The university was put on probation in June 2025 after several years of monitoring over financial concerns.
Bristol/Southwest Zone
Bristol, Abingdon, all of far Southwest
Posted inLocal
Special prosecutor named in investigation of Buchanan County elected official
The assistant commonwealth’s attorney from Bland County who is handling the case said he doesn’t yet know the target of the investigation.
Posted inPolitics
Three Democrats vie for nomination to challenge Griffith in the 9th District
The 9th District is Virginia’s most Republican congressional district, but that hasn’t stopped three Democrats from wanting the party’s nomination to challenge GOP incumbent Morgan Griffith.
Posted inEconomy
Cardinal Commerce Notes: Here’s how to share your thoughts on Old Dominion Power’s rate hike request
Also: Orvis will stay in Roanoke, job postings must include pay ranges starting in July, Virginia wants your input on its energy plan, and the state asks farmers to remain vigilant against the New World screwworm.
Posted inLocal
Southwest Virginia Field Notes: Bristol’s Hard Rock Casino had a record-breaking May
Plus: Appalachian Power installs new poles and equipment in Smyth County, and a raffle with $250,000 worth of prizes will benefit the country music museum.
Posted inHealthcare
A rural hospital paid for the children of 2 top executives to become doctors. It won’t say how many other people have gotten similar help.
Buchanan General Hospital’s tuition assistance program is designed to recruit clinicians to work in its rural community. The hospital declined to disclose information about other program recipients or its conflict of interest policy.
Posted inHealthcare
The Pulse: Missions of Mercy free dental clinic coming to Wytheville this month
Plus: Ballad Health expands orthopedic services and the Appalachian College of Pharmacy names a new rural health leader.
Posted inLocal
Southwest Virginia Field Notes: Years-long I-81 widening project is finally done
Plus: a skate park opens in Big Stone Gap, and the Birthplace of Country Music Museum offers free tours for veterans.
Posted inOpinion
Buchanan County has a rare opportunity. Will supervisors seize the moment?
The Kentucky-based University of Pikeville is interested in taking over the struggling Appalachian School of Law and potentially starting other programs in the the county. This is a generational opportunity for the county to secure an affiliation with a four-year university.
Posted inOpinion
Police make a big weed bust in Bristol. Here’s what that tells us about Virginia’s unique cannabis laws and the economy.
Virginia has some of the highest marijuana prices in the country. Why? Because retail sales are illegal. Those high prices also help fuel the black market weed economy.
