Good morning, Blacksburg.

Sinkland Farms in Christiansburg was named the fourth best pumpkin patch and corn maze in the country by USA Today; its 34th Annual Pumpkin Festival will begin Thursday, Sept.

25 and run through Nov. 2 with hayrides, corn maze challenges and other family activities—highlighting Southwest Virginia’s charm.

Blacksburg nurse Laura Beth Dean from Warm Hearth Village won multiple awards for her children’s book (Georgia Jipp: Blizzard Pilot!) which tells the tale of a pilot who flew over 150 mercy missions during a 1949 blizzard.

Her work has earned honors that highlight the brave life of Georgia Jipp.

Virginia's Blue Ridge region is in the running to be voted one of the best destinations for fall foliage as voters soon decide if its scenic views can boost local tourism.

Local officials say the vote may increase visitor interest this fall—adding momentum to the area's growth.

No. 611—the only surviving member of the Norfolk & Western 'J' Class steam locomotives—left the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke last week and is set for a five-weekend series of rides on the Virginia Scenic Railway from Goshen.

The historic locomotive ran daily passenger routes before the diesel era and gives locals a chance to enjoy a piece of rail history.

Today, the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech launched Virginia Tech Made—its new center for advanced manufacturing that brings together faculty, industry and federal partners to develop modern training for a future workforce.

Participants engaged in hands-on research and brainstorming sessions—steps that will guide curriculum changes and improve industry readiness.

Quinlan Campbell, a junior majoring in environmental data science, has been working with collegiate associate professor JP Gannon to collect water chemistry samples at McDonald Hollow in Blacksburg—research that studies if water on one side of the mountain could impact future public water supply planning.

Anne Abbott, a Literacy NRV educator in Christiansburg, is named as one of five finalists for the 2025 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year award—she was selected for her strong work in engaging families in learning.

The winner will receive a $20,000 grant and a runner-up will earn $5,000 at the Families Learning Conference set for Nov. 2-5.

Auburn High crowned its 2025 Homecoming Court at the football game on Sept.

19 — King Jacob Miller, Queen Addison Blankenship, Prince Brody Dill-on, and Princess Piper Boike were honored.

Up to 3,000 people will gather tonight at Burruss Hall Auditorium at Virginia Tech for the American Comeback Tour hosted by the Turning Point USA chapter—key speakers include Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Megyn Kelly.

The campus is tightening security with extra screenings and a bag ban as traffic, parking changes, and road closures are planned before the event.

Virginia launched the Farm Recovery Block Grant Program—funded by USDA—to give direct financial aid to farmers and timber landowners affected by Hurricane Helene; VDACS is hosting a virtual training session today at 5:30 p.m. to explain the online application process for the $60.9 million disaster aid, with applications open since Monday and closing November 6.0.

Hokie Half Marathon and 5K

6:00 PM — Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center — Registration fee applies — Lace up for a scenic run through beautiful Blacksburg with the Hokies.

Salsa Under The Stars

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Beliveau Farm Winery — $12 at the door — Dance the night away with salsa lessons and vibrant Latin music.