Good morning, Blacksburg.

Blacksburg’s new Sub Station II will open in fall in Gilbert Place at North End, keeping alive the legacy of retired owner Hamid LaPuasa.

The planned location will add 20 new jobs + mark the 38th franchise, offering a familiar taste to the community.

Metallica performed live at Lane Stadium on May 7, marking the first time the band sang 'Enter Sandman' for Virginia Tech football rather than playing the recorded version.

The M72 World Tour show featured supporting acts (Suicidal Tendencies and Pantera) and drew over 70,000 cheering fans.

2025 College of Engineering Outstanding Senior Mikey Harrigan—drawing on his wrestling experience—helped develop Hippo Flow, an app that helps people avoid mental health crises.

He said the app is designed to maximize good by offering practical support for those in need.

Elizabeth Sicking earned her MS in Life Sciences in Entomology from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences by doing hands-on research with insects and aquatic ecosystems and by volunteering at outreach events – she will work this summer with a team sampling coastal wetlands for water quality, macroinvertebrates, and fish as part of the Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Monitoring Program.

Local officials announced that Sub Station II will open in Blacksburg to improve power systems—operations will begin soon.

Paint Nite: Perfect Spring Lookout

6-8 p.m. — Rising Silo Brewery — $45 per person, supplies included — Unleash your creativity in a fun painting party hosted by The Heartworks Co.

Summer Flora Candle Making Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Beliveau Farm Winery — $41 plus fees — Craft two custom candles with summer floral scents while enjoying a relaxing winery atmosphere.