Good morning, Roanoke.

Sheetz opened its new store today in southwest Roanoke County on Franklin Road/US 220 next to Lowe's—where the ribbon cutting featured free Fountain soft drinks and donations to local groups—and the chain will soon mark its 800th location.

Virginia State Police debunked a viral social media rumor about a mass kidnapper by noting that missing child cases are regular runaways—this week’s report of 88 cases matched the usual average and nearly all kids are found safe.

Roanoke County students returned to class on August 14 as teachers welcomed them back after summer break — marking the start of a new school year.

Botetourt County Public Schools reinstated random drug testing for students in grades 6 to 12 and those with parking passes as schools opened this week, spending $65,000 on the policy to reduce teen substance use amid rising cannabis reports.

Testing will occur twice each season by an outside company to check for cannabis, barbiturates, opioids, alcohol and nicotine—students who test positive will face suspensions and must go through an appeal process.

Salem City Public Schools is set to launch new programs for personalized learning and enhanced safety as students will return on Monday, featuring the SchoolAI tutoring tool and updated middle school math and reading curriculums that meet state standards.

Salem High School will use a new notification system and Coram AI for weapons detection—measures that the district plans to expand to all six schools.

Giles County Public Schools delayed classes by 15 days to finish renovations that upgrade school security with a controlled entry system and tinted windows—measures designed to keep students and staff safe.

Superintendent Marlin Campbell and resource officer Daniel McRae stressed that improved physical and technological safety will protect everyone during the school year.

Roanoke City Public Schools held a convocation at the Berglund Center to celebrate the start of the new school year.

Superintendent Dr. Verletta White said the district—boasting a 99% staffing rate with only three classroom vacancies and 14,000 students—will begin classes on August 19 and launch new programs including an updated AI policy for staff and learners.

The City of Roanoke is developing a major housing and commercial project at the Riverdale Industrial Center that will add 375 apartments, restaurants, and retail space, and the site is being cleaned up from its past as a trash yard—an effort supported by performance agreements with developers. City officials say these projects help meet housing needs and revitalize old buildings to shape a brighter future for local neighborhoods.

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.

Train & Edwin McCain Concert

3:30-9 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of live music featuring the hits of Train and Edwin McCain.

Mackenzie Carpenter Live

7:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. — Sidewinders — Ticketed event — Experience soulful country melodies from rising star Mackenzie Carpenter.

Icons of Country Tribute Night

7-11 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Admission details on event website — Celebrate the best of country music with tributes to Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown, and Miranda Lambert.

Tyler Hubbard Live

7:30-9 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening with national artist Tyler Hubbard as part of the Budweiser Summer Series.

Chase Rice Concert

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges — Tickets required — Enjoy the energetic country sounds of Chase Rice live in Roanoke.

Southern Culture On The Skids Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Grandin Theatre — Tickets required — Experience an energetic evening with the legendary Southern Culture On The Skids, a band with Roanoke roots, delivering their signature rock and roll sounds.

Roanoke Valley Brick Convention

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM — Salem Civic Center — Tickets $15 online, $20 day of — Discover the ultimate LEGO experience with massive displays and hands-on activities.