Virginia Tech board changed bylaws to allow Rocovich to serve third term as rector; now he oversees presidential search " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-12.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" /> The board voted last year to allow the Roanoke lawyer, who had served two terms earlier in the century, to serve a third time. He is now in charge of what he says "is the single most important thing a board does" — pick a president. The post Virginia Tech board changed bylaws to allow Rocovich to serve third term as rector; now he oversees presidential search appeared first on Cardinal News.

Virginia Tech board changed bylaws to allow Rocovich to serve third term as rector; now he oversees presidential search

Headlines from across the state: On Virginia Tech shooting anniversary, survivor-turned-legislator sees gun bill success; more … From elsewhere: A new law will make it easier to build a tiny house in your back yard, starting next year. Proposed Turtle Cove resort on Lake Gaston hits dead end. State fines Hopewell chemical company $2 million for air pollution. The post Headlines from across the state: On Virginia Tech shooting anniversary, survivor-turned-legislator sees gun bill success; more … appeared first on Cardinal News.

Headlines from across the state: On Virginia Tech shooting anniversary, survivor-turned-legislator sees gun bill success; more …

Macy outraises Cline, Perriello outraises McGuire, but redistricting would knock one of the Democrats out of the fall race " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/map_amended.png?fit=780%2C365&ssl=1" /> Campaign finance reports for congressional campaigns in the first quarter of 2026 have now been released. The post Macy outraises Cline, Perriello outraises McGuire, but redistricting would knock one of the Democrats out of the fall race appeared first on Cardinal News.

Opinion: Macy outraises Cline, Perriello outraises McGuire, but redistricting would knock one of the Democrats out of the fall race

Virginia’s constitution requires ‘compact’ districts. Courts have balked at defining compactness. " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Mary_Elizabeth_Braddon.gif?fit=190%2C190&ssl=1" /> A Victorian novelist who wrote about taboo scandals invented a phrase that describes what the state's constitutional guarantee of "contiguous and compact" districts means. The post Virginia’s constitution requires ‘compact’ districts. Courts have balked at defining compactness. appeared first on Cardinal News.

Opinion: Virginia’s constitution requires ‘compact’ districts. Courts have balked at defining compactness.

For a brief time, Justin Fairfax was poised to become one of the most significant political figures in Virginia history " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Justin_E._Fairfax.jpg?fit=780%2C696&ssl=1" /> Police say the former lieutenant governor killed his wife and then himself on Thursday, a tragic close to a political career that rose fast and then fell hard. The post For a brief time, Justin Fairfax was poised to become one of the most significant political figures in Virginia history appeared first on Cardinal News.

Opinion: For a brief time, Justin Fairfax was poised to become one of the most significant political figures in Virginia history

Buck-Hayes pleads guilty in attack on Lee Vogler in Danville " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/166532_Mamon_20260416_buck-hayes-and-attorneys.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" /> Shotsie Michael Buck-Hayes pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding. He will be sentenced in June. The post Buck-Hayes pleads guilty in attack on Lee Vogler in Danville appeared first on Cardinal News.

Buck-Hayes pleads guilty in attack on Lee Vogler in Danville

An effort to provide housing, medical help and hope is expanding again, despite funding challenges " data-image-caption=" Construction continues on the new building on the Family Crisis Support Services’ campus in Norton. It is expected to be completed in May and up and running in June. Courtesy of Family Crisis Support Services. " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/165764_Cameron_20260403_family-support-agencys-new-building-scaled.jpeg?fit=780%2C418&ssl=1" /> The growth at Wise County's Family Crisis Support Services comes amid a rise in homelessness, domestic violence and sexual assault cases that are expected to worsen. The post An effort to provide housing, medical help and hope is expanding again, despite funding challenges appeared first on Cardinal News.

An effort to provide housing, medical help and hope is expanding again, despite funding challenges

Del. Wren Williams’ wife gives birth on the side of the road en route to hospital " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/IMG_1306b-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C896&ssl=1" /> Mom and baby are doing fine, the Patrick County legislator says. The post Del. Wren Williams’ wife gives birth on the side of the road en route to hospital appeared first on Cardinal News.

Del. Wren Williams’ wife gives birth on the side of the road en route to hospital

The Pulse: New autism therapy clinic, biotech hub and longtime Southwest hospital worker honored " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/IMG_6797-scaled.jpeg?fit=780%2C559&ssl=1" /> Catch up on this week’s health news.  The post The Pulse: New autism therapy clinic, biotech hub and longtime Southwest hospital worker honored appeared first on Cardinal News.

The Pulse: New autism therapy clinic, biotech hub and longtime Southwest hospital worker honored

Giles County musician Harry Reed, Nation of Islam leader from Danville get historical markers " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/harry_reed.png?fit=780%2C580&ssl=1" /> The state has approved seven new historical markers across Virginia. The post Giles County musician Harry Reed, Nation of Islam leader from Danville get historical markers appeared first on Cardinal News.

Giles County musician Harry Reed, Nation of Islam leader from Danville get historical markers

Virginia Tech board approves increase in tuition, fees " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/burruss-crop-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C446&ssl=1" /> The total cost for an in-state undergraduate student living on campus is expected to be more than $32,000. The post Virginia Tech board approves increase in tuition, fees appeared first on Cardinal News.

Virginia Tech board approves increase in tuition, fees

Roanoke delays recycling pickup due to driver shortage " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Image_20260415_152647_211-scaled.jpeg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" /> The city hopes to return to regular service by Monday. The post Roanoke delays recycling pickup due to driver shortage appeared first on Cardinal News.

Roanoke delays recycling pickup due to driver shortage

Headlines from across the state: Spanberger signs bill to add restrictions on speed cameras; more … " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/IMG_6871-scaled-1.jpeg?fit=780%2C641&ssl=1" /> From elsewhere: Patrick County appoints interim supervisor after resignation. In this U.S. hot spot for data centers, voters have turned against them. Gate City native Mac McClung joins new DUNKMAN professional dunking league. The post Headlines from across the state: Spanberger signs bill to add restrictions on speed cameras; more … appeared first on Cardinal News.

Headlines from across the state: Spanberger signs bill to add restrictions on speed cameras; more …

For Miyares, the redistricting special election seems a way to jump-start a 2029 gubernatorial run " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/miyares7dog-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C516&ssl=1" /> The former attorney general is back on the campaign trail, this time helping to lead the "vote no" campaign. His sights are likely beyond the April 21 election, though. The post For Miyares, the redistricting special election seems a way to jump-start a 2029 gubernatorial run appeared first on Cardinal News.

Opinion: For Miyares, the redistricting special election seems a way to jump-start a 2029 gubernatorial run

Poll: ‘Yes’ holds narrow lead, while Spanberger approval/disapproval tied " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PXL_20260411_161802901-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C539&ssl=1" /> The poll by State Navigate suggests a possible tightening of the race, with warning signs for both sides. The post Poll: ‘Yes’ holds narrow lead, while Spanberger approval/disapproval tied appeared first on Cardinal News.

Opinion: Poll: ‘Yes’ holds narrow lead, while Spanberger approval/disapproval tied

Mid-April will feel more like midsummer this week " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1CrepuscularRays-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C584&ssl=1" /> High temperatures topping 90 in April are uncommon for our region and don’t necessarily portend a hot summer. The post Mid-April will feel more like midsummer this week appeared first on Cardinal News.

Mid-April will feel more like midsummer this week

Snowfall contest decided by 1-inch difference between two Roanokers " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/DrillfieldSnow-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" /> Bob Kolinski edged out Twila DiMarco to win the annual Cardinal Weather snowfall prediction contest. The post Snowfall contest decided by 1-inch difference between two Roanokers appeared first on Cardinal News.

Snowfall contest decided by 1-inch difference between two Roanokers

Megasite project could be in jeopardy if data center tax exemptions are ended, finance secretary warns " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Berry-Hill-Megasite-060522-10-scaled-1.jpg?fit=780%2C438&ssl=1" /> The project, which is expected to bring more than 2,000 jobs and $73 billion in investment to Pittsylvania County, could "go away," Mark Sickles told state senators. The post Megasite project could be in jeopardy if data center tax exemptions are ended, finance secretary warns appeared first on Cardinal News.

Megasite project could be in jeopardy if data center tax exemptions are ended, finance secretary warns

Roanoke Rambler’s new owner says changes necessary for sustainability " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-11.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" /> Ollie Howie, an entrepreneur and investor who grew up in Roanoke, said the publication’s expenses have been exceeding its monthly revenue. The post Roanoke Rambler’s new owner says changes necessary for sustainability appeared first on Cardinal News.

Roanoke Rambler’s new owner says changes necessary for sustainability

Spanberger riles up Democrats on Senate Finance Committee for reducing expected revenues " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/BBGAMONDAY00021.jpg?fit=780%2C435&ssl=1" /> The governor vetoed or amended two bills that Democrats were counting on to provide additional revenue. The post Spanberger riles up Democrats on Senate Finance Committee for reducing expected revenues appeared first on Cardinal News.

Spanberger riles up Democrats on Senate Finance Committee for reducing expected revenues

Tech Briefs: Grant money flows to 3D manufacturing in Southwest, Southside " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/clean-_room_main-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C520&ssl=1" /> Plus: The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC opens a clean room facility for clinical-grade therapy development. The post Tech Briefs: Grant money flows to 3D manufacturing in Southwest, Southside appeared first on Cardinal News.

Tech Briefs: Grant money flows to 3D manufacturing in Southwest, Southside

Controversial lane change test on Williamson Road had no substantial effect on traffic patterns, city says " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/IMG_0155-scaled.jpeg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" /> Williamson Road, a tightly packed commercial thoroughfare in Roanoke, has been the site of numerous crashes in recent years. The post Controversial lane change test on Williamson Road had no substantial effect on traffic patterns, city says appeared first on Cardinal News.

Controversial lane change test on Williamson Road had no substantial effect on traffic patterns, city says

Headlines from across the state: Supreme Court ruling revives debate over conversion therapy bans, including in Virginia; more … From elsewhere: Ex-Pence aide Olivia Troye plans to run for Congress in Virginia as a Democrat. King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit Virginia, D.C. and New York. Virginia poultry co-op to add 146 jobs, invest $113 million. The post Headlines from across the state: Supreme Court ruling revives debate over conversion therapy bans, including in Virginia; more … appeared first on Cardinal News.

Headlines from across the state: Supreme Court ruling revives debate over conversion therapy bans, including in Virginia; more …

7 things to know about Spanberger’s action on bills the General Assembly passed " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/BBGAMONDAY00028-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C411&ssl=1" /> The governor has now acted on bills, and the legislature is set to return to Richmond on April 22 to deal with her vetoes and amendments. Here's what we've learned about the governor in her first session. The post 7 things to know about Spanberger’s action on bills the General Assembly passed appeared first on Cardinal News.

Opinion: 7 things to know about Spanberger’s action on bills the General Assembly passed

Who declared for independence first — North Carolina, or this Virginia county? " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-First-Call-For-Independence.png?fit=780%2C519&ssl=1" /> Cumberland County claims the honor by one day over Charlotte County, and says its resolution was more definitive than an earlier one from North Carolina. The post Who declared for independence first — North Carolina, or this Virginia county? appeared first on Cardinal News.

Who declared for independence first — North Carolina, or this Virginia county?

How a Petersburg churchyard became the final resting place of a British general " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6.Blandford-Church-today-by-Calder-Loth.-Virginia-Deprtment-of-Historic-Resources.jpg?fit=780%2C535&ssl=1" /> Mary Bolling presided over her estate even as the British occupied it, and a British general died in her home. The post How a Petersburg churchyard became the final resting place of a British general appeared first on Cardinal News.

How a Petersburg churchyard became the final resting place of a British general

Dispatch from 1776: Are we already independent? Some counties want Virginia to formally declare a split. " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/George-III-by-Johan-Joseph-Zoffany.jpg?fit=780%2C780&ssl=1" /> Cumberland and Charlotte counties have issued calls for a formal break from Great Britain. The post Dispatch from 1776: Are we already independent? Some counties want Virginia to formally declare a split. appeared first on Cardinal News.

Dispatch from 1776: Are we already independent? Some counties want Virginia to formally declare a split.

Podcast: 250 years of Montgomery County " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/CN250-Ep-26.png?fit=780%2C439&ssl=1" /> Dutchie Jessee sits down with Montgomery Museum Executive Director Sherry Wyatt to explore how a vast frontier county formed in 1776 became the New River Valley community we know today. The post Podcast: 250 years of Montgomery County appeared first on Cardinal News.

Podcast: 250 years of Montgomery County

Cardinal is launching 250-themed trivia nights, searching for graphic novelists Here's an update on how our Cardinal 250 project is expanding. The post Cardinal is launching 250-themed trivia nights, searching for graphic novelists appeared first on Cardinal News.

Cardinal is launching 250-themed trivia nights, searching for graphic novelists

‘Dark money’ is fueling both sides of Virginia’s redistricting campaign " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PXL_20260411_161802901-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C539&ssl=1" /> More than $79 million has been spent on Virginia’s “yes” and “no” redistricting referendum campaigns since February; roughly $76 million of that is from "dark money" groups that don't have to disclose their donors. The post ‘Dark money’ is fueling both sides of Virginia’s redistricting campaign appeared first on Cardinal News.

‘Dark money’ is fueling both sides of Virginia’s redistricting campaign