Good morning, Roanoke.

Google announced that its Botetourt campus first data center building will use air cooling instead of water amid drought concerns plus the 312 acre development at Greenfield Industrial Park will include planned support facilities while cooling for the other two structures remains under evaluation.

The annual Load the Bus School Supply Drive will begin on Friday, July 31 in Roanoke and will provide school supplies to local students to support their return to school soon.

Dr. Verletta White, superintendent of Roanoke City Public Schools, announced she will retire after the 2026–2027 school year, ending her career (35 years teaching and 7 years at RCPS).

She reflected on efforts to boost attendance and learning as the school board begins planning for a smooth changeover.

Roanoke Excel Center seeks teachers+staff to support growing enrollment from 50 to 75 students.

Positions include math, English, business electives and life coaching, with a hiring session on Tuesday, July 28 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Goodwill on Melrose before classes start August 24.

Roanoke City Schools Superintendent talked about his long career in an exclusive interview published on Fri, Jul.

23. He described key job milestones + his vision to improve the district for students and teachers.

Inclusive camps in Roanoke and Salem are connecting students with disabilities to local manufacturers, offering job training & manufacturing experience to help address the workforce shortage.

Doctors in Roanoke Valley say tick bites have increased this summer and urge residents to check for symptoms like fever or hives.

They warn ticks can spread Lyme disease and alpha-gal syndrome and stress prompt care during tick season (through September).

Tammy Snyder, who served as interim executive director since Oct.

2025, was sworn in as the new head of Salem VA Health Care System on July 13 and will lead the hospital & clinics serving eligible veterans in Southwest Virginia.

Anglers from Roanoke can experience world-class walleye fishing at Lake Erie.

Blue Dolphin Walleye Charters in Lorain offers skilled guides in a fishery estimated to hold 100 million legal-size walleye.

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.