Daily
Roanoke
Tuesday, August 12th, 2025
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 12th of August.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local youth from across the Roanoke Valley performed original music, poetry and dance at the Jefferson Center on August 1 in TAP’s Third Annual Talent in the Star review that lasted nearly three hours. The event crowned a King or Queen of the Mountain and Jada Claytor earned first place—highlighting weeks of preparation by local participants. The Roanoke Tribune
- ➤ Roanoke Branch NAACP held its annual ACT-SO competition at William Fleming High School on May 19, where 600 students competed in 32 categories covering STEM, performing arts, humanities, visual arts, business, and culinary arts — local winners such as Simone Bryant earned national recognition and the committee will travel to Chicago for next year’s event. The Roanoke Tribune
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices in Roanoke dropped almost two cents per gallon last week based on a survey of 155 stations—one station sold gas at $2.63 on August 10, marking a decrease of one cent from last month and 34.7 cents from last year. The national average also fell nearly three cents to $3.08 per gallon after oil prices dipped. WDBJ7
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy’s new Roanoke campus at 3230 King St. will open on August 20 for students from nine months to fifth grade—offering art, music and PE—while providing a shuttle for older students to the main campuses. The Roanoke Star
- ➤ The Virginia Board of Education approved the first new Governor’s School in the Commonwealth since 2009, expected to open as early as next fall at Radford University for advanced students from Giles, Montgomery, Floyd, Pulaski, and Radford City Public Schools — students may earn up to 30 university credits while engaging in hands-on arts and humanities experiences. WSLS 10
- ➤ Local families can ease back-to-school stress by setting up regular sleep schedules, choosing outfits the night before, planning a healthy breakfast, and updating vaccinations—tips shared by experts including a school principal and Consumer Reports. WSLS 10
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke’s federal building at 210 Franklin Road was renamed the Reuben E. Lawson Building on August 1 in honor of the civil rights attorney whose work helped desegregate local schools — a change achieved after years of local advocacy that led to legislation signed by President Biden. Local leaders and community groups played key roles to honor Lawson's legacy. The Roanoke Tribune
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Diane Simmons grew up in Elliston and earned her degree from Virginia Tech before starting Simply Fitness LLC in Roanoke—where she now hosts fitness camps and gives breathing help to people with lung problems. She uses her past work at the Roanoke Times and Radford University Carilion to guide local efforts to promote health. The Roanoke Tribune
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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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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried.
~ Stephen McCranie
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