The Cardinal: News of Virginia

Cardinal News

The Cardinal: News of Virginia, by Cardinal News, is your weekly deep dive into the stories shaping Southwest and Southside Virginia. This podcast takes you beyond the headlines with exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives from Cardinal News reporters. Stay informed and connected to the stories that matter most in your community.

  1. Our Readers Respond To Redistricting

    Apr 7

    Our Readers Respond To Redistricting

    Virginia Redistricting Showdown: What the April 21 Referendum Means for Your Vote A major decision is coming in Virginia, and it could reshape how political power is drawn for years to come. In this episode of The Cardinal: News of Virginia, host Dutchie Jessee sits down with Cardinal News founding editor and columnist Dwayne Yancey to break down the upcoming April 21 special election and the controversial redistricting referendum at the center of it. From the rise of the slogan “Don’t Fairfax my vote” to deeper tensions between rural communities and Northern Virginia, this conversation explores the political messaging, economic realities, and regional divides driving the debate. They also unpack concerns over ballot language, especially the use of “restore fairness,” and why it is raising questions among critics who say it could influence voters. You will learn how Virginia’s current bipartisan redistricting system works, what happens when it reaches a deadlock, and how the proposed change would temporarily give map drawing power back to the General Assembly. With legal challenges already filed and the Virginia Supreme Court choosing to weigh in after the election, there is also the possibility that the results could face uncertainty even after votes are cast. If you want a clear, fact based understanding of Virginia redistricting, the April 21 referendum, and what it all means for your vote, this episode breaks it all down. Stay informed with Cardinal News’ nonpartisan voter guide at cardinalnews.org.

    20 min
  2. A Busy April in  Virginia Politics

    Mar 31

    A Busy April in Virginia Politics

    This week on The Cardinal: News of Virginia, host Dutchie Jessee sits down with founding editor and columnist Dwayne Yancey to break down a high-stakes stretch in Virginia politics. With a critical April 13 deadline looming, the governor must decide the fate of dozens of bills, choosing to sign, veto, or send them back to the General Assembly. Expect fewer headline-grabbing vetoes and more behind-the-scenes maneuvering as legislation returns for revisions in a same-party power dynamic. They dig into the issues driving debate across the Commonwealth. Cannabis legalization remains stuck in a gray area, with retail sales still out of reach despite legislative movement. Skill games are back on the table, casino expansion is inching forward, and the long-promised gaming commission is once again delayed. Meanwhile, a major budget standoff over data centers and tax incentives has brought lawmakers to a standstill, raising big questions about economic growth, energy consumption, and who really benefits. The conversation also turns to a surprising political subplot. Early voting is surging ahead of the April 21 special election tied to redistricting, with turnout patterns already raising eyebrows across party lines. What it signals, and what it could reshape, is still unfolding. From legislative deadlines to election momentum, this episode delivers a clear, sharp look at where Virginia politics stands right now and where it’s headed next.

    21 min
  3. Roanoke's Big Gamble: Casino Plans Spark Debate at Berglund Center

    Mar 24

    Roanoke's Big Gamble: Casino Plans Spark Debate at Berglund Center

    A $330 million casino proposal in the heart of Roanoke is sparking one of the most heated local debates in years—and it could completely reshape the future of the Berglund Center. This week on The Cardinal Podcast, host Dutchie Jessee sits down with Roanoke Valley reporter Samantha Verrelli to break down what’s really at stake. City leaders say an entertainment district with a casino, hotel, and restaurants could transform a struggling, 50-year-old civic center into a major economic driver. But critics warn the risks—crime, addiction, and harm to local businesses and the arts community—may outweigh the reward. Behind the scenes, the city is facing budget cuts, a hiring freeze, rising maintenance costs, and tough financial decisions. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are pushing back, key funding proposals have already failed, and any casino plan would still need General Assembly approval and a public referendum. So what happens next? And what does this mean for the people who live, work, and invest in Roanoke? 👉 This episode dives into: The full Berglund Center casino proposal and entertainment district planWhy city leaders say Roanoke needs a “big bold idea”The growing opposition from lawmakers and community voicesEconomic realities shaping the decisionThe deeper conversation around equity, history, and redevelopment in RoanokeThis isn’t just about a casino—it’s about the future identity of Roanoke. 🎧 Watch or listen now and decide for yourself: Is this Roanoke’s next big opportunity… or a gamble the city can’t afford?

    23 min
  4. How Transparent Is Your Local Government? A Sunshine Week Investigation

    Mar 17

    How Transparent Is Your Local Government? A Sunshine Week Investigation

    How transparent are Virginia’s local governments when citizens ask for public records? In this episode of The Cardinal: News of Virginia, host Dutchie Jessee sits down with Cardinal News executive editor Jeff Schwaner to break down the newsroom’s ambitious Sunshine Week “public audit” project—a real-world test of how local governments respond to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. To conduct the audit, 24 students from Radford University submitted basic public records requests across communities including Roanoke, Danville, Martinsville, Lynchburg, Bristol, and Radford. They asked for information taxpayers should be able to access easily—documents like school superintendent contracts, city budgets, and spending on outside legal counsel. The goal: measure government transparency, response time, and openness while reminding citizens that public records belong to the public. Jeff explains how the project worked, why FOIA laws matter for democracy, and what happens next as Cardinal News prepares report cards grading local governments on transparency and responsiveness. The investigation will also reveal patterns in what information is easy to obtain—and what government agencies resist sharing. If you’ve ever wondered how to request public records, how FOIA works in Virginia, or whether your local government is truly transparent, this conversation pulls back the curtain. Watch or listen now to learn how journalists—and everyday citizens—can hold government accountable.

    25 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The Cardinal: News of Virginia, by Cardinal News, is your weekly deep dive into the stories shaping Southwest and Southside Virginia. This podcast takes you beyond the headlines with exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives from Cardinal News reporters. Stay informed and connected to the stories that matter most in your community.

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