What's News Today: May 5, 2016

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(WSLS 10) - Today is the National Day of Prayer. Prayer services will take place in many places around southwest Virginia and the nation. One takes place today at noon in Lee Plaza in downtown Roanoke. The service begins with a proclamation by Mayor David Bowers recognizing the day. There will also be music and prayer. Other events take place in Martinsville, Christiansburg, Moneta, Forest and Lynchburg.

Virginia Secretary of Education Anne Holton holds a roundtable discussion today at Central Virginia Community College. The discussion will focus on access and success in higher education for students. The visit is part of Governor Terry McAuliffe's Cabinet of the Road Tour.

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Virginia Tech Police and other agencies will show the dangers of distracted and drunk driving today at Virginia Tech. A mock DUI event will take place on the Drillfield. It will include rescuers using the jaws of life to rescue people trapped in a car and a Med-Evac helicopter will simulate patients being flown to the hospital. The simulation begins at 4 p.m.

Virginia Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne will be in Bedford today. Layne will talk about the roll transportation plays in connecting communities and generating economic development.

Home school students can get information about Patrick Henry Community College programs and financial aid today. Staff will help students with financial aid and scholarships opportunities as well as the Ability to Benefit program. It enables students without a high school diploma get financial aid.

A spaghetti dinner fundraiser takes place tonight to benefit the Bedford Community Christmas Station. It helps low-income families at the holiday. Last year 325 families received clothing and household items as well as food. The spaghetti dinner takes place from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Goode Rescue Squad.

Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center breaks ground today as it expands its Roanoke facility. Drawings of the new space will be show. Guests at the event include members from the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors and the Lynchburg College Director of Special Education Programs.

The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance holds its annual Small Business Awards Luncheon today. Two dozen businesses will be honored for business growth, ethical leadership and community spirit with one business being named Small Business of the Year.