Central Virginia educators, community members are taking stock of the campus’ stories — the good ones of strong patient care, and the bad of eugenics and forced sterilization.
Economy
Covering the economic issues facing Southwest and Southside Virginia.
Cardinal Commerce Notes: Mabry Mill restaurant set to reopen with new operator
Plus: Airports get federal funding, Roanoke law firm expands, home builders launch charitable foundation.
Pittsylvania data center project approved with more investment and jobs than previously announced — as long as tax breaks remain in place
A local performance agreement outlines a $100 billion investment and 2,500 new jobs over 30 years, but it’s contingent upon a state tax exemption remaining in place.
Dominion, NextEra announce merger plan
The companies said the deal, which requires regulatory approval, would close within 18 months and would result in billions of dollars in bill credits to customers.
Appalachian Power plans upgrades to serve Google data centers in Botetourt
The electric utility plans to hold an open house on June 3 to provide more information.
Comcast, Appalachian Power continue wrangling over broadband expansion
Comcast claims that Appalachian Power is not abiding by an FCC ruling about how much it can charge to replace power poles necessary for broadband deployment. The utility says that Comcast’s cost proposal will hurt electric customers.
Living for coal, dying for breath
As coal production in Southwest Virginia wins White House support, miner protections stall under the Trump administration. Miners, their families and the community struggle with the illnesses the industry leaves behind.
Tech Briefs: Virginia Tech grad students conduct drone research with Secret Service
Also: In what is likely Virginia Tech President Tim Sands’ final end-of-semester note to university community, he notes technology and research wins.
Cardinal Commerce Notes: Old Dominion Power proposes rate hike, 2 Roanoke businesses expand, Food & Farm Trail debut, public meeting about rail
Get up to speed on recent business happenings.
Columbia Gas seeks 2-part rate increase
The company wants to raise the average residential customer’s monthly bill by a total of about $14.

