Good morning, Lynchburg.

The John Lynch Memorial Bridge has reopened over the James River, linking Lynchburg+Amherst County.

Local officials say the improved crossing offers residents a safer route and smoother travel between the areas.

In 2025, Lynchburg saw $272.4 million in tourism spending that supported 3,074 jobs and generated $16.9 million in tax revenue.

City officials said sports events like the Disc Golf Pro Tour Championship drove the growth and spurred plans for further tourism initiatives in 2026 and 2027.

Food businesses in Lynchburg are paying more for deliveries as diesel prices increase, with F and L Market seeing its costs jump by up to $400 extra weekly.

Owners choose to absorb higher expenses from fuel surcharges to keep prices steady — the pressure is felt across multiple local suppliers.

Virginia is rolling out new EBT cards with an expiration date, security code, and tap-to-pay to protect SNAP benefits after recent thefts; Lynchburg recipients have been mailed cards and must call Human Services by Oct.

1 to update their address since current cards expire in 60 days.

During National Preparedness Month, the American Red Cross is seeking blood donations to support emergency care + drives are today at Liberty University LaHaye Student Union, Sept.

25 at Hyland Heights, and Oct. 2 at Centra Health Lynchburg General Hospital, with donors receiving a $15 card if done by Oct. 18.

New data from the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association shows that Virginia women are having babies later; mothers aged 35 to 39 make up 20% of hospital births, up from 16% in 2017, and nearly six in 10 births in early 2026 were to those 30 or older.

The Virginia Nursing Workforce Center relaunched the Earn to Learn grant program to award $4.8 million + up to $400,000 per recipient to high schools, colleges, hospitals, and healthcare providers to boost rural nursing education and retention.

Applications will be accepted through Sept. 30.

Mingo Coffee and Play launched a second space on Timberlake Road, offering local families a new venue for coffee & play.

The business is now open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.