🌱 Leaders Speak Out About Violence + Vinton Demolition Nearly Done

Hello, friends! It's Wednesday and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in our community, including news about:

• 'Slumlord Millionaire' author loses copyright court fight.
• City seeks feedback about traffic safety campaign.
• Travis Tritt returns to Salem Civic Center this fall.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Sunny to partly cloudy. High: 86 Low: 65.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. After a recent spike in gun violence and homicides, city leaders including Mayor Sherman Lea, Interim Police Chief Jerry Stokes, and Vice Mayor Joe Cobb, condemned the shootings as unacceptable and announced plans to crack down on illegal guns and known offenders. There have been five shootings in the past week leaving three dead, bringing the total homicides this year to 20. Police aim to reallocate resources to target offenders but have made arrests in only one of the shootings. They are asking the public for help by providing information, as community involvement is seen as key to solving the gun violence crisis. (WSLS)
2. Roanoke landlord Spanky Macher sued Netflix for $10 million, claiming the company stole the title of his self-published book, "Slumlord Millionaire" for an episode of its series "Dirty Money," but a federal judge dismissed the case. Macher alleged he had exclusive rights to the title, which he came up with while imprisoned for fraud. However, the judge ruled copyright law does not protect titles alone and there was no evidence Netflix used Macher's actual content. Macher has faced numerous complaints about poor conditions in his low-income rental properties. He wrote the book while in prison for tax evasion and fraud related to his former restaurant business. (Roanoke Times)
3. The town of Vinton is nearing completion of demolishing a music store that was destroyed in a fire over a year ago. The contractor is expected to finish demolition this week, having tried to save connecting buildings throughout the process. Town officials say they have been working with involved parties since the day of the fire to make the site safe and expedite rehabilitation of the downtown corner. Some displaced businesses have relocated, while others plan to return once a new building offering similar opportunities is constructed. The cause of the original fire remains unknown, as detailed in a 36-page report. The town says public safety is the top priority and appreciates the community's patience during this rebuilding effort. (WSLS)
4. Roanoke City officials are seeking public feedback on the effectiveness of its 6-week "Change Lanes to Pass" campaign educating drivers on safely passing cyclists. The law requires changing lanes to pass cyclists, even across double yellow lines, but misunderstanding of this law has contributed to increased bike-car collisions in Roanoke. The new survey aims to gauge if the campaign successfully spread awareness, given officials' realization many were unaware of proper passing procedures when it launched. The campaign featured local Roanoke residents on materials for the first time and gave out yard signs, which quickly ran out but are now restocked. Officials hope the public input will help them understand if the campaign accomplished its goal of reducing cyclist-vehicle collisions. (WDBJ)
5. Country music star Travis Tritt will perform at the Salem Civic Center on Oct. 19 as part of his current U.S. tour. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show go on sale Aug. 4, ranging from $33-$88 plus optional $10 preferred parking. The concert will also feature opening act Crawford & Power. Tritt, an award-winning artist, is making a stop in Salem as one of many venues on his nationwide tour. Tickets can be purchased at the Civic Center box office weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or online anytime through Ticketmaster. The show marks Tritt's anticipated return to the Salem Civic Center this fall. (WSET)

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Today in Roanoke:

Wednesday, August 2

• Karaoke Night at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "These two bitty baby bats were rescued by a man in Marion and despite his best efforts trying to get these babies help he couldn't get in touch with anyone who could help. After three days of trying to find someone to help the bats, he posted on the Virginia Wildlife page asking for help, and a few Facebook tags and texts later we were informed about these bats in need!" (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Thank you to everyone who adopted pets last week, July 24-29! Happy Tails to Mischief, Nyx, Sweet Pea, Juno, Neil, Spud, Mosaic, Tahla, Clyde, Oreo, Faraday, Navarre, Bo, Peep, Fantasy, Miramar, Einstein, Olive, Popeye, Rolo, and Destin who all went home!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "Join India Heritage Society for a mesmerizing journey into the vibrant culture and traditions of India. Immerse yourself in an extravaganza of colors, music, dance, cuisine, and delightful festivities at the Festival of India!" (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Facebook)
• Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge: "Don't miss one of the best female groups of all time... En Vogue! 🥳Join the fun at their performance at this year's Henry Street Festival, happening in Downtown Roanoke at Elmwood Park on Sept. 16!" (Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.

— Ian

About me: Ian Graham is a novelist, screenwriter, and freelance contributing writer. He is a firm believer in being yourself… unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman. To connect with Ian, you can visit him on Facebook and Instagram. He doesn't bite. Except on full moons.

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