Good morning, Roanoke.

Autumn Bushman, a 10-year-old from Roanoke County, died by suicide in March after her family said she was bullied by classmates — three weeks later, her parents held a memorial to honor her life and push for stricter anti-bullying measures in schools.

A petition demanding expulsion after a second bullying offense has gathered over 3,000 signatures and calls for better engagement at both school and home.

Roanoke Fire EMS reported one person died after an early morning structure fire broke out in the 3300 block of Hollins Road NE—crews arrived at 4:06 a.m. and brought the fire under control by 4:41 a.m.

Officers in Rockbridge County and Lexington City renewed search efforts on Monday for Dustin Cody Butler, who disappeared in December 2022 near Sallings Mountain Rd. and Forge Rd.—law enforcement maintained a heavy presence in the area as investigators called for anyone with information to come forward.

Gas prices at 155 Roanoke stations remained at $2.95 per gallon last week, even though prices were 16.3 cents higher than a month ago and 45.9 cents lower than a year ago.

Roanoke held its first community meeting on the proposed 2026 budget last Thursday at the Unitarian Universalist Church where City Manager Valmarie Turner answered residents' questions.

The city will hold its second meeting on the proposed budget on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Pilgrim Baptist Church Family Life Center—residents can also watch via Roanoke Valley Television.

Roanoke Police launched the STAR Initiative in January to team up with service providers—Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare, BrightView, HOPE Initiative and others—to bring direct outreach to homeless residents every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.

The program responds to a 20.4% rise in homelessness from 2023 to 2024 and connects people like Chris Bonner to essential services such as help with ID and transportation.

Today, The Grove on Patterson hosted an open house in a refurbished 1916 home on Patterson Avenue — managed by Restoration Housing as landlord — to support pregnant and parenting women battling substance abuse.

Anderson Treatment Center will provide care for patients and support has come from Aetna Insurance, local governments and private citizens.

SunSquabi Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — $40 — Experience an electrifying evening with SunSquabi in Roanoke's intimate venue.

Ashes & Arrows Concert

7 PM – 1 AM — The Grandin Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience captivating vocals and thoughtful lyrics from this talented musical group.

Spafford Live at 5 Points Music Sanctuary

6:30-11:00 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Tickets required — Experience an evening of astonishing improvisational jams with one of the most creative bands on the contemporary jam scene.

Longshot Comic & Toy Show

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — $5.00 admission, kids free — Explore comics, toys, collectibles, and enjoy some cosplay fun.

Star City Circlesongs

3:30-5 p.m. — Historic Fishburn Mansion — Free entry — Experience a spontaneous community singing event that invites everyone to express their inner voice.

The Great Gatsby Ballet

7 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the glitz and glamour of the 1920s in this dazzling ballet adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic tale.

Amos Lee Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Cost info not provided — Experience emotionally raw music with a magical quality from Amos Lee.

CoComelon Live! in Roanoke

6-7:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling live sing-along adventure with CoComelon's JJ and friends on stage.

Afro-Cuban Dance Party with Jstop Latin Soul

9:30-11:30 p.m. — Martin's Downtown — $10 Cover — Roanoke, get ready to move with vibrant Afro-Cuban rhythms and a lively dance floor atmosphere.

Music Road Co

5:45-7:15 p.m. — Black Dog Salvage — Ticket info available online — Enjoy a local music experience in a vibrant setting.