Good morning, Roanoke.

Mill Mountain Zoo welcomed its newest member (a two-year-old Asian small-clawed otter named Judy) who joined beloved resident Porkchop (as staff monitored their playful bonding in a refreshed habitat).

Virginia’s tax-free weekend begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 1 and ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, August 3, which lets Roanoke shoppers buy school supplies costing $20 or less and clothes or shoes priced at $100 or less without sales tax—retailers also allow online purchases.

Local shoppers are advised to make a list ahead of time as stores are expected to get busy during the holiday.

Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office opened the Unified Reintegration Resource Center at 301 Campbell Avenue SW to help former inmates and their families access services like job assistance, housing support, mental health care, and education—filling a gap in local reentry support.

The center will operate Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. as part of a collaborative effort with city officials and community partners.

Virginia’s Problem Gambling Treatment & Support Advisory Committee met Tuesday to review a secret shopper survey of Tennessee casinos that found support staff did not help problem gamblers as needed.

VCU professor Carolyn Hawley and lawmakers said funding is low and that legislators will discuss boosting resources at an August meeting—aiming to improve oversight as gambling expands.

Norwich Recreation Center in Norwich has been upgraded inside a renovated steel Quonset hut and now houses the city's Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Unit and Champions of Change Boxing—a youth program created with RESET and Roanoke Police Department.

Grant funding from the Safer Communities Program funded the upgrade and Mayor Joe Cobb praised the remodel today at the unveiling on Roanoke Avenue Southwest.

Foot Levelers joined 7@Four yesterday to explain why children should begin using custom orthotics early for better posture & backpack safety ahead of the school year.

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.

The Vapors Live Performance

6 PM – 12 AM — Elmwood Park — Tickets required — Experience a nostalgic night with 80's hits featuring The Vapors and other iconic bands.

Shrek The Musical

1-4 p.m. — Mill Mountain Theater, Trinkle MainStage — VIP packages available — Experience the beloved story of Shrek in a spectacular musical performance.

Roanoke Comedy Fest: Rich Vos Live

6:30-11 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Tickets available — Experience the comedic brilliance of Rich Vos, a stand-up legend with decades of laughter to share.

The Concert - A Tribute to ABBA

6-7:30 p.m. — Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges — Ticket prices may vary — Relive the golden days of pop with one of the best ABBA tribute acts in the world.

Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Berglund Center — Tickets required — Experience a captivating laser and light show set to the iconic music of Pink Floyd.

2nd Annual Safe Community Fair

10 AM – 2 PM — Berglund Center — Registration fee required — Celebrate community spirit with music, food, and fun activities for all ages.