🌱 New Area Code For The '540' + Student Research Endowment

Happy Tuesday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening today.

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First, today's weather:

Winds subsiding and cooler. High: 59 Low: 47.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. A new Virginia area code will alleviate an impending shortage of "540" phone numbers. The State Corporation Commission reports that during the next six months, local calls can be made with seven or 10 digits; residents are encouraged to practice dialing the full 10 digits in advance of the new "826" area code's release. The 540 area code encompasses the northwestern and southwestern portions of Virginia, including Roanoke and Salem. (WDBJ7)
2. Charles J. Schleupner, an infectious disease physician at Carilion Clinic and a professor of internal medicine at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, has set up an endowment at the school that will support student research for years to come. The first five recipients of Schleupner's endowment have spent the summer pursuing their research projects. In order to graduate, students must complete a four-year, hypothesis-driven project of publishable quality. Research time is built into the program's curriculum, making the school one of the few nationwide to put this much emphasis on student research. (Virginia Tech Daily)
3. Roanoke County Police are investigating a fatal crash that took place Sunday night. According to police, a driver of an SUV was traveling eastbound on McVitty Road, ran off the right side of the road, and hit a tree; the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Weather and drugs were ruled out as factors in the crash, and no charges are pending at this time. (WDBJ7)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Quick Reads Book Club - Mt. Pleasant Branch Library - Adults (7:00 PM)

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— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.