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Latest news
A Roanoke accountant is now the nation’s senior pickleball champion
Youssef Bouzidi is currently ranked No. 1 nationally in the AARP/APP men’s pro 50-over singles ratings and is No. 2 in both men’s doubles and mixed doubles.
Politics
Background checks for private firearm sales will stop again, Lynchburg judge rules
The background checks, which had been halted since October by a Lynchburg judge’s injunction, restarted last month to comply with a new state law. A judge said Wednesday that the injunction still stands.
Local
Roanoke Valley Field Notes: Appeals court dismisses Medmont/Deyerle case against city of Roanoke and ABoone Real Estate
Plus: Valley Metro holds a public hearing on proposed rate increases, including the Star Line Trolley.
Culture
American Aquarium, Rhonda Vincent among headliners for this year’s Floyd Small Town Summer series
Local acts Hoppie Vaughan & the Ministers of Soul and JStop Latin Soul also will be featured, along with family-friendly movies on some nights.
education
Virginia Tech announces largest donation ever; majority of $75 million to go to athletics
The university’s Honors College will also get a portion of the gift.
eCONOMY
Gigawatt data center project planned for Wythe County
TAC Data Centers plans to build on approximately 1,000 acres in eastern Wythe County, near the Pulaski County line.
OPinion
Two trends converge on Botetourt County: Data centers and solar farms.
Both have stirred opposition, but many stances on both come into conflict with other long-held principles. Here’s an overview of the politics involved and the tension points.
Health Care
The Pulse: Virginia Tech researchers ID protein linked to heart recovery
Plus: A Carilion partnership brings a new AI tool, and Virginia is in the top 20 for child well-being.
news briefs
Headlines from across the state: National D-Day Memorial marks 25th anniversary; more …
From elsewhere: Congress nears major bipartisan housing bill with support from Virginia lawmakers. Virginia schools push for local tax option as aging buildings strain rural divisions. Amherst board looks into special use permit measure for data centers.
Sports
Virginia Tech approves new entity to pursue more revenue for athletics
Officials said the new structure will allow Virginia Tech to respond more quickly when it comes to corporate partnerships, sponsorships, new revenue opportunities and investment strategies. Meanwhile, the athletics department can focus on more traditional areas like coaching, compliance and competitiveness.
WEATHER
Up-and-down spring temperatures blamed for millions of dollars in crop damage in Virginia
Spring as a whole tilted very warm, but it was interspersed with short but sharp cold spells. Drought also continues.
Cardinal 250
Virginia’s congressional delegation solicits photos for a time capsule to be opened in 2276
The call for submissions is part of the nation’s celebration of 250 years of independence. The deadline for submissions is June 12.
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