Good morning, Blacksburg.

Jack Kennedy, a local expert at the US Space Force Museum, notes that robotics and AI are reshaping Virginia’s workforce by reducing mining jobs and paving the way for new tech roles.

He adds that updated education and policy *could spark local progress* if they support training and digital infrastructure.

Virginia Tech’s Ethics Bowl will hold its sixth annual case competition from March 31 to April 7, inviting student teams to debate ethical issues on campus.

The event will award scholarship prizes (first $1,500, second $1,000, third $500) as teams explore multiple perspectives.

Virginia Tech released its early action decisions for first-year students in January with a projected Fall 2026 freshman class of 7,521 — the largest on record.

Applicants must submit all materials by Nov. 1, 2025 and update their acceptance status by May 1.

Virginia Tech President Tim Sands will deliver the 2026 State of the University Address on Wednesday, Feb.

18 at 3 p.m. in the Center for the Arts, where he will highlight efforts to boost teaching, research, and community engagement.

Virginia Tech approved a $27.5M budget to renovate dorms in Pritchard, Hoge and Slusher with new air conditioning, ventilation and accessibility features.

Rising housing fees and long-term campus updates — such as Slusher renovation set for completion by Summer 2034 — reflect the university’s effort to modernize student housing.

Free educational events are coming to NRV this week including a blood pressure workshop on Thursday, Feb.

19 at Radford Public Library + a dementia caregiver session on Friday at Warm Hearth in Blacksburg, and an interactive wildlife exhibit on Saturday, Feb. 21 at the same library.

The board will vote Tuesday on a new policy requiring a 365-day expulsion for students who bring a firearm or a large knife to school, and it will choose between two school calendars for the upcoming year.

New Superintendent Kelly Guempel will follow up with community listening sessions beginning Wednesday.

The Montgomery County Economic Development Authority will meet Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. in Christiansburg to discuss two undisclosed projects — along with disaster relief payments, Blacksburg building improvements, Falling Branch corporate park updates, and county broadband expansion.

Running outdoors in winter gives aerobic and mental health benefits, Dr. Jessica Tomazic said.

She advises beginners to dress in layers, run slowly on snow, and use trail shoes + traction gear for safe exercise.

Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Baseball

1-5 p.m. — English Field — Tickets $10-$1000 — Catch an exciting college baseball matchup under the sun at English Field.

ACC Wrestling Championships

10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Cassell Coliseum — Ticket information pending — Witness top collegiate wrestling talent compete for championship honors.

A Taste of Ireland

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech — Tickets required — Experience the spirit of modern Ireland through world-class dance and music performances.

Market Jam at the Museum

10 AM – 12 PM — Alexander Black House & Cultural Center — Free entry — Enjoy live music by local talents Chris Via and Bill Blevins at this community event.

Metaphysics in the Blue Ridge Conference 2026

May 29th-31st — Virginia Tech Department of Philosophy, War Memorial Hall — Cost details to be announced — Engage with leading scholars in metaphysics during a collaborative workshop and enjoy a social hiking day.