Good morning, Roanoke.

The Next Chapter Veterans Career & Hiring Expo is set to help service members transition to civilian careers by connecting them with local employers and career advisors.

Officials say the event will offer resume support and networking opportunities at a local venue.

Longtime barber George (David) Thompson gave his final haircut on Sept.

10 at Community Barber Shop at Cove Road before its closing after 61 years, leaving a legacy of warm conversation that defined a local community hub.

Roanoke’s events calendar covers live music, theatre, lectures and community forums from Sept.

23 through Sept. 30. Highlights include a City Council Candidate Forum at Melrose Branch Library on Sept. 29 and a cyclocross race at Fallon Park on Sept. 26*; contact venues for updates.

The VHSL Executive Committee approved Grayson County’s successful appeal to stay in Class 1 for the 2027 cycle, reversing its earlier placement based on enrollment.

Meanwhile, Patrick Henry + Marion + James River had their appeals denied, leaving PH in Class 6 and James River and Marion in Class 2.

Roanoke’s latest climate report shows increased vehicle emissions, and officials plan to cut overall levels by 50% by 2032 (goal set in 2023).

Arborist Dean Dykeman said drought is causing trees in the area to show fewer bright fall colors as oak leaves dry quicker and drop before displaying their usual hues.

Homeowners may notice trees near water holding onto more color — a small relief as the overall display appears dull.

Roanoke County Board of Supervisors heard a presentation from the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority confirming that the Wood Haven property is planned for data center development and may boost local economic growth.

Many Southwest Virginia families face long drives for prenatal visits and delivery as more than one-third of Virginia counties lack maternity care; rural expectant mothers endure repeated trips complicated by mountainous terrain and limited transportation (March of Dimes report).

A recent study found that 55% of households served by Feeding Southwest Virginia experienced food insecurity this past year, including 70% of households with children, which is 13% above the state average.

Over 100,000 Virginians lost SNAP benefits, adding strain to local food banks.

HCA Virginia invests $20 million in a new (11,000 sqft) ER facility in Hollins slated for 2028 and will launch a second ACE helicopter and air medical base in Danville this fall, expanding emergency care access in our region.

Researchers meet at FBRI today and tomorrow for the Precision Therapeutics Symposium to explore new treatments for schizophrenia.

Dr Michael Halassa co-hosts the event (with experts from universities and pharma) to study better ways to treat the condition.

Fans in Roanoke can soon watch Charlotte Hornets games on WDBJ7 & WZBJ24 free over the air when preseason begins Oct.

3 and the regular season starts Oct. 20.