The $50 million set aside by the General Assembly for recovery following floods that devastated Southwest Virginia in late 2024 and early 2025 apply only to “real property,” meaning renters are out of luck.
Bristol/Southwest Zone
Bristol, Abingdon, all of far Southwest
Posted inSouthwest Area
School serving special education students in Wise County to close due to funding challenges
Limits were placed on reimbursements for student absentee days, resulting in a loss of more than $90,000 to date.
Posted inSouthwest Area
Buchanan County says it has recovered most of the money stolen in a construction-related scam
Almost $3.3 million out of about $4.6 million had been returned to the school district as of Monday.
Posted inSouthwest Area
As $43 million for Southwest flood relief remains unspent, residents who can’t afford to fix their homes wait for help
A year ago, the General Assembly appropriated $50 million for recovery following widespread floods that devastated Southwest Virginia in 2024 and 2025. Disbursement has been slow.
Posted inSouthwest Area
Southwest Virginia Field Notes: You have 1 week left to fill out a survey on the possibility of bringing nuclear to Wise County
Plus: Two ways to spend the weekend in the heart of Appalachia.
Posted inPath to Solutions
Equipment donations from Northern Virginia are making a difference at Southwest fire departments
Minimal state funding for fire and emergency services in Virginia means rural localities must rely on grants and donations.
Posted inLocal
Buchanan County schools targeted by school construction scam
Local officials have not said how much money was targeted or how much was ultimately recovered.
Posted inSouthwest Area
Southwest Virginia Field Notes: New legislation pushes to increase monthly stipend for black lung benefit recipients
Plus: A music shop is coming to St. Paul, and early voting for the primaries ends Aug. 1
Posted inOpinion
Galax cancels its mural project that turned controversial. Here are 5 things to know.
The city rejected the original design for the mural, saying it didn’t represent Galax. Here are some aspects of the controversy that haven’t gotten much attention.
Posted inLocal
Dickenson County drug treatment center administrator hired, staff hiring begins
Center officials say hiring and insurance contracts are the final pieces before an opening date is set.
