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Latest news
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.
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
Lynchburg Field Notes: Cycle to save this summer with new biking incentive program
Also in this edition, get updates on a new Virginia Fresh Match location in Lynchburg and learn how you can shape Campbell County’s comprehensive plan.
Culture
2 baby giraffes missing from Natural Bridge Zoo have been recovered safely, AG’s office says
Jay Jones released no information on where or how the giraffes were found, citing an “ongoing criminal investigation” that’s been going on for more than a year.
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
Mountain biker: Cycling group wants to work with Roanoke on parks issues
Particularly in this time of exceedingly tight fiscal constraints on the city’s parks and recreation budget, fostering community trust and looking towards creative solutions are critical for the ongoing stewardship of our public lands.
HealthCare
Plans for new hospice in Southwest Virginia halted by federal Medicare freeze
After investing over $100,000 and securing a state license, the founder of a Wytheville nonprofit hospice shut it down before it could serve its first patient.
news briefs
Headlines from across the state: Caesars Virginia sets monthly record for revenue at $37.99 million; more …
From elsewhere: Virginia centralizes state internship programs to benefit students, workforce. Roanoke County family drops action against VHSL in federal court regarding homeschooled son. Special prosecutor declines charges against former Patrick administrator.
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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