Daily
Roanoke
Friday, December 19th, 2025
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday, the 11th annual WSLS Home for Good dedication ceremony honored the Toure family by handing them the keys to their first home, built through community efforts. Madosso Toure and her six children begin a new chapter just in time for the holidays. WSLS 10
- ➤ The Salvation Army Roanoke Corps hosts its annual Distribution Day today at the former Belmont Elementary School, where volunteers provide gifts and support to families in need (a cherished holiday tradition in Roanoke). WSLS 10
- ➤ In a 56-year love story, Becky Allen cares for her husband Ed, a retired veteran and longtime WDBJ7 business manager, at home with the help of an aide. Despite his stroke affecting his speech, she remains devoted and engaged in his care. WDBJ7
- ➤ Deputy Jake Gosset rescued a doe caught in a pond near the Roanoke Cement Plant last November using a kids' rope (provided by volunteer firefighters) to pull the animal to safety. The unconventional rescue made a social media splash and showed the unit’s dedication to local wildlife. WDBJ7
- ➤ Roanoke City Police Department hosted its third Shop with a Cop event on Wednesday, where 22 kids received a $100 gift card and 10% off for their Christmas shopping. Children bought toys, clothes and food as they enjoyed the holiday spirit. WDBJ7
- ➤ Donations from churches, companies and others were collected and sorted by age and sex at the Roanoke Rescue Mission earlier this month — and the gifts will be distributed to children from local families in need this holiday season. WFIR News
- ➤ Roanoke County Public Schools confirmed that William Byrd Terrier Camden Thepsimuong passed away after a long battle with cancer. His spirit & love of life inspired classmates, staff and neighbors in Vinton, leaving a lasting legacy. WSLS 10
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke Blacksburg Regional Airport will begin nonstop service to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport with American Airlines in June. Tickets go on sale online Monday as airport officials celebrate their long fight for a direct flight that boosts regional connectivity. WSLS 10
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A new direct flight from Roanoke to Dallas has been announced and is set to begin soon, offering residents a fast travel option. Airline officials say regular departures will boost regional connectivity. WDBJ7
- ➤ Mountain Valley Pipeline’s MVP Boost project proposes an expanded compressor station in Montgomery County and additional stations in West Virginia, with residents encouraged to submit comments to FERC by today to address safety and environmental concerns + local leaders highlighting its potential to boost the economy. WVTF
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ VWCC's Community College Access Program gives area high school seniors a free route to college. Eligible students must apply soon before the approaching deadline. WFIR News
- ➤ Roanoke City Public Schools is responding to state ratings that bumped some schools into the intensive support category because of an alternative calculation for student groups (including those with disabilities) although most schools scored above 70; district leaders say improved test scores and a Community Empowerment Center are driving progress. WDBJ7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke council named Dr. Robert Brown citizen of the year for his dedication to emergency medicine. Brown, one of the city medical school's first graduates, returned to practice + his work earned recognition for its positive impact on local care. The Roanoke Times
- ➤ Roanoke’s Equity Empowerment Advisory Board is developing an Urban Renewal Apology plan to address the loss of homes and community ties from 1950s urban renewal in Northeast, Gainsboro, and Henry Street. The board will soon meet with council to discuss markers, memorials, and funding + education projects for communities. WDBJ7
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Roanoke Ballet Theatre Presents The Nutcracker
2-8 p.m. — Jefferson Center — $10 children's tickets — Experience the enchanting tale of Clara and her Nutcracker with stunning performances and holiday cheer.
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The Santa Cares Experience
1 PM — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Free entry — Enjoy seasonal songs with Santa and capture the holiday magic with Cloud Bobby.
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Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Buffet Celebration
5-8 p.m. — The Regency Room — $56 adults, $28 children under 12 — Indulge in a festive buffet dinner in a historic setting this holiday season.
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Illuminights Festival
Half-mile of stunning lights — Explore Park — Ticket details upcoming — Experience the magic of over 650,000 lights and festive activities for families.
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Sicard Hollow Live Performance
6:30-10 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Check event site for cost — Experience fearless improv and psychedelic punk-grass rock as Sicard Hollow lights up the holidays.
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Grace Potter Live at The Exchange Music Hall
8 PM – 12 AM — The Exchange Music Hall — Ticket prices TBD — Celebrate the opening of Roanoke's premier venue with an unforgettable New Year's Eve performance by Grace Potter.
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K-Pop Glow Party and Laser Show
6-8 p.m. — Science Museum of Western Virginia — Family-friendly event — Experience an electrifying glow party with a mesmerizing laser light show set to K-Pop music.
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Speakeasy Jazz Nights
7-9:30 p.m. — The Pine Room at Hotel Roanoke — $40 ticket — Experience the charm of a pre-Prohibition jazz club featuring T-FOX & the Fox City Band.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.
~ Louisa May Alcott
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