🌱 Roanoke COVID Levels Drop + TSA Expects More Airline Passengers

Morning, everybody! Happy Hump Day! I'm back in your inbox to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening in town today. Buckle up buttercup!

First, today's weather:

An afternoon thunderstorm ... yeah, it's summer and that time of year for us Virginians.

Warmer than yesterday. High: 84 Low: 68.

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Here are the top six stories in Roanoke today:

1. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all Roanoke area localities have dropped below the high level threshold for COVID-19. Dr. Cynthia Morrow, director of the Roanoke City Allegheny Health District urges caution, though. "COVID has continued to surprise us every step of the way. We really have to have humility when it comes to this virus and know that it is just unpredictably unpredictable.” (Roanoke Times)
2. The Transportation Security Administration is gearing up for passenger volume at Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport to return to pre-pandemic levels this summer. TSA Federal Security Director for ROA, Chuck Burke says, "Travelers play an important role in ensuring a smooth and efficient security checkpoint screening experience. It starts with knowing what you should and should not pack in a carry-on bag.” A list of allowed items and how to pack them can be found on the TSA's website. (The Roanoke Star)
3. The RAM House shelter in downtown Roanoke has seen an increase in people coming for free lunch and other services lately. To help with the new volume, several local churches and a car dealership have donated a 2020 Dodge Caravan that will be put to good use getting disabled clients to and from the Roanoke Rescue Mission a few miles away. (WFIR News Talk Radio)
4. Hollins University has announced that its Playwrights' Festival of New Works will be held at the end of July. The festival, which is a three-day event showcasing the work of Hollins students, will take place on Mill Mountain Theatre's Waldron Stage and will feature a dozen responses from established theatre professionals around the nation. The festival will also feature panel discussion with both students and professionals. (Roanoker)
5. Roanoke City Council approved a measure at its Monday meeting to have a consultant work with the owners of the Evans Spring area and nearby residents to determine what is possible ahead of any actual development. The 130-acre site located just across 1-581 from Valley View Mall has long been a target property for a new development, but plans have continually stalled due to the reluctance of both neighbors and city government. The owners, the city and the Roanoke Economic Development Authority will each put up to $75,000 towards the consulting fees. (Roanoke Times)
6. A man found lying partially in a northeast Roanoke street by police has died of his injuries. Police say their investigation has revealed that an argument between two men who knew each other devolved into a physical altercation that resulted in one man being taken to the hospital. No charges have been filed as of yet and the investigation is ongoing. (WDBJ)

Today in Roanoke:

• Yoga at the Taubman Museum of Art (5:15 p.m.)
• Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates in room 309 at the Noel C. Taylor Building (5:30 p.m.)
• Roanoke Old Time & Americana Jam at Golden Cactus Brewing (6 p.m.)
• Soul Sessions Wednesday Night Poetry Show at Verses (7 p.m.)
• Anthony Wayne Vibe at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (9:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke said "This is a first for the Center! This is an Eastern milk snake who came from Pilot with several old wounds that needed treatment." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA said "Happy tails to all of our pets who found their new families the week of May 30 - June 4! We can't thank the adopters enough for opening their hearts and homes to a shelter pet! If you're ready to find your new best friend, check out our site!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Virginia Children's Theatre would like you to "Become a VCT VIP! Celebrate our 15th Season with us. We've revamped our season subscriber benefits!" (Virginia Children's Theatre via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools said "the deadline to audition for Aladdin Jr. has been extended! Audition by Tuesday, June 14. This exciting program is open to rising 5th-8th graders." (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• The Rescue Mission of Roanoke would like to "thank Valley View Baptist Church for donating food and other goodies Tuesday! These will go directly to our guests and help provide for a good experience for all at the mission. Thank you!" (The Rescue Mission of Roanoke via Facebook)
• City of Roanoke Stormwater Division said "build responsibly! Always check with your building department before you build on, alter, degrade or fill on your property. A permit may be needed to ensure that a project is compliant with all regulations." (Nextdoor)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you tomorrow!

— Ian

About me: Ian Graham is a novelist, screenwriter, and freelance contributing writer. His interests are in politics, history, and religion and the stories and characters he writes about are centered on the explosive conflicts created when the three intersect. He is a firm believer in being yourself… unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Daily? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com