Veteran Homelessness Funding: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs awarded Virginia $28.2 million in grants to 17 community organizations to prevent and reduce homelessness among veterans, including supportive services and transitional housing. Food Security Safety: Virginia is rolling out new SNAP/EBT cards with chip-and-tap technology to cut down on benefit theft, starting in high-theft areas like Richmond, Norfolk, and Portsmouth. Flu Prevention: Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center will host a free flu shot clinic at its campus Farmer’s Market on Oct. 8 for adults 18+ with no appointment needed. Cancer Research: A Stanford-led study reports an existing anti-seizure drug, levetiracetam, can slow the growth of diffuse midline gliomas in children, with researchers planning clinical trials. Nursing Pipeline: Radford University is expanding direct admission to its prelicensure BSN program for incoming freshmen with a 3.0 GPA or higher, aiming to ease Virginia’s nurse shortage. Workforce Needs: A George Mason University report says the Blue Ridge to southwest Virginia region needs about 4,200 new registered nurses and thousands more physical therapists and other health workers. Community Health Access: Sprouts Farmers Market is opening on Langston Blvd in Arlington next week, touting fresh produce and “wellness bowls,” with a grand opening running Sept. 25–27.