School funding is driving the shortfall, as cost of dehumidifiers, records cleaning may affect reserves.
Economy
Covering the economic issues facing Southwest and Southside Virginia.
Posted inLynchburg area
U.S. energy secretary announces electric grid upgrades across parts of APCo’s service area
Up to $50 million in federal money will go toward transmission line work to increase energy supply, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said during a visit to Lynchburg.
Posted inSouthwest Virginia
Proposed electric rate increase of 23% for parts of Southwest Virginia heads to commonwealth regulators
Old Dominion Power wants an increase to base rate, fuel factor and fixed monthly fee.
Posted inRoanoke Valley
Emerging Technology Conference will offer focus on entrepreneurship and managing growth
Last year’s event, hosted by the Roanoke Blacksburg Technology Council, drew more than 500 attendees.
Posted inNew River Valley
Are flying taxis on the way? Virginia Tech leads team looking to standardize rules to put planes of the future in the air
NASA has committed nearly $6 million to a three-year project whose goals include increasing air travel accessibility for people who don’t live near large airports.
Posted inSouthwest Virginia
‘We have a right to know what’s going on’: Forum planned for Russell County data centers proposed at former mine site
Some residents have held small demonstrations or are speaking against the project at government meetings.
Posted inPolitics
Report calls for more expertise to regulate AI’s use within Virginia state government and to craft AI-related laws
Several Southwest Virginia lawmakers said they expect legislators to take action on AI use and regulation during the General Assembly’s 2027 session.
Posted inRoanoke Valley
HopeTree and Stateson Homes gearing up to begin largest Salem development of its kind
The start of construction on hundreds of homes is scheduled to begin by spring.
Posted inEconomy
As electricity demand soars, Virginia’s power transformer industry is booming
Makers of the on- and off-ramps for the power grid are undergoing major expansions and adding thousands of jobs.
Posted inNew River Valley
Company opts not to finalize New River Valley Commerce Park contract, including data center
There was a proposed $750 million plan for a site close to 500 acres.
