Good morning, Lynchburg.

Gas prices across Virginia have climbed nearly to $4 per gallon, rising 18 cents from last week.

Experts say suppliers will switch to a cheaper winter blend before Labor Day, yet prices may stay near record levels, so drivers in the region are urged to shop around plus compare rates.

Central Virginia Community College welcomed students on Monday for the first day of classes, marking the start of a new academic year for both new and returning learners + setting a positive tone on campus.

Ash Gorman of Big Brothers Big Sisters and Elise Spontarelli of Vector Space announced a summer mentoring program for local teens, offering guidance (and support) to build their skills in Lynchburg.

Lynchburg City Schools launched a division-wide plan to cut chronic absenteeism.

Starting today, every school will hold a 30-minute virtual attendance meeting weekly and update the board monthly with a family resource link to help students.

Liberty University President Dondi Costin detailed a five-year plan focusing on graduation, retention, academic enrollment, Christian culture, and endowment as about 16,000 (new) residential students began classes today.

He announced plans to open a new dorm and Champion Center to support growth while easing traffic concerns in Lynchburg.

Leadership Lynchburg joined a new national pilot initiative aimed at testing fresh strategies for local leadership and community growth.

The program will provide a framework to help leaders engage with regional challenges and enhance collaboration.

New data from the Office of Inspector General shows Virginia leaving the bottom 10 as on-time mail delivery increased by 9.2% and package delivery improved by 1.4% in Q3; however, Lynchburg residents say their daily mail service remains inconsistent.

A local blood drive is set for Wednesday in Lynchburg at a community center to support area hospitals.

Organizers urge healthy residents to donate blood and help ensure a steady supply (check local notices for more details).