Good morning, Blacksburg.

Virginia Living magazine honored 107 New River Valley destinations and businesses with Best of Virginia 2025 awards based on readers' votes yesterday; 69 others received additional honors in categories from food and drink to shopping + the awards highlight the region’s local spirit.

Virginia Tech suspended the Pathways 7 concept on Oct.

1 after federal orders related to diversity, equity and inclusion led the school to change its general education requirements; all students now meet the requirements even if they did not take the associated classes. Assistant Vice Provost Stephen Biscotte said the commission will draft a resolution this academic year—only the specific concept was affected while other courses continue.

Virginia Tech announced yesterday its plan to work with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory using additive friction stir deposition—an advanced 3D-printing process that reshapes aluminum, steel, and titanium without fully melting them.

The research may help improve manufacturing while offering benefits for automotive, metal upcycling, and space projects.

Students from North Cross School joined its first-ever STEM-EX Challenge on Oct.

19th, where they took part in hands-on science and engineering activities that aimed to boost interest in future STEM careers.

Virginia Hollow Concert

6-9 p.m. — Rising Silo Brewery — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of live music with Virginia Hollow at a local brewery.

Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Louisville Cardinals Football

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. — Lane Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Witness the thrilling college football clash as the Hokies take on the Cardinals.

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers vs Virginia Tech Hokies Women's Basketball

2-3:30 p.m. — Cassell Coliseum — Ticket prices vary — Catch the thrilling women's basketball matchup featuring the Chanticleers and Hokies.