Cardinal News

Lynchburg expands child protective services with kinship care, substance use experts " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/159649_Malinak_20260217_Lynchburg_HumanServicesBuilding-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C222&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/159649_Malinak_20260217_Lynchburg_HumanServicesBuilding-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C577&quality=89&ssl=1" /> As caseloads increase and Lynchburg reports some of the highest numbers in the state of infants exposed to drugs and alcohol, the extra support is needed now more than ever, said the city’s human services officials. The post Lynchburg expands child protective services with kinship care, substance use experts appeared first on Cardinal News.

Lynchburg expands child protective services with kinship care, substance use experts

Budget conferees named; Austin and Pillion among the negotiators " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/capitol-2.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/capitol-2.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The 11 legislators will work out differences between the House and Senate versions of the state biennial budget. The post Budget conferees named; Austin and Pillion among the negotiators appeared first on Cardinal News.

Budget conferees named; Austin and Pillion among the negotiators

Headlines from across the state: Bill would increase cap on medical malpractice awards from $2.7 million to $6 million; more … " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/STATE-CAPITOL02-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C192&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/STATE-CAPITOL02-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C500&quality=89&ssl=1" /> From elsewhere: Obama, Spanberger welcome Virginia Supreme Court ruling allowing redistricting vote. Immigration arrests spark bills to guarantee K-12 education rights for all Virginia students. Stripped of members, parole board operations grind to a halt. The post Headlines from across the state: Bill would increase cap on medical malpractice awards from $2.7 million to $6 million; more … appeared first on Cardinal News.

Headlines from across the state: Bill would increase cap on medical malpractice awards from $2.7 million to $6 million; more …

Cornett: HB 295 through the eyes of a corrections officer " 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" /> The bill would have clarified Virginia law so that corrections officers, when killed in the line of duty, would be recognized with the same legal protections as other law enforcement officers under Virginia's aggravated murder statute. It passed the House but not the Senate. The post Cornett: HB 295 through the eyes of a corrections officer appeared first on Cardinal News.

Opinion: Cornett: HB 295 through the eyes of a corrections officer

Voting begins today on redistricting amendment. It may not count. " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-11-05-Vote-here-sign-in-Lynchburg-scaled.jpeg?fit=300%2C200&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-11-05-Vote-here-sign-in-Lynchburg-scaled.jpeg?fit=780%2C521&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The Virginia Supreme Court this week cleared the way for the special election but has said it will rule after the votes are counted April 21 whether this was a lawful referendum. The post Voting begins today on redistricting amendment. It may not count. appeared first on Cardinal News.

Opinion: Voting begins today on redistricting amendment. It may not count.

From General Assembly pay raise to porn tax, here are 10 bills you might not have heard of " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/houseBB.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/houseBB.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Here's an update on some bills that haven't gotten much, or any attention, so far. The post From General Assembly pay raise to porn tax, here are 10 bills you might not have heard of appeared first on Cardinal News.

Opinion: From General Assembly pay raise to porn tax, here are 10 bills you might not have heard of

County association president: Let local governments lead on collective bargaining " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/STATE-CAPITOL02-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C192&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/STATE-CAPITOL02-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C500&quality=89&ssl=1" /> A mandatory statewide system does not recognize existing agreements, local experimentation or good-faith efforts already underway. It replaces collaboration with compulsion. The post County association president: Let local governments lead on collective bargaining appeared first on Cardinal News.

Opinion: County association president: Let local governments lead on collective bargaining

Auto-parts maker to invest $18.9 million in Henry County, create 60 jobs " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/163090_Courtesy_20260305_Fukoku-future-building-courtesy-of-MHEconDev-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C221&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/163090_Courtesy_20260305_Fukoku-future-building-courtesy-of-MHEconDev-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C575&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Fukoku Korea will make rubber damper pulleys for vehicle engines and thermal gap fillers for electric vehicle batteries, according to the governor’s office. The post Auto-parts maker to invest $18.9 million in Henry County, create 60 jobs appeared first on Cardinal News.

Auto-parts maker to invest $18.9 million in Henry County, create 60 jobs

The Pulse: UVa research highlights importance of mRNA vaccine work, Virginia joins multistate health coalition " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/uva-rotunda-2-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C200&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/uva-rotunda-2-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C520&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Catch up on the week's health news. The post The Pulse: UVa research highlights importance of mRNA vaccine work, Virginia joins multistate health coalition appeared first on Cardinal News.

The Pulse: UVa research highlights importance of mRNA vaccine work, Virginia joins multistate health coalition

VDH investigates potential measles exposure in Lynchburg " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/cdc-bkc-m0iZ4Sk-unsplash.jpg?fit=300%2C234&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/cdc-bkc-m0iZ4Sk-unsplash.jpg?fit=780%2C609&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The exposure occurred Monday at the Centra Lynchburg General Hospital emergency department. The post VDH investigates potential measles exposure in Lynchburg appeared first on Cardinal News.

VDH investigates potential measles exposure in Lynchburg

VHSL basketball semifinal preview: William Fleming girls will take on 15-time state champions " 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" /> Salem will await the result of the remaining two quarterfinals to learn its state semifinal opponent on March 10 and the site of the game. The post VHSL basketball semifinal preview: William Fleming girls will take on 15-time state champions appeared first on Cardinal News.

VHSL basketball semifinal preview: William Fleming girls will take on 15-time state champions

Headlines from across the state: William & Mary on Pentagon’s list of ‘toxic indoctrination’ colleges, losing its support; more … " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/wren-building-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C200&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/wren-building-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C520&quality=89&ssl=1" /> From elsewhere: Bill to require factual teaching about U.S. Capitol attack clears Virginia General Assembly. Virginia homeschooling nears 66,000 students, up nearly 50% since pandemic. Dave’s Hot Chicken, J.Crew to join Whole Foods at $100 million Midlothian Depot. The post Headlines from across the state: William & Mary on Pentagon’s list of ‘toxic indoctrination’ colleges, losing its support; more … appeared first on Cardinal News.

Headlines from across the state: William & Mary on Pentagon’s list of ‘toxic indoctrination’ colleges, losing its support; more …

Some rural legislators worry that ending tax incentives for data centers would also end rural Virginia’s opportunity to cash in " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mineral-Gap_Sun-Tribe-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C168&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mineral-Gap_Sun-Tribe-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C438&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The House and Senate are at odds over whether to do away with the state's tax abatement for data centers. The post Some rural legislators worry that ending tax incentives for data centers would also end rural Virginia’s opportunity to cash in appeared first on Cardinal News.

Opinion: Some rural legislators worry that ending tax incentives for data centers would also end rural Virginia’s opportunity to cash in

Social gaming advocate: Study and regulate, but don’t ban Social Plus games " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/collage_white_borders.png?fit=300%2C300&quality=80&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/collage_white_borders.png?fit=780%2C780&quality=80&ssl=1" /> Many people may not be familiar with these games — they’re certainly not household names like FanDuel and DraftKings that have blanketed the airwaves for years — but for 300,000 Virginia adults who love these games, they are a safe and fun outlet for free and low-cost online entertainment. The post Social gaming advocate: Study and regulate, but don’t ban Social Plus games appeared first on Cardinal News.

Opinion: Social gaming advocate: Study and regulate, but don’t ban Social Plus games

Cline forms group to organize get-out-the-vote against redistricting amendment; vows to ‘spend what it takes’ " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IMG_5118-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IMG_5118-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Other groups appear to be focused on advertising campaigns but the group the 6th District representative has funded is only one devoted to grassroots organizing. The post Cline forms group to organize get-out-the-vote against redistricting amendment; vows to ‘spend what it takes’ appeared first on Cardinal News.

Opinion: Cline forms group to organize get-out-the-vote against redistricting amendment; vows to ‘spend what it takes’

Virginia Supreme Court orders early voting to move forward in Tazewell County " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Early-voting-sign-scaled-1.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Early-voting-sign-scaled-1.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The high court decision, issued late Wednesday, is the latest in a litany of lawsuits and rulings over the redistricting effort. Tazewell had been the only locality in the state that was set to sit out the referendum. The post Virginia Supreme Court orders early voting to move forward in Tazewell County appeared first on Cardinal News.

Virginia Supreme Court orders early voting to move forward in Tazewell County

Virginia Baptist Hospital has been part of Lynchburg for more than a century.

Now Centra plans to phase services out of the Rivermont campus by 2028. What happens to the 30-acre historic property next?

Listen/watch here to find out: cardinalnews.org/podcasts/

Spring marches in proudly: Some 80s temperatures likely by weekend " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1LunarEclipse.jpg?fit=300%2C272&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1LunarEclipse.jpg?fit=780%2C707&quality=89&ssl=1" /> A winter rated “severe” to “extreme” in one data matrix yields the floor to almost summerlike warmth as March begins. The post Spring marches in proudly: Some 80s temperatures likely by weekend appeared first on Cardinal News.

Spring marches in proudly: Some 80s temperatures likely by weekend

Centra announces April closure of Bedford Hospice House " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The house has served 274 patients since 2017. The board of its nonprofit fundraising arm hopes that another provider will consider a partnership that would allow services to continue in the future. The post Centra announces April closure of Bedford Hospice House appeared first on Cardinal News.

Centra announces April closure of Bedford Hospice House

With sale possible, AeroFarms pushes back potential closure date " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AEROFARMS-PRESS-KIT_microgeen-growing-under-lights_050625-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C200&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AEROFARMS-PRESS-KIT_microgeen-growing-under-lights_050625-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C520&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The indoor agriculture company with a facility in Southside says it hopes to close the sale of its business this month. The post With sale possible, AeroFarms pushes back potential closure date appeared first on Cardinal News.

With sale possible, AeroFarms pushes back potential closure date

Trailer manufacturer to expand Giles County site, creating 46 jobs " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/162876_Courtesy_20260303_Interstate-Group-courtesy-of-Giles-County-1-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C200&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/162876_Courtesy_20260303_Interstate-Group-courtesy-of-Giles-County-1-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C520&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Nampa, Idaho-based Interstate Group will invest $8.9 million in the expansion, according to the governor's office. The post Trailer manufacturer to expand Giles County site, creating 46 jobs appeared first on Cardinal News.

Trailer manufacturer to expand Giles County site, creating 46 jobs

Tech briefs: Virginia Office of Broadband announces leadership changes " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/unnamed-9.jpg?fit=300%2C200&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/unnamed-9.jpg?fit=780%2C520&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Plus: Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance hires director of innovation. Annual "Brain School" coming next week. RBTC hosts AI event. The post Tech briefs: Virginia Office of Broadband announces leadership changes appeared first on Cardinal News.

Tech briefs: Virginia Office of Broadband announces leadership changes

Headlines from across the state: Waymo could expand to Virginia under new driverless car bill; more … " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/waymo-2-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C200&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/waymo-2-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C520&quality=89&ssl=1" /> From elsewhere: Bill mandating ingredient labels on menstrual products headed to Spanberger. No criminal charges against Rocky Mount mayor, prosecutor decides. George Washington University sells Virginia campus to Amazon Data Services. The post Headlines from across the state: Waymo could expand to Virginia under new driverless car bill; more … appeared first on Cardinal News.

Headlines from across the state: Waymo could expand to Virginia under new driverless car bill; more …

Some Confederate statues will soon get hauled off Capitol Square. Who should take their place? " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/porta1eb-scaled.jpeg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/porta1eb-scaled.jpeg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Three statues are headed for the exit, which will leave three vacancies. We invite readers to suggest replacements. The post Some Confederate statues will soon get hauled off Capitol Square. Who should take their place? appeared first on Cardinal News.

Opinion: Some Confederate statues will soon get hauled off Capitol Square. Who should take their place?

VHSL basketball quarterfinals: Here are the scores and semifinal pairings " 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" /> Semifinals will be Friday with state finals next week. The post VHSL basketball quarterfinals: Here are the scores and semifinal pairings appeared first on Cardinal News.

VHSL basketball quarterfinals: Here are the scores and semifinal pairings

Speyside Bourbon Cooperage to end production in Smyth County, laying off 52 " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/162869_Schnabel_20260303_Speyside-in-Smyth-County-scaled-e1772572219828.jpg?fit=300%2C208&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/162869_Schnabel_20260303_Speyside-in-Smyth-County-scaled-e1772572219828.jpg?fit=780%2C542&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The job cuts come a year after the company announced a previous round of layoffs at the same site. In both cases, it cited “bourbon industry slowdowns.” The post Speyside Bourbon Cooperage to end production in Smyth County, laying off 52 appeared first on Cardinal News.

Speyside Bourbon Cooperage to end production in Smyth County, laying off 52

Early voting will begin everywhere Friday except in Tazewell County. Is that legal? " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TazewellCoCH.jpg?fit=296%2C300&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TazewellCoCH.jpg?fit=780%2C790&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Our Voter Guide for the special election is now up and running with the basic information on the redistricting referendum. Early voting in Virginia’s April 21 redistricting referendum is slated to start Friday everywhere across the commonwealth, except for Tazewell County.  About 800 absentee ballots are supposed to be mailed out to voters across Tazewell County and […] The post Early voting will begin everywhere Friday except in Tazewell County. Is that legal? appeared first on Cardinal News.

Early voting will begin everywhere Friday except in Tazewell County. Is that legal?

Judge dismisses Lynchburg suit over redistricting " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/162758_Malinak_20260302_Lynchburg_RegistrarsAndAttorney-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C211&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/162758_Malinak_20260302_Lynchburg_RegistrarsAndAttorney-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C548&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Because the constitutional amendment process is already underway, it’s not appropriate for the court to intervene, the judge said. The post Judge dismisses Lynchburg suit over redistricting appeared first on Cardinal News.

Judge dismisses Lynchburg suit over redistricting

VHSL basketball: A preview of the state quarterfinals " 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" /> The games tip off Tuesday. Here are some of the key match-ups. The post VHSL basketball: A preview of the state quarterfinals appeared first on Cardinal News.

VHSL basketball: A preview of the state quarterfinals

Cardinal Commerce Notes: Job fair to help Yokohama Tire workers, Roanoke-based quarry firm to be acquired, Wythe County cannery to get new boiler " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/162614_Courtesy_20260227_Wythe-cannery-courtesy-of-Wythe-County-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/162614_Courtesy_20260227_Wythe-cannery-courtesy-of-Wythe-County-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Get up to speed on recent business happenings. The post Cardinal Commerce Notes: Job fair to help Yokohama Tire workers, Roanoke-based quarry firm to be acquired, Wythe County cannery to get new boiler appeared first on Cardinal News.

Cardinal Commerce Notes: Job fair to help Yokohama Tire workers, Roanoke-based quarry firm to be acquired, Wythe County cannery to get new boiler