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🌱 Patch AM: How overcrowded are Roanoke’s high schools—and what happens next?

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Good morning to you Roanoke! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How overcrowded are Roanoke’s high schools—and what happens next?
  • What Roanoke neighbors need to know after two teens were stabbed
  • Is Roanoke City Council ready to back a reparations fund?

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA and 2 more events.

Find out what's happening in Roanokefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Last night I had a dream. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Roanokefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high of 50 and low of 36 degrees.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and breezy, temps: high: 54, low: 25.
  • Monday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 48 and low of 29 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. In Our Hometowns: Overcrowding in Roanoke high schools (wdbj7.com) — Roanoke’s two public high schools are over capacity by about 700 students, pushing the division to consider a $150 million third high school and short-term “learning cottage” trailers. Teachers at William Fleming are already teaching from carts because of space shortages. School leaders are now waiting on Roanoke City Council funding approval to move forward with temporary classrooms.
   

2. Police report two teens stabbed in Roanoke (wset.com) — Two teenage boys were stabbed Thursday night in southeast Roanoke, leaving a 17-year-old in critical condition and a 16-year-old with non-life-threatening injuries. Police say the attack happened in an alley near Penmar Avenue SE, and no suspect is in custody. Anyone with information is urged to contact Roanoke Police.
   

3. Headlines from across the state: Legislation to add emergency route connecting Wintergreen, Blue Ridge Parkway advances; more … (cardinalnews.org) — Roanoke City Council is considering a reparations fund and an apology for past urban renewal policies, according to a linked Roanoke Rambler report highlighted in this statewide roundup. The newsletter also points readers to other Virginia stories on legislation, environmental rules, and local government changes elsewhere in the state.
   

4. Holiday travel tips for flying, driving and more this season (wsls.com) — If you’re flying out of Roanoke Regional Airport this holiday season, officials urge you to arrive early and be ready for delays as passenger numbers surge. Locals are also advised to closely watch I-81 traffic and pack well in advance to reduce stress. Regional travel by bus, train, and cruise is also sharply up.
   

5. Carnegie Hall's Lobby Gallery features Lucinda Rowe (mountainmessenger.com) — A Roanoke-based wildlife watercolorist, Lucinda Rowe, is showcasing her nature-inspired paintings at Carnegie Hall’s Lobby Gallery in Lewisburg, West Virginia, through December 2025. Her detailed depictions of Appalachian birds, insects, and plants invite viewers to slow down and rediscover the region’s natural beauty. Admission is free on weekdays, making it an easy cultural outing for Roanoke art lovers.
   

📸 Around Roanoke

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Happy Holidays neighbors!
    If you haven't been down Maiden to see all the Christmas lights you are missing out! They are beautiful, all of them everywhere, thanks to all of the… (Nextdoor Greater Raleigh Court)
  • Lost cat, Inky, white with black spots on her back and ear from Desi Rd, between Hemlock and Salem Turnpike in NW Roanoke on the Salem border.
    She went missing between noon and 2 pm on Wednesday, December 17. We are all distraught, and her brother is devastated. (Nextdoor Northwest Roanoke)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Stocking Team Associate in Roanoke. Apply here.
  • Premium Retail Services, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Merchandiser in Roanoke. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Roanoke here.

Ok Roanoke! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I dreamed I was swimming in a pool of orange soda, but it was just a Fanta-sea.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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