Good morning, Roanoke.

Roanoke City celebrated Autism Acceptance Month after the council approved its first-ever proclamation on Apr.

20, 2026 — Mayor Joe Cobb presented it to VIA Centers for Neurodevelopment to honor local service and highlight the need for more support.

Skyphos, a Blacksburg micro-3D printing firm, received its second U.S. patent today for a process that speeds printing by up to 100 times, promising more flexible production for medical devices.

A Virginia Tech-led team is testing hyperspectral imaging and AI to detect microplastics on fish surfaces with 95-percent accuracy.

Roanoke City Public Schools are considering cuts to reduce expenses, including reducing activity buses + trimming the VPI preschool and PLATO programs to close a $16 million shortfall.

The board will vote on these measures on June 9 as state funding may affect next steps.

Residents report that recycling crews have skipped several streets for weeks & full bins have piled up on curbs, causing mounting frustration.

Local officials are reviewing the pickup schedule to resolve the issue.

On Monday, Tri-Area Community Health agreed to pay $513,729.90 to resolve claims of improper Medicare billing after repaying $321,075.56 & cooperating with a government investigation that reviewed visits between Aug.

2022 and Dec. 2025 at its six clinics in southwest Virginia.

Virginia State Police conducted Operation DISS-rupt on I-81 from Tuesday, Apr.

28 to today to fight distracted, impaired and speeding driving — the initiative will cover all 325 miles. The campaign reminds drivers of hands-free use and seatbelt safety.

A contract was awarded for the first project to widen a 9-mile stretch of I-81 — from Montgomery County to Roanoke County and Salem.

Construction will start soon to improve transportation options in the area.

The American Lung Association report states nearly half of U.S. children live in areas with unhealthy air that may cause asthma, heart problems, and strokes.

Roanoke residents are advised to check local air quality alerts (and consider urging clean air policies) to protect their health.

In 2025, Rise Above reversed nearly 300 overdoses in the New River Valley—distributing Narcan, hygiene kits, and support to those affected by addiction and reducing stigma in the community.

Public health officials reported a surge in alpha-gal cases in Roanoke as tick season ramped up, and they advised residents to use preventive measures+experts continue to monitor tick activity.

Carilion Clinic will open its first midwifery clinic on Monday on Highland Avenue near Radford University at Carilion nursing school and Community Hospital in downtown Roanoke.

The clinic will offer annual exams, cancer screenings, family planning (and menopause care) and serve as a training site for nursing and med students.

Professor Jenny Hall from Radford University warns that as summer nears ticks, including the active Lone Star Tick (a type that hunts for hosts), will become more aggressive.

Residents are advised to wear long pants tucked into socks and use tick repellent to lower the risk of tick bites.

USA Mountain Bike National Championships will return in July with races at Elmwood Park + Explore Park + Carvin’s Cove.

Officials are reviewing courses in April to fine-tune the event, which follows a successful inaugural race that boosted local participation and the economy.

2026 Community School Strawberry Festival

11 a.m. - 7 p.m. & 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Free entry — Enjoy delicious strawberry shortcakes and local music amidst artisan vendors.

Explore & Pour Festival

11 AM – 4 PM — Explore Park — $25 for wine tastings — Enjoy a full day of wine, live music from Latin Heat, and local artisan shopping in a scenic setting.

Coppélia Performance

3-6 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the whimsical ballet where toys come to life in a magical toyshop.

The Shoobies Live

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Parkway Brewing Company — Free entry — Experience live music in a vibrant brewery setting with rotating food trucks.

The Darkside Experience - Pink Floyd Tribute

6:00 – 9:30 PM — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Cost info not provided — Experience an authentic tribute to classic Pink Floyd that feels just like being there.

Black Label Society Concert

7-10:30 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Tickets from $33.75 — Experience the electrifying heavy metal sounds of Black Label Society alongside Zakk Sabbath and Dark Chapel.

Hands-On Process Improvement Workshop for Spanish Speakers

8 AM – 12 PM — Virginia Western Community College — $275 — Engage in a hands-on workshop to learn effective process improvement techniques through interactive simulations.

Leonard Blush and the Camelcals Live

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Parkway Brewing Company — Check event page for pricing — Enjoy an energetic blend of rock and roll and country with Leonard Blush and the Camelcals.

Gary Allan Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Tickets starting at $31 — Experience the Southern rock sounds of Gary Allan live in concert.

Dark Star Orchestra Concert

6-9 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Ticket prices vary — Experience the live sounds of Dark Star Orchestra under the stars in Roanoke's favorite park.