Good morning, Roanoke.

The Virginia Creeper Trail between White Top Mountain and Damascus will fully reopen on March 31, 2027 after extensive repairs from Hurricane Helene, while the Damascus-to-Abingdon section remains open to support local recreation.

WDBJ7 welcomed reporter Ben Wolf on Jul.

16 when he joined the newsroom to cover local news + bring fresh perspectives to the community.

The Roanoke Police Department held its monthly Chief's Walk on Jul.

16 to connect with residents in local neighborhoods. The event encouraged open dialogue as part of the department's ongoing community outreach.

Roanoke welcomes the return of Commonwealth Day of Play today at a local park where families can join interactive games + fun.

The event brings neighbors together to celebrate community spirit.

Roanoke City Public Schools students celebrated achievements Thursday at the Charles W.

Day Technical Education Center after completing a month-long manufacturing camp. The program—Dream it Work it, Build it—gave them hands-on welding and toolmaking experience.

Roanoke City Public Schools students wrapped up the month-long Dream It, Build It, Work It camp, where they gained manufacturing experience and earned OSHA 10 certification during a Thursday welding demonstration at the DayTech Center; the program will return next summer with support from SparkForce and local partners + families watched.

The Town of Appomattox urges residents and businesses to reduce water use as Campbell County Utilities enacts Stage 1 conservation measures due to drought and reduced rainfall since October.

Officials recommend actions such as watering lawns at specific times and fixing leaks to help protect the local water supply.

Governor Abigail Spanberger said voluntary water conservation is enough for now as drought conditions persist in our area — Smith Mountain Lake levels have dropped over 5 feet below normal.

Local officials warn that if water levels continue to fall, mandatory restrictions may be needed.

A Northwestern University study found that average payments for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs surged 157% between 2017 and 2022 as insurers and employers passed rising costs to consumers.

The report highlights growing expense trends in weight management treatments.

The USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships finishes its two-day run tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Elmwood Park, then racing continues at Explore Park through Sunday — former NBA star Reggie Miller visited last weekend for a tune-up at Cardinal Bike on Orange Avenue.

Mountain bikers will compete in the USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships at Roanoke County's Explore Park today and over the weekend despite high July temperatures.

The Olympic-style races promise to test local riders and attract participants from the region.

On Thursday, a 19-year-old from Covington broke the Guinness World Record for the longest 10-pin bowling marathon at 134 hours + 57 minutes, marking a milestone in southwest Virginia sports.

An Evening with Webb Wilder

8-9:30 p.m. — The Spot on Kirk — $15 ADV | $20 Day of Show — Experience Americana Rock and Roll with Roots Rock Royalty Webb Wilder.

Falcon Ridge Most Wanted Tour

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Spot on Kirk — Check the duo's award-winning sound blending country and Americana vibes.

On Tour with Vince Gill

7:30-9 p.m. — Berglund Center — Tickets available — Experience a night of world-class country music with the legendary Vince Gill.

Hoppie Vaughan and the Ministers of Soul Live Performance

6-8 p.m. — Golden Cactus Brewing — Free entry — Experience a night of rhythm and blue-eyed soul with Hoppie Vaughan and his electrifying band!

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Berglund Center — Cost not specified — Experience the heartfelt storytelling of six-time Grammy winner Jason Isbell with his band, the 400 Unit.

Amelia Day Live Performance

7:30 – 9:00 PM — The Spot on Kirk — $12 ADV (+fees) | $15 DOS (+tax) — Experience the genre-blending sound of Amelia Day as she reveals her authentic artistry through relatable storytelling.

Jason Carter Band Live

8:00 – 9:30 PM — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate country music with acclaimed fiddler Jason Carter and his band.

Big Lick Comic Con

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Berglund Center — Entry fee varies — Immerse yourself in a vibrant world of comic culture with artists, guests, and collectibles.

Leanne Morgan Live

7-10 p.m. — Berglund Center — Tickets required — Celebrate an evening of laughter with acclaimed comedian Leanne Morgan, known for her warm and relatable storytelling.