Hi Blacksburg! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Blues, Brews & BBQ.
Today's riddle: What is the difference between a jeweler and a jailer? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Griffith Celebrates $1,000,000 for Virginia Tech Nuclear Energy Project (pcpatriot.com) — Virginia Tech in Blacksburg is receiving $1 million in federal funding to enhance nuclear reactor testing and safety using modern technologies. Congressman Morgan Griffith highlights the project as part of Southwest Virginia's energy future, positioning the university and town at the center of advancing nuclear energy research and innovation.
2. Global Flavors, Local Connection celebration planned at YMCA (radfordnewsjournal.com) — Blacksburg residents are invited to a Global Flavors, Local Connection celebration at the YMCA at Virginia Tech on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, featuring international food, music, and dance. Local restaurants, the Itraab Music Ensemble, and Blacksburg Contra Dance will highlight global and Appalachian traditions, with proceeds supporting YMCA community programs across the New River Valley.
3. Virginia Tech sees sharp decline in international doctoral students (wvtf.org) — Virginia Tech leaders meeting in Blacksburg are warning of a steep projected drop in international and overall Ph.D. enrollment, even as the university launches a new Defense Department partnership and lowers in-state medical school tuition. The Board of Visitors also reviewed the ongoing presidential search, which includes upcoming candidate interviews and continued outreach to the campus community for feedback.
4. P.E.O. Blacksburg chapter supports 10 women with scholarships (montcova.com) — A Blacksburg-based P.E.O. chapter has backed ten women with scholarships and loans, including a recent Blacksburg High School graduate heading to UVA and several Virginia Tech students. The awards support studies ranging from counseling and nursing to aerospace engineering and neuroscience, highlighting local women pursuing ambitious academic and career goals.
5. Blacksburg man sentenced over four years for possessing child pornography (wfxrtv.com) — A Blacksburg resident has been sentenced to just over four years in federal prison after investigators found tens of thousands of illegal images and videos involving minors on his devices. Federal prosecutors say the case, which began with downloads flagged in 2021 and 2022, underscores ongoing efforts by the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office to pursue child exploitation crimes in the Western District of Virginia.
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Ok Blacksburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A jeweler sells watches and a jailer watches cells. (Thank you Jean D. for sending it in!)
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