Good morning, Lynchburg.

At the University of Lynchburg on Thursday, community leaders +Chris Boswell, James Coleman, Carl Hutcherson Jr. and Priscilla Liggon+ received the Lynchburg Humanitarian Award while Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center earned the Distinguished Merit Award as the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities hosted the dinner. The awards honor dedication and service +to inclusion and community+ in Lynchburg.

Mark Spain, who died on December 18, 2024 after battling pancreatic cancer, would have turned 65 on his birthday—community events honored his legacy with a fundraiser at Rainbow Forest Disc Golf Course benefiting local groups and ABC13's Will Stafford raising pancreatic cancer awareness.

The Lynchburg community gathered Saturday at Diamond Hill Baptist Church to honor civil rights leader Dr. Owen Cardwell, who died earlier this month at 78.

He is remembered for integrating E.C. Glass High School and his lasting commitment to justice and education — a legacy that continues to shape our local values.

On May 22, Lynchburg police conducted a traffic stop on the 700 block of Federal Street when Joseph Scott drew a handgun and tried to flee, prompting an officer to struggle with him and retrieve the weapon + Scott was caught on the 1100 block of Park Avenue early Friday at 7:54 a.m. while an 18-year-old suspect was also arrested for obstruction of justice.

Graduates from Jefferson Forest, Liberty, and Staunton River high schools celebrated the class of 2025 on Saturday at the Liberty University Vines Center, marking key milestones in their education.

School leaders praised the seniors for their hard work—urging them to take on new challenges with the same resilience they showed in high school.

On May 23, Amherst County High School seniors celebrated their graduation at Liberty University’s Vines Center in Lynchburg—family, friends and school leaders cheered as principal Joey Crawford charged them to 'go be great.' Senior speakers shared memories of overcoming challenges, thanking teachers and loved ones for their support along the way.

A Virginia law will require all backseat passengers to wear seatbelts starting July 1—this change comes after teen Christopher King died in a 2020 crash when he was not buckled up.

State police reported that over 500 seatbelt tickets were issued on Memorial Day weekend 2024 as part of warnings to improve road safety.

Lynchburg business leaders criticized city council after a May 13 meeting when Dave Henderson, managing partner of a local restaurant company, labeled Councilman Martin Misjuns' behavior as toxic—warning it could harm local investment.

Other business figures supported his claims and urged officials to treat local partners with respect as Misjuns questioned the restaurant's use of public space.

EXTC - Terry Chambers & Friends North American Cushty Tour 2025

7-10 p.m. — Super Rad Arcade Bar — Ticket prices vary — Rock out with the sounds of EXTC featuring Terry Chambers and friends for an unforgettable night.

Ryan Greer Band Performance

9-11:30 p.m. — Trading Post by Traber Ranch — Cover charge TBD — Experience the blues-infused Southern-soul of the Ryan Greer Band from Southwest Virginia.

Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — Sydnor Performance Hall — $20 General Admission, Free for Students — Experience the vibrant blend of traditional tango with classical and jazz influences in a passionate musical journey.

Lynchburg Road Runners Summer Track Series

6:30-8:30 p.m. — University of Lynchburg — $1 per evening ($5 for 5,000m) — Bring your running shoes for a fun evening of races suitable for all ages and abilities.

VHSL Class 4 State Championships

June 6-7 — Liberty University Athletics Department — Admission details not specified — Compete for state-level glory in high school athletics.

Roanoke Ballet Theatre: Snow White

3-5 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $20 – $75 — Experience a magical ballet adventure with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in a dazzling performance.

Academy Youth Theatre: Imagine A Dragon

9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — Registration required — Young performers explore a fantasy musical about a fabricated dragon tale at the Dancing Dragon Inn.

James River Batteau Festival 2025

7 p.m. — Percival's Island Parking Lot — Check website for ticket info — Experience the lively roots music of Hackensaw Boys in an outdoor celebration.

9 to 5: The Musical

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Sydnor Performance Hall — $15-$20 — A humorous and empowering tale of three office workers transforming their workplace under the guidance of Dolly Parton's score.

Liberty Track and Field Camp

12:00 AM – 11:59 PM — Liberty University Natatorium — Check website for pricing — A focused camp for aspiring athletes covering Sprints, Hurdles, Pole Vault, Jumps, and Throws.