Good morning, Roanoke.

Roanoke is investing $100M in new public spaces & transportation projects, including upgrades to Wasena Bridge, a kayak park, and community centers.

The construction boom will reshape neighborhoods & offer safe spaces to play and gather.

Residents worry about increased traffic and noise as a developer approved last year plans 124 new homes and a connecting road to replace a cul-de-sac on Nelms Lane near Old Mountain Road.

Neighbors call for better traffic management (R.P. Fralin Inc. is responsible) as safety and wildlife concerns grow.

Cards on Deck Events will host a sold-out trading card show for over 2,500 collectors to buy, sell, and trade memorabilia at Salem Civic Center Saturday, June 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Virginia’s Secretary of Labor Jessica Looman visited the Excel Center adult high school at Melrose Plaza today; the school offers free daycare - transportation assistance and plans to graduate its first class later this year if funding is raised.

Virginia Tech researchers reported that trained pet dogs located more than twice as many spotted lanternfly egg masses as expert human searchers during field tests near Blacksburg.

The study supports community dog teams for early detection to protect vineyards, orchards + forests.

Roanoke Parks Foundation will no longer work with the city after completing the Mill Mountain Trail project, which added more than 4 miles of bike trails.

The city said it values nonprofit support and will pursue new funding options for park projects in the future.

WDBJ7+ presents its Hometown Health Special for June 2026, featuring local updates like the Claire Parker Foundation building its 5th home and a price transparency initiative by Carilion and Centra Hospitals.

The segment gives local residents timely insight into community health care.

Cody, the fox red Labrador from a Budweiser Super Bowl ad, received three days of focused radiation treatment for nasal adenocarcinoma on May 1 at the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center in Roanoke.

A CT scan is scheduled in four to six months to check his progress.

St. Francis House Food Pantry is facing a severe food shortage this summer after its June shipment was 300 pounds smaller than May’s, marking a 64% drop from January.

The pantry urges community donations of shelf-stable items at 824 Campbell Ave. SW.

A state study from the Virginia Joint Commission on Health Care shows 13 rural hospitals, including two Carilion clinics in Giles and Tazewell and a Ballad Health facility, are at risk of closing as pending Medicaid cuts add pressure on care access.

Dr. Foldvary emphasizes that good sleep is crucial to keeping the brain sharp and reducing memory problems.

Health experts advise turning off screens before bed and seeking help if sleep challenges persist.

Village Grill in Grandin hosted soccer fans early on a weekend morning as the Blue Ridge Gooners gathered to watch Arsenal games.

The growing group fills the dining room on match days + connects local supporters with their passion.

Roanoke Symphony Orchestra: A Heartland Hit Parade

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — $31.00, $37.00 & $50.00 — Experience the powerful fusion of country music and orchestral performance with hits from legendary artists.

Monster Flea Market

7-11 a.m. — Berglund Center — Free entry — Explore over 200 vendors selling a diverse range of items at Roanoke's biggest flea market.

Breakthrough Basketball Skills Camp

June 16-18 — Performance Sportsplex — $97 for observing coaches — Enhance your game with intense ball handling, shooting, and decision-making drills.

Leonard Blush and the Camelcals Live Performance

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Parkway Brewing Company — Check the venue for ticket prices — Enjoy a vibrant rock and roll performance by Leonard Blush and the Camelcals, hailing from Virginia.

Josh Turner Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the smooth baritone of Josh Turner and his timeless hits live on stage.

Allen Stone Live in Concert

7-11:30 p.m. — The Exchange — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying soulful sounds of Allen Stone in Roanoke’s premier music venue.

PWR Poetry Jam featuring Taye the Truth

7:30-11:30 p.m. — The Spot on Kirk — Free entry — Experience an evening filled with expressive poetry and music from local artists in Roanoke.

Dinner in the Dark 2026

6-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Supportive event — Experience a unique dining event aimed at raising awareness for the Deaf/Blind community.

2026 Miss Virginia - Thursday Preliminary Competition

June 25th — Berglund Center — Scholarships over $80,000 at stake — Witness the competition as talented young ladies vie for the crowns of Miss Virginia and Miss Virginia’s Teen.

Nether Hour Concert

8-11 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Tickets available — Experience the Texas Blues Rockers Nether Hour bringing their unique sound to Roanoke's vibrant music scene.