Good morning, Roanoke.

Two Vinton women and a small team of volunteers have been caring for 20–25 stray cats at an abandoned Hardy Road property for two months & now seek rescue organizations and foster homes to help address the animals' health issues.

Anthony Pusey now serves as the welcoming Maître d’ at the historic Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs + he carries a 100-year family legacy by upholding four generations of dedicated service to every guest.

Roanoke’s Berglund Center will host Big Lick Comic Con returning with comic panels, vendors and costume contests later this week.

The event offers local fans a chance to celebrate pop culture + meet fellow enthusiasts.

Local family farms in Botetourt County face tough choices as a historic drought + high expenses + urban growth strain multi-generation operations.

The USDA extended disaster relief to every county, letting eligible farmers apply for emergency loans within eight months.

Local school districts are boosting cybersecurity measures ahead of classes next week after a Canvas cyberattack disrupted grading last school year.

IT leaders have strengthened systems and advised staff to update passwords to protect student data.

College students can ease the start of the semester by practicing small habits; Hokie Wellness director Amy Epperley advises putting down phones and joining campus activities to build connections and maintain healthy sleep schedules.

A Roanoke student won the VA Civics Bee and will advance to the next round—showing our community’s strong commitment to civic education.

Virginia Tech expert Dr. Amy Allen advises educators to experiment with using AI in lessons (she suggests assignments that prompt students to evaluate AI output critically) rather than strictly banning the tool.

Teachers are encouraged to explore balanced approaches to support student learning.

A federal judge ruled that Shenandoah County must rename two schools after a board restored Confederate names in 2024, stating the decision violated students’ equal rights.

The order follows a NAACP complaint and requires the board to select new names on a racially nondiscriminatory basis.

Officials advised residents in Roselawn, Homewood, and Smokey Ridge zones to boil tap water after an equipment failure at the Smokey Ridge water storage tank caused pressure problems — repairs have been made and bacteriological testing will take 48 hours before the advisory is lifted.

The Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation will host its Power of Pink Luncheon in Roanoke soon to support breast cancer awareness (additional details will be shared later).

Botetourt County Fire & EMS is preparing to launch a prehospital whole blood program that lets trained paramedics give blood to trauma patients before reaching the hospital.

The program will start once the first blood supply arrives and will expand to an additional EMS vehicle.

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.