Good morning, Blacksburg.

Project Imagine launched its pilot housing program on Wednesday, May 6, to provide affordable housing options for locals + project leaders will share eligibility details at upcoming community meetings.

Palette and Prism is an art exhibit featuring works by LaDonna Sepers that opens with a free reception on Thursday, May 14, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Glencoe Mansion and runs through June 25.

A Virginia Tech student in Blacksburg has identified a new meat-eating dinosaur species, Ptychotherates bucculentus, from a fossil (unearthed in New Mexico in 1982) that lived about 205 million years ago.

His work with Dr. Sterling Nesbitt offers rare insight into early dinosaur evolution.

The student-run Collegiate Times printed its final edition Wednesday after 123 years of covering Virginia Tech history in print and will now shift to a fully digital format this fall.

Outgoing Editor-in-Chief Michaela Scott and incoming Editor Ava Garrison said the change helps meet readers where they are.

Boaters are urged to exercise caution at Smith Mountain Lake where water levels are about five feet below full pool amid a drought, and officials have installed new navigation markers & advise using updated guides as low water exposes hazards on familiar routes.

Local beekeeper Ann Zudekoff explained that the ongoing drought and early spring are reducing rain and flower blooms, which worsens food shortages for honeybees.

Residents can help by placing a bowl of water with rocks for safe landings (a small pinch of salt keeps mosquitoes away).

Local agriculture is struggling as a persistent drought has lowered water flows at trout hatcheries and stressed orchards.

Officials and growers say more rain is needed soon to ease dry conditions in the area.

VDOT released a statewide multiuse trails plan (coinciding with Bike Month) that will guide future improvements to boost safe biking and walking options across the region.

Doctors in Blacksburg advise residents to perform regular skin checks as melanoma cases have risen.

They recommend scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist if suspicious spots or moles are noticed (early detection is key).

Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare recognized Maternal Mental Health Month yesterday by promoting local resources for new and expectant mothers.

The initiative aims to boost community support and increase awareness about maternal mental well-being.

Underground Springhouse Live Performance

9 PM – 12 AM — The Milk Parlor — Ticket prices vary — Experience a fusion of reggae, country, and funk with Underground Springhouse's unique rock sound.