Good morning, Roanoke.

On Tuesday, the Local Office on Aging and Lewis Gale Medical Center Trauma Services held a free safety check for older drivers at North Roanoke Baptist Church on Peters Creek Road from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Trained volunteers provided essential guidance — helping drivers check that their vehicles were safe for use.

Fincastle native Erin Lunsford—known for her Appalachian Community Care Anthem—will perform at Mountain View Community Garden this weekend as part of her Food Pantry Fundraiser Tour.

The 611 train is set to begin fall excursions next week after staff finished painting its tool car—N&W 1407—to prepare for smooth trips.

It is now stationed at the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke and will return to Goshen on September 26.

Roanoke Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1264 gave red poppy pins to Good Day Virginia anchors today as part of a World War One tribute—honoring the poem In Flanders Fields.

The post also unveiled a new mural on Grandview Avenue painted by local artist Lisa Floyd—who has worked on murals since she was 15—to commemorate the famous poppy fields.

The Million Dollar Quartet musical will return to the Trinkle Main Stage and document the historic Sun Records session with legends Johnny Cash, Elvis, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis—capturing a monumental musical moment for local audiences.

Roanoke City Public Schools hired 28 nurses after Carilion Clinic ended its contract, and 24 familiar nurses will start Monday, September 22 to support student health across school clinics.

Virginia ranks fourth nationally in average federal student loan debt as residents owe about $40,000 each and the state’s total debt reaches $44.3 billion—reflecting its high level of advanced degree holders.

Financial aid experts recommend exploring income-driven repayment plans and forgiveness programs for relief.

Roanoke County will unveil its new LOVE sign on Thursday, September 18 at 10:45 a.m. at the Roanoke County Administration Center—part of a Virginia Tourism Corporation campaign—with county leaders giving remarks and food trucks serving food from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Virginia gubernatorial election is set for November 4 with polls open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.—voters in Roanoke can vote early starting September 19 and must complete registration updates by October 24.

Election officials will provide guidelines for accessible voting and identification requirements for in-person or absentee ballots.

Roanoke City Council voted unanimously to ban new ownership of wolf-hybrid dogs after a June incident in the Deyerle neighborhood where a pack escaped, attacked a deer, and threatened residents.

Current owners can keep their pets if they register with police, maintain liability insurance, and keep the animals at least 500 feet away from schools and daycares—officials say the ordinance will protect families.

Two events will take place next week for those concerned about democracy in the Roanoke and New River valleys.

On Sept. 25 a screening of 'The Last Class' will play at The Grandin Theatre—featuring a live Zoom Q&A with the film’s director, while on Sept. 27 a panel at a Blacksburg church will discuss how local elections affect state policies.

Carroll County mom Tiffany Freeman—cancer survivor and mother of six—has traveled to Capitol Hill to urge lawmakers to secure funding for cancer research that helped her survive.

She is one of 700 advocates meeting with officials before September 30 to help more people get treated.

Lawmakers questioned whether the Boar’s Head deli meat plant in Jarratt is safe to reopen after a deadly listeria outbreak that killed 10 and sickened many, asking company officials to respond by September 26—federal inspectors will monitor the plant for 90 days once it reopens.

Virginia Tech fired coach Brent Pry after three seasons and a series of losses — the team named offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery as interim coach while the university begins its search for a permanent head coach with some students mentioning former Raiders coach Jon Gruden as a potential candidate.

KALEO Concert

7-9 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience KALEO live with their chart-topping hits and electrifying performance.

Bug & Bat Night

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Mill Mountain Discovery Center — $15/individual, $45/family — Enjoy s’mores and learn about nocturnal wildlife and bats using UV lights and microphones.

Urban Rodeo with 803 Fresh

4-10 p.m. — Amphitheater at Elmwood Park — No Refunds — Enjoy a lively urban rodeo with music by DJs Adam T and Showtime, welcoming all step teams.

Alison Krauss Concert

7-9 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Tickets from $35 — Experience the legendary Alison Krauss & Union Station on their Arcadia 2025 Tour.

Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — Check venue for ticket prices — Celebrate 20 years of Avatar: The Last Airbender with an unforgettable concert experience.

The Fab Four: Beatles Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — Berglund Center — Tickets available — Experience the Emmy Award Winning Fab Four in a night dedicated to the Beatles' 'Help!' and their greatest hits.

Martin's 20th Anniversary Street Party

4-7 p.m. — Martin's Downtown — Free entry — Celebrate two decades of community with live music from Big Something and a vibrant street atmosphere.

Classic Golf Tournament

12:30 p.m. — Roanoke Country Club — Cost varies — Enjoy a round of golf with meals, prizes, and camaraderie at a beautiful course.

Béla Fleck Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Cost information not provided — Experience the virtuosic banjo skills of one of the world's premier players.

Sugaray Rayford Live

8 PM – 2 AM — Jefferson Center — Tickets available — Experience a night of electrifying blues and soul with the commanding voice of Sugaray Rayford.