Good morning, Roanoke.

Roanoke’s Colony House Motor Lodge, built in 1959 and closed seven years ago, will reopen later this month with retro style paired with modern comforts—co-owner Mike Farrell said the update adds playful touches for today’s travelers.

An 18-year-old was arrested and charged after a high-speed pursuit on Interstate 581 on July 18 ended when his BMW, traveling over 100 mph, crashed into a tree on Route 11 in Botetourt County, injuring one person who was taken to Lewis Gale Hospital — state police said the chase began on I-581 and continued into Botetourt County.

A Roanoke County man, 67-year-old Thomas Nute, has been charged with killing his 69-year-old wife Kathryn Nute — police said the case is under investigation.

The 611 locomotive will leave the museum this fall to pull scenic rides on the Buckingham Branch Railway through central Virginia.

Maintenance crews are prepping the engine—built in 1950 and one of only 14 class J models—to carry thousands of passengers through the Shenandoah Valley with rides starting and ending in Goshen.

Local school divisions will team up with Walmart to host the 'Load the Bus' school supply drive from August 1—3, where community members can donate essentials like backpacks, notebooks, glue sticks, and crayons at Walmart locations in Valley View, Bonsack, Clearbrook, and Salem.

Chuck Lionberger from Roanoke County Public Schools said the annual event will help thousands of students face rising costs for school supplies.

Federal funding for Roanoke public broadcasting is at risk if the House passes a budget rescission bill; stations like WVTF and Blue Ridge PBS will face tough choices that may reduce programs and emergency services+ local leaders stress that rural areas could lose critical support.

Spanish Tune-Up for Middle School Students

9 AM - 12 PM — Michael Eaton — Cancellation and change fees apply — A fun camp for rising sixth to eighth graders to boost their Spanish skills over the summer.

Nat Myers Live at FloydFest

8 p.m. — FloydFest — Ticket information available — Experience the soulful sounds of Nat Myers in a vibrant festival atmosphere.

Endless Summer 1-Mile Run & Relay

6:15-7:30 p.m. — Hidden Valley High School — Registration fee required — A family-friendly track event featuring a 1-mile run and kids' dash.

Shallow Side Live at Sidewinders

7:30 PM – 1:30 AM — Sidewinders — $15 — Experience an electrifying night of rock music with Shallow Side brought to you by The Rock Channel.

Billy Currington & Kip Moore Concert

7-9 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a fantastic evening of music with national artists Billy Currington and Kip Moore at the Budweiser Summer Series.

Breakthrough Basketball Attack & Counter Camp

July 29-31 — Performance Sportsplex — $97 for observing coaches — Rapidly enhance your basketball skills while building character and confidence.

Cocktails and Creators

7-11:59 p.m. — Six and Sky Rooftop Grille — $30 — Mingle with comic creators while enjoying a cocktail and scenic views in an exclusive meet and greet.

Big Lick Comic Con: Summer Celebration

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Berglund Center — Cost information not provided — Celebrate summer with unique backgrounds and fandom at this local comic con.

Shrek The Musical Live

1-4 p.m. — Mill Mountain Theater, Trinkle MainStage — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a delightful performance of Shrek The Musical in Roanoke.

Lost 80's Live Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Tickets vary — Celebrate the 23rd anniversary of Lost 80's Live with iconic New Wave and Pop acts from the 80s.