Cardinal News

Roanoke City School Board approves preliminary budget in preparation of cuts " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_9432-2-scaled.jpeg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_9432-2-scaled.jpeg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The school board’s budget is not final and does not yet detail cuts to programs or personnel that will need to be made in the upcoming fiscal year, but it did include 2% raises for RCPS employees. The post Roanoke City School Board approves preliminary budget in preparation of cuts appeared first on Cardinal News.

Roanoke City School Board approves preliminary budget in preparation of cuts

Virginia campaign reporting database corrected, still no answer to who bankrolled ‘Jim Crow’ mailer " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/crow1-scaled.jpeg?fit=300%2C172&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/crow1-scaled.jpeg?fit=780%2C446&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The cost to print and mail campaign flyers statewide could cost tens of thousands of dollars, but the campaign finance report for the PAC responsible for the flyer is missing from the state database. The post Virginia campaign reporting database corrected, still no answer to who bankrolled ‘Jim Crow’ mailer appeared first on Cardinal News.

Virginia campaign reporting database corrected, still no answer to who bankrolled ‘Jim Crow’ mailer

Tech briefs: Warner, Kaine seeking information on AI-related job losses " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/warner_tech_security-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C249&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/warner_tech_security-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C647&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Plus: Virginia Tech's smart airspace program teams with company pioneering short takeoffs, landings; Pembroke co-op receives grant for broadband expansion; NRCC's Cyber Day offers device tune-ups, virus scans. The post Tech briefs: Warner, Kaine seeking information on AI-related job losses appeared first on Cardinal News.

Tech briefs: Warner, Kaine seeking information on AI-related job losses

Headlines from across the state: Spanberger sends message with appointments to higher ed council; more … " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_2603-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_2603-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> From elsewhere: Virginia one step closer to probation reform with bills headed for Spanberger’s desk. Leaked memo: New Virginia corrections director replaces six senior officials. Botetourt County solar farm issue tabled amid residents' criticisms. The post Headlines from across the state: Spanberger sends message with appointments to higher ed council; more … appeared first on Cardinal News.

Headlines from across the state: Spanberger sends message with appointments to higher ed council; more …

Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads have lost more jobs than any other metro area with more than 1 million people " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Tysons_Corner_Sunset_.jpg?fit=300%2C200&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Tysons_Corner_Sunset_.jpg?fit=780%2C519&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Two new economic reports paint a pessimistic picture for the Virginia economy, particularly its two biggest regional economies. They matter to rural Virginia because that's where much of our school funding comes from. The post Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads have lost more jobs than any other metro area with more than 1 million people appeared first on Cardinal News.

Opinion: Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads have lost more jobs than any other metro area with more than 1 million people

2,050 jobs at $80,500 headed for Pittsylvania County? That could complicate data center tax talks and vindicate Youngkin " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Berry-Hill-Megasite-060522-10-scaled-1.jpg?fit=300%2C169&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Berry-Hill-Megasite-060522-10-scaled-1.jpg?fit=780%2C438&quality=89&ssl=1" /> What kind of tax breaks, if any, data center companies should get are at the center of budget negotiations in Richmond. Meanwhile, these would be more jobs, at a higher pay, than what Youngkin passed on when he nixed the Ford deal. The post 2,050 jobs at $80,500 headed for Pittsylvania County? That could complicate data center tax talks and vindicate Youngkin appeared first on Cardinal News.

Opinion: 2,050 jobs at $80,500 headed for Pittsylvania County? That could complicate data center tax talks and vindicate Youngkin

Jefferson Institute leader: Collective bargaining will only further divide Virginia’s universities " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/capitol.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/capitol.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Tuition increases are driven largely by labor and administrative costs — the largest components of university budgets. Collective bargaining will drive up those costs. The post Jefferson Institute leader: Collective bargaining will only further divide Virginia’s universities appeared first on Cardinal News.

Opinion: Jefferson Institute leader: Collective bargaining will only further divide Virginia’s universities

Professors at Virginia Tech and UVa: Exempting campus workers from collective bargaining hurts college towns " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20230321_120137-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20230321_120137-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The move will attack the towns that host these institutions and the low-wage workers who make our colleges and universities run every day. The post Professors at Virginia Tech and UVa: Exempting campus workers from collective bargaining hurts college towns appeared first on Cardinal News.

Opinion: Professors at Virginia Tech and UVa: Exempting campus workers from collective bargaining hurts college towns

$73 billion project at Pittsylvania megasite would be largest in Southside history " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Berry-Hill-Megasite-060522-10-scaled-1.jpg?fit=300%2C169&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Berry-Hill-Megasite-060522-10-scaled-1.jpg?fit=780%2C438&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Details have not been made public, but the buyer has ties to a data center developer. The post $73 billion project at Pittsylvania megasite would be largest in Southside history appeared first on Cardinal News.

$73 billion project at Pittsylvania megasite would be largest in Southside history

Appalachian Power plans coal ash cleanup at old Glen Lyn plant " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/162361_Kebede-Twumasi_20260223_Apco-Glen-Lyn-1-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/162361_Kebede-Twumasi_20260223_Apco-Glen-Lyn-1-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The utility seeks regulatory approval for a $340 million effort to haul the byproducts of coal-fired electricity generation to a future landfill just across the West Virginia border. The post Appalachian Power plans coal ash cleanup at old Glen Lyn plant appeared first on Cardinal News.

Appalachian Power plans coal ash cleanup at old Glen Lyn plant

‘Jim Crow’ mailer on redistricting sparks backlash; former Roanoke legislator incorrectly blamed for paying for flyer " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/crow1-scaled.jpeg?fit=300%2C172&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/crow1-scaled.jpeg?fit=780%2C446&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Three different anti-redistricting groups had the same treasurer. Former Del. William Fralin, who donated to one of them, was incorrectly listed as a donor to the group that sent out the controversial mailer. His group has now parted ways with the treasurer, but it's unclear who did pay for the mailer. The post ‘Jim Crow’ mailer on redistricting sparks backlash; former Roanoke legislator incorrectly blamed for paying for flyer appeared first on Cardinal News.

‘Jim Crow’ mailer on redistricting sparks backlash; former Roanoke legislator incorrectly blamed for paying for flyer

Job and program cuts on the table as Roanoke school board prepares to vote on budget " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_3497-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_3497-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The division is considering 2% raises for employees, while also having to eliminate about 150 staff positions. It’s also considering cuts to the elementary gifted program. The post Job and program cuts on the table as Roanoke school board prepares to vote on budget appeared first on Cardinal News.

Job and program cuts on the table as Roanoke school board prepares to vote on budget

Cardinal Commerce Notes: NRV train station progressing, VEDP refreshes website, veterinary practice announces closure, Publix moving along " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1-2.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1-2.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Get up to speed on recent business happenings. The post Cardinal Commerce Notes: NRV train station progressing, VEDP refreshes website, veterinary practice announces closure, Publix moving along appeared first on Cardinal News.

Cardinal Commerce Notes: NRV train station progressing, VEDP refreshes website, veterinary practice announces closure, Publix moving along

Washington County supervisors to consider support for foster care project " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_6116-scaled_cropped.jpg?fit=300%2C181&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_6116-scaled_cropped.jpg?fit=780%2C471&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The Isaiah 117 House, which is under construction between Bristol and Abingdon, would help children who are waiting for foster care placement. The post Washington County supervisors to consider support for foster care project appeared first on Cardinal News.

Washington County supervisors to consider support for foster care project

Headlines from across the state: As Potomac River advisories lift, public concerns remain after sewage spill; more … From elsewhere: Spanberger to appoint criminal justice veterans and Henrico supervisor to parole board. Virginia National Guard units, thousands of Norfolk-based sailors in Middle East. Search for wanted former Union head football coach Travis Turner remains ongoing. The post Headlines from across the state: As Potomac River advisories lift, public concerns remain after sewage spill; more … appeared first on Cardinal News.

Headlines from across the state: As Potomac River advisories lift, public concerns remain after sewage spill; more …

He nearly died on a softball field. Now an unlikely partnership between a liberal activist and a conservative legislator has turned this athlete’s close call into a bill. " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JACK.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JACK.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> State Sen. Bill Stanley's bill to require automated external defibrillators at sporting events now goes to the governor. Here's the story behind it. The post He nearly died on a softball field. Now an unlikely partnership between a liberal activist and a conservative legislator has turned this athlete’s close call into a bill. appeared first on Cardinal News.

Opinion: He nearly died on a softball field. Now an unlikely partnership between a liberal activist and a conservative legislator has turned this athlete’s close call into a bill.

Private college leader: 23,000 students could see their tuition assistance grants reduced " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20200722EventsVirginiaPrivateCollegeWeek03-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C200&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20200722EventsVirginiaPrivateCollegeWeek03-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C520&quality=89&ssl=1" /> A modest investment by the General Assembly can prevent that disruption at a moment when students and families already face substantial uncertainty from changes in federal student aid policy enacted in last summer’s reconciliation law, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The post Private college leader: 23,000 students could see their tuition assistance grants reduced appeared first on Cardinal News.

Opinion: Private college leader: 23,000 students could see their tuition assistance grants reduced

Business group: A test for Gov. Spanberger " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/STATE-CAPITOL01-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C200&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/STATE-CAPITOL01-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C520&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Allowing public employees to unionize would drive up costs. The post Business group: A test for Gov. Spanberger appeared first on Cardinal News.

Opinion: Business group: A test for Gov. Spanberger

UVa doctoral student: General Assembly must not leave higher ed workers out of historic collective bargaining bill  " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/rotunda.jpg?fit=300%2C217&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/rotunda.jpg?fit=741%2C741&quality=89&ssl=1" /> UVa workers deserve a seat at the table and a chance to negotiate for fair working hours and workplace protections. Unfortunately, state employees are barred from engaging in collective bargaining. The post UVa doctoral student: General Assembly must not leave higher ed workers out of historic collective bargaining bill  appeared first on Cardinal News.

Opinion: UVa doctoral student: General Assembly must not leave higher ed workers out of historic collective bargaining bill 

Cardinal Way luncheon 2026 Come hear from General Assembly leadership from both parties about how the laws passed will affect you and ask them questions.

On April 3, come hear from General Assembly leadership from both parties about how the laws passed will affect you and ask them questions.

Tickets are $25 and include lunch.

To end data center tax incentives early or not — is that the question holding up the budget? " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/data-centers-pwp-92019-1m-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C222&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/data-centers-pwp-92019-1m-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C576&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The 11-person conference committee will need to smooth over differences in budget proposals between the two chambers within the coming days. The post To end data center tax incentives early or not — is that the question holding up the budget? appeared first on Cardinal News.

To end data center tax incentives early or not — is that the question holding up the budget?

A local politician’s claim shows how AI searches can lead users astray " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1-1.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1-1.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Google and its AI, Gemini, gave a wildly inaccurate answer when a member of the Radford City Council asked it how many Virginia localities have passed Second Amendment sanctuary resolutions. The post A local politician’s claim shows how AI searches can lead users astray appeared first on Cardinal News.

A local politician’s claim shows how AI searches can lead users astray

General Assembly kills statewide animal cruelty list once again " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/cat-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C269&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/cat-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C698&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Del. Ellen McLaughlin proposed a publicly accessible, statewide registry that included the names of people with felony convictions for cruelty to animals, including animal fighting, maiming, poisoning or killing. The post General Assembly kills statewide animal cruelty list once again appeared first on Cardinal News.

General Assembly kills statewide animal cruelty list once again

Wise supervisors vote to maintain real estate tax rate, but county still faces budget shortfall " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1-4.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1-4.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The board of supervisors also agreed to freeze nonessential spending through the end of the fiscal year. The post Wise supervisors vote to maintain real estate tax rate, but county still faces budget shortfall appeared first on Cardinal News.

Wise supervisors vote to maintain real estate tax rate, but county still faces budget shortfall

Lawmakers pass reduced penalties for invasive plant violations " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/55117697221_245f540df5_k.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/55117697221_245f540df5_k.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The bills reduce the penalty from a class 1 misdemeanor to a civil fine for failing to notify property owners before installing invasive plants. The post Lawmakers pass reduced penalties for invasive plant violations appeared first on Cardinal News.

Lawmakers pass reduced penalties for invasive plant violations

Headlines from across the state: State won’t say which law enforcement agencies are breaking surveillance camera laws; more … " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/state_capitol-scaled-e1771811255571.jpg?fit=300%2C164&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/state_capitol-scaled-e1771811255571.jpg?fit=780%2C426&quality=89&ssl=1" /> From elsewhere: Bedford County supervisor files lawsuit over reproductive freedom constitutional amendment. Pentagon eyes Virginia Tech for senior officers in place of "woke" Ivy League. Virginia Beach to get $355 million VA clinic, creating 600 jobs. The post Headlines from across the state: State won’t say which law enforcement agencies are breaking surveillance camera laws; more … appeared first on Cardinal News.

Headlines from across the state: State won’t say which law enforcement agencies are breaking surveillance camera laws; more …

Money moving: Monday’s Montgomery County meeting " data-image-caption=" The Montgomery County logo. " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Montgomery-County-Correct-Size.png?fit=300%2C225&quality=80&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Montgomery-County-Correct-Size.png?fit=780%2C585&quality=80&ssl=1" /> Money from a special contingencies fund could pay for the salary and benefit costs of three school resource officers. The post Money moving: Monday’s Montgomery County meeting appeared first on Cardinal News.

Money moving: Monday’s Montgomery County meeting

NRV meetings tackle trees, $1 property lease idea, fiber-optic cable and more " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Bennett-House-Option-2_3.7.26.jpeg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Bennett-House-Option-2_3.7.26.jpeg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> In Radford, the city council will be presented with a fire department report on Monday. The post NRV meetings tackle trees, $1 property lease idea, fiber-optic cable and more appeared first on Cardinal News.

NRV meetings tackle trees, $1 property lease idea, fiber-optic cable and more

Montgomery’s new comprehensive plan up for comment at Wednesday’s planning commission " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/155994_Lester_12072025_Montgomery_Montgomery-comprehensive-plan.png?fit=300%2C228&quality=80&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/155994_Lester_12072025_Montgomery_Montgomery-comprehensive-plan.png?fit=780%2C592&quality=80&ssl=1" /> Once the planning commission approves the comprehensive plan, it will come up for a final vote by supervisors. The post Montgomery’s new comprehensive plan up for comment at Wednesday’s planning commission appeared first on Cardinal News.

Montgomery’s new comprehensive plan up for comment at Wednesday’s planning commission

2 new entrepreneurship programs take shape in Blacksburg " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_5131.jpeg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_5131.jpeg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. aims to support emergent and existing local businesses. The post 2 new entrepreneurship programs take shape in Blacksburg appeared first on Cardinal News.

2 new entrepreneurship programs take shape in Blacksburg