Good morning, Blacksburg.

Hokie House, a 60-year-old bar on Main Street, has secured its future after its owners bought the building amid rising rent costs.

The landmark will mark its anniversary with a community celebration in early summer (honoring decades of Virginia Tech tradition).

The YMCA at Virginia Tech is expanding its digital skilling programs in Blacksburg with refurbished HP HOPE laptops + a free coding and robotics workshop for youth starting February, while new digital literacy sessions for adults will soon be announced.

Governor Abigail Spanberger said the new law raises Virginia's minimum wage, starting at $12.77 on Jan.

1, increasing to $13.75 on Jan. 1, 2027 and reaching $15 on Jan. 1, 2028, to help families manage rising living costs.

Virginia lawmakers approved legislation to raise the minimum wage from $12.77 to $15 by 2028 — wages will increase to $13.75 on Jan.

1, 2027 and to $15 on Jan. 1, 2028. Gov. Spanberger will sign the bill soon to help working families manage rising costs.

Dr. Jessica Tomazic, a sports medicine physician, says outdoor running in winter can boost strength, endurance and burn more calories; she advises dressing in layers and using trail-type footwear (for better traction) on snowy paths.

Runners with injuries should consult their doctor before starting a run.

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.