Good morning Blacksburg! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Nrv Aarp/Toc Health Fair and 10 more events.
Today's riddle: What is the difference between black eyed peas and chick peas? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. New bank, art studio approved for Blacksburg (montcova.com) — Blacksburg Town Council has cleared the way for a new First Community Bank with a drive-through on Prices Fork Road, adding another financial option close to local neighborhoods. Council also approved flexible office and art studio uses for long-vacant South Main and Eakin Street properties, and reappointed representatives to the New River Valley Agency on Aging.
2. Updated Boys Team Rankings (milesplit.com) — Blacksburg runners can take pride: Blacksburg High School is ranked No. 1 in the latest statewide boys cross-country team rankings after a strong second-place finish at the Knights Crossing meet. Led by standout times from Rivers Matthews and Calvin Wilbon, the team already has four boys under 16 minutes this season. The list also spotlights other top Virginia programs chasing Blacksburg.
3. Virginia Tech researcher weighs in on threats, fears of AI development (wsls.com) — From Blacksburg, a Virginia Tech researcher is helping unpack growing fears about artificial intelligence, following a high-profile resignation at Anthropic and calls to slow AI development. He argues we're in a tech "bubble" where both risks and benefits are exaggerated, yet acknowledges this wave could be different. The piece also notes national leaders framing AI as a strategic race with China.
4. Dollar General Literacy Foundation awards nearly $80,000 to Virginia schools, non-profits (wavy.com) — Blacksburg Middle School is receiving a $4,000 youth literacy grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, part of nearly $80,000 awarded across Virginia. The funding can support books, technology, or other learning materials, giving local students expanded resources while similar grants go to schools and nonprofits in communities statewide.
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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: Black eyed peas can sing us a song but chick peas can only hummus one. (Thank you Bev H. for sending it in!)
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