Good morning, Blacksburg.

On March 19, students for justice in Palestine at VT marched from the Pylons at Virginia Tech to the Blacksburg Municipal Building after an Instagram call for an emergency protest in response to Gaza airstrikes that killed 400 people—speakers also criticized the university for ties to companies such as Boeing and Raytheon and for rolling back DEI initiatives.

Local leaders earned honors and promotions this week; Virginia Tech professor Dushan Boroyevich received emeritus status and associate professor David Tegarden was honored while VMI’s Col. Andrew Luna was recognized for his award-winning research.

In business, Courtnee Bishop was promoted to chief operating officer at McLeod Enterprises—Emily S. Mordecai made the Forty Under 40 list, ABT Counseling welcomed two new residents, and McClung Cos. recognized employees with awards.

Virginia Tech will observe the 2025 Day of Remembrance to honor the students and faculty members who lost their lives on April 16, 2007.

Members of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Class of 2025 learned at noon on March 21 that they will spend the next four to seven years training in residencies across the nation—this announcement marks a key milestone in their medical careers.

Mountain Valley Pipeline sued more than 50 protesters in state and federal courts for actions that slowed its underground work; a federal judge on March 17 denied one dismissal request and partly dismissed another suit.

The cases will move forward as legal challenges and criminal charges remain pending in Giles and other Virginia counties (the pipeline is 303-mile long).

Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Radford Highlanders

1 p.m. — English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park — VIP tickets available — Witness the spirited matchup between these local college teams in a lively baseball atmosphere.

Spring Candle Making Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Beliveau Farm Winery — Ticket required — Craft two personalized soy candles while enjoying wine and treats in a spring-inspired setting.

Virginia Tech vs. Troy Baseball Match

3:30 a.m. — English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park — Tickets available — Watch the Virginia Tech Hokies face off against the Troy Trojans in an exciting baseball matchup.

Florida State Seminoles at Virginia Tech Hokies Baseball

1-5 p.m. — English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park — Tickets required — Come watch the Hokies face off against the Seminoles in an exciting afternoon of college baseball.

The Grass Is Dead: Bluegrass Tribute

8 PM – 12 AM — The Milk Parlor — $ — Experience America's original bluegrass tribute to the music of the Grateful Dead and beyond!