" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1-4.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1-4.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The chairman of the Buchanan County Board of Supervisors said Friday that the board and the county's IDA would have to approve such a move. The post Appalachian School of Law considers merger with Roanoke College amid financial challenges appeared first on Cardinal News.

The zoning law currently “does not define or allow data center facilities as a use,” a resolution notes. The post Montgomery supervisors consider seeking study on data center zoning appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/156442_Stephens_121125_Martinsville_RawlsComment-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C169&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/156442_Stephens_121125_Martinsville_RawlsComment-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C439&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Martinsville City Council member Aaron Rawls said he's been hearing from residents who want details about why Aretha Ferrell-Benavides was fired this summer. The post Rawls says he’ll release details about Martinsville city manager report as early as January appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_8108-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_8108-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Jackson Gunter will address the city council on Monday about his vision: less litter and more repairs to broken playground equipment at Highland Park. The post Roanoke third grader makes his case to city officials for park improvements appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1-5.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1-5.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> From elsewhere: Most Virginia schools meeting new state expectations, Virginia education department reports. Bedford supervisors reaffirm Second Amendment sanctuary status. $689 million rare earth magnet, copper manufacturing facility coming to Chesapeake. The post Headlines from across the state: Drunk raccoon found in liquor store is a repeat offender, officials say; more … appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/JMU_RVA_2019.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/JMU_RVA_2019.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Virginia allows public colleges to charge a mandatory student fee to support intercollegiate athletics. JMU's rate of $3,036 per year is higher than all but two other schools in the state. JMU is an outlier not just in Virginia, but in the nation. The post James Madison University stands out in College Football Playoff field. Its mandatory student fee for athletics is 23 times higher than all the other schools put together. appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2590546109157348171.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2590546109157348171.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Rappahannock rolled up a 49-14 win over Rye Cove to win Class 1 state football championship. Also: Full list of VHSL winners. The post Rye Cove holds strong for a half but can’t match Rappahannock’s speed appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/3937014212109946334.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/3937014212109946334.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> For the second year in a row Strasburg fell into a two-touchdown hole in the first quarter, but this time the Rams rebounded for a decisive 49-27 victory Glenvar to deny the Highlanders a perfect 2025 season. The post Strasburg’s running game blows past Glenvar to claim first state football championship appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/156564_Steketee_12122025_Blacksburg_Blacksubrg-mayoral-recount.png?fit=300%2C254&quality=80&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/156564_Steketee_12122025_Blacksburg_Blacksubrg-mayoral-recount.png?fit=780%2C660&quality=80&ssl=1" /> Recount observers outnumbered the final difference in the race. The post A (long) day at the Blacksburg mayoral recount: Sutphin prevails appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1-6.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1-6.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Maury is the only defending champ still in the running. The post Six VHSL football championships will be decided Saturday. Here’s who’s playing. appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/school-sign-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C203&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/school-sign-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C529&quality=89&ssl=1" /> How did the tiny school in Scott County turn around its program? The retired ABC officer who took over as coach says there's no secret, just hard work. The post Rye Cove goes from unable to finish a game to playing for the state championship appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/155877_Malinak_20251211_Lynchburg_MisjunsDiemerTaylor-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C227&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/155877_Malinak_20251211_Lynchburg_MisjunsDiemerTaylor-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C590&quality=89&ssl=1" /> In the 2025 fiscal year, city revenues came in about 1% higher than expected — “a little closer” than city staff say they like to cut it. The city can apply several million dollars in savings to one-time purchases in its 2027 budget. The post Lynchburg finance committee hears budget report in wake of leadership change and conflicting messaging about surplus appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/dps-central-office-2.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/dps-central-office-2.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The Virginia Department of Education revised its accreditation framework in January. All Danville schools received accreditation, building on momentum in the district. The post For the first time in more than a decade, all Danville public schools are fully accredited appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PHOTO_Railroad-Earth-scaled.jpeg?fit=300%2C201&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PHOTO_Railroad-Earth-scaled.jpeg?fit=780%2C523&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The Dip and Chuck Prophet & His Cumbia Shoes also part of lineup additions announced on Thursday. The post FloydFest adds Railroad Earth and more to `26 lineup appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/155891_stephens_251205_Matinsville_Surveillance-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C169&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/155891_stephens_251205_Matinsville_Surveillance-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C439&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The technology hasn't provided the kind of results the police department had hoped for, the chief said. The post Then & Now: Martinsville begins dismantling network of gunshot detectors appeared first on Cardinal News.

From elsewhere: Virginia among states removing some food, drinks from SNAP coverage. Dog attacks persist in Virginia prisons despite 2024 law change. Altria CEO Gifford to retire. The post Headlines from across the state: Veteran environmental legislator David Bulova selected as Virginia’s next resources secretary; more … appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Lynchburg-skyline_rachel-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Lynchburg-skyline_rachel-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The same statistics also show trouble in Virginia's two biggest metros: Job growth in Northern Virginia is flat; in Hampton Roads, jobs are falling. The post Lynchburg metro is gaining jobs, but wages are falling, federal stats show appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/366283110431772862.jpg?fit=300%2C237&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/366283110431772862.jpg?fit=780%2C615&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Brody and Tre Dawyot have been brothers since the Dawyot family adopted Tre 11 years ago. This Saturday, quarterback Brody and wide receiver Tre will take the field together one last time as high school teammates. The post 2 unlikely brothers have led Glenvar to the doorstep of a state championship appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1003221026b-scaled-1.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1003221026b-scaled-1.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Boosted by a recent $2.4 million grant, the Virginia Nuclear Innovation Hub is continuing its work to identify workforce and technology needs for the next generation of nuclear power. The post Then & Now: VIN Hub emphasizes breadth of state’s nuclear workforce needs appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1-3.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1-3.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> From elsewhere: Spanberger taps Del. Candi Mundon King as Virginia’s next secretary of the commonwealth. Lazenby says making state sports hall of fame "a powerful honor." VUU’s accrediting probation lifted, accreditation "reaffirmed." The post Headlines from across the state: Drunken raccoon T-shirts raise nearly $200,000 for Hanover animal shelter; more … appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/12days.jpg?fit=300%2C288&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/12days.jpg?fit=780%2C750&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Our congressional races are usually quiet affairs, but this has been a wild week and it's not even 2026 yet. Here's a recap. The post Perriello consolidates support in 5th, Macy picks up Kaine endorsement in 6th, but will they wind up in the same district? appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/card-two-school.jpeg?fit=300%2C200&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/card-two-school.jpeg?fit=534%2C534&quality=89&ssl=1" /> With a school-based therapist, support becomes immediate. A student can walk down the hall instead of waiting weeks. Teachers gain partners who help them recognize early warning signs and maintain positives classrooms. Families gain peace of mind knowing their children have trusted professionals to turn to. The post Meeting kids where they are: the value-add of school based behavioral health care appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1SnowWindow-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C161&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1SnowWindow-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C419&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Getting two widespread accumulating snows before Dec. 10, even before Christmas, is rare. The post Virginia is for (snow) lovers? Two winter storms in four days, more snow chances ahead appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/153793_Verrelli_LizBelcher_1-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/153793_Verrelli_LizBelcher_1-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Roanoke County and Salem just opened a 0.6-mile section of the West Roanoke River Greenway. A larger section in the east should open in the spring. The post Then & Now: The Roanoke River Greenway inched closer to completion this year, with the opening of almost 3 more miles of trail appeared first on Cardinal News.