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Virginians narrowly approve mid-decade redistricting effort
The Democrat-backed referendum will temporarily amend the state’s constitution ahead of the 2026 midterms. Republicans are expected to continue the fight in the courts.
Politics
Spanberger’s amendment would change who investigates VMI. Critics say that waters down the bill.
Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, patroned a bill to create a task force to investigate racism and sexism on the VMI campus. An amendment by Gov. Abigail Spanberger would put the VMI Board of Visitors in charge of that effort. Helmer says he’s OK with that.
Local
5 things to know ahead of Lynchburg’s budget public hearing
The city council meets Thursday to hear residents’ input on the spending plan. Here’s the breakdown of where some key budget conversations stand.
Culture
New historic marker tells the story of Roanoke ophthalmology pioneer Elbyrne Gill
The marker was unveiled Friday across the street from the site of the former Gill Memorial Ear, Eye, Nose and Throat Hospital.
education
Virginia Tech board changed bylaws to allow Rocovich to serve third term as rector; now he oversees presidential search
The board voted last year to allow the Roanoke lawyer, who had served two terms earlier in the century, to serve a third time. He is now in charge of what he says “is the single most important thing a board does” — pick a president.
eCONOMY
Cardinal Commerce Notes: Botetourt business expands safe room offerings, First Piedmont names CEO, plus news from Roanoke, Lynchburg, NRV
Get up to speed on recent business happenings.
OPinion
Webert: Virginia’s chasing the roadrunner of affordability
One of the simplest ways to restore affordability is to produce more of our own baseload power right here in the commonwealth.
Health Care
Centra will bring hybrid emergency department-urgent care facility to Lynchburg
The new center aims to ease emergency department strain, but research on hybrid care models remains limited.
news briefs
Headlines from across the state: As feds suggest easing coal ash clean up regulations, Virginia maintains stringent standards; more …
From elsewhere: Bon Secours plans to appeal VDH approval of rival Chesterfield hospitals. Sapporo is selling Stone Brewing but keeping its Richmond taproom. Hours after judge denies motion to stop Oceanfront curfew, another filed by woman arrested smoking outside her apartment.
Sports
‘Martinsville Missile’ sets a new land speed record for a stock car
With a Henry County driver behind the wheel, the car designed and built in Martinsville broke the record of 244.9 mph with a top speed of 253 mph.
WEATHER
Mid-April will feel more like midsummer this week
High temperatures topping 90 in April are uncommon for our region and don’t necessarily portend a hot summer.
Cardinal 250
Who declared for independence first — North Carolina, or this Virginia county?
Cumberland County claims the honor by one day over Charlotte County, and says its resolution was more definitive than an earlier one from North Carolina.
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