Good morning, Blacksburg.

Greek Street Pastry and Market is set to open soon in Blacksburg—this new business will offer a range of pastries and groceries to local customers.

Further details on the opening schedule are expected to be released.

A 43-foot mobile lab has brought hands-on life science lessons to kindergarten through fifth-grade students across Virginia, including a recent field trip by Belle Heath Elementary at Blacksburg.

The trailer—funded by a Claude Moore Charitable Foundation gift—has made 22 stops since spring and will visit more rural areas in 2026.

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and Virginia State Parks launched the Ranger Conservation Corps, an internship program designed to build career paths in outdoor work and conservation.

Applications run from Dec. 15 through Jan 9 and selected interns will start in summer 2026 — space is limited.

Appalachian Power will host two open houses on December 9 and December 10 to get community feedback on plans to upgrade an 18-mile transmission line in Pulaski, Montgomery and Floyd counties as part of the Claytor-Floyd Transmission Line Rebuild Project.

The meetings at Radford Recreation Center and Hotel Floyd will help company officials decide on route options for safer, more reliable service—officials plan to file an application with the Virginia SCC next summer.

Virginia Tech is seeking volunteers for a study on muscle mass changes while taking weight-loss drugs Wegovy or Zepbound and participants will complete a 14 week strength training program with tests on campus—eligibility requires being 50 or older, not weighing over 300 pounds, limited current strength training, and passing a health screening.

The Partnership for Community Wellness met with local parents yesterday to discuss concerns about excessive device use among children.

The group said it will hold further sessions to guide families in managing screen time.

Virginia Tech is in talks with former Penn State head coach James Franklin to lead its football team — no official decision has been made as discussions continue.

James Franklin began his role as head coach on Monday at Virginia Tech, and fans are hopeful he will bring back the winning ways seen at Penn State (104 wins, a Big Ten Championship, and a playoff appearance), while the university also approved $229.2 million in athletic funding over the next four years.

2025 Blacksburg Turkey Trot

8:30 a.m. — 108 W Roanoke St, Blacksburg, VA — Registration fee applies — Participate in a festive 5k run on Thanksgiving morning for fun and fitness.

Blacksburg Master Chorale Presents Handel's 'Messiah'

4-10 p.m. — Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech — Ticket prices vary — Experience the timeless beauty of Handel's 'Messiah' performed by a talented chorale and orchestra.