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$73 billion project at Pittsylvania megasite would be largest in Southside history
Details have not been made public, but the buyer has ties to a data center developer.
Politics
‘Jim Crow’ mailer on redistricting sparks backlash; former Roanoke legislator incorrectly blamed for paying for flyer
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.
Local
Washington County supervisors to consider support for foster care project
The Isaiah 117 House, which is under construction between Bristol and Abingdon, would help children who are waiting for foster care placement.
Culture
Longtime Jefferson Center director Cyrus Pace says so long to Roanoke and hello to Lynchburg venue
Cyrus Pace has led the nonprofit foundation that operates Jefferson Center for 15 years. He’s taking a similar job at the Academy Center of the Arts.
education
Job and program cuts on the table as Roanoke school board prepares to vote on budget
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.
eCONOMY
Tech briefs: Warner, Kaine seeking information on AI-related job losses
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.
OPinion
Jefferson Institute leader: Collective bargaining will only further divide Virginia’s universities
Tuition increases are driven largely by labor and administrative costs — the largest components of university budgets. Collective bargaining will drive up those costs.
Health Care
The Pulse: UVa research highlights importance of mRNA vaccine work, Virginia joins multistate health coalition
Catch up on the week’s health news.
news briefs
Headlines from across the state: Spanberger sends message with appointments to higher ed council; more …
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.
Sports
VHSL basketball: Abingdon girls, Union girls, Fort Chiswell boys, Graham boys advance to state championship games
Here are all the state semifinal scores and state title match-ups.
WEATHER
Spring marches in proudly: Some 80s temperatures likely by weekend
A winter rated “severe” to “extreme” in one data matrix yields the floor to almost summerlike warmth as March begins.
Cardinal 250
An army of ghosts haunts Prince Edward County history
Local legend says that 70 French soldiers from the Revolutionary War are buried at Kingsville. But were they really? Historians dig into the story to separate fact from folklore.
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