Daily
Roanoke
Saturday, November 22nd, 2025
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 22nd of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke County’s Illuminights returns today at Explore Park with new VA 250 patriotic displays featuring a 15-foot USA flag and an underwater section—along with classic attractions such as a Christmas wreath, a traditional train, an artisan market, Santa visits, an elf hunt, and a Sensory Night on November 30. WSLS 10
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ New River Community College inducted its seventh president, Dr. Robert Brandon, on Friday, November 14th at the Dublin campus—officials said he will work to support a diverse student body and enhance services, while leaders and community members marked the event with remarks and encouragement. His appointment follows previous roles at Southwest Virginia Community College and Cleveland State Community College. WFXR-TV
- ➤ WSLS is now accepting nominations for its 2025-2026 Education Impact Award to honor outstanding K-12 educators in the WSLS viewing area. Each month until July 2026 a selected teacher will receive a $250 check for their school — nominations are judged on creativity, inspirational impact, and originality. WSLS 10
- ➤ Math teacher Kaicey Manns was named teacher of the year by Roanoke City Schools on Thursday—she has taught at James Breckenridge Middle for 11 years. The Roanoke Times
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is offering holiday travel tips to help travelers prepare for the busy season ahead. The airport advises passengers to have valid identification—such as a real-ID or passport—and to download their airline’s app to track flight updates and plan for security checks. WDBJ7
- ➤ Valley Metro marked 50 years of bus service by launching three new electric buses this year and plans to add more—Third Street Station, opened in 2022, was designed to support additional electric bus infrastructure. The Roanoke Times
- ➤ Roanoke law enforcement will enforce new seatbelt rules during Operation C.A.R.E.—which runs from midnight next Wednesday to 11:59 p.m. next Sunday—to help reduce fatal crashes during the busy Thanksgiving travel period. Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport set a record with 40,000 passengers in October and expects nearly 1,800 on Friday with over 7,500 from Thursday to the holiday as flight loads reach 80–90 percent. WFXR-TV
- ➤ The George Washington and Jefferson National Forest selected a 32-foot red spruce from Highland County and delivered it to the White House as the National Christmas Tree last Saturday—symbols of hope for the holiday season. It will be viewable on the Ellipse beginning December 6, and tickets for the Lighting Ceremony on December 4 in President’s Park must be purchased. WFXR-TV
- ➤ Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport offered holiday travel tips to help local flyers manage busy security lines and weather delays during the season—official advice stressed checking flight updates and arriving early. WDBJ7
- ➤ Roanoke County and VDOT are studying ways to improve safety on Route 419/Electric Road between Starkey Road and Springwood Park Drive by adding sidewalks and bike lanes. The county is asking locals to complete a survey open until midnight, November 24th to help plan the changes and request grant funding next year. WSLS 10
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A skunk in northwestern Roanoke tested positive for rabies on November 17th near Desi Rd. NW and Atwater St.—health and animal control officials advise anyone who sees the animal or suspects contact to report it immediately. WDBJ7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Gretna Hawks beat Floyd County Buffaloes 56+55 in a close Region 2C football game that saw the Hawks overcome a halftime deficit. Key plays by quarterback Rayshaun Logan and player Sam Phillips helped secure the victory in the final minutes. WSLS 10
- ➤ Glenvar beat Radford 27+3 in a football game that ended Radford's three game win streak + Jace Forster intercepted a pass to set up early scoring. Brody Dawyot led his team with a screen pass touchdown and a 15 yard rush. WSLS 10
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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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Fayetteville Marksmen at Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs
7:05-8:35 p.m. — Berglund Center — $3 beers all game long — Kick off the weekend early with Thirsty Thursday while cheering on the Rail Yard Dawgs.
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Roanoke's Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl
4:30-9:00 p.m. — Martin's Downtown — Check Eventbrite for ticket pricing — Embrace the holiday spirit with contests, games, and cheers in your ugliest sweater at this festive pub crawl.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Save when you can and not when you have to.
~ Andrew Carnegie
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