Squall line winds knock out power to more than 100,000 in central, western Virginia

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/CvilleShelfCloud.jpg?fit=780%2C561&ssl=1" /> Monday’s storms may be the harbinger of additional rounds of potentially severe storms on Tuesday and beyond. The post Squall line winds knock out power to more than 100,000 in central, western Virginia appeared first on Cardinal News.

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Virginia communities race to get 1% sales tax for school construction on the ballot

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_0274-scaled-1.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" /> Proponents say the additional money could help cash-strapped communities fix aging school facilities, but how much revenue would be collected and whether voters will agree is still unknown. The post Virginia communities race to get 1% sales tax for school construction on the ballot appeared first on Cardinal News.

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Convicted killer Soering takes step toward possible exoneration

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Germany_US_Murder_Parole_19351457147635-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C526&ssl=1" /> The Court of Appeals, which dismisses most requests for a writ of actual innocence, has asked Attorney General Jay Jones to respond to Jens Soering's case. This signals that the court is taking seriously Soering's contention that he didn't kill two people in Bedford County in 1985. The post Convicted killer Soering takes step toward possible exoneration appeared first on Cardinal News.

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A judge rules Confederate school names in Shenandoah County must be changed. He also says the case is ‘unique’ and doesn’t apply to Confederate names elsewhere.

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/admin-ajax.jpg?fit=400%2C400&ssl=1" /> Judge Michael Urbanski's opinion casts his ruling as carrying out the orders of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision. The post A judge rules Confederate school names in Shenandoah County must be changed. He also says the case is ‘unique’ and doesn’t apply to Confederate names elsewhere. appeared first on Cardinal News.

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Fiscally challenged city of Radford hopes new power contract will give it more diversity and control

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/P1000840-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" /> The city entered into an agreement with CMS Energy Resource Management. The post Fiscally challenged city of Radford hopes new power contract will give it more diversity and control appeared first on Cardinal News.

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British news site publishes account of plot to move the baby giraffes from Natural Bridge Zoo

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/cropped.jpg?fit=780%2C651&ssl=1" /> The Independent published what it said is a sealed affidavit from a special agent for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The giraffes have since been recovered. The post British news site publishes account of plot to move the baby giraffes from Natural Bridge Zoo appeared first on Cardinal News.

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Extra Credit: Appalachian School of Law welcomes largest incoming class in 15 years

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Untitled-design-6.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" /> Plus: A new Lynchburg mentorship project seeks volunteers, and students will be able to take the SAT during the school day. The post Extra Credit: Appalachian School of Law welcomes largest incoming class in 15 years appeared first on Cardinal News.

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Danville Field Notes: Averett University’s new president talks about financial recovery

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/176053_Mamon_20260806_Tatia-Granger-1-e1786052292990.jpg?fit=780%2C593&ssl=1" /> Plus: Pittsylvania is still gathering input on its comprehensive plan rewrite, and Danville now has a public microchip scanner. The post Danville Field Notes: Averett University’s new president talks about financial recovery appeared first on Cardinal News.

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New River Valley Field Notes: Montgomery County school administrative job roles expanded to save costs, superintendent says

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Image_20260807_091542_047-scaled.jpeg?fit=780%2C439&ssl=1" /> Plus: Blacksburg is tackling a constant municipal issue — parking, and Heritage Day fest is next Saturday. The post New River Valley Field Notes: Montgomery County school administrative job roles expanded to save costs, superintendent says appeared first on Cardinal News.

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Candidate drops out of Lynchburg City Council race

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/176335_Malinak_Lynchburg_JamesWatkins-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" /> That leaves nine candidates seeking three open seats this November. The post Candidate drops out of Lynchburg City Council race appeared first on Cardinal News.

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With a new building, RAM House hopes to serve a new set of needs for Roanoke’s unhoused

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_1702-scaled.jpeg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" /> A $5 million project brings addiction treatment, healthcare and employment help to the city’s unhoused population. The post With a new building, RAM House hopes to serve a new set of needs for Roanoke’s unhoused appeared first on Cardinal News.

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Mandatory fees for intercollegiate athletics are the fastest-rising part of cost of attending a state college in Virginia

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/JMU_RVA_2019.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" /> A new state report shows that overall costs are increasing faster. Mandatory fees for athletics aren't the only reason but every school except one raised athletic fees at a faster rate than they raised tuition. At some schools students now pay more than $3,000 per year in such fees. The post Mandatory fees for intercollegiate athletics are the fastest-rising part of cost of attending a state college in Virginia appeared first on Cardinal News.

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Regulators OK Appalachian Power’s $340 million plan for old Glen Lyn coal plant

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/162361_Kebede-Twumasi_20260223_Apco-Glen-Lyn-2-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" /> The utility plans to haul the byproducts of coal-fired electricity generation to a future landfill across the West Virginia border. Utility customers could be paying for it for more than a decade. The post Regulators OK Appalachian Power’s $340 million plan for old Glen Lyn coal plant appeared first on Cardinal News.

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Notes from the Square: Spanberger plans to intervene with SCC over Dominion-NextEra merger

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/IMG_6466-scaled-1.jpeg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" /> Virginia’s sales tax holiday is this weekend, and the attorney general joins 24 other states in a lawsuit against the latest round of tariffs. The post Notes from the Square: Spanberger plans to intervene with SCC over Dominion-NextEra merger appeared first on Cardinal News.

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Southwest Field Notes: Recovery center in Dickenson County will open Sept. 28 

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_6513-1-scaled-e1784311886525.jpg?fit=780%2C407&ssl=1" /> Plus: Another successful year of Mountain Music School, and High Knob Outdoor Festival starts this weekend. The post Southwest Field Notes: Recovery center in Dickenson County will open Sept. 28  appeared first on Cardinal News.

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Martinsville Field Notes: Another step is taken toward a new YMCA

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/IMG_6079-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" /> Plus: Henry County schools and partners give free supplies, haircuts and shoes, and "Trolls The Musical, Jr." is here! The post Martinsville Field Notes: Another step is taken toward a new YMCA appeared first on Cardinal News.

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Asha, the former Natural Bridge Zoo elephant, is now at a sanctuary; animal rights groups cheer

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/asha.png?fit=780%2C433&ssl=1" /> No information was released on what prompted the move from a Florida zoo to a well-known elephant sanctuary in Tennessee. The post Asha, the former Natural Bridge Zoo elephant, is now at a sanctuary; animal rights groups cheer appeared first on Cardinal News.

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The ‘Woodstock of Bluegrass’ brought thousands of ‘Yankee hippies’ to Carroll County. The memories (some fuzzy) linger a half-century later.

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Stompin-Hillside-Hippies-2.jpg?fit=780%2C510&ssl=1" /> Fifty years ago this week, 100,000 revelers arrived for Stompin 76. It was a logistical nightmare, but it created a lasting impact on other music festivals and drew a whole new demographic to Southwest Virginia. The post The ‘Woodstock of Bluegrass’ brought thousands of ‘Yankee hippies’ to Carroll County. The memories (some fuzzy) linger a half-century later. appeared first on Cardinal News.

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5 questions that will determine this year’s congressional midterms in Virginia (and beyond)

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1-3.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" /> If we could answer these questions now, we'd know how things will turn out. We can't, but we can ask them anyway. The post 5 questions that will determine this year’s congressional midterms in Virginia (and beyond) appeared first on Cardinal News.

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Big Stone Gap takes over old federal courthouse building nearly 3 years after it closed 

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/DSC_1440-scaled-e1785970088790.jpg?fit=780%2C557&ssl=1" /> The town manager, who hopes to transform the building into a boutique hotel, said the real work begins now. The post Big Stone Gap takes over old federal courthouse building nearly 3 years after it closed  appeared first on Cardinal News.

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‘First in the nation’ intensive reentry program introduced at Red Onion supermax prison

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24BE_1642-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C520&ssl=1" /> The expansion of the reentry program to Red Onion State Prison was announced by the Virginia Department of Corrections in June. The post ‘First in the nation’ intensive reentry program introduced at Red Onion supermax prison appeared first on Cardinal News.

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Roanoke Valley Field Notes: Mill Mountain Star climb prompts governmental explanation

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/759664214_1021270234229911_4520631447806922574_n.jpeg?fit=780%2C975&ssl=1" /> Plus: City of Roanoke wraps up parking study and will now consider recommendations. The post Roanoke Valley Field Notes: Mill Mountain Star climb prompts governmental explanation appeared first on Cardinal News.

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The Pulse: New specialty pharmacy for senior living communities opens in Roanoke

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/20260729_1552331.jpg?fit=780%2C439&ssl=1" /> Plus: A new interactive dashboard maps distance to labor and delivery care, and health districts help families prepare for school. The post The Pulse: New specialty pharmacy for senior living communities opens in Roanoke appeared first on Cardinal News.

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We’re going to tire of hearing about El Niño, but we’ve got to deal with it

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/1GlobalSSTMap.jpg?fit=780%2C432&ssl=1" /> The recurring warm-water phenomenon in the Pacific is a reality and it might become the strongest on record. But its effects on Virginia weather are not set in stone. The post We’re going to tire of hearing about El Niño, but we’ve got to deal with it appeared first on Cardinal News.

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Virginia Steel and Fabrication to invest $3.6 million, create 52 jobs in Bland County

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Untitled-design-2.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" /> The expansion will more than triple the company’s existing workforce while adding new advanced manufacturing equipment. The post Virginia Steel and Fabrication to invest $3.6 million, create 52 jobs in Bland County appeared first on Cardinal News.

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Virginia hemp businesses sue over THC rule change

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/175813_Stephenson_20260804_Simply-Hemp-in-Henry-County-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C520&ssl=1" /> The seven plaintiffs — including a Henry County retail store — claim that after Aug. 15, much of their inventory will become illegal to sell, which will significantly harm or possibly destroy their businesses. The post Virginia hemp businesses sue over THC rule change appeared first on Cardinal News.

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Internet provider ZiTel approved to finish broadband deployment work in Patrick, Franklin, Henry counties

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_3662-scaled-1.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" /> RiverStreet Networks was removed from the project with thousands of locations unfinished. The post Internet provider ZiTel approved to finish broadband deployment work in Patrick, Franklin, Henry counties appeared first on Cardinal News.

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Tech Briefs: Virginia Tech research team gets $20 million grant for cloud-based semiconductor lab

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Untitled-design-1.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" /> Plus: Virginia Tech receives healthcare-related state and federal grants; court order restarts digital equity act funding. The post Tech Briefs: Virginia Tech research team gets $20 million grant for cloud-based semiconductor lab appeared first on Cardinal News.

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Lynchburg Field Notes: Local officials raise awareness of online threats in a region that’s led the charge against them for 30 years  

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/175778_Malinak_Lynchburg_StephenAnders-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" /> Also in this edition, local students can get back-to-school pampering for free, and construction continues on the largest capital improvement project in Lynchburg’s history.  The post Lynchburg Field Notes: Local officials raise awareness of online threats in a region that’s led the charge against them for 30 years   appeared first on Cardinal News.

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The lesson from Virginia’s primary: The establishment won on both sides.

" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/voting_sign_cburg.png?fit=623%2C623&ssl=1" /> Progressive "outsiders" have fared well in other states. They didn't in Tuesday's primaries in Virginia. Plus, insight into how Roanoke council member Peter Volosin lost. The post The lesson from Virginia’s primary: The establishment won on both sides. appeared first on Cardinal News.

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