Friday, July 25th, 2025

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Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 25th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Roanoke County Sheriff's Office introduced K9 Liberty—a 7-month-old doodle rescue that will soon begin formal therapy dog training to help ease deputies' job stress. Liberty works with Deputy Sweeney and is expected to visit public events to build her social skills. ABC 13
- ➤ The Virginia Diverse Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 6th annual Community Beautification Day on Saturday at Eureka Park. Residents in the Roanoke Valley can join in activities that are fun for all ages. WFIR News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Two Virginians were arrested and charged with multiple swatting counts—Evan Strauss from Moneta helped run an online group for these attacks while a Virginia Beach man repeatedly directed police to his ex-girlfriend’s home, and experts warn that swatting wastes resources, endangers lives, and carries severe penalties. WFXR-TV
- ➤ Roanoke Regional Health Association was awarded a grant to combat gun violence in our community — it will use the funds to launch new prevention programs and outreach efforts in the coming weeks. WDBJ7
- ➤ The Roanoke Police thanked Officers Poland, D’Arpa, Madera, Roggenbuch and Murphy for arresting a man involved in a shooting—he dropped two guns and now faces 12 charges with three warrants—and Officers Berman, Mahoney and D’Arpa for catching people tied to a series of robberies. ABC 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke County Public Schools was selected by the Carnegie Foundation for its Future of High School Network to help reshape high school education—its Opportunity Ready program saw about 300 students earn graduate seals and will expand to include portfolio defenses with business and parent input. Each system receives $100,000 in grant funding to boost these innovative learning efforts. WDBJ7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Monday, the Roanoke City Council considered banning wolf-hybrid dogs in Deyerle after a pack escaped and killed a deer—residents fear the animals may threaten children and pets. Officials plan to draft an ordinance in August to address these safety concerns. The Roanoke Times
- ➤ The U.S. House Appropriations Committee approved $17 million to improve I-81, a busy highway with traffic delays and deadly crashes — a move aimed at easing congestion and enhancing safety. Both the House and Senate must now approve the funds before Virginia receives any money. WFXR-TV
TRAVEL NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR Compression packing cubes are a travel game-changer — fit twice as much, stay organized, and avoid suitcase chaos. Perfect for any trip, they keep clothes tidy, save space, and make packing and unpacking a breeze. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Roanoke.
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Breakthrough Basketball Attack & Counter Camp
July 29-31 — Performance Sportsplex — $97 for observing coaches — Rapidly enhance your basketball skills while building character and confidence.
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Cocktails and Creators
7-11:59 p.m. — Six and Sky Rooftop Grille — $30 — Mingle with comic creators while enjoying a cocktail and scenic views in an exclusive meet and greet.
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Big Lick Comic Con: Summer Celebration
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Berglund Center — Cost information not provided — Celebrate summer with unique backgrounds and fandom at this local comic con.
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Shrek The Musical Live
1-4 p.m. — Mill Mountain Theater, Trinkle MainStage — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a delightful performance of Shrek The Musical in Roanoke.
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Lost 80's Live Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Tickets vary — Celebrate the 23rd anniversary of Lost 80's Live with iconic New Wave and Pop acts from the 80s.
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The Vapors Live Performance
6 PM – 12 AM — Elmwood Park — Tickets required — Experience a nostalgic night with 80's hits featuring The Vapors and other iconic bands.
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Shrek The Musical
1-4 p.m. — Mill Mountain Theater, Trinkle MainStage — VIP packages available — Experience the beloved story of Shrek in a spectacular musical performance.
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Roanoke Comedy Fest: Rich Vos Live
6:30-11 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Tickets available — Experience the comedic brilliance of Rich Vos, a stand-up legend with decades of laughter to share.
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The Concert - A Tribute to ABBA
6-7:30 p.m. — Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges — Ticket prices may vary — Relive the golden days of pop with one of the best ABBA tribute acts in the world.
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Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular
8:00 – 9:30 PM — Berglund Center — Tickets required — Experience a captivating laser and light show set to the iconic music of Pink Floyd.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Roanoke.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.
~ Greek Proverb
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