Plus: Blacksburg company graduates from state trade accelerator program.
Tad Dickens
Tad Dickens is technology reporter for Cardinal News. He previously worked for the Bristol Herald Courier and The Roanoke Times and likes to bang on his drums when he can. Reach at tad@cardinalnews.org or 540 293-6018.
Posted inEconomy
Google to use electric cooling instead of water in at least 1 of 3 data centers on Botetourt campus
It is unclear what impact an air-cooling system would have on the project’s overall water demand, according to a spokesperson for the Western Virginia Water Authority.
Posted inCulture
Growing gardens of happiness at FloydFest
Danielle Ward manages landscaping at the annual music festival, a job that includes mitigating rain’s effects on the site’s wetlands, keeping pollinators happy — and using goats to get rid of poison ivy.
Posted inEconomy
Tech Briefs: Virginia Tech researchers’ AI model is meant to manage water use
Plus: #AppalachiaBuiltThis event scheduled in Abingdon bills itself as “a hands-on community build night” for AI.
Posted inCulture
Tedeschi Trucks Band cancels FloydFest appearance, citing singer’s illness
The group was atop the bill for the 2026 festival in Floyd County and was scheduled for a two-hour main stage set on Friday.
Posted inEconomy
Virginia Tech researchers look to AI to ease difficult workplace conversations
Need help navigating a tough talk with your employees? Researchers are developing an AI training tool that offers coaching and customizable scenarios.
Posted inEconomy
RiverStreet Networks removed from multiple broadband deployment projects in rural Virginia after years of delays
The company informed the state’s broadband office that it was unable to secure funding to complete connections to more than 30,000 potential customers.
Posted inEconomy
Tech Briefs: Regional business accelerators combine for program focusing on agricultural, forestry and rural concerns
Plus: Emerging Tech Conference seeks proposals for this year’s event; professor emeritus at Virginia Tech makes seven-figure donation to support undergraduate research.
Posted inEconomy
COVID-era strategy shift leads to exponential growth for CPR training startup
Roanoke-based Code One Training Solutions currently has 112 remote training locations. Its owners want to expand nationwide.
Posted inEconomy
Tech Briefs: Chandler Vaughan named Virginia broadband office director
Plus: RBTC’s Beer + Biotech events are moving to the new RoVa labs building.
