While Gov. Glenn Youngkin has been pushing the idea since October, the grants represent the first real public signs of steps being taken toward establishing an SMR in the coalfields region.
Susan Cameron
Susan Cameron is a reporter for Cardinal News. She has been a newspaper journalist in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee for nearly 40 years. She is based in Bristol. Reach her at susan@cardinalnews.org or 276-791-5928.
Posted inPolitics
Youngkin doubles down on quest to put nation’s first commercial small modular nuclear reactor in Southwest Virginia
The governor made two stops in Southwest Virginia, one at a Bristol school to discuss the deadly drug fentanyl and the second in Abingdon to sign bills related to his energy plan.
Posted inEconomy
New grant program will provide funding for Southwest Va. schools to go solar
Public schools and community colleges in seven counties and one city in Southwest Virginia are eligible to apply for awards of up to $150,000.
Posted inPolitics
The ‘crazy FOIA lady’ used state law to dislodge public records — and improve emergency response times and finances in her town
Laura Mollo of Richlands, in Tazewell County, was met with a campaign of harassment and intimidation after she spent more than $5,000 to file hundreds of Virginia Freedom of Information Act requests. On Thursday, she will receive a state open government award for her efforts
Posted inCulture
Fans of Mac McClung have snapped up more than 2,000 Gate City jerseys and T-shirts to honor the slam dunk champ
The proceeds will be used to refurbish and repaint the Gate City High School gym floor, where McClung — the breakout star of the recent NBA slam dunk contest — honed his skills. Jerseys are still available, but orders must be placed by Sunday.
Posted inCulture
New exhibit showcases Black artists in Appalachia and their influence on contemporary work
“Black History in Appalachia & Beyond” runs through April 2 at the William King Museum of Art in Abingdon. The exhibit highlights how Southern and Appalachian influences have contributed to famous contemporary Black artists’ work.
Posted inEducation
$200,000 planning grant approved for Southwest Virginia lab school focusing on health care careers
A full application will be submitted this summer, and organizers plan to open the Southwest Virginia Healthcare Excellence Academy Laboratory School in the fall, with orientation and classes to start in January 2024.
Posted inEconomy
Keeping taxes low and reviving local projects: What casino tax revenue will mean for Southwest Virginia
Fourteen Southwest Virginia localities expect to receive $700,000 each for the first year of the Bristol Casino’s operations through gaming tax revenue sharing. One county administrator called the money a “blessing.”
Posted inCulture
Abingdon couple fuse Appalachian and Pakistani cuisines in The Pakalachian food truck
The Pakalachian food truck features staples with quirky names like Curry Me Down South and Tikka My Senses.
Posted inCulture
Bristol-based composer comes up short at Grammy Awards
Dave Eggar and his partner were nominated twice for songs on an album recorded during the pandemic at a studio in downtown Bristol.
