Daily
Roanoke
Thursday, November 20th, 2025
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local church congregations came together to hold a product distribution to help families facing financial hardship before the government shutdown and Thanksgiving holiday—pastor Devin Taylor said volunteers donated time and money to make a big difference. WSLS 10
- ➤ Rescue groups from across Virginia met Wednesday to help find homes for 106 dogs rescued in Henry County last week and to collect 38 dogs remaining at the Henry County Animal Shelter—Henry County Sheriff Wayne Davis said a couple has been charged in connection with a hoarding case. The Old Dominion Humane Society took in 30 dogs on Friday and picked up three more on Wednesday and will offer them for adoption soon. WSLS 10
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A Roanoke father reported his son suffered serious bruising from months of bullying at James Madison Middle School culminating in an October 31 incident, prompting the family to consider moving while local authorities and school officials investigate and take disciplinary action against the alleged bully—police and social services are now involved. WSLS 10
- ➤ Actor Alicia Silverstone has partnered with PETA to offer up to $50K for information on two missing baby giraffes from Natural Bridge Zoo in Rockbridge County—where the zoo manager chose jail over complying with a court order—and an April inspection found the calves missing, prompting urgent concern for their care. WFXR-TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke City Public Schools held their 10th Annual 'Keep Giving' Coat Drive on Wednesday—serving Preston Park Elementary—and aimed to give students a coat before cooler weather sets in. WSLS 10
- ➤ Virginia Western’s Dental Hygiene Program trains students to be licensed hygienists and is looking to use dental offices to add extra space since each class is limited to 36 students. The program graduates 33 students in May and has built a strong reputation locally — most graduates stay in the area to begin their careers. WFXR-TV
- ➤ A task force of city and school officials is developing a proposal to lower the percentage of Roanoke City Public Schools funding from 40%—a level that has already forced cuts such as eliminating Spanish classes—to a minimum of 34%. The task force will meet again next month and any changes will need city council approval. WSLS 10
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Dead vultures in Tazewell, Washington and Wythe counties tested positive for avian flu while the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is testing other birds in Radford, Smyth and Russell counties—Virginia Tech experts say the cases are likely isolated incidents—and urge poultry farmers to maintain safety precautions. Cardinal News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke officials announced 20 winning names for the city snowplows this winter—officials thanked everyone who submitted creative ideas. The snowplows will display these names throughout the winter season. WSLS 10
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A recent report details construction projects underway in Roanoke including new residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments (local developers said work is expected to continue over the next several months) that aim to drive the city's growth. WDBJ7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ James Franklin was introduced as Virginia Tech’s new head football coach on Wednesday. He thanked former assistant Brent Pry and Hall of Fame coach Frank Beamer — one of the first people he called for their blessing — and drew on his past coaching success at Penn State to plan for the program's future. WVTF
- ➤ Virginia Tech introduced James Franklin as its new head football coach at a press conference—he said he has already begun recruiting—to strengthen the team. WFIR News
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The Ultimate Elvis Tribute - Christmas
7:30-9 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Cost info not provided — Celebrate the holidays with Graceland's Ultimate Elvis Champion and a spectacular tribute experience.
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The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight
8-9:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a mesmerizing fusion of iconic rock anthems and classical music in a stunning candlelit setting.
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Paint Your Pet 15
2-4 p.m. — Big Lick Brewing Company, LLC — Ticket required — Unleash your inner artist while painting your furry friend in a fun-filled atmosphere.
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Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
7-8:30 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Ticket prices apply — Experience a spectacular holiday tradition featuring an international cast and enchanting puppetry.
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Champions of Magic - Holiday Spectacular
7-8:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — Tickets required — Experience an enchanting evening of dazzling illusions and festive surprises for the whole family.
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The Rescue Mission Drumstick Dash
5 AM – 11 PM — Elmwood Park — Registration fee applies — Participate in a festive 5k run and family walk to support the Rescue Mission's meal services.
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Phat Laces Concert
8-10 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Cost not specified — Celebrate a post-Thanksgiving night with a vibrant hip-hop tribute featuring rap and funk influences.
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The Darkside Experience - Pink Floyd Tribute
8:00-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Cost Info Not Provided — Immerse yourself in the iconic sounds of Pink Floyd with a heartfelt tribute performance.
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Holiday Pops Spectacular by Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
7:30-9 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — $31-$56, Children 12 & under $12 — Experience a heartwarming celebration of holiday classics with LaTetra Lewis and the Pops.
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Peen: A Tribute to Ween
8:00-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — $ — Experience a lively tribute to the eclectic band Ween featuring The Big Debbies with their unique blend of groove and energy.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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