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Latest news
Training tomorrow’s first responders: How Rockbridge County is trying to build an EMS and firefighting pipeline in high school
As communities across Virginia struggle to recruit and retain emergency responders, some rural counties are targeting students before they graduate.
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Politics
Background checks for private firearm sales to resume July 1
A Lynchburg Circuit Court judge ruled in favor of Attorney General Jay Jones’ request for a dissolution of an injunction that halted private sale background checks, off and on, since October.
Local
Peppers Ferry predicament: Christiansburg Town Council turns down park land over access road
The town’s fastest-growing area is relying on roads through neighborhoods to help manage traffic.
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
Virginia Tech seeking input on presidential search
The board of visitors has held two dozen listening sessions as it looks to replace longtime President Tim Sands.
eCONOMY
Appalachian Power proposes seasonal rates, budget billing alternative
As the electric utility seeks regulatory approval to increase its rates, it’s also proposing measures to address the sticker shock of high bills during the winter or when settling up a fixed-payment budget plan.
OPinion
Water authority: Data, resiliency and community, securing our region’s water future
A guiding principle that informs all Authority expansions is simple: development pays for development. We are committed to ensuring that a new subdivision, apartment complex or commercial facility never creates negative service impacts for our current customers or our environment.
HealthCare
The Pulse: The General Assembly restores some funding for HIV healthcare programs
Plus: Carilion workforce program earns an award; a far Southwest recovery-to-work program receives opioid abatement funding
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news briefs
Headlines from across the state: Virginia legislators could get first pay raise in 40 years under new budget; more …
From elsewhere: Virginia joins challenge to Trump’s controversial IRS settlement. ABC role in cannabis market worries alcohol sector. Digital Realty to buy Alexandria VC firm founded by Warner.
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
Temperatures heat up with only some spotty storms as July approaches
It can hardly be called “unseasonable” in late June and early July, but temperatures will be above normal with 90s highs many days.
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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