Latest Roanoke Valley and Virginia News.

NATO Leaders are gathering in Washington D.C. this week as President Joe Biden tries to juggle leading the country while also rehabbing his image for his reelection bid. A former Virginia Governor does not believe President Biden will be removed from the top of the Democratic ticket prior to November’s election. Southwest Virginians are not expected to see any impact from what's left of the early season - and extremely strong at one point - Hurricane Beryl, which came ashore in Texas earlier this week. Given the increasing evidence of the impact cell phone and social media usage has on education and youth mental health, Governor Glenn Youngkin yesterday issued an Executive Order, directing the Virginia Department of Education to draft guidance for public school divisions to adopt local policies and procedures establishing cell phone-free education.Hear some of the common mistakes homeowners make when it comes to their lawn and how to improve the quality of your lawn overall.

Virginia’s Senior US Senator Mark Warner has issued his first statement since news outlets reported he attempted to get fellow Democratic Senators to help persuade President Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race. While it seems like the walls may be closing in on President Biden - with reports that he has seen a Parkinson's specialist on several occasions and some in his party suggesting he step down as the Democratic nominee - a local political scientist looks at what is ahead. A judge has sentenced a Roanoke woman to three years of prison time after she shot a man outside her Ferncliff Avenue apartment last February. A Blacksburg bed and breakfast is under new ownership after customers had their VT graduation weekend reservations canceled without a refund. A new residential development is coming to Roanoke City after members of the planning commission approved an addition to the plan. The Botetourt County Farmers Market yesterday announced that Tomato Fest will return to Buchanan Park on Saturday, July 27th.

Fifteen firefighters were injured battling a large fire at a fertilizer warehouse in South Hill.

The victim in a drowning incident at Smith Mountain Lake late last week has now been identified.

A Roanoke City animal shelter is warning residents about a scam involving missing pets.

According to online news outlet Axios, a group of Senate Democrats will not meet today to discuss the viability of President Biden’s re-election campaign.

Virginia Democratic Congressman Don Beyer is pushing back against a report that suggested he is in favor of President Biden halting his re-election bid.

Virginia Junior US Senator Tim Kaine was asked for his opinion; Kaine's take was that "President Biden is a patriotic American who will put the country first as he decides how to move forward."

Starting next month crews in the town of Blacksburg will begin work to make Draper Road more pedestrian friendly.

The Jefferson Center has released its schedule for the 2024/25 season.

Here is the latest news from around the Commonwealth and the Roanoke Valley.

A Northern Virginia Congressman says the Democratic party needs a family therapy session to get on the same page following President Biden’s debate performance.

The Virginia State Board of Elections has certified the apparent defeat of Republican congressman Bob Good to challenger John McGuire, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Good has said he will seek a recount.

Pro Palestinian protesters are continuing to call on Roanoke City Council to denounce violence in Gaza. During Monday's Roanoke City Council meeting, Pro-Palestinian protesters again called on members to approve a resolution that denounces Israel’s ongoing military operation in Gaza that displaced thousands of Palestinians and resulted in a death roll of more than 30 thousand.

Two teams representing Roanoke City Little League baseball will be competing in their respective state tournaments starting on Friday.

In case you missed it, the City of Roanoke's "Freedom Festival," which includes fireworks to celebrate Independence Day, will be held this Friday, July 5th, NOT on the 4th of July, at River's Edge Park South. Beginning at 5pm, there's free live music, family-friendly activities, food vendors and a beer garden. The fireworks are scheduled for 9:30pm to cap off the festival this Friday.

Bedford County officials are asking residents to refrain from lighting fireworks because of dry conditions across the region. The county says those looking to participate in holiday fun can use glow sticks, noise makers, and silly string.

VDOT says Stoney Battery Road in Botetourt County will be closed at its intersection with Route 11 in Troutville, beginning Monday at 8 a.m. The closure is expected to be removed by Wednesday, July 10, at 8 a.m.The road closure will be in place for drainage repairs.

Latest Roanoke Valley and Virginia News.

VDOT is reporting an incident this morning on

Here is the latest news from around the Roanoke Valley and Commonwealth of Virginia.

Governor Youngkin has signed legislation to improve the lives of those with developmental disabilities. As President Biden and Former President Trump prepare for tomorrow night's debate - which we will air beginning at 9 pm - the U.S. Supreme Court gets ready to hand down several decisions that could impact the campaign. Roanoke County Fire and Rescue responded Monday afternoon to a fire on Lee Avenue in Vinton at the Dogwood Restaurant. The U.S. surgeon general has called on Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms and their efforts on young people’s lives. Salem City announced yesterday that Shrewd Outdoors, an outdoor activity store, is set to open downtown later this summer. The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke is set to release 7 orphaned ducklings from the Virginia Tech Duck Pond back into the wild.