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Friday, February 20th, 2026

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Good morning, Blacksburg. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • The YMCA at Virginia Tech announced a re-launch of its Cinderella and Prince Charming Boutique that offers affordable formal wear to high school students. The event is at the Y Center Emily Stewart Event Room, 1000 N. Main Street on Feb. 27 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  WSLS 10

ECONOMY NEWS

  • A new study finds Virginia Tech’s biomedical operations in Roanoke Valley have surpassed their eight-year target by reaching $475.7 million in economic impact. The 54-page report, released this week with Tech President Tim Sands’ State of the University address, shows the growth has created 1,294 direct jobs in the area.  Cardinal News
  • Officials said tourism is growing in Southwest Virginia after Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge hosted a conference Thursday, sharing data on increased lodging demand and events boosting the region's appeal (including the ODAC Tournament and the Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships).  WSLS 10

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Virginia Tech in Blacksburg received a $419,741 grant from Health and Human Services on Feb. 19 to support research into biomolecule modeling and characterization (Congressman Morgan Griffith praised the award as boosting the university’s research capabilities).  New River Valley News
  • Little Hokie Hangout Early Education Center offers subsidized early education for graduate student families while providing Virginia Tech students with part-time childcare opportunities at Goodwin Hall. The program welcomes diverse families with flexible care options ranging from full-day services to as little as three hours a week.  Virginia Tech News

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • The New River Land Trust transferred 239 acres on Brush Mountain (Stone-cutters Hollow) to Blacksburg on Feb. 19; the Virginia Outdoors Foundation placed the land in a permanent Open Space Easement, ensuring it remains a public recreational resource.  New River Valley News

HEALTH NEWS

  • The Virginia Tech Patient Research Center is being established at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute with a $26.5 million state investment to boost clinical research and improve care access for rural families. The center will enhance local health innovation and workforce training in partnership with Carilion Clinic.  Cardinal News
  • Blacksburg Parks and Recreation will host an informational session on supporting independence for individuals with dementia Tuesday, March 10 from 2-3pm at the Blacksburg Community Center. Brooke Gill from the Alzheimer’s Association will guide caregivers on balancing safety with autonomy, and registration is required.  New River Valley News
  • Studies by the NIH and American Heart Association show bucket lists help seniors improve health; Heather Holland of Commonwealth Senior Living in Christiansburg advises families to support creating simple goals like a new hobby (promoting better well-being).  New River Valley News

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Sun, 2/22/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Sun, 3/8/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Tue, 3/10/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 3/14/26

    View 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.

    Mon, 3/16/26

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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