Good morning, Roanoke.

Community advocates in Bent Mountain submitted documents on Tuesday, July 17 to county leaders to support listing two historic districts on the National Register and to challenge pipeline plans affecting the area (a process built over years of local collaboration).

On Thursday at 1:41 p.m., Roanoke FireEMS crews responded to a report of a gas leak in the 3800 block of Franklin Road SW and worked with utility staff to contain the leak within 10 minutes with no injuries reported.

RINGANA will open its first U.S. headquarters in Roanoke, creating 435 jobs + $85 million investment over the next five years, with officials saying details on the site and construction timeline will follow.

Jurassic Quest brings a realistic dinosaur exhibit with rides, bounce houses, and fossil digs to the Berglund Center.

Today it offers a sensory hour from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and regular hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Roanoke Dance Community will hold a fundraiser to honor a dancer & breast cancer fighter who passed away at 33.

The event will celebrate her legacy and raise funds for cancer support.

Lift-Arc Studios in Riverdale crafted a 10-foot circular steel entrance sign for FloydFest 26 set to greet fans from July 22 to 26 in Check, Va (the project marks the studio’s shift toward large-scale custom art).

Roanoke libraries are launching an online archive of David Ramey's drawings and writings today, inviting locals to learn from his work (highlighting community feel).

The digital collection offers key insights into his art and messages.

Salem City Schools’ Forge the Future Inclusion Camp provided eight special needs students with hands-on manufacturing experience through classroom training and paid internships with local companies.

The month-long program, funded by a $25,000 SparkForce grant, earned the Virginia School Boards Association’s 2026 Excellence in Workforce Readiness Award.

State and local officials have declared the Roanoke region in emergency drought status and urged water conservation as Smith Mountain Lake sits over 5-ft below its full level; scattered storms forecast may offer only brief relief this weekend.

Virginia health officials reported 37 cyclosporiasis cases by July 4, more than double the five-year average, and they expect additional cases in the coming weeks.

The department will post weekly counts starting July 20 and advises residents to keep up food safety by washing produce and practicing good hand hygiene.

Consumer Reports advises residents to take action against wildfire smoke by using high-performing air purifiers and sealing windows during smoky conditions.

The report highlights top-rated models (like the Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max) as effective tools for keeping indoor air clean.

Blueberries are celebrated this National Blueberry Month for their high antioxidants that help protect cells, support heart and brain health, and reduce inflammation according to Cleveland Clinic dietitian Julia Zumpano.

They can be added to meals or used frozen for an affordable, versatile boost to your diet.

Local runners raised concerns about worsening air quality during their workouts (some say it may impact safe training) after noticing changes this week.

Local sports clubs are checking conditions and advising residents on outdoor practices.

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.