Shows
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaHacking the Future: Inside the Commonwealth Cyber InitiativeVirginia has made a big bet on cybersecurity—and it’s paying off in some surprising places. In this episode of the Cardinal News podcast, host Lisa Rowan talks with technology reporter Tad Dickens about his deep dive into the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative, a statewide effort connecting colleges, universities, and businesses to strengthen digital security. From a virtual water treatment plant at VMI to students helping small businesses in Wise protect their payment systems, Dickens explains how these projects are preparing students for real-world cyber threats and why Southwest Virginia is playing a key role.
2025-12-1626 min
Cardinal News 250Ep. 22: The Burning of Norfolk Take a front-row seat to one of the most consequential moments of the American Revolution. Host Lisa Rowan and journalist Andrew Lawler revisit Norfolk’s dramatic winter of 1775–76, when Black soldiers fought for Lord Dunmore, Patriots dug in at Great Bridge, and Virginia’s only city became the battleground that pushed the colonies toward independence. From skirmishes on the Elizabeth River to the days-long burning that erased Norfolk from the map, this episode unpacks the clash, the politics, and the propaganda that helped set the stage for America’s break from Britain.
2025-12-1515 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaVirginia's Blue Wave: What's Next for the Commonwealth?Virginia politics is heading into winter with a historic shift — and things are about to get busy in Richmond. Host Lisa Rowan sits down with political reporter Elizabeth Beyer, Cardinal News’ one-woman bureau in the capital, to break down what’s coming before lawmakers gavel in on January 14.With Democrats now holding the House, Senate, and the governor’s office — a trifecta not seen in roughly four decades — the stage is set for a transformational General Assembly session. Elizabeth walks us through the big-ticket items: affordability plans, a slate of constitutional amendments on abortion access, same-sex marriage, voting right...
2025-12-0922 min
The Cardinal: News of Virginia"Where Will I Give Birth?": Why Rural Virginia Is Losing Its Labor & Delivery UnitsRural maternity care in Virginia is shrinking — and fast.In this week’s episode of The Cardinal: News of Virginia, host Lisa Rowan sits down with health care reporter Emily Schabacker to unpack the closure of the obstetrics and gynecology department at Centra Southside Community Hospital in Farmville. It’s the latest in a troubling trend: since 2018, five rural labor and delivery units have shut down across the Commonwealth, leaving only seven of Virginia’s 28 rural hospitals still offering obstetrics care after December 19.Emily breaks down what’s driving these cuts, from long-standing financial pressures to the pan...
2025-12-0224 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaWhere are the Missing Giraffes?: Unraveling the Secrets of Natural Bridge ZooThis week’s episode dives headfirst into one of the most gripping stories Virginia has seen in years — the case of the missing baby giraffes from the Natural Bridge Zoo. What began as a routine state inquiry has spiraled into a full-blown criminal investigation, court orders, public outrage, and even a celebrity-backed reward. With the zoo’s manager choosing jail time over revealing the animals’ whereabouts, questions are mounting and patience is wearing thin.Host Lisa Rowan sits down with Dwayne Yancey who has covered every turn of this unfolding saga. Together, they unpack the timeline, the legal st...
2025-11-2520 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaInside Halifax County's Plan for a Recovery CampusHost Lisa Rowan talks with reporter Grace Mamon about Halifax County’s ambitious proposal for a recovery campus that would provide housing, transportation, and other essential services for people in recovery from substance use disorder. They explore what’s driving the project, the challenges it faces, and how it could reshape recovery efforts in rural Virginia.
2025-11-1812 minCardinal News 250Lord Dunmore's Emancipation ProclamationHost Lisa Rowan sits down with Virginia-born journalist Andrew Lawler to discuss Lord Dunmore's Emancipation Proclamation which offered freedom to some enslaved people... but there was a catch. Listen now to learn more.
2025-11-1714 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaThe Fire That Shouldn’t Have HappenedIn this episode, Lisa Rowan and Samantha Verrelli explore how a breakdown in communication and enforcement allowed a major Roanoke property to operate without fire protection for more than a year. They unpack the policies that failed to prevent disaster, the timeline city leaders must now answer for, and how journalists bring transparency to local oversight systems that often go unseen.
2025-11-1116 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaThe Abortion Debate You Haven't HeardVirginia’s abortion debate has gone hyper-local. Reporter Emma Malinak joins Lisa Rowan to break down Lynchburg’s proposed zoning changes, the arguments on both sides and what these local battles say about the future of reproductive policy in the Commonwealth.
2025-11-0421 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaOne Year After Helene: Stories of Survival and StrengthIt’s been one year since Hurricane Helene tore through Southwest Virginia, leaving behind collapsed bridges, vanished homes, and entire communities forced to start over. In this episode of The Cardinal: News of Virginia, host Lisa Rowan sits down with Southwest Virginia reporter Susan Cameron to revisit the towns hit hardest by the storm — and to hear how people are rebuilding not just their homes, but their lives.From neighbors helping neighbors to the tireless volunteers still on the ground, this is a story of resilience, community, and hope amid the wreckage. And as recovery continues, Susan and...
2025-10-2813 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaCovering Political Campaigns in the Social Media AgeThis week on The Cardinal: News of Virginia, host Dutchie Jessee sits down with politics and policy reporter Elizabeth Beyer and founding editor and columnist Dwayne Yancey to talk about how covering political campaigns has changed, especially in the age of social media.With voters scrolling instead of rallying, and candidates now building their own digital megaphones, journalists face a new kind of challenge: how to cut through the noise and hold power to account when everyone has a platform.From this year’s Virginia governor’s race to the evolving ways candidates communicate — or don’t...
2025-10-2127 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaMartinsville's Housing Shortage: A Small Town CrisisHost Lisa Rowan sits down with Martinsville/Henry County reporter Dean-Paul Stephens to unpack the housing shortage hitting Martinsville and the surrounding area. While many cities across the U.S. are grappling with housing shortages, smaller communities face unique challenges. This shortage is driving up housing costs and creating roadblocks for workforce development programs trying to find homes for employees. Dean breaks down what’s behind the crisis and what it means for local families and workers.
2025-10-1413 minCardinal News 250Western Virginia's Role in the Revolution Host Lisa Rowan sits down with local historian Eric Monday to explore western Virginia’s surprising role in the American Revolution. From frontier skirmishes to the communities that shaped the fight for independence, discover how the region’s people and places helped forge a new nation.
2025-10-1336 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaRoanoke's Biomedical BreakthroughIn this episode, host Lisa Rowan sits down with reporter Tad Dickens to trace the unlikely journey of Roanoke’s biomedical transformation. What began 15 years ago with a single researcher and a question (“What if?”) has now ballooned into Fralin Biomedical Research Institute — a cornerstone of a region reborn as a hub for healthcare, life sciences and innovation.
2025-10-0718 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaEnergy Demand Soars: How Will Virginia Power The Future?Electricity demand in Virginia is climbing fast — fueled by data centers, AI, and a surge of everyday energy needs. But can the state’s grid keep up? Host Lisa Rowan sits down with Cardinal News business reporter Matt Busse to unpack how policymakers, utilities, and communities are grappling with rising demand for power. From new bills in Richmond to debates over data center growth, they break down the high-stakes choices shaping Virginia’s energy future, and what it all means for you.
2025-09-3023 min
The Cardinal: News of Virginia4 Years of Cardinal News: From Idea to ImpactFour years ago, a small team of journalists set out to change how news was covered in Southwest and Southside Virginia. Today, Cardinal News has grown into a trusted, independent newsroom that is paywall free, nonprofit, and committed to covering communities that are too often overlooked.In this special anniversary episode, Lisa Rowan sits down with Executive Director and founder Luanne Rife to reflect on Cardinal’s beginnings, its growth, and the critical role it plays in Virginia’s news landscape. From launching with just three journalists to building a statewide presence, hear how Cardinal has filled a vi...
2025-09-2328 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaFrom Promise to Uncertainty: Haitian Immigrants in DanvilleIn this episode, host Lisa Rowan sits down with reporter Grace Mamon to tell a story that’s rarely told — Haitian immigrants in Danville who fled violence and instability at home, drawn by the promise of work and safety, now find themselves in limbo as federal policy changes strip away their legal protections.Together they explore:What it means to earn humanitarian parole status and why it mattered — and what happens when it’s revoked.How one job loss in Danville affects not just an individual, but entire families back in Haiti relying on remittances.The emotiona...
2025-09-1615 minCardinal News 250Ep 19: Revolutionary WomenThe role of women changed in early American history, but what was the biggest change at our nation’s founding? Renowned historian, author and professor Rosemary Zagarri talks to Cardinal 250 host Dutchie Jessee about the pivotal role women played in the “social media” of their time.
2025-09-1525 min
The Cardinal: News of Virginia10 Trends Shaping Virginia’s Population Through 2050In this episode of The Cardinal: News of Virginia, host Dutchie Jessee chats with founding editor Dwayne Yancey about Virginia’s latest population projections from the Weldon Cooper Center at UVA. They break down 10 key takeaways that reveal where people are moving, where communities are shrinking, and what these trends mean for the state over the next 25 years.From Lynchburg adding more residents than the Roanoke and New River valleys combined to Loudoun County’s explosive growth, and from Roanoke slowly approaching 100,000 residents again to rural coal counties facing dramatic population declines, this episode highlights the big shif...
2025-09-0222 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaInside Virginia’s First High School for AdultsThis week on The Cardinal: News of Virginia, host Dutchie Jessee sits down with education reporter Lisa Rowan to explore a groundbreaking new high school opening in Northwest Roanoke, one that’s not for teens, but for adults looking for a fresh start. They discuss how the Excel Center, operated by Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, is giving adults who never finished high school a second chance to earn a diploma, boost their careers, and change the trajectory of their lives. From free child care to career coaching and internships, discover how this program is breaking down barriers, building co...
2025-08-2721 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaRace Against Time: Virginia's New Flash Flood Warning SystemsCatastrophic flooding has hit communities across the U.S. in recent years — including Buchanan County, Virginia, which has suffered three major floods in just four years. Now, Buchanan and nearby Botetourt County are piloting new flood warning systems that combine sensors, rain gauges, predictive modeling, and real-time alerts to give local officials crucial minutes of preparation. In this episode of The Cardinal: News of Virginia, host Dutchie Jessee talks with Cardinal News reporter Susan Cameron, who explains how these cutting-edge systems work, why they’re especially vital for mountainous regions prone to flash flooding, and what this tech...
2025-08-2018 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaWhen FEMA Fails Flood SurvivorsWhen a February flood tore through Richlands, Virginia, it left more than 150 homes damaged and dozens of families displaced. But unlike their neighbors just across the border in West Virginia and Kentucky—who got federal money to rebuild—many Virginians were told they didn’t qualify for FEMA’s individual assistance. The reason? A formula that counts the wealth of Northern Virginia’s million-dollar homes against the needs of Southwest Virginia’s poorest residents.In this episode, host Dutchie Jessee sits down with Cardinal News politics and policy reporter Elizabeth Beyer to unpack how FEMA calculates disaster aid, why Vir...
2025-08-1324 minCardinal News 250Ep 18: Burned CountiesIf you’re a Virginian, there’s a good chance you live in a burned county. That’s the term used when a city or county suffers significant losses of official records, especially as a result of military targeting. Join host Dutchie Jessee as she talks with Isle of Wight Museum Director Jennifer England about saving those records, and why they’re so valuable.
2025-08-1223 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaA Preventable Infection is Surging Among Virginia's BabiesVirginia is confronting two entirely different—and urgent—health stories. Syphilis infections are climbing, and congenital cases surged 66% in 2024, exposing more newborns to devastating, preventable outcomes. Meanwhile, new residential recovery centers in Southwest Virginia are opening doors for pregnant and parenting moms to stay with their children while getting treatment, thanks to opioid settlement funds. What do these two trends tell us about gaps—and hope—in Virginia’s public health response? Find out as host Dutchie Jessee discusses the healthcare battles facing Virginia's children with reporter Emily Schabacker.
2025-08-0627 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaThe Return of Lynchburg's Blackwater Creek“A Creek Reborn: What Lynchburg Lost and Gained by Removing College Lake Dam”This week, host Dutchie Jessee welcomes Lynchburg reporter Emma Malinak to the show to talk about her in-depth reporting on the decades-long effort to restore Blackwater Creek. For nearly a century, the College Lake Dam held back this tributary to the James River — until public safety concerns, climate pressure, and a vision for ecological restoration changed everything.Dutchie and Emma dig into what’s at stake when a city removes a beloved landmark like a lake, the environmental and political debates that have unf...
2025-07-3019 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaPublic Notices: The Fine Print of DemocracyWait, wait — don’t skip the legal notices! In this episode, Dutchie and Luanne make the case for why these often-overlooked announcements are actually essential reading. From government bids to name changes and property transfers, public notices ensure that government remains transparent. Learn how Cardinal News is bringing this centuries-old practice into the digital future — and why you should care.
2025-07-2324 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaIs Google Coming to Botetourt County?Google just bought land in Botetourt County, Virginia — and the tech world is buzzing. Is a data center really coming to this rural corner of the state? Or is it just a maybe?In this episode of The Cardinal: News of Virginia, host Dutchie Jessee is joined by business reporter Matt Busse and founding editor Dwayne Yancey to dig into the details of Google’s recent land acquisition. Together, they explore what this potential development could mean for Botetourt County and the surrounding region.Could this be a new era of economic growth for rural Virg...
2025-07-1624 minCardinal News 250Ep 17: America, Made in VirginiaWe’re a year away from the country’s 250th birthday, or semiquincentennial. What are some key moments for the head of Virginia’s 250 Commission, and what’s coming up in the next twelve months to mark this important date? Host Dutchie Jessee talks with Commission Director Cheryl Wilson about Virginia’s ongoing events as it prepares for the nation’s big birthday.
2025-07-1433 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaPaper of Record: Uncovering Danville's Hidden Civil Rights MovementIn June 1963, civil rights protestors flooded the streets of Danville, Virginia — demanding justice, equality, and a voice. But in the city’s daily newspaper? The story was barely there.In this episode of "The Cardinal: News of Virginia", host Dutchie Jessee sits down with reporter Grace Mamon to explore her Redbird series investigating how Danville’s civil rights movement was covered — or deliberately distorted — by the press.Grace uncovers a stark divide: One paper toed the line of power, criminalizing protestors. Another, a lone Black-owned weekly, fought to publish “the truth.” Through archival reporting, media analysis, and...
2025-07-0924 min
The Cardinal: News of Virginia25 Places in Western Virginia That Could Shape the Governor’s RaceIn this episode, host Dutchie Jessee sits down with Dwayne Yancey, founding editor of Cardinal News, to explore 25 eye‑opening destinations across Southwest and Southside Virginia—places where gubernatorial candidates Abigail Spanberger and Winsome Earle‑Sears could learn critical policy lessons firsthand.They journey from the congested lanes of Interstate 81 (a traffic and infrastructure flashpoint) to booming solar farms in Southside that highlight the state’s renewable-energy divide. They unpack nuclear innovation in Lynchburg, the controversies around the Mountain Valley Pipeline, and the upcoming Rocky Forge wind farm in Botetourt County—all showcasing how energy, infrastructure, and rural deve...
2025-07-0228 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaNo Sun. No Soil. No Problem! Vertical Farming in Rural VirginiaHost Dutchie Jessee is joined by Cardinal News reporter Tad Dickens to explore a surprising story growing in Southwest Virginia — vertical farming. In this episode, they dig into how controlled environment agriculture is taking root in rural towns, repurposing old tobacco warehouses and bringing tech-powered farming to unexpected places. Can this high-tech approach help revive Virginia’s agricultural economy — without ever touching soil or sunlight?🎧 Tune in to find out how LEDs, sensors, and a lot of water are growing more than just crops — they might be growing a new future for rural America.
2025-06-2526 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaA $1 Million Mystery: How Your Car Insurance Funds Surveillance TechnologyIn this episode, Dutchie Jessee and Lisa Rowan dig into Virginia’s HEAT (Help Eliminate Auto Theft) fund — a 30‑year‑old program quietly financed by a 0.25% fee on comprehensive auto insurance. Learn how over $1 million per year is now funneled into license‑plate reader (LPR) surveillance tech from companies like Flock, widely deployed across rural and urban areas. We explore the controversial rise of surveillance cameras paid by drivers, examine FOIA reports, local law enforcement motivations, privacy and oversight challenges, and what it means for everyday Virginians. Tune in for an eye‑opening conversation on car theft, public safety funding, data...
2025-06-1825 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaWho’s Watching Your Car? How Police Use License Plate ReadersJoin Dutchie Jessee on this revealing episode of "The Cardinal: News of Virginia," as she sits down with executive editor Jeff Schwaner and reporters Samantha Verrelli and Dean‑Paul Stephens to unpack Cardinal News’s latest investigation into the expansive use of license plate reader (LPR) cameras across Southwest and Southside Virginia.Discover how local law enforcement agencies are deploying LPRs — like Flock Safety and mobile unit networks — to crack crimes, recover stolen vehicles, assist in Amber Alerts and conduct missing‑person searchesLearn what Virginia's new LPR law, effective July 1, mandates — fundamental limits on use, 21‑day footage retention, mandatory public pol...
2025-06-1125 minCardinal News 250Ep 16: RetroCardinal News is a few years into our 250 project – the aim of which is to shine a light on lesser known Virginians who played a part in our nation’s birth. We look back at the history we knew and what we've learned through the project in this episode with Cardinal 250 editor Dwayne Yancey.
2025-06-1024 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaCould Solar Power Replace Coal in Virginia?In this illuminating episode, host Dutchie Jessee sits down with Cardinal News reporters Matt Busse and Lisa Rowan to explore the transformative impact of solar apprenticeships in Southwest Virginia. As the region transitions from its coal-centric past to a renewable energy future, these programs are not just about installing panels — they're about installing hope and opportunity.Discover how local partnerships are equipping young people with the skills needed for the burgeoning solar industry, offering pathways to sustainable careers and revitalizing communities. From hands-on training to real-world applications, learn how these initiatives are powering both homes and dreams....
2025-06-0423 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaA Cancer Cluster Could be Forming in Southwest VirginiaScott County, Virginia is small, quiet, and close-knit — the kind of place where everyone knows everyone. But lately, a string of rare pediatric cancer cases has left the community shaken and asking: "Is this just a heartbreaking coincidence… or something more?"In this episode of "The Cardinal: News of Virginia", host Dutchie Jessee sits down with Cardinal News healthcare reporter Emily Schabacker, who’s been following the story as it unfolds. The state has launched an investigation, but official answers remain elusive. Meanwhile, families are grappling with fear, grief — and a growing sense of urgency.Emily wa...
2025-05-2819 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaVirginia's 2025 Elections: 10 Things to Know Before You VoteEarly voting in Virginia's primaries has officially begun, and there's a lot to unpack. In this episode, host Dutchie Jessee sits down with Dwayne Yancey, executive editor of Cardinal News, to delve into the intricacies of the upcoming elections.Drawing from his recent article, "Early voting in the primaries starts today. Here are 10 things to know," Dwayne provides a comprehensive overview of what's at stake, who the key players are, and how the primaries could shape Virginia's political landscape.They'll also explore Cardinal News's updated Voter Guide, which offers detailed information on candidates, their platforms...
2025-05-2122 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaFrom Ruin to Recovery: Virginia's Flood DisasterIn this episode of "The Cardinal: News of Virginia", host Dutchie Jessee sits down with Southwest Virginia reporter Susan Cameron to revisit one of the most devastating events to hit the region in decades: the catastrophic flooding brought by Hurricane Helene in fall 2024 and the relentless storms that followed in February 2025. Entire neighborhoods were wiped off the map, families displaced, and lives forever changed.But amid the destruction came powerful stories of resilience and hope. Susan shares on-the-ground reporting and emotional interviews with families who lived through the disaster — including the McMurrys, whose home was torn from it...
2025-05-1424 minCardinal News 250Ep 15: The MagazineIt’s one of the most recognized sites within Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area, and figures prominently in a major turning point in our history. The Magazine has a unique structure and history, and is currently undergoing (another) restoration. Cardinal 250 host Dutchie Jessee talks with Matthew Webster of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation about the Magazine, its history and its future.
2025-05-1323 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaHidden History: The KKK Once Recruited in Virginia ChurchesIn this eye-opening episode, host Dutchie Jessee sits down with reporter Dean-Paul Stephens to delve into his recent article, "Welcome guests: Churches hosted KKK recruitment a hundred years ago," published on CardinalNews.org. Together, they explore the unsettling history of how, in November 1924, the Ku Klux Klan held recruitment events in churches across Martinsville, Virginia, during a period of resurgence for the Klan. Stephens shares insights from his research, shedding light on how religious institutions, which are typically seen as places of refuge and moral guidance, were co-opted by hate groups to further their agendas. The conversation also touches...
2025-05-0721 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaHow Trump Policies Are Impacting Virginia’s CollegesThis week on The Cardinal: News of Virginia, host Dutchie Jessee sits down with education reporter Lisa Rowan for a deep dive into how Trump administration policies are reshaping higher education across the Commonwealth. From research funding shifts at major institutions like Virginia Tech, to new hurdles for international students, to growing concerns over DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) programs, we explore the real-world impacts now facing universities. What does it mean for students, faculty and the future of Virginia’s colleges? Tune in for an inside look at the changing landscape.
2025-04-3023 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaBig Tech Meets Big Trouble: Virginia’s Energy Squeeze and Balico’s RejectionThis week on The Cardinal: News of Virginia, host Dutchie Jessee dives into one of the most explosive local government stories in recent memory — the Pittsylvania County vs. Balico showdown. Cardinal News reporters Grace Mamon and Tad Dickens join the table to unpack how a proposed data center project sparked six months of controversy, confusion and ultimately, rejection.But this isn’t just about one county. This is about what happens when the tech industry sets its sights on rural Virginia — and what’s at stake when it does. From rezoning chaos to the looming threat of energy s...
2025-04-2325 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaA Perfect Storm for Disaster: Why Virginia’s Emergency Services Are in TroubleVirginia’s fire and EMS services are facing a crisis: costs are rising, calls for help are increasing and yet, funding remains stuck in place. In this episode of "The Cardinal: News of Virginia", host Dutchie Jessee sits down with reporter Elizabeth Beyer to break down the data, the dangers and the real-life consequences of this growing emergency. With firefighter and EMT shortages worsening, what does this mean for the people who rely on these life-saving services? Tune in for a deep dive into the perfect storm threatening public safety.
2025-04-1624 min
Cardinal News 250Ep 14: A Virginia spyA fake name, perhaps a fake accent, and rum. All figure into an examination of John Wyatt. Host Dutchie Jessee talks about this fascinating character with Michael Hudson, Executive Director of the Smithfield-Preston Foundation in Blacksburg.
2025-04-1527 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaLawsuits, Surveillance and a 300-Mile Road Trip: The Story That Went ViralWhat happens when you request government surveillance footage of your own car? For Cardinal News Executive Editor Jeffrey Schwaner, the answer was a lawsuit. After driving over 300 miles across Southwest and Southside Virginia, Jeff tested how transparent local police departments are with their public surveillance data. only to find two localities fighting to keep the footage secret. In this episode, host Dutchie Jessee sits down with Jeff to unpack his viral investigation, the legal battles that followed and what this means for transparency, privacy, and public access to government-collected data.
2025-04-0919 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaTransplant Turf War: The Fight Over Kidney Care in VirginiaIf you live in Southwest or Southside Virginia, your chances of developing kidney disease are higher than elsewhere in the state. Yet, access to care remains a bureaucratic battleground. Carilion Clinic wants to open a kidney transplant center in Roanoke, but the University of Virginia Health System is pushing back, arguing that it would threaten its existing program in Charlottesville. With state regulators set to weigh in, what’s really at stake for patients in the region?Host Dutchie Jessee sits down with healthcare reporter Emily Schabacker to break down the debate, the policy behind it and wh...
2025-04-0221 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaShifting Populations: Why Northern Virginia is Shrinking While the South GrowsVirginia’s population is shifting in a surprising way — Northern Virginia is experiencing a decline, while Southwest and Southside Virginia are seeing growth. What’s driving this trend? Are people from NoVa moving to our region, and if so, why? This week on "The Cardinal: News of Virginia", host Dutchie Jessee sits down with founding editor and columnist Dwayne Yancey to break down the numbers, explore what’s fueling these demographic changes, and discuss what they mean for the future of the state. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about the evolving landscape of Virginia!
2025-03-2622 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaRoanoke’s Budget: What’s at Stake for Schools and ServicesRoanoke is growing — but is its budget keeping up? In this episode of "The Cardinal: News of Virginia", host Dutchie Jessee sits down with Roanoke Valley reporter Samantha Verrelli to break down the city’s latest budget discussions. With overcrowded high schools straining resources, what’s the plan for building new schools? How will funding decisions impact infrastructure, public services and residents? We’ll dive into what’s being prioritized, what’s being left out and what it all means for Roanoke’s future.
2025-03-1914 minCardinal News 250E13: Give Me LibertyIt’s considered one of the ten greatest speeches in American history. Patrick Henry’s “give me liberty or give me death” address has been a part of our national story for 250 years. Join host Dutchie Jessee and her guest Stephen Wilson, who helps keep that speech alive, on this episode of the Cardinal 250 podcast. www.cardinalnews.org
2025-03-1818 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaState of Surveillance: Who’s Watching You?In this episode of "The Cardinal: News of Virginia", host Dutchie Jessee dives into the rising use of surveillance technology in Virginia with Cardinal News executive editor Jeff Schwaner and education reporter Lisa Rowan. As flock cameras and public-facing surveillance spread across Southwest and Southside Virginia, questions about privacy, transparency, and oversight come into focus. Who is watching? What data is being collected? And why have some police departments been hesitant to disclose this information? Join us as we explore the growing State of Surveillance and what it means for Virginians’ everyday lives.
2025-03-1227 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaVirginia's 2025 General Assembly: The Key TakeawaysIn episode 9, host Dutchie Jessee sits down with Cardinal News politics and policy reporter Elizabeth Beyer to break down the biggest takeaways from the 2025 Virginia General Assembly session. What bills made it through? Where is the state putting its money? And most importantly, what projects and initiatives are receiving funding in Southwest and Southside Virginia? Get the insights you need on the policies shaping the region.
2025-03-0522 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaBig Tech Meets Small Towns: Data Centers in Cardinal CountryVirginia is home to the world’s largest concentration of data centers, but now the industry is expanding beyond Northern Virginia into Pittsylvania County, Southwest Virginia, and beyond. What does this mean for local communities, businesses, and economies?This week on The Cardinal: News of Virginia, host Dutchie Jessee sits down with Danville reporter Grace Mamon to break down the rise of data centers in “Cardinal Country.” From economic opportunities to concerns about infrastructure and land use, Grace explores the real-world impact of these massive facilities and what the future holds for Virginia’s data center industry.
2025-02-2621 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaSweet Briar’s Policy Change: The Impact on Transgender and Nonbinary StudentsThis week on The Cardinal: News of Virginia, host Dutchie Jessee sits down with Cardinal News education reporter Lisa Rowan to unpack Sweet Briar College’s newly updated admissions policy. The historically women’s college has clarified its stance on who can apply, particularly when it comes to transgender and nonbinary students. What does this mean for the school’s identity, prospective students, and the broader conversation about gender in higher education? Lisa breaks down the details of the policy change, reactions from the Sweet Briar community, and how it compares to admissions policies at other women’s colleges. Tune in...
2025-02-1922 minCardinal News 250E12: Billy FloraBilly Flora was a Black Revolutionary War hero from Virginia. His heroics in one particular battle were nothing short of extraordinary. Hear his story in this episode of the Cardinal News 250 podcast. Host Dutchie Jessee. Guest: Harvey Bakari, Black history curator at the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation.www.cardinalnews.org
2025-02-1833 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaRolling the Dice: The Casino Boom in VirginiaIn this week’s episode of "The Cardinal: News of Virginia", host Dutchie Jessee sits down with Danville reporter Grace Mamon and Southwest Virginia reporter Susan Cameron to explore the impact of two major casino openings in the region — the Caesar’s Virginia resort in Danville and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Bristol, VA. They delve into the economic ripple effects, community reactions and the history behind these projects. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on how these developments are shaping the region’s future.
2025-02-1222 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaRoanoke’s Next Chapter: How New Leaders Plan to Shape the CityIn this episode of The Cardinal: News of Virginia, host Dutchie Jessee sits down with Roanoke Valley reporter Samantha Verrelli to discuss the major leadership changes in Roanoke city government. With Joe Cobb stepping in as the new mayor and ValMarie Turner taking the helm as city manager, the city is poised for transformation. What key issues are these new leaders prioritizing? What experience do they bring to the table? And how might their leadership shape Roanoke’s future? Join us as we dive into the policies, challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the Star City.
2025-02-0516 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaFrom Railroads to Research: Roanoke’s Rise as a Bio-Tech HubIn this episode of The Cardinal: News of Virginia, host Dutchie Jessee dives into Roanoke’s remarkable transformation from a historic railroad city to an emerging leader in the bio-tech industry. Dutchie sits down with Cardinal News technology reporter Tad Dickens to discuss how Virginia Tech’s growing medical school, the upcoming state-of-the-art cancer center, advanced research labs, and Carilion Clinic’s exponential growth have all helped position Roanoke as a bio-tech hub.Together, they explore the region’s shift from its industrial roots to a future driven by innovation and healthcare, and what this means for the city...
2025-01-2924 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaDelivering Hope: The Fight for Maternal Care in Rural CommunitiesIn this episode of The Cardinal: News of Virginia, host Dutchie Jessee sits down with Cardinal News healthcare reporter Emily Schabacker to explore the growing crisis in maternal healthcare across rural Virginia. As hospitals and healthcare facilities continue to shut down labor and delivery units, pregnant women are forced to travel greater distances for care, putting both mothers and babies at risk. They also delve into the unique challenges faced by pregnant women and mothers battling substance use disorders, discussing the critical support and specialized care they require. Join us for a vital conversation about the barriers to care...
2025-01-2223 minCardinal News 250E11: Age and Our Founding FathersWhen you picture our “founding fathers,” do you picture older white men? Most of us do, but it’s more accurate to picture them as young or middle-aged. In this Cardinal News 250 episode, Dutchie Jessee talks with James Madison University professor Rebecca Brannon about the age of our nation’s founders and why it matters.www.cardinalnews.org
2025-01-2125 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaDisconnected: The Debate Over School Cell Phone BansIn this episode of "The Cardinal: News of Virginia", Dutchie Jessee is joined by Cardinal News Education Reporter Lisa Rowan to dive into the growing trend of cell phone bans in schools across Southwest and Southside Virginia. Together, they examine the consequences of these policies, explore their potential outcomes, and discuss the laws shaping the conversation. From classroom dynamics to student well-being, this episode sheds light on the evolving role of technology in education and its implications for the region.
2025-01-1524 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaIntroducing the NEW podcast by Cardinal News: "The Cardinal: News of Virginia"The new Cardinal News podcast, "The Cardinal: News of Virginia" is available everywhere now! Dive into all the latest stories impacting Southwest and Southside Virginia, and get an exclusive look behind the scenes and beyond the headlines as host Dutchie Jessee sits down with our reporters each week to discuss all the latest news. Get ready for a new episode to drop every Wednesday!
2025-01-0900 min
The Cardinal: News of VirginiaInside the 2025 Virginia General AssemblyIn this episode of "The Cardinal: News of Virginia", host Dutchie Jessee sits down with Dwayne Yancey to unpack what’s ahead for the 2025 Virginia General Assembly. From the key issues on the docket to the potential political shakeups, Dwayne provides his expert analysis on how this year’s session could impact Southwest and Southside Virginia. Whether you’re a policy expert or just curious about state politics, this episode has the insights you need to stay informed.
2025-01-0819 minCardinal News 250Ep 10: Music of the RevolutionBefore downloads, before CD’s and records, music was played live only. So what kind of music was played in the years around the Revolutionary War, and who played it? Cardinal News 250 host Dutchie Jessee talks with journalist Randy Walker about his Cardinal 250 article on music during the revolution.www.cardinalnews.org
2024-12-1723 minCardinal News 250Ep 9: The Legend of Susanna BollingDid a 16-year old Virginia girl sneak out of her house in the middle of the night and save a Revolutionary War general from capture? Nobody knows for certain, but a lot of people think so. Cardinal News 250 host Dutchie Jessee talks with author Libby Mcnamee about the legend of Susanna Bolling.
2024-11-1221 minCardinal News 250Ep 8: Forgotten Founder: Andrew LewisWhether or not you've heard of Andrew Lewis probably depends on where you live. Cardinal News 250 host Dutchie Jessee talks with Garret Channel, Executive Director of the Salem Museum and Historical Society, who knows so much about this Revolutionary War figure that he's even portrayed him for community events. Learn more at cardinalnews.org.
2024-10-1535 minCardinal News 250Ep 7: William Campbell and the Overmountain MenIf he hadn’t died so young, William Campbell might have well been one of Virginia’s most famous figures. The Virginian played a critical role as a general in the Revolutionary War. Learn about Campbell and the Overmountain Men from retiree turned history buff, Tom Vaughan, treasurer of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association in Bristol, TN. Learn more at cardinalnews.org.
2024-09-1736 minCardinal News 250Ep 6: The Essex ResolutionsJuly 1774 wasn’t so unlike July 2024 in Tappahannock, Virginia. It was hot. Politics were tense. And locals gathered to hear “The Essex Resolutions,” considered one of the best written responses to the King’s actions, and laying the groundwork for the rebellion that followed. What impact did the resolutions have, and how is it related to the more famous Boston Tea Party? Cardinal News 250 host Dutchie Jessee speaks with Essex County Museum Executive Director Tim Manley about the history, and the Hamilton-esque reenactment of it, in this episode.
2024-08-1328 minCardinal News 250Ep 5: Black Loyalists Flee VirginiaEnslaved people in Virginia were promised freedom if they remained loyal to the British crown during the Revolutionary War. Where did they go, and what became of them? Cardinal News 250 host Dutchie Jessee talks with Andrea Davis and Kelley Bruce (both descendants of Black loyalists) from the Black Loyalist Heritage Center in Canada.
2024-07-1637 minCardinal News 250Ep 4: Forgotten FoundersIt’s not that our commonly-referred to “founding fathers” were unimportant. It’s just that many other people helped move the colonies toward independence. Women, Native Americans and enslaved people were critical to the effort. Author, professor and historian Woody Holton has written extensively on this and joins Cardinal News 250 host Dutchie Jessee to talk about our nation’s “forgotten founders.”
2024-06-1133 minCardinal News 250Ep 3: Virginia's First Female PublisherRetired journalist and journalism professor Jeff South talks about Clementina Rind, the first woman to publish a newspaper in Virginia.
2024-05-1419 minCardinal News 250Ep 2: The Three GazettesThere were no less than three "Virginia Gazettes" during the Revolutionary period. How did we end up with three, and what was the role of the press during this pivotal time? Cardinal News' Dutchie Jessee speaks with retired VCU journalism professor Jeff South, Associate Professor Emeritus at Virginia Commonwealth University.
2024-05-1431 minCardinal News 250Ep 1: Big Plans in Virginia for America's 250thThe pilot episode of the “Cardinal News 250” podcast provides an overview of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA 250). Cardinal News Host Dutchie M. Jessee speaks with VA 250 Commission Executive Director Cheryl Wilson about the commission’s work so far, statewide VA 250 events, and what makes this project relevant in today’s political and cultural landscape. Cardinal Newshttps://cardinalnews.org/Virginia American Revolution 250 Commissionhttps://va250.org/
2024-04-1627 min