Good morning, Blacksburg.

A new WDBJ7 Archive feature recalls Dolly Parton's lasting impact in western Virginia.

It highlights her 1979 visit and her 1990 performance at the Roanoke Civic Center (a local look-alike contest sparked early admiration) along with her ongoing philanthropic support for the community.

Gas prices remain high in Virginia this August as the statewide average for regular gasoline reaches $3.86, up from $3.01 a year ago.

Drivers in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Radford may face similar increases as premium gasoline and diesel costs rise.

Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine will cut tuition to $48,985 starting fall after its Board approved a $15,000 reduction backed by $6.5 million annual state support, while Christiansburg Council approved converting 465 Stuart Street from business to residential use pending permit conditions.

Virginia Tech is hosting Pentagon-selected military fellows in a new 10-month program on campus — a role that offers hands-on training in artificial intelligence and drones — as senior officers begin the program this fall.

The initiative aims to expand to 15 participants each year in Blacksburg.

Virginia Tech launched HokieAI today to give metered access to vetted commercial AI models for chat, coding, image creation, and other academic tasks while protecting student data (following Responsible and Ethical AI Principles).

Virginia Tech cut the ribbon on its new Counter-UAS Testing and Research Center at Kentland Farm on Friday, where officials demonstrated drone detection and mitigation systems under a $5 million Army contract.

The center will test technology designed to protect military, law enforcement and infrastructure from drone threats.

Virginia Tech will implement new game day procedures for safety at Lane Stadium when it hosts the home opener Friday, Sept.

5 against Virginia Military Institute. Students are advised to download their tickets ahead of time & arrive 90 minutes early to ease crowd flow.