Good morning, Roanoke.

Project Lifesaver—offered by the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office—helps families track loved ones with cognitive disabilities.

The program rescued 21 individuals in 2025 and 4,617 overall and residents can enroll by calling 540-853-1515.

A radio tribute honoring Wintergreen Officer Chris Wagner aired Monday at 10:45 p.m. across the Wintergreen Police Department + Nelson County Sheriff’s Office radio frequencies to mark his third anniversary; first responders remembered his brave actions when he rushed into danger during a call for help.

Virginia Tech tied for No. 285 among over 2,250 schools in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-27 Best Global Universities ranking, placing it in the top 15 percent globally.

The university earned strong marks in electrical, civil and other engineering fields.

Virginia officials located two missing giraffe calves from Natural Bridge Zoo after a months-long search linked to a legal dispute.

The animals are now receiving specialized care while officials have not shared further details.

Three eastern screech owls, stolen from a nest as eggs and hand-fed until habituated, now serve as wildlife ambassadors at the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center where they help teach children about why wild animals belong in nature — two remain at the center while one goes to another Virginia facility.

Virginia Tech researchers have hatched eggs from creeks to reintroduce baby hellbenders into streams (habitats impacted by Hurricane Helene in 2024) and plan to expand the project with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, while Salem baseball team hosts a hellbender-themed night on Friday, June 26 to raise awareness.

Local service providers support neurodivergent residents with early intervention + mental health services; VIA Centers for Neurodevelopment offers evidence-based programs while community partners will host summer social skills camps + ADHD counseling events in Roanoke.

Health officials report that heat-related illness visits in Roanoke and surrounding areas have exceeded the yearly average.

The CDC forecasts a moderate risk of heat illness today, Thursday and Sunday, and residents are urged to drink water and take breaks from outdoor activity.

The Virginia Department of Health reported no lab tests for E. coli or related pathogens at Claytor Lake on Monday.

Authorities remind swimmers that ingesting lake water can cause illness – showering before and after swimming is advised.

Researchers report that an experimental mRNA vaccine paired with immunotherapy — which cut melanoma death or recurrence risk by 49% — is entering phase three testing as New York University findings emerge.

Hometown Health says the treatment aims to offer more personalized cancer care.

A 62-year-old has begun biking across Virginia to offer free health clinics in local communities.

He will visit several towns in the next few days + provide essential services.

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.

Kristy Cox Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Spot on Kirk — $20 General Admission (+fees) — Experience the electrifying blend of bluegrass, country, and Americana from the 'Queen of Bluegrass'.

The Broken Hearts - Tom Petty Tribute

6:00 – 7:30 PM — Dr. Pepper Park — Cost info not specified — Celebrate the music of Tom Petty with a tribute band from his home state of Florida.

Delta Dental Party in Elmwood

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Elmwood Park — $10 admission, kids free — Enjoy a lively evening of beach bands and family-friendly activities in a vibrant park atmosphere.

Luke Schneider Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — The Spot on Kirk — $12 ADV/$15 DOS — Experience the celestial sounds of Nashville's ambient pedal-steel artist.