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🌱 Patch AM: Could a Blacksburg-made patch quietly prevent fatal overdoses at home?

Happening soon: Blacksburg en Blanc on the Blacksburg Patch calendar

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Morning Blacksburg! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Could a Blacksburg-made patch quietly prevent fatal overdoses at home?
  • How Blacksburg remembers the manhunt that shut down Virginia Tech
  • Defending state champs start their title defense on Blacksburg's court

Also on today's calendar: Sinkland Farms 4th Annual Wine Festival — Sinkland Farms Rustic Chic Weddings, Events & Farm Festivals.

Today's riddle: What is the longest word in the dictionary? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Humid with a thunderstorm, with a high of 80 and low of 61 degrees.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 80, low: 56.
  • Monday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 79 and low of 56 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Virginia Tech researchers develop smart patch that automatically delivers naloxone during a fentanyl overdose (wsls.com) — Virginia Tech researchers in Blacksburg are testing a tiny "iNal" skin patch that can sense fentanyl in the body and automatically release life‑saving naloxone, even if no one else is nearby. Early lab and animal results are promising, and the team hopes to move toward larger trials and eventual human testing, with potential to adapt the technology for other drugs and diseases.
   

• 20 years since William Morva manhunt in Blacksburg (wsls.com) — Two decades after the 2006 manhunt that shut down parts of Virginia Tech's campus and gripped Blacksburg, locals are remembering slain deputy Eric Sutphin and hospital security guard Derrick McFarland. The piece revisits how William Morva's escape, capture along the Huckleberry Trail, and eventual execution affected the New River Valley and helped shape statewide conversations on crime and punishment.
   

• Giles volleyball returns to the court with confidence boost (wsls.com) — Giles High School's defending state champion volleyball team opens its new season Tuesday night at Blacksburg, bringing a strong core of seven returning players. Seniors say they're embracing leadership roles and believe they can surprise doubters as they chase another deep postseason run supported by a volleyball‑loving community.
   

📸 Around Blacksburg

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Blacksburg

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hey neighbors!
    My lab-Pitt mix is allergic to this new food I was trying out. It's the same brand as what I usually buy, but there must be something in it his body… (Nextdoor Sweeny)
  • Food Lion posted a job opening for PT Customer Service Leader in Blacksburg. Apply here.
  • Crestline Hotels & Resorts, Inc. posted a job opening for Housekeeper in Blacksburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Blacksburg here.

🗞 Nearby News

Christiansburg

  • Christiansburg debates Flock cameras amid vandalism, civil liberties concerns (wsls.com)
  • Sinkland Farms 35th Annual Pumpkin Festival - 2026-09-19 September 2026 (events.com)
  • Virginia Gas Prices: Cheapest and most expensive places to fill up - August 20, 2026 (wsls.com)

Radford

  • Radford Tuition Promise enters third year, covering tuition for more than 2,000 students (wdbj7.com)
  • Radford University welcome students back to campus for move-in (wfxrtv.com)
  • Radford Community Fest brings live music, 100+ vendors and family activities to downtown Radford Saturday (pcpatriot.com)

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: Smiles, because it has a mile between "s". (Thank you Sharon M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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