Good morning, Roanoke.

Cardinal News has embarked on a project to tell little-known Revolutionary stories, including Patrick Henry's secret plan to extend Virginia westward during the revolution.

The series, funded by a grant (Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission), will share fresh insights into our local heritage.

Concert pianist Nicholas Ross, known for left-hand piano works after neck surgeries, will perform at three local events: Sunday, Sept.

27 at Squires Recital Salon (290 College Ave, Blacksburg), Tuesday, Sept. 29 at Westminster Canterbury in Charlottesville at 7:30 p.m., and Sept. 30 at JMU at 3:30 p.m.

Local officials are debating a potential data center at Wood Haven Technology Park near I-81 + I-581 as the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facilities Authority seeks tech projects while addressing concerns over power and water use.

Roanoke City Council members oppose the plan amid mixed regional support.

Roanoke College announced the annual Southwest Virginia Scholars Award, which will automatically provide a scholarship to incoming first-year students starting fall 2027 at the college.

On September 10, the Virginia Department of Education awarded $12 million in grants for school security equipment to 25 divisions statewide, with Roanoke County and Lynchburg City each receiving the maximum grant of $250,000.

Verizon plans to retire copper landline service — starting potentially Oct.

23 — which could leave rural residents in Salem and Powhatan County at risk for emergency calls; affected residents are urged to report coverage gaps as the FCC review proceeds.

The Virginia Department of Transportation announced that a 6-mile stretch of I-81 now has three lanes in each direction from exit 137 to exit 143, with ongoing work on landscaping and signage that may cause lane closures.

This project is part of the broader I-81 Corridor Improvement Program.

The Virginia Department of Transportation and Branch Civil Inc. will hold a public meeting about improvements to Route 460 and Route 220 alternate.

It is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 1 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Bonsack Elementary School (5437 Crumpacker Drive).

Carilion Clinic has been awarded over $600K from NIDA to research a new treatment for cocaine addiction that uses psilocybin paired with therapy — a unique option available in only a few facilities nationwide.

Virginia Tech researchers are testing a wearable patch designed to detect opioid overdose risks and automatically deliver naloxone (a drug that reverses overdose) to save lives.

Early animal tests show promise, and further studies will determine its future use in humans.

Parents should be aware that Cleveland Clinic Children's dietitian Jennifer Hyland explains skipping breakfast can lead to fatigue and brain fog.

Today she recommends quick, balanced meals such as eggs with whole-grain toast & overnight oatmeal to keep kids energized.

A free health fair is set for Sept.

20 in Roanoke where local providers will offer screenings and health tips on air quality — a chance for residents to learn how to stay healthy.