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Latest news
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.
Politics
Spanberger, legislators announce agreement on legal cannabis sales
The plan calls for legal sales to start in July 2027.
Local
Nearly $400,000 in building upgrades and $3.85 million in federal grants on the Henry County School Board’s agenda
The board will also consider auditorium, curtain and rigging system upgrades at four schools.
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
Bedford County wants out of a broadband deployment project that is in danger of missing a federal deadline
RiverStreet Networks is seeking financing to complete internet service to nearly 40,000 locations in Southwest and Central Virginia. In Bedford County, where RiverStreet has about 950 locations left to serve, local officials say there has been no new work in about a year.
OPinion
Commonwealth Institute researcher: Affordability hinges on ensuring data centers pay their fair share of taxes
Everyone in Virginia should pay their fair share, and the data center industry is uniquely positioned to pay more in state taxes.
HealthCare
A rural hospital paid for the children of 2 top executives to become doctors. It won’t say how many other people have gotten similar help.
Buchanan General Hospital’s tuition assistance program is designed to recruit clinicians to work in its rural community. The hospital declined to disclose information about other program recipients or its conflict of interest policy.
news briefs
Headlines from across the state: North America’s largest salamanders are in trouble — researchers in Virginia are helping them survive; more …
From elsewhere: Landfill equalization tank project to cost $7.6 million, take over year to complete. Plans for UVa’s new data center project grow in size and cost. New Kent explores how to use I-64 speed camera revenue, including potential tax rebates.
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
Storm collapses church tent during outdoor service in Bedford County; 1 dead, 22 injured
The storm hit during part of a weeklong revival to mark EastLake Community Church’s 20th anniversary. “The weather conditions caused the tent structure to fail,” Bedford County authorities said.
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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