Good morning, Lynchburg.

A new Wawa is under construction at 2731 Wards Road—next to Cook Out in Lynchburg.

It will become the third location in the area when it opens.

At Amherst County courthouse, Justin Jay Sales pleaded not guilty to murder and related charges from the shooting death of Doris Puleio and 27 prospective jurors—selected after more than seven hours of questioning—will appear Monday to begin trial proceedings.

Joe Bean partnered with local law enforcement to host a two-hour event to help residents spot signs of human trafficking.

Owner Linda Brown said a near miss with a family member last year spurred her initiative.

A Lynchburg judge sentenced Keon Palmer to 55 years in prison on a first-degree murder and firearms charge for fatally shooting 19-year-old Ma’kayvia Cabell in February 2024 (the sentence exceeds the standard guidelines due to the brutality of the crime).

The Lynchburg City School Board voted unanimously on Tuesday to rescind its ban on longtime LCS advocate Danny McCain after he agreed to limit his comments at meetings.

Board members said they welcome his input as long as future remarks follow board rules—further discussions on closing the achievement gap are planned.

Appalachian Power Company warned recreational users downstream of Claytor and Leesville dams that water levels on the New and Roanoke rivers could start rising rapidly on Sunday—water below Claytor Dam may jump by up to two feet in minutes while levels below Leesville Dam could rise as much as eight feet over seven hours—and advised visitors to check AEP’s website for updates.

Centra Health gave an update on Thursday about major projects in Lynchburg; the five-story Langhorne Medical Center will finish its exterior by the end of October so it can open to patients by year’s end while the Simons Run Medical Campus, built with Lifepoint Health, is set to complete by spring. Centra also said a new six-story emergency department tower at Lynchburg General Hospital will break ground in September and finish by the end of 2028 — the project will expand needed capacity.

Today Is The Day Live Concert

7-11 p.m. — Super Rad Arcade Bar — $14 Presale | $17 Day of Show — Experience an electrifying night with live performances from Today Is The Day, KERF, and REMBRANCE.

The Magic of Motown

6-9 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $39 – $79 — Experience a nostalgic journey through Motown's greatest hits with stunning performances and choreography.

Apocalypse Trivia Night

7-9 p.m. — Apocalypse Ale Works — Free entry — Test your trivia skills against friends and friendly rivals in a light-hearted atmosphere.

June Girl's Night Out at Palmera House

7-9 p.m. — Palmera House — $30 ticket — Experience a dreamy evening of connection, conversation, and community in a chic venue.

Salem Red Sox vs. Lynchburg Hillcats

6:30 – 8:00 PM — Bank of the James Stadium — Discounted tickets available — Enjoy a lively night at the ballpark with community spirit and support a good cause.

Giant Bubble Show

3-4 p.m. — Joy & Lynch Christian Warehouse Theatre — $23–$27 — Enjoy a captivating performance featuring circus stunts and incredible bubble artistry.