Good morning, Blacksburg.

Taste of Virginia will take place Friday, Nov.

13, from 6-9 p.m. at The 84, 5178 Webbs Mill Road N. in Riner. AITC and Hethwood Market will showcase New River Valley farmers and local foods, and guests will hear from producers while ticket sales support agriculture literacy in Virginia schools.

Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport and Lynchburg Regional Airport are preparing now for holiday travel with snow and de-icing training and runway-clearing as weather risks stretch into December.

Officials say buy tickets 4 to 6 weeks ahead, download your airline's app & arrive at least two hours early to plan for parking and delays.

Virginia Tech upgraded several residence halls this school year to improve student living: Pritchard finished a three year, phased renovation with new fire alarms, flooring, lighting, wiring, vanities, and furniture; Main Eggleston got lock off bathrooms and a modern kitchen (built in 1935), and West Ambler Johnston added new common room furniture.

Virginia has added 2,211 acres of protected land at Buffalo Mountain, doubling the preserve to more than 4,300 acres to protect rare habitats and potentially expand public access.

Starting Sunday, Nov.

1 Virginia will stop allowing SNAP benefits to buy soda and certain carbonated energy drinks, though some sugary noncarbonated drinks like lemonade and iced tea will still be eligible, and retailers must update checkout systems while recipients can use other payment methods to buy restricted drinks.

HCA Virginia hospitals were named in Healthgrades' 2027 Specialty Excellence Awards for orthopedic, surgical, cardiac, and gastrointestinal care, with LewisGale Medical Center & LewisGale Hospital Montgomery among the recognized facilities serving our region.

A WDBJ7 Here @ Home report on Oct.

28 says regular exercise is a key to healthy aging and directs older adults to local programs and tips for staying active.

Senior Home Coach is helping older adults modify homes so they can live independently, and the business founder discussed a new Aging in Place book on Here @ Home (Oct.

28).