Good morning, Roanoke.

Roanoke's GO Fest kicked off its successful second day on Sunday, Oct.

18 in downtown Roanoke as local residents enjoyed live music and vendor booths. The multi-day festival continues to showcase local culture and creativity.

AAA urges drivers to inspect their vehicles as cooler weather arrives, advising checks on batteries, tires, brakes, fluids, and wiper blades to prevent breakdowns.

The reminder aims to save time, money + frustration as winter approaches.

Two local women have tracked a stray dog called Bandit by compiling (177 sightings) along U.S. 11 from Buchanan to Woodbridge since last October to try giving him a permanent home.

Sightings quieted since late September as local rescues and concerned neighbors keep an eye out for him.

WDBJ7 Archive revisits Lakeside Amusement Park, a local favorite that closed 40 years ago.

The archived feature explains the park’s rides, memories, and impact on the community.

The Christopher King Foundation offered safety tips for teen drivers ahead of Teen Driver Safety Week (a program designed to help new drivers learn best practices) in Roanoke today.

NASA is funding a project at Virginia Tech to improve safety and efficiency in small airplane designs, which may lead to quicker trips from Blacksburg to nearby cities.

The program includes summer camps for K-12 students and research opportunities for college students (supporting workforce development).

Gov. Spanberger announced a new state conservation area at Buffalo Mountain in Floyd and Carroll Counties last week, protecting over 2,200 acres of hiking trails and trout streams (funded by a $9.5M federal grant) to preserve local wildlife and scenic views.

Today, the State Corporation Commission will review APCo’s request to raise rates, a move that could add about $9 to monthly bills & a separate $3.99 fee while rural broadband providers face steep costs for outdated utility poles.

Federal regulators have already challenged these charges to help ensure timely internet access.

Roanoke council candidates shared plans to boost local growth and improve public services on Oct.

14. They outlined proposals aimed at expanding economic opportunities and community programs.

Virginia residents can shop for 2027 health plans beginning Nov.

1 through the state Marketplace and can get state-funded discounts via the Virginia Premium Savings program—low to moderate incomes qualify. Enroll by Dec. 15 to start coverage on Jan. 1 and avoid gaps.