Daily
Roanoke
Saturday, August 2nd, 2025
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Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 2nd of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Lucky Evermore, a local native, has been leading the Zoo Choo train rides at Mill Mountain Zoo for the past two and a half months—he wears his classic conductor uniform and tells new stories on each ride. Visitors, both kids and adults, enjoy his friendly approach that turns every train tour into a unique adventure. WSLS 10
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Evan Strauss from Moneta, known online as 'Reaper' and 'Kobe Deonsons,' pleaded guilty to stalking and possession of child pornography and received a 15-year federal prison sentence on July 31 — federal prosecutors said he cyberstalked a 17-year-old by using social media to intimidate and extort her. WDBJ7
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Big Lick Comic Con 2025 was reported on August 1 and will bring comic fans together — further details about the event are expected to be announced soon. WDBJ7
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke shoppers began taking advantage of Virginia’s tax-free weekend sale Friday morning and will shop through midnight Sunday, August 3. Qualifying items include school supplies, clothing, and emergency preparedness gear — online orders qualify if shipped within Virginia. WSLS 10
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Load the Bus initiative kicked off Friday to collect school supplies for students in Salem, Roanoke and Craig County — buses parked outside Walmart stores accept donations during Tax-Free Weekend. Donations are available Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday until 5 p.m., and the campaign ends on Aug. 3. WSLS 10
- ➤ The Excel Center, a new facility at Melrose Plaza, will offer free adult high school education to Roanoke residents starting August 25. The center provides free childcare, transportation support and counseling as part of its accelerated courses (classes run for 8 weeks with options for morning or afternoon sessions). The Roanoke Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Roanoke Federal Building was renamed for civil rights attorney Reuben Lawson in a ceremony on August 1—officials said the change honors his work in advancing justice and equality. Community leaders noted that Lawson's lifelong commitment to civil rights was a key factor in the decision. WDBJ7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ At 81, Palmyra cancer survivor Wayland Moore credits contra dancing—practiced at Grandin Court Baptist Church—for boosting his health and aiding his remission after his December 10th scan showed a PSA of 0.03. He has danced for over 25 years and continues to rely on dance to support his recovery. WVTF
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
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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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2nd Annual Safe Community Fair
10 AM – 2 PM — Berglund Center — Registration fee required — Celebrate community spirit with music, food, and fun activities for all ages.
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Train & Edwin McCain Concert
3:30-9 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of live music featuring the hits of Train and Edwin McCain.
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Icons of Country Tribute Night
7-11 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Admission details on event website — Celebrate the best of country music with tributes to Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown, and Miranda Lambert.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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