Good morning, Leesburg.

Vets, Brews & Bullseyes returns for its fourth annual celebration at Heroic Axe in Vint Hill on Nov.

7. The event honors veterans and active-duty military with live music, storytelling and military displays — attendees can record personal service stories with the mobile studio.

A new Toys R Us store will open (Friday, Oct.

16) at Leesburg Premium Outlets (across from Old Navy) and is set to offer a smaller format with plenty of toys for local shoppers. The store promises a fresh shopping spot for families.

Work has begun on the future location for Smokin Willy BBQ and Grill and Deli South at 422 Sycolin Road behind Walgreens at the corner of Sycolin and Battlefield Parkway SE; no opening date has been announced.

Pitango Gelato will open its first Loudoun County shop on Wednesday, Oct.

28 at South Riding Market Square in South Riding (ribbon cutting at 5 p.m.). Local franchisees will offer freebies for early customers and donate $1 from every gelato sale to the Dulles South Food Pantry.

Loudoun County Public Schools projects that raising state test cut scores for grades 3-8 will lead to significant declines in reading & math passing rates, with changes fully in place by 2030.

Officials say the adjustment does not alter test questions but reflects new state standards.

Revised routes for the Valley North Transmission Line project removed the southern alternative opposed by local residents, and an open house will be held on Nov.

12 at the Lovettsville Game Protective Association from 4 to 7 p.m. for community feedback.

Plans for the Western Loudoun Recreation Complex on a 142-acre site near Purcellville are heading to the Board of Supervisors after changes adding tree conservation space and a berm.

A public meeting is scheduled Monday, Oct. 19 at Loudoun Valley High School from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Local government, nonprofits and faith groups are strengthening the county's homelessness response as rising need challenges Loudoun's high income.

Officials say programs will expand soon to help more people access shelter and support.