Good morning, Blacksburg.

Tickets for Touch-A-Truck NRV went on sale on Wednesday, July 1; the family event will take place at Uptown Christiansburg on Saturday, August 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.—kids are free and adults can earn free entry by donating three non-perishable food items.

Radford-based Fireworks by Grucci (award-winning) will shoot fireworks in Radford and Vinton tomorrow to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary.

The Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation will host a free Art Exhibit Opening Reception and Awards for the BRAA Annual Theme Show on Friday, July 10 at The Alexander Black House (204 Draper Road SW, Blacksburg) from 5 to 7 p.m. Questions should be directed to (540) 443-1601.

Gas prices in our area have dropped for five weeks — regular gas averaged $3.66 a gallon on Thursday, July 2 — which could help drivers planning Fourth of July trips.

Four paddlers landed in Blacksburg halfway along a 320-mile journey down the New River — recording ways to improve the water trail for recreation and conservation.

The DEA announced it will temporarily ban 7-OH, a potent synthetic compound from kratom products, after rising health concerns in Virginia.

A new law effective July 1 already bans certain kratom items and mandates warning labels on their packaging.

Cooling centers have opened in local community centers and libraries to help residents cope with the heat wave, and officials say the services remain available through the summer.

Residents can check posted schedules for times and locations in their neighborhoods.