out after working for the Home Shopping Network for 10 years. She later opened the restaurant, serving favorites like pollo a la isla, pollo frito, and ropa vieja.

• Maria’s Old Town 21 is owned and operated by Sicilians Vincenza and Giovanni Crapa, who moved to the US in 2007. Seven years later, their love of food led them to open the Petersburg restaurant so that they could share their favorite Sicilian meals with those in their adopted country.
• Sabai Thai Winchester grew out of a desire on the part of a Winchester-based Thai family to open their own Thai restaurant. Chef Wan already had experience owning and operating a restaurant in their native Thailand, and now shares flavorful dishes like gai pad pongali with the community. 

Ready to shop? There are local treasures waiting for you to discover—from delicious food to area consultants. 

Then Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger at a press conference in Richmond on Dec. 18, 2025. (Courtesy of Spanberger for Governor)

By Michael O’Connor

Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger recently announced the end of controversial agreements between state law enforcement agencies and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

Under the agreements, known as 287(g) agreements, law enforcement officers carry out some aspects of federal immigration policy, but they have come under intense scrutiny amid President Donald Trump’s violent crackdown on immigrants and protestors.

Former Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Trump loyalist, issued an executive order requiring some state agencies to enter into 287(g) agreements and encouraged local law enforcement agencies to follow suit. 

Spanberger’s order directs the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Corrections, the Virginia Conservation Police, and the Virginia Marine Police to end their existing 287(g) agreements with ICE. 

Patient 2025-1665 prepares to be released back into the wild in Roanoke. (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke)

Here at Dogwood, we love sharing happy animal news—and if you’re in Roanoke at 5 p.m. today (Feb. 10), you can witness a very happy ending for one of Virginia’s own. 

That’s when the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke will release a Great Horned Owl at the Roanoke Star/Mill Mountain Star Overlook.

The bird first entered the center in August 2025 after a damaged wing and an inflamed chest made her unable to fly. After months of physical therapy, she’s ready to take to the Star City’s skies again—and you’re welcome to watch.

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