Good morning, Roanoke.

BBB serving western Virginia warns that scammers use AI to alter videos of celebrities and loved ones to trick people into sharing personal information.

The organization advises verifying such requests with a phone call — signs include odd shadows and awkward motions.

A fire at Cave Spring House on Tuesday, Sept.

29 displaced six residents; emergency crews responded and local officials arranged temporary shelter (recovery efforts continue).

The Grandin Theatre in Roanoke is renovating its historic facility—installing new ADA bathrooms, a staff office, and an elevator-stair combo to support live shows ahead of its 95th anniversary next year; work will finish early 2027.

At Dark Leaf Farms, tobacco curing is underway after a drought delayed planting and rising diesel prices increased costs.

Farmers are burning hickory and oak logs to cure the leaves while fire officials monitor controlled burns — ensuring safety — and the crop will remain curing until November.

Gas prices in Virginia have increased, with AAA reporting the average at $4.21 per gallon today, up from $3.96 two months ago and $2.93 last year.

Local drivers face higher costs at the pump.

Avio USA broke ground Tuesday on a $500M advanced manufacturing facility at the Southern Virginia Multimodal Park—set to produce solid rocket motors for defense and commercial space and create 1,500 Southside jobs.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger attended the ceremony.

Bedford County Schools is considering closing another elementary school as it redraws attendance maps due to a steady decline in students, with four consolidation proposals under review.

Town halls are scheduled for early October to allow community members to learn more and share concerns.

Today in the New River Valley, Virginia Tech professor Marcella Kelly and a DWR veterinarian are studying mange in bears after the disease spread from Pennsylvania—researchers say warmer fall temperatures may delay hibernation and drive bears toward urban areas.

Boones Mill has received a grant from Virginia Outdoors Foundation to begin work on its first park project + local officials say construction is planned to start soon.

Today, the Town of Rocky Mount is asking residents and businesses to conserve water by reducing outdoor irrigation, vehicle washing, and pool filling as officials monitor the low flow of the Blackwater River (the water remains safe to drink) to help avoid future mandatory restrictions.

Travelers see lower flight, hotel, and rental car costs during shoulder season (Sept.-Oct.) as fewer people crowd roads and airports.

Morgan Dean from AAA advises booking early and checking Black Friday deals to lock in desired travel dates.