Good morning, Blacksburg.

Appalachian Power announced it will reduce its fuel factor rate by 24% for Virginia residential customers—changing the rate from 4.139 cents per kilowatt-hour to 3.133 cents per kilowatt-hour starting Nov.

1. Customers using 1,000 kWh are expected to save about $10.06 monthly and pay 16.36 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is below the national average.

Special needs students learned about law enforcement careers in a workshop held by local police on Oct.

23. The session explained job roles and training steps to help prepare students for future careers.

The Virginia Gray Fox Project is a joint study by Virginia DNR and Virginia Tech that will map where gray foxes live and examine their decline.

Researchers are using remote cameras on animal trails for six weeks—an approach that also gathers images of other wildlife—to build a clear baseline for future research.

The Department of Wildlife Resources says bird flu is killing more black vultures and warns people with backyard birds to keep them safe.

Officials advise that if you see groups of dead birds, you should not touch them—this helps prevent the virus from spreading.

Eight months after losing its tanker truck, Boones Mill Volunteer Fire Department remains in dispute with Franklin County Public Safety over a replacement— the department seeks a custom-built truck costing over $1 million while officials propose an $850,000 commercial model.

Local organizations helped residents during the government shutdown as state services slowed—families received essential support until government operations resumed.

DePaul Community Resources is expanding its Agency-Directed Services program to the New River Valley and Lynchburg to offer in-home care for people aging or with disabilities, helping with tasks like bathing and dressing.

The program serves over 200 families and partners with local universities to train care attendants + works with Medicaid waivers to support clients.

Virginia Tech hired Elizabeth Kitley as an assistant to the head coach for external operations.

She began her role on Oct. 23 and will support team operations — a change that adds depth to the athletics staff.

Former Virginia Tech basketball star Elizabeth Kitley returned as the assistant to the head coach for external operations to lead community engagement, fundraising and NIL outreach.

She worked with head coach Megan Duffy and general manager Stephen Fishler while mentoring student-athletes and taking part in home event broadcasts.

Elizabeth Kitley was hired as the assistant to the head coach for external operations at VT.

She will help run external projects + work with partners to boost the team’s efforts.

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.