City and Caesars officials say they’re pleased with how the first three months have gone, while small-business owners in the neighborhood say they’re looking forward to the opening of the permanent casino — and to a solution to ongoing traffic problems.
Economy
Covering the economic issues facing Southwest and Southside Virginia.
New River Valley/Danville consortium looks to additive manufacturing for its shot at federal tech hub funding
The regional consortium is at least the third Virginia project vying for potentially tens of millions of dollars in federal grants.
Youngkin recommends approval of ARC grants totaling $7.3 million, including money for Barter Theatre renovations
The state theater hopes to replace seats, including the original Empire Theatre seats, as well as carpet and make improvements to two stages and dressing rooms.
4th Circuit dismisses environmental cases against Mountain Valley Pipeline
While the decision was unanimous, two of the three judges raised questions about the precedent that was being set, with one wondering whether recent congressional action to eliminate the 4th Circuit’s jurisdiction over the cases is “a harbinger of erosion not just to the environment, but to our republic.”
Virginia Tech-led researchers to study large solar farms’ impact on soil and water
A six-year project aims to break new ground in terms of the scope of real-world data collected on sediment and stormwater runoff at utility-scale solar facilities.
Quest for rare earth elements and critical minerals in Central Appalachia gets new boost
These elements and minerals are found in technological applications like electric cars and smartphones, and are considered essential to the economy. A half-million dollars in new federal funding will extend a project to find new sources for these minerals, including in Southwest Virginia.
Abingdon, Bluefield receive state grants for revitalization projects
The two towns in Southwest Virginia are among four localities to get more than $8.2 million combined from a state fund aimed at “breathing new life into dilapidated structures.”
Virginia Tech-led project fails to advance in NSF competition
Virginia Tech’s proposal involved advances in shipping logistics, freight and vehicle transportation across supply chains.
When everyone is streaming music, how can a record store survive?
Bluegrass outlet County Sales, celebrating 50 years in Floyd, shifts to nonprofit
Questions about hospital reopening plan lead Stuart council to hold off on rezoning
Foresight Health initially had planned to reopen Patrick County’s hospital early this year but missed that target. The company hasn’t given local officials a new timeline, Stuart’s town manager said.

