Daily
Roanoke
Friday, August 8th, 2025
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Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Blue Ridge Area Food Bank has named Kari Jorgensen Diener as its new chief executive officer — she brings more than 25 years of humanitarian aid and food security experience and succeeds Michael McKee, who retired this summer. WFXR-TV
- ➤ Roanoke County Parks and Recreation will host Touch a Truck at Green Hill Park this Saturday. Attendees can touch a truck, smash a junk car, or ride a bucket truck at this event. WFIR News
- ➤ Mill Mountain Zoo opened a new exhibit where a mating pair of two-year-old endangered Red Ruffed Lemurs now live in the space that once housed the zoo’s snow leopards—these lemurs are native to Madagascar and face threats from habitat loss and illegal pet trade. WFIR News
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Today, a fire damaged the family-owned industrial building, Batech, at 61 North Commerce Street in Hollins while three family members installing a new machine were inside, and one firefighter was taken to Roanoke Memorial Hospital with a minor burn. The blaze started at 12:12 p.m. and was mostly under control by 2:30 p.m. — the fire burned plastic products that made extinguishing it difficult — authorities are investigating its cause. WFXR-TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ As students return to class, Roanoke parents, educators and health experts say bullying remains a serious problem after the tragic loss of a 10-year-old and call for mandatory suicide prevention classes along with better counselor training. Advocates are urging state lawmakers to adopt clear policies to protect children—hoping new measures will help prevent further tragedies. WSLS 10
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke Mayor Joe Cobb introduced a 21-member task force on Monday afternoon in the city council chambers to address homelessness by focusing on education, policy and advocacy, services and resource research and housing. The group, which includes former homeless resident Courtney Downs and local leaders, will deliver recommendations to the council by early 2027 — local officials say efforts to reduce homelessness will continue every day. The Roanoke Times
- ➤ The Virginia DMV stated that about one million students ride school buses daily and drivers must stop when a bus displays flashing red lights or an extended stop sign. Drivers are urged to stay alert near bus stops and yield when students are boarding or exiting—steps aimed at keeping children safe. 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
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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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Tyler Hubbard Live
7:30-9 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening with national artist Tyler Hubbard as part of the Budweiser Summer Series.
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Chase Rice Concert
6:00-7:30 p.m. — Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges — Tickets required — Enjoy the energetic country sounds of Chase Rice live in Roanoke.
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