Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How Virginia Tech’s new drone center could reshape jobs in Blacksburg
Spotted on the Blacksburg calendar: Sinkland Farms 4th Annual Wine Festival — Sinkland Farms Rustic Chic Weddings, Events & Farm Festivals
Coffee in hand, Blacksburg? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How Virginia Tech's new drone center could reshape jobs in Blacksburg
- How a $15,000 tuition cut could change Virginia's future doctors
- Why Virginia Tech is losing international grad students—and what's next
Also on today's calendar: Blues, Brews & BBQ.
Today's riddle: What has a neck but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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Find a T-Mobile store near Blacksburg. 
- Saturday: Partly sunny and humid, with a high of 79 and low of 62 degrees.
- Sunday: Humid with some sun, temps: high: 84, low: 62.
- Monday: Record-tying temperatures, with a high of 88 and low of 66 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
📰 News we're reading
1. Virginia Tech opens counter-drone research center (wsls.com) — Virginia Tech has opened a new Counter UAS Test and Research Center at Kentland Farms in Blacksburg, aiming to develop cutting-edge tools to detect and stop hostile drones. Federal lawmakers joined university leaders to highlight how the facility could shape modern warfare technology while attracting companies and high-tech jobs to Blacksburg and the broader Southwest Virginia region. 
2. Virginia Tech cuts in-state medical school tuition by $15,000 (wfxrtv.com) — Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, is cutting in-state tuition at its Carilion School of Medicine by $15,000 a year starting this fall, thanks to new state funding. The move aims to make medical education more affordable for Virginians and could encourage more local students to train and eventually practice in communities across the region.
3. Visa uncertainty drives decline in Virginia Tech international students, dean says (wset.com) — Virginia Tech officials in Blacksburg say international graduate enrollment has dropped about 14% over two years, which they largely attribute to tightening U.S. visa rules and growing uncertainty for students. The graduate dean warns this trend affects campus diversity and the broader economy, while a local congressman urges boosting domestic grad enrollment as the university helps internationals navigate changing requirements.
4. Virginia Tech Men's Soccer Routs Kentucky 3-0 (techlunchpail.com) — Virginia Tech men's soccer, representing the hometown Hokies in Blacksburg, dominated Kentucky 3–0 with goals from Noe Uwimana, Parker Polk, and Yanis Belatrache. Strong defense, a 14–7 shot advantage, and Diego Dauzier's three saves sealed the shutout as Tech moved to 2–1 ahead of next week's ACC opener at NC State.
5. Virginia Gas Prices: Cheapest and most expensive places to fill up - August 28, 2026 (wsls.com) — Blacksburg drivers are paying about $3.84 for regular gas as Labor Day weekend approaches, slightly higher than Roanoke and close to Lynchburg. The statewide average is $3.88, with premium and diesel much higher, and AAA says this August could be the most expensive on record at the pump.
📸 Around Blacksburg
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Blacksburg
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Sinkland Farms 4th Annual Wine Festival — Sinkland Farms Rustic Chic Weddings, Events & Farm Festivals →
Sinkland Farms, 3060 Riner Rd, Christiansburg
10:00 am
Saturday September 19
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Blues, Brews & BBQ →
St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall, 203 Gilbert St, Blacksburg
12:00 pm - Sinkland Farms 35th Annual Pumpkin Festival →
Sinkland Farms, 3060 Riner Rd, Christiansburg
4:00 pm
Saturday September 19
Friday September 25
📣 Blacksburg Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Planning Commission Meeting →
Town of Christiansburg Calendar, Town Hall 100 E. Main St., Christiansburg
7:00 pm - Women of Vision
Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce 1540 South Main St, Ste 110, Blacksburg, VA Located at First & Main
9:30 am - MC Business 101 Financial Foundations: Session 2
Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce 210 Laurel St Suite B Christiansburg
12:00 pm - Aquatic Advisory Board →
Town of Christiansburg Calendar, Christiansburg Aquatic Center 595 N. Franklin St., Christiansburg
4:30 pm - MC Eggs & Issues: The Future of Business in Montgomery County - September 2026
Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Warm Hearth Village 2387 Warm Hearth Dr. Blacksburg, VA 24060
8:00 am - Bikeway Walkway Committee →
Town of Christiansburg Calendar, Town Hall 100 E. Main St., Christiansburg
7:30 am - MC 2026 Ambassador Meeting
Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce 210 Laurel St NE, Christiansburg, VA 24073
11:00 am - TOUR OF DESTRUCTION →
Pulaski County Motorsports Park, 6749 Lee Hwy, Fairlawn
6:00 pm - VMI Keydets at Virginia Tech Hokies Football →
Lane Stadium, 185 Beamer Way, Blacksburg
7:30 pm
Monday August 31
Tuesday September 1
Wednesday September 2
Thursday September 3
Friday September 4
Saturday September 5
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Menorah Medical Center posted a job opening for Floor Care Specialist in Blacksburg. Apply here.
- Sodexo, Inc. posted a job opening for Food Service Worker in Blacksburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Blacksburg here.
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 bottle (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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