" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Maedot-2-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C200&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Maedot-2-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C520&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The funding will support students with financial need, with priority given to Virginians. The post $20 million scholarship endowment marks a milestone for Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/158107_Mamon_20260108_The-Laurel-exterior.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/158107_Mamon_20260108_The-Laurel-exterior.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Rehabilitation work is almost complete at the coming Laurel Hotel. The 120-year-old building and the neighborhood around it are evolving, without leaving the past behind. The post Former Dan River Mills building becomes boutique hotel in transforming historic district appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Christiansburg-Town-Hall-from-angle_2.7.26-scaled.jpeg?fit=257%2C300&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Christiansburg-Town-Hall-from-angle_2.7.26-scaled.jpeg?fit=780%2C912&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Plus, Saturday’s Polar Plunge in Radford will raise money for Special Olympics Virginia. The post NRV Agendas: Radford City Council meets Monday; Christiansburg and Blacksburg councils meet Tuesday; public health community forums on Monday and Wednesday appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-image-caption=" The Montgomery County logo. " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Montgomery-County-Correct-Size.png?fit=300%2C225&quality=80&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Montgomery-County-Correct-Size.png?fit=780%2C585&quality=80&ssl=1" /> The latest comprehensive plan presentation will include housing, health, education and development. The post Drone in the air and polling place changes on the ground for Montgomery County appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Ruchuan Akers, known in the rap world as Scott Bridgeway, shared two Grammys with Kendrick Lamar, Sza and other collaborators at the recent Grammy Awards presentation. The post Roanoke-born hip-hop music producer celebrates Grammy wins with Kendrick Lamar appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_8924-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_8924-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The city would need to provide a 100% match to the award funding.  The post Salem City Council to consider appropriation of $1.5 million from VDOT for downtown improvements appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_2607-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_2607-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The bill would create a task force to "examine higher education" at VMI rather than explore whether the college should continue to receive state funding. The post Bill to establish VMI task force clears House, with changes appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/160711_Mamon_20260205_Danville-CCKW-SUP.png?fit=300%2C225&quality=80&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/160711_Mamon_20260205_Danville-CCKW-SUP.png?fit=780%2C586&quality=80&ssl=1" /> Developers of a subdivision that was approved in 2023 are now looking to slightly increase its density. The post Housing development changes to come before Danville Planning Commission appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Rise-Above_Talbert-Perdue-Akers-in-van_2.4.26.jpeg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Rise-Above_Talbert-Perdue-Akers-in-van_2.4.26.jpeg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Meet the staff of Rise Above with the New River Health District Wednesday, 5:30-7:30 at the Radford Public Library, to learn about harm reduction strategies to tackle addiction in the NRV. The post What’s the NRV’s ‘harm reduction’ substance use program all about? Find out Wednesday in Radford. appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1-3.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1-3.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The change is necessary to accommodate other state laws on early voting that would be squeezed if voters approve the April 21 referendum for redistricting. The post Budget would move primary elections this year to Aug. 4 appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/arringtonorchardsdeer-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/arringtonorchardsdeer-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> From elsewhere: Bills to bolster local emergency management personnel funding punted. Hundreds honor former Valentine director Bill Martin. MacArthur Center to close and be demolished. The post Headlines from across the state: Virginia deer harvest up, bear and turkey decline from last season, state reports; more … appeared first on Cardinal News.

She took an early retirement from The Roanoke Times in April 2021, after 16 years there, when she learned continued staff cutbacks meant little ability to do in-depth reporting. Luanne received national fellowships from the Association of Health Care Journalists, The Gerontological Society of America and the University of Southern California’s Center for Health Journalism to support substantial reporting projects. She has won dozens of journalism awards, including national honors, but is most proud of two from non-journalism organizations. She was named mental health journalist of the year by the Roanoke region’s National Alliance on Mental Health, and is the only journalist honored with the Charles Crowder Jr. Award by the Virginia Rural Health Association. She cofounded Cardinal News in order to create a sustainable news organization to tell the important stories of Southwest and Southside Virginia. Contact: luanne@cardinalnews.org or 540-467-2189. " data-image-caption=" Luanne Rife, executive director of Cardinal News " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-rife-headshot.jpg?fit=237%2C300&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-rife-headshot.jpg?fit=780%2C986&quality=89&ssl=1" /> We've got a plan to expand our coverage. Here's where readers fit in. The post Your valley, your voice: The first step to supporting coverage in New River Valley is your support appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/data-center-water-tanks.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/data-center-water-tanks.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> A new report by the Brookings Institution says localities shouldn't just ask for one-time contributions as part of economic development deals with data centers, they should insist on arrangements to grow a new economic sector. The post Here’s a way to use the data center boom to build a new economy in some communities appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1-3.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1-3.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> A closer look at the proposed redistricting map reveals some opportunities for candidates that the mapmakers may not have intended. The post 10 more things to know about the Democrats’ proposed redistricting map appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mcsweeney_athletic_boosters.jpg?fit=300%2C240&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mcsweeney_athletic_boosters.jpg?fit=780%2C625&quality=89&ssl=1" /> A tribute to the late basketball coach, John McSweeney. The post Liberty HS parent: Liberty High and the measure of a good school appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_6607-scaled.jpeg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_6607-scaled.jpeg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The redistricting effort is expected to go to Virginia voters in an April 21 referendum. The post Gov. Spanberger signs bill to enable redistricting referendum  appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/capitol7-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/capitol7-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> From elsewhere: Panel shelves bill to end mandatory minimum sentences for certain crimes. UVa details first phase of DEI purge in report to DOJ. Anglers say no to new carp as hydrilla concerns grow at Smith Mountain Lake. The post Headlines from across the state: Bill would remove Confederate monuments from Virginia’s Capitol Square; more … appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/map.png?fit=300%2C134&quality=80&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/map.png?fit=780%2C350&quality=80&ssl=1" /> The map would eliminate one of the party's top fundraisers this year, either Beth Macy or Tom Perriello. It could also create some new constituencies to oppose redistricting. The post 10 things to know about the Democrats’ proposed redistricting map appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/charles_poindexter.jpg?fit=300%2C300&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/charles_poindexter.jpg?fit=321%2C321&quality=89&ssl=1" /> He designed information technology systems for the military but always called himself a farmer. He died this week at age 83. The post Former Del. Poindexter of Franklin County lauded as a ‘tireless advocate for the communities he loved’ appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IMG_7034-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IMG_7034-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The proposed Entertainment District competes with institutions Roanoke already has and may even destroy them. The post Arts leader: Roanoke’s Entertainment District is a question of scale appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_6512-scaled.jpeg?fit=300%2C224&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_6512-scaled.jpeg?fit=780%2C583&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Democratic lawmakers had blown past their self-imposed Jan. 30 deadline to release the redrawn congressional map to the public. The post Release of new redistricting maps imminent, General Assembly Democrats say appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image1-scaled.jpeg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image1-scaled.jpeg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> Five people face charges in Rockbridge County related to allegations of animal cruelty at the roadside zoo, in a case initiated by the state attorney general’s office Animal Law Unit. The post Arrests made, dozens of charges filed in Natural Bridge Zoo animal cruelty case appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_6466-scaled.jpeg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_6466-scaled.jpeg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> This won’t affect the almost two dozen agencies in Southside and Southwest Virginia that have entered into agreements with ICE. The post Spanberger ends agreement between state law enforcement agencies and ICE appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Virginia_Congressional_Districts_118th_Congress_2.svg_.png?fit=300%2C131&quality=80&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Virginia_Congressional_Districts_118th_Congress_2.svg_.png?fit=780%2C340&quality=80&ssl=1" /> Virginia Democrats want to eliminate four Republican-held congressional seats. On a percentage basis, that's higher than any other state that's engaged in a mid-decade redistricting. The post A 10-1 map would give Virginia the most aggressive gerrymander of any other state appeared first on Cardinal News.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CFX-Eastbound-Sign-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&quality=89&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/cardinalnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CFX-Eastbound-Sign-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&quality=89&ssl=1" /> The money will be used to widen a two-lane section of the highway in Buchanan County to four lanes. The post Coalfields Expressway project gets $3 million in federal funding appeared first on Cardinal News.