Daily
Roanoke
Sunday, November 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 23rd of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Virginia nonprofit Pumpkins for Pigs helps reduce food waste by collecting unused holiday items like pumpkins, produce, and evergreen wreaths for farms and animal sanctuaries in Roanoke. The donation season runs from November 1 through January 31 and items must be free of sprays, dyes, mold, and decorations to keep animals safe. WFXR-TV
- ➤ 17-year-old Sitarah—also known as Starh—writes poetry, explores music, and takes photos after moving from Afghanistan and learning English, and she wants a family that offers steady support while she pursues her dreams in art and academics. WSLS 10
- ➤ On Saturday, the Roanoke Police Department teamed with the Society of St. Andrew for a Potato Drop at Berglund Center while the Roanoke Sheriff’s Office distributed Turkey Dinner Boxes to local families—both efforts providing meals ahead of Thanksgiving. These programs helped hundreds of residents in need. WSLS 10
- ➤ TAP’s free VITA Tax Clinic—helping low- and moderate-income families file taxes without cost—was honored statewide as the Independent Group Winner at the Governor’s Volunteerism & Community Service Awards, and TAP is now calling for volunteers to sign up by December 10 for training ahead of the 2025 tax season. The Roanoke Tribune
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Roanoke has lost long-time businesses over the past two years, and new local owners are filling the space with fresh dining and shop options. New venues like The Haven will open in the old Awful Arthur’s space on Campbell and Market streets—promising a family-friendly redo of the downtown scene. WFXR-TV
- ➤ FuboTV removed WSLS programming on Nov. 21 at 5 p.m. due to a carriage dispute between NBCUniversal and FuboTV—viewers can still watch the station free on an antenna or via its website. WSLS 10
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Adrian Crutchfield, a Roanoke native who performed with Prince and earned Grammy nods, tops the Billboard charts with his latest release—marking a milestone in his rising music career. He recently signed his first record deal with Trippin ‘n Rhythm Records and leads workshops on Prince’s music across the country. The Roanoke Tribune
- ➤ Illuminights began lighting up Explore Park on November 22 and will run until January 4—featuring over 650,000 lights along a half-mile trail. Alex North from Roanoke County Parks and Recreation previewed the festive display—highlighting warm fire pits and photo spots for local visitors. WSLS 10
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke City Public Schools named Kaicey Manns as the 2026 Teacher of the Year on November 18 at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center, honoring finalists Jeremiah Riesenbeck and Paul Bielema. Manns—an experienced math teacher from James Breckinridge Middle School with 11 years in teaching—received $1,000 from sponsor EES and will now compete for Virginia’s Region 6 Teacher of the Year. WFXR-TV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Virginia Department of Health has launched a new Maternal Health website that centralizes resources for mothers, families & healthcare providers in the Southwestern Health Region. Officials said the site was created under Executive Directive 11 to help improve maternal outcomes and provide support for quality care. WFXR-TV
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ At Six and Sky Rooftop Grille in Roanoke, Chef Travar Brown explained that brining a turkey with thyme, garlic, sea salt, pepper, and apple cider for 24 to 36 hours gives it more flavor and juiciness. He also advised rubbing it with melted butter or olive oil and letting it rest for 30 minutes after cooking—tips that can elevate Thanksgiving dinner this holiday. WFXR-TV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ WFXR Sports Director Jermaine Ferrell, sports anchor Ryan Moye and reporter Miriam Chamberlain reported on Week 13 high school football playoff scores from VHSL games, noting wins like Riverheads 29 to Sussex Central 12 and Buffalo Gap 52 to Altavista 29—scores that helped teams advance across six classes. The report summarized numerous matchups as playoff contenders moved forward. WFXR-TV
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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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The Nutcracker by Southwest Virginia Ballet
3-5 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket purchase required — Experience the magic of The Nutcracker with a large cast and live orchestra in this beloved holiday classic.
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