Good morning, Roanoke.

On Wednesday, Aug. 19, about (20) VMI cadet-athletes built a backyard playset through the Roc Solid Foundation’s initiative for one-year-old Oakley Clements, a Buena Vista toddler receiving leukemia treatment at UVA Children's Hospital.

They signed messages on the structure to bring joy to her family.

Roanoke College incoming freshmen will begin building Habitat for Humanity’s first new Salem home since 2014 at 10:00 a.m. on Chapman Street today.

The project marks the 21st annual R House event and Habitat-Roanoke’s 40th anniversary.

Virginia small business owners and farmers impacted by the summer drought can apply for low-interest federal loans available for eight months; the SBA and USDA Farm Service Agency offer assistance to help cover crop loss + income declines.

Filmmaker Chris Farina is making his final documentary Death Becomes Us and Hands Are With Us about life and death as he faces ALS; his friend Peter Thompson who speaks for him said the film will debut at the Virginia Film Festival in October to spark discussion on mortality.

Roanoke College announced a new varsity women's flag football team to boost sports opportunities for female athletes.

Officials said the program will offer competitive play starting this fall.

Roanoke County Public Schools board approved a revised budget that adds state funds to support key priorities — including the elementary school resource officer program.

Roanoke College has partnered with Google & launched its free AI Education Accelerator Program on Tuesday.

The program will support students and staff returning to the Salem campus next week to gain skills for future career opportunities.

Radford is launching a Tuition Promise program today that will help local families get free college tuition if they qualify.

The initiative was announced on campus & will ease education costs for eligible students in the fall.

VDOT will begin blasting on I-81 between Roanoke and Botetourt County next week (causing delays and noise) as drivers are advised to expect slower travel.

Next Monday, VDOT begins blasting on I-81 between exits 143 and 150 from Roanoke to Botetourt County as part of a $479 million corridor project that runs until mid-October — law enforcement may impose 15- to 30-minute stoppages for safe work zones.

The Salem Ridge Yaks finished their first season after rebranding from the Red Sox & fans have embraced the new look with rising merchandise sales and a plan to introduce baby yaks during Saturday’s game, according to General Manager Allen Lawrence.