Good morning, Roanoke.

FEDUP hosted the Real Men Grieve Too support gathering at West End Community Room on Patterson Avenue on Tuesday, Aug.

25, where community members discussed coping with loss from gun violence in a session led by Marvin Fields. The event offered a complimentary meal from Unk and Nephew and will recur every fourth Tuesday.

Amazon Air is set to begin drone package drop-offs in the capital by year's end.

The service will launch from the RIC4 facility near Richmond Raceway—pending local approvals and community review.

A grant has been approved to fund construction of a new packing center in the city — officials say further project details will be announced soon.

The initiative is expected to boost local production capacity.

The Exchange Music Hall in Roanoke is hosting a packed fall schedule of concerts and private events.

Across the Way Productions has planned shows including The Lettuce Cook Tour on October 1, Maggie Rose on October 8, and The Futurebirds on November 20 — booking has begun for 2027.

Grading will begin soon for the planned Google data center campus in Botetourt County, signaling a major development that may bring new jobs + investment to the local area.

Local experts urge parents to help children do well in school by giving them love, regular reading time, and clear routines.

They say building a home library & sharing positive role models can boost confidence and support future success.

A Franklin County judge approved the Constitution Solar Project in the Henry community (covering more than 35 acres) even after the Board of Supervisors voted it down in December, so the development can move forward.

Local officials have expressed concerns about future cleanup costs when the project ends.

Hometown Health has launched a campaign urging women to get a lifesaving screening to catch health issues early — screening services are offered at local clinics and appointments are encouraged as soon as possible.

7@four spoke with Kelly Hamren (volunteer coordinator at the RVA Streetbunny Society) about rabbits needing more than carrots and a cage.

Hamren said specialized veterinary care is key to keeping these pets healthy for adoption.

Virginia Tech will face VMI in its first football game on September 5 in Blacksburg.

The game will renew a historic rivalry and draw 800 Keydettes as part of planned cadet activities (including tug-of-war and fitness competitions).

The Game of the Week features Cave Spring and William Byrd competing in a local matchup that promises to energize local fans.

Details on time and venue will be announced soon.