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Latest news
Roanoke school Superintendent Verletta White announces retirement
White said the decision is entirely hers.
Politics
State Senate drops tax exemptions in budget fight, introduces ‘impact fees’ for data centers
The state Senate had insisted on ending data center tax exemptions in 2027, eight years earlier than their scheduled expiration. That issue had become a sticking point between the state Senate and the House of Delegates in biennial budget talks.
Local
Southwest Virginia Field Notes: Bristol’s Hard Rock Casino had a record-breaking May
Plus: Appalachian Power installs new poles and equipment in Smyth County, and a raffle with $250,000 worth of prizes will benefit the country music museum.
Culture
Natural Bridge Zoo case will lead to three separate trials, judge rules
The judge also said he’d issue a gag order against most parties involved in the case, including the attorney general’s office.
education
Roanoke County supervisor’s federal lawsuit against school board members dismissed
Martha Hooker’s retaliation case against three school board members was dismissed at the request of both sides.
eCONOMY
Tech Briefs: Virginia Tech adds an artificial intelligence minor to its curriculum
Plus: The Roanoke Blacksburg Technology Council offers Ecosystem Navigator office hours.
OPinion
Cumberland students: James Jenkins, the Clowns and the Sluggers, a culture of excellence beyond the diamond
He was a Negro League baseball star from Prince Edward County. A look at the eraof segregated baseball in Southside.
HealthCare
Translation tool eases communication at free dental clinic
Virginia Tech graduate students created the platform to help Spanish-speaking patients navigate dental appointments at the Bradley Free Clinic in Roanoke.
news briefs
Headlines from across the state: Virginia budget leaders reach ‘agreement in principle’ for deal; more …
From elsewhere: Some former felons, eligible to vote this summer, are in registration limbo. Amherst County residents ask supervisors to ban data centers. Virginia tribes unite to protect Henrico birthplace of Chief Powhatan.
Sports
VHSL 2026: With victory in girls tennis, Bland County wins its first team championship ever in any sport
Meanwhile, Ridgeview High won the Class 2 girls championship Thursday at Liberty University with a 5-2 victory over Bruton.
WEATHER
It doesn’t take a tornado or a derecho for storm winds to become deadly
Following Friday’s church tent collapse tragedy in Bedford County, Thursday may bring more potential for a few storms to emit damaging gusts.
Cardinal 250
Who inspired Jefferson’s words in the Declaration of Independence? Shakespeare.
The rhythms of Shakespeare helped shape the Declaration of Independence, says a Jefferson interpreter. In an age when many were illiterate, the Declaration, like Shakespeare’s work, was written to be heard, not just read.
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