Roanoke News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Botetourt County, Virginia, just honored its cycling legacy with a new historical marker celebrating its role on the iconic TransAmerica Bicycle Trail—born from the 1976 Bikecentennial ride that saw 4,000 cyclists pedal coast to coast. The dedication ceremony featured original riders, Adventure Cycling Association reps, and a locally crafted resting bench funded by the PEDAL project, symbolizing t...

Fifty-nine cats perished in a Vinton house fire, sparking charges against the mayor’s wife, Sarah Wells, who now faces three counts of animal cruelty — and the case, now three months old, remains shrouded in silence, unanswered questions, and a tangled web of local authority and enforcement challenges. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertis...

Smith Mountain Lake’s water levels are low, prompting officials to urge caution—especially near the shore. While water clarity is down (often tied to summer algae blooms), the lake remains safe for swimming and boating, well within EPA standards. The Smith Mountain Lake Association is asking locals to help monitor conditions by submitting their own water clarity reports. Stay alert, keep an eye on...

The New York Times reports security concerns over President Trump’s new Air Force One, allegedly lacking key antimissile defenses, prompting a Secret Service-led switch to older planes amid Iran tensions—despite Trump’s denial. The Justice Department has now subpoenaed Times journalists for testimony before a federal grand jury, a move the paper’s lawyer decries as a chilling blow to press freedom...

Kyiv woke to chaos as Russian missiles and drones slammed into the city, injuring at least ten—including a child—and igniting fires across multiple districts. Ukraine’s air defenses bravely shot down 110 drones and a few missiles out of a barrage of 121 drones and 10 missiles, but direct hits still caused devastation, including a burning three-story building and a warehouse. Russia claims its stri...

A missing teen’s tragic death on a Fourth of July boat trip has ignited a national outcry as his family, armed with a civil rights attorney, fights for answers amid claims of cover-ups and racial bias. Nolan Wells, a gifted athlete and peacemaker, vanished—his body found days later—with conflicting official narratives fueling suspicion. His parents demand transparency, pushing for an independent a...

Tensions explode as Iran escalates attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, sparking U.S. airstrikes and retaliatory fire across the Middle East. With Iran refusing to guarantee safe passage for ships and President Trump warning of thousands of missiles ready to strike, the region teeters on the brink of full-scale conflict. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discoun...

Virginia’s ABC board is easing the food-sales requirement for full liquor licenses, ditching the strict 45% food sales rule that long burdened restaurants. Many owners struggled to meet the quota, especially when customers ordered mostly drinks. The new, more flexible guidelines aim to reduce compliance headaches and help smaller eateries thrive—without turning them into bars. This move is a win f...

A tragic helicopter crash in Pocahontas County claims the life of 57-year-old pilot Leo Basile, the only person aboard the Sikorsky S76D when it went down near Marlinsville Friday morning. Owned by Waco Oil & Gas, the aircraft’s cause remains under investigation by West Virginia State Police, the NTSB, and the FAA as they work to uncover the circumstances behind this devastating accident. Listen i...

The Trump administration just gutted the Endangered Species Act by slashing the definition of “harm,” letting logging and oil drilling invade critical habitats as long as animals aren’t directly killed — a move environmentalists warn could push species to extinction. While industry backers say it restores the law’s original intent and respects property rights, critics see it as a dangerous rollbac...

City Dogs Boarding & Playcare in Roanoke is under fire after police responded to an animal neglect call on July 5th, citing severe heatstroke symptoms in a dog — including convulsions and vomiting — amid horrific conditions: 70 dogs crammed into sweltering kennels (ground temps hit 85°F), with no visible water, sewage water, cigarette butts littering the area, and staff struggling to breathe. The...

Halifax County just approved the controversial Boxwood Solar farm — a divisive vote that sparked protests from locals fearing plummeting property values, while officials see it as a long-term economic lifeline bringing in much-needed tax revenue, with construction possibly starting in 12-15 months. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on...

At 106, Nonie Birch Clarke passed peacefully, leaving behind a century of grace, kindness, and quiet service to Halifax County. Born in 1919, she spent her life lifting others—whether as a custodian at Halifax County Senior High, tending her garden, or simply showing up with love. Her granddaughter Latoya Chapelle recalls her as a living example of compassion, a message more vital than ever. In he...

Dr. Verletta White is stepping down as superintendent of Roanoke City Public Schools at the end of next year, leaving behind a legacy of student-centered leadership forged through pandemic chaos and social upheaval. She championed mental health access, tackled chronic absenteeism, and celebrated 100% graduation rates in career tech programs—all while navigating budget battles, safety crises, and s...

Dogs at City Dogs Boarding and Playcare are suffering through extreme heat and unsanitary conditions, with reports of heat distress, lack of water, and even sewage and cigarette butts near the animals — a facility already flagged for hazardous conditions before. Owner Lynda Knezovich denies the claims, insisting water is always available and the conditions are misrepresented, while authorities inv...

Grab a bag of Community Snacks and snack your way to change — every purchase donates 5% to the Life Ring Foundation, fighting pediatric cancer. Backed by Layman Distributing’s 78-year legacy, this first-ever manufacturer partnership is already making waves, donating $2,000 in just two months. It’s snack time with purpose: you get your crunch, they get their mission, and kids battling cancer get a...

Lexington is heartbroken after the sudden passing of beloved Mayor Frank Friedman, who died from a brain aneurysm on July 2nd. Known for his humility, compassion, and deep love for the city, Friedman touched countless lives. Family and friends gathered at Lexington Presbyterian Church for a moving memorial, with his wife Melissa sharing cherished memories. The community continued to honor him at L...

Virginia just dropped a bold new rule: hotels must house locals during health and safety emergencies, like storms or power outages, no matter how close you live. This change comes after real-life crises where people were turned away, exposing a dangerous gap in emergency response. Hotels now can’t refuse shelter based on distance alone — they’re expected to be community lifelines, not barriers. St...

A former Family Dollar store in Lynchburg is transforming into The Source Center — a vibrant community hub powered by One Community One Voice and Living Word Ministries. Designed to connect locals with hidden resources, it offers tutoring, mentorship, recreation, and even a new Living Word campus. Dr. James Camm, who grew up in Lynchburg, hopes this space will steer young people toward better choi...

Appomattox County is mourning the sudden loss of Mark Drinkard, the beloved longtime volleyball coach whose passion for the game and deep care for his students left an indelible mark on the community. Guiding the Raiders to multiple titles, including a state championship, Drinkard’s legacy extends far beyond the court — his sons say coaching was his true calling, and his impact touched countless l...

Bears are catching mange — a skin condition from mites that makes them lose fur and look sick — but don’t panic: they’re not more aggressive. Experts say leave them alone, as most recover naturally. Help slow the spread by securing food sources and report sightings to the Wildlife Conflict Helpline. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise o...

A routine traffic stop for no headlights in Lynchburg turned explosive when officers uncovered three illegal firearms—including two handguns modified with deadly “auto sears”—leading to arrests of three of the four occupants, including a teen charged as a convicted felon and two juveniles facing machine gun and concealed weapons charges. This bust highlights how everyday stops can expose dangerous...

At 2 AM in Lynchburg, a routine traffic stop turned explosive when cops found four people in a car with no headlights — and three illegal firearms, including two handguns modified with deadly auto sears. Three were arrested on the spot: an 18-year-old facing felon-in-possession charges and a concealed weapon charge, plus two juveniles charged with machine gun possession, auto sears, and curfew vio...

Salem Fair’s sock drive smashed goals with 565 pairs collected—and didn’t stop there: the fair and Degeller Attractions donated $3,000 total to local charities, proving how small actions spark big community wins. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public...

A twelve-year-old Salem boy, Walter Moyer, died unexpectedly, leaving behind a grieving family and a community in shock. Known for his kindness, athletic talent, and vibrant spirit, Walter’s passing has sparked an emotional outpouring. His family, still in the early stages of investigating whether his death may be linked to a recent medical procedure, has hired a law firm and requested privacy as...