Schools across Virginia are looking for ways to grow, while facing the twin challenges of faculty hiring and clinical hours.
Economy
Covering the economic issues facing Southwest and Southside Virginia.
One county in Virginia has no day care
Bath County is working to get one, but it’s not the only rural county that’s finding the lack of child care is an obstacle to economic development.
Meeting a need for meat
A Floyd County family is launching a meat processing facility, a ‘major need’ in the heavily agricultural community. Their effort has garnered financial support, including funding from a state agriculture grant program that could expand if a bill that’s before the General Assembly passes.
‘The next generation of ag’ is happening in Danville
Here’s a look inside some of the plant research taking place at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.
Below the James, under the earth
Southside is a magnet for mineral prospectors, from copper to gold to uranium. Why is the geology so interesting there?
How Nelson County became No. 1 for remote workers
And what other rural communities can learn from that.
Hollins’ free tuition program for locals sparks application increase
Applications from local students are up more than 50% from last year.
‘Coal is not our future’
Four manufacturers in Virginia’s coalfields are part of a pilot project aimed at developing a clean-energy industry cluster.
Cultivating a new economy in Southwest
A pilot project to grow barley for beer and spirits has expanded over the past three years and is now working with a half-dozen farmers in three Southwest Virginia counties.
Transportation-focused projects in running for up to $100 million
Virginia Tech-led group is one of 60 under consideration; 20 to 30 will be chosen.

