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Latest news
A couple was killed in Bedford County in 1985. Jens Soering was convicted but has steadfastly maintained his innocence — and says he has new evidence to prove it.
Soering served 33 years in prison in a case that garnered worldwide attention. His new court filing seeks to erase his two convictions.
Politics
Rocovich sues Gov. Spanberger after his ouster as Virginia Tech rector
John Rocovich is asking for the court to find the governor’s actions out of compliance with state code and the constitution and is seeking for the court to order that he be reinstated on the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.
Local
Southwest Virginia Field Notes: New mural in Wytheville is part of public art initiative
Plus: A stuff-the-bus effort to collect school supplies, and spraying for invasive moths.
Culture
American Aquarium, Rhonda Vincent among headliners for this year’s Floyd Small Town Summer series
Local acts Hoppie Vaughan & the Ministers of Soul and JStop Latin Soul also will be featured, along with family-friendly movies on some nights.
education
Extra Credit: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library expands in Roanoke
Plus: A student-led food truck serves up street tacos in downtown Lynchburg, Montgomery County names school leaders and UVA Wise launches workforce training pilot programs.
eCONOMY
Microgreens grower AeroFarms acquired by investment firm
The indoor vertical farming company in Pittsylvania County had faced possible closure for months before it was sold.
OPinion
Solar lawyer: Are bans on solar really banned?
There is widespread disagreement about whether HB 711 sets forth the only standards that a locality can set for solar development — and related to that, whether that means that bans, pauses, acreage caps, radius restrictions, density limitations and other impediments that counties have erected to hobble the ability of solar projects in certain counties…
HealthCare
The Pulse: Missions of Mercy free dental clinic coming to Wytheville this month
Plus: Ballad Health expands orthopedic services and the Appalachian College of Pharmacy names a new rural health leader.
news briefs
Headlines from across the state: Some Virginians with past felonies can apply to seal their records, starting next month; more …
From elsewhere: Virginia superintendent reaffirms to Congress Loudoun’s commitment to student needs, parental cooperation. “Assault firearms” ban spurs pushback, gun sales in Page County. Airbnb program is illegal insurance, Virginia regulators say.
Sports
VHSL 2026: With victory in girls tennis, Bland 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
Cooling centers open across the region as temperatures soar
We’ll be updating this list of cooling centers as information becomes available.
Cardinal 250
Virginia’s congressional delegation solicits photos for a time capsule to be opened in 2276
The call for submissions is part of the nation’s celebration of 250 years of independence. The deadline for submissions is June 12.
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