New River Valley

Flowers mark an impromptu memorial in front of Burruss Hall at Virginia Tech on May 12, 2007, almost four weeks after a mass shooting in two buildings on the campus took the lives of 32 people before the gunman killed himself. Photo by Kevin Myatt.

Memorial events for 19th year since Virginia Tech mass shooting

by Cardinal Staff April 13, 2026April 13, 2026

Thursday will mark 19 years since 32 students, faculty, and staff were murdered on Virginia Tech’s campus. Two events in Blacksburg and 19 nationwide through alumni chapters are scheduled. More details can be found at www.weremember.vt.edu. Thursday, April 16 Candlelight vigil at April 16 Memorial on Drillfield Drive. Saturday, April 18

Local

Montgomery commission will review plans for Shawsville, Elliston-Lafayette

by Jeff Lester April 13, 2026April 12, 2026

The county planning commission also will consider a subdivision plat and a rezoning request when it meets Wednesday.

The Montgomery County government building. Photo by Dwayne Yancey.

Local

Montgomery County supervisors to vote on zoning changes, consider paving plan at Monday meeting

by Jeff Lester April 13, 2026April 12, 2026

The board of supervisors also will vote on approving funds for a golf simulator at Auburn High School.

Local

NRV this week: Virginia Tech’s Board of Visitors meets Monday and Tuesday; Radford council meets Monday; Blacksburg and Christiansburg town councils meet Tuesday

by Abby Steketee April 13, 2026April 12, 2026

The Floyd Town Council meeting originally scheduled for Thursday has been moved to next week.

Local

Blacksburg Town Council to hold public hearing on FY 2027 budget and increasing utility fees

by Abby Steketee April 13, 2026April 12, 2026

The recommended budget includes a new Rescue Fund and fee hikes for water, sewer, trash and recycling services.

A photo of agricultural land in Wythe County, just north of the I-81/I77 interchange.

Local

Wythe County seeks community input on proposed zoning ordinance

by Susan Cameron March 30, 2026March 29, 2026

A draft ordinance that would establish zoning in unincorporated areas for the first time will be discussed during a community meeting Monday.

Local

Spring events for all ages and abilities in the NRV this week

by Abby Steketee March 30, 2026March 29, 2026

Upcoming activities in Radford and Christiansburg will give dogs, dentists and egg enthusiasts reasons to smile.

Culture

Beyond the cardinal numbers: Have you heard about the state bird?

by Abby Steketee March 16, 2026March 16, 2026

A swooping survey of all things cardinal.

Economy

Appalachian Power plans coal ash cleanup at old Glen Lyn plant

by Matt Busse March 10, 2026March 9, 2026

The utility seeks regulatory approval for a $340 million effort to haul the byproducts of coal-fired electricity generation to a future landfill just across the West Virginia border.