Good morning, Short Pump.

SpaceX launched its latest cargo mission to the International Space Station Tuesday morning just after 6:30 a.m. in Central Virginia; many residents said the launch was visible between 6:35 a.m.+6:40 a.m.

Nominations are open for FATHER Christmas, a Virginia program helping 75 fathers (25 in Greater Richmond, 25 in Hampton Roads, and 25 in the Blue Ridge region) by providing $500 and holiday gifts for their children.

Nominations close on Nov. 13.

Officials in Chesterfield issued permits valued at over $9 million for projects including a free-standing emergency room, while Hanover approved a $19 million permit for an industrial property on Richfood Rd. The permits, dated from late September to early October, support a range of commercial and residential developments in the area.

Vivos Academy, a private special education high school serving ages 14 to 22, opened at 9700 Gayton Road in western Henrico to offer personalized academic instruction and hands-on vocational training (including independent living skills and student-run store experience) for the 2026-27 school year.

Collegiate School partnered with Richmond Preschools to host a workshop for preschool educators on social-emotional skills for children age 2 to 4 (focusing on emotional regulation, problem solving, and connection).

The program provided practical tools to help young learners build resilience and social skills for academic success.

The Henrico Planning Commission will review nine land use cases on Oct.

15, including a 350-unit retirement community at Virginia Crossings (adding needed senior housing) and a plan to relocate Rudlin Torah Academy to a new Henrico site. County planning staff provided mixed recommendations for revisions.

Henrico households meeting income guidelines can apply for heating assistance until Nov.

13 through the state’s Fuel Assistance program administered by the Department of Social Services. Eligible residents can apply online via Virginia's CommonHelp portal or by calling 1-855-635-4370 (7 a.m. to 6 p.m.).

The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts urge residents to schedule seasonal immunizations for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV by the end of October as flu activity rises.

Residents can book appointments with local providers or clinics (Henrico East 804-652-3190; Henrico West 804-501-4522) where eligible individuals may receive no-cost vaccines.