Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Blacksburg. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Southwest Virginia remembers Rev. Jesse Jackson’s legacy as he delivered a keynote at Virginia Tech during MLK Week in 2006 (spurring the first cancellation of classes for MLK Day). His visits in Danville, Roanoke, and Lynchburg have continued to influence the region’s commitment to unity and civil rights. WSLS 10
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, Feb. 17, the local event Tuesdays of Honor recognized Edward Durwood Nichols for his significant contributions in Blacksburg. The ceremony celebrated his enduring impact on our community culture. WDBJ7
- ➤ Local true crime author Ron Peterson, a Radford University alum, released his new book 'Runaway Groom' detailing a 1983 disappearance from Staunton. The work, praised by readers for its careful research, builds on his popular series and sets the stage for a future release centered on a notable New River Valley case. News Messenger
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Virginia Tech professors discussed differing classroom policies on using generative AI today, with one professor using AI to document learning progress (via chat logs) and another banning it for assignments. The university guidelines allow each educator to decide their approach. WSLS 10
- ➤ Virginia Tech cybersecurity experts said illegal robocalls, scams and AI-powered attacks will rise later this year, posing challenges for local businesses & organizations. They warned that unintentional wireless leaks could expose secure data and urged communities to update defenses. News Messenger
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ A WalletHub report finds that Virginia charges the nation’s highest vehicle property taxes, nearly 40 times those in Louisiana. The report also shows that West Virginia residents pay less for vehicle taxes, a key detail for local car owners. WDBJ7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Tiny Cargo Co., a biotech spinoff from VTC, will open its new 7,000 sqft clean room manufacturing plant at Fugate Road Northeast in Roanoke on Thursday, aiming to boost cancer and cardiac research by processing milk from Homestead Creamery. Cardinal News
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Angels of Assisi is preparing to host a home and garden show in Blacksburg featuring local home design ideas and vendor exhibits. The event will take place soon, with organizers set to announce details (including the date and location) in the coming days. WDBJ7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Eastern Montgomery girls beat Craig County 46+39 on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at their home court. Brookelyn Kingery scored eight points in a key second-half play that helped secure the win. News Messenger
- ➤ Eastern Montgomery’s Mustangs beat Craig County 65-34 on Feb. 17, with Kellan Stewart grabbing a defensive rebound while Owen Keith and Cyrus Underwood each scored 13 points in the decisive win. News Messenger
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Blacksburg
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