Good morning, Blacksburg.

Cosmetology students from Blacksburg and Auburn High traveled to Heritage Hall Health Care to provide haircuts, manicures, and candy canes for residents, boosting holiday cheer and gaining valuable real-world experience.

Zeppoli's Restaurant and Wine Shop in Blacksburg will close permanently on Dec.

20 at 9 p.m. after serving homemade Italian dishes and a curated wine selection for 29 years, and the owners invite locals to visit one last time.

Professor Juan Luis Nicolau (J.

Willard and Alice S. Marriott Professor) explained that generative AI served as a travel assistant by reading moods to recommend coffee shops, hikes, and other options. His Journal of Smart Tourism study noted both benefits and privacy challenges.

Christiansburg High senior Ela Shepherd was named Class 3 Player of the Year by the VHSL while her coach Morgan Taylor earned Class 3 Coach of the Year after the team’s undefeated regular season led to 28 wins and a state semi-final appearance.