Anna Rubenstein
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Articles by Anna Rubenstein
‘We have a right to know what’s going on’: Forum planned for Russell County data centers proposed at former mine site
A Nov. 18 community forum has been set for Russell County residents who want to know more about the three or four data centers planned for the former Moss No. 3 coal mine site near Cleveland. Oasis Digital Properties, the Northern Virginia-based data center developer behind the project, will hold the forum in the conference room at the county government center at 139 Highland Drive in Lebanon, Laura Gilmer, director of the county’s industrial development authority, said in a phone interview.
Haysi Town Council votes to expel the mayor following his arrest on fraud and embezzlement charges
The Haysi Town Council has voted to move forward with expelling its mayor, who was arrested last month on fraud and embezzlement charges and has not responded to calls for his resignation. The town’s charter allows a supermajority vote to expel a member for good cause, and all six council members voted to move forward with the process during the regular meeting Tuesday night, said Vice Mayor Debbie Wood. A hearing scheduled for Oct.
Cars program helps residents across the coalfields get to work
Even though it was a hot day at the end of June, Michelle McKay’s kids argued over who would ride in the front of their new Jeep Compass to give the heated seats a spin. Now they have it sorted: Her oldest daughter gets the passenger seat, and her youngest daughter straps into the car seat behind her, with her brothers filling up the rest of the back row.
Haysi mayor to be released on bond until November court date
Haysi’s mayor, who was arrested earlier this month on fraud and embezzlement charges, was granted bond during a court appearance Monday. Larry Yates, 72, will be released from jail on a $2,500 unsecured bond, meaning the money does not have to be posted, with terms including good behavior and refraining from drugs and alcohol. He is also not permitted to go on town property or contact town employees before his Nov. 12 court date at the Clintwood courthouse.
Haysi Town Council asked for the state police investigation that led to fraud charges against the longtime mayor
The Haysi Town Council requested the Virginia State Police investigation that led to fraud and embezzlement charges against the mayor after months of questioning his spending and tightening the town’s finances, according to meeting minutes and the vice mayor. The Virginia State Police arrested Larry Yates, 72, Sept. 17 on eight fraud and embezzlement charges.
New housing program will begin with subdivision at Southern Gap in Buchanan County
Southern Gap in Buchanan County will have the first subdivision of a new housing development program that is also serving Dickenson, Tazewell and Russell counties. The Cumberland Plateau Co., a nonprofit under the district’s planning commission, is launching a program to bring single-family, middle-income homes across the four counties.
Wise County is betting on housing to bring economic development
The Wise County Industrial Development Authority is working on two housing projects that could bring around 100 new units in and around the town of Wise. The hope is the development will help address the shortage of market‑rate and workforce housing — a deficiency that has “hindered the area’s ability to attract well‑paid, higher‑skilled workers,” according to a 2023 countywide housing assessment.
Haysi’s mayor arrested following indictments on 8 fraud and embezzlement charges
The mayor of Haysi was arrested after being indicted this week on eight credit card fraud and embezzlement charges, according to the Virginia State Police. Larry D. Yates, 72, faces felony charges of embezzlement, use of public assets for personal benefit, credit card fraud, receiving goods obtained through credit card fraud and two counts of credit card theft, according to a statement from the Virginia State Police.
A St. Paul food pantry gets creative to weather SNAP cuts, loss of USDA food
As she stood behind the folding table, weighing boxes and taking notes, Teresa O’Donnell focused on what wasn’t there yet. “What’s we got? What do we have?” she asked, picking up a call, setting her phone on the table and turning to a new page in her notebook. “You’ve got the 25 cases of corn and the 25 cases of applesauce,” the woman told her. “You’ve got a pallet of bread, and a pallet of dry.” O’Donnell nodded, noted, cheered for the bread and then turned to Virginia Ann Castle.
3 or 4 data centers could be coming to a former coal mine site in Russell County
Russell County is exploring the possibility of bringing a data center campus to a 236-acre site on a reclaimed coal mine off Gravel Lick Road near the town of Cleveland. The site is part of Moss No. 3, a historic coal mine where a developer hopes to place three or four data centers, though he has not yet attracted companies that would occupy and operate the centers.
Southwest Virginia Field Notes: A new bright spot in Haysi
Hey all, bringing you another edition of Southwest Field Notes — a weekly column that brings you some news bites around the Southwest to take you right into your weekend. Keep reading to learn more about a new third space in Dickenson County and another nuclear survey Wise County residents can participate in. And get excited for Rhythm & Roots! Please keep in touch with me at anna@cardinalnews.org. There are so many stories I’m excited to share with you.
Southwest Field Notes: National Black Lung Association to meet next week in Abingdon amid historic high numbers of the disease in central Appalachia
Hello, and welcome back to Southwest Field Notes — a weekly column where I cover a few things going on in our region, and try to keep up with all that is happening! Please keep reading to learn more about important meetings and initiatives right here in the coalfields. You can reach out to me any time at anna@cardinalnews.org. On Friday, the national Black Lung Association will meet in Abingdon to discuss new research, legislative efforts and an election for leadership positions.
Wise County officials will consider hiring a consulting firm to help with the hunt for a new county administrator
After a rocky budget season that involved a more than $5 million shortfall, Wise County leaders will consider hiring a consulting firm to find a new county administrator who has a strong financial background, said interim County Administrator Karen Mullins. The open position has drawn the interest of 10 applicants as of last week.
Southwest Field Notes: Pro-Art celebrates 50 years with free performances
I hope it’s been a great week, especially enjoying some cooler weather in the Southwest! I sure have been. Back to you with another edition of Southwest Field Notes, a weekly column where I take a look at news out of the region and ways to spend your weekend. It was so great to meet some of you in Big Stone Gap last week, where we talked about some of what’s going on over ice cream. As I keep saying, there’s so much to do, and I appreciate all the help to catch up.
Southwest Field Notes: The Crooked Road is accepting affiliate venues for next year
Hey everyone! I hope it’s been a good week! Here’s another edition of Southwest Field Notes, with more things to take interest in or be a part of as you keep reading. Please keep in touch with me at anna@cardinalnews.org as I continue to get to know the region and all the stories there are to tell.
Southwest Virginia Field Notes: A final reunion in Big Stone Gap
Hi all! Back with my weekly column to tell you about some happenings around the coalfields. If you scroll far enough in this edition, you’ll be rewarded with a dog photo! Sorry to all the cat people. My meet and greet in Big Stone Gap is next week. Please come by 404 Cafe and Creamery from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday to talk about things you’d like me to cover and enjoy some ice cream on us. I’m really looking forward to meeting you.
Southwest Field Notes: Recovery center in Dickenson County will open Sept. 28
Good morning! I’m back today to give you updates and recaps about news and events going on around the Southwest, as I’ll continue to do in this weekly column. I’m doing my best to keep up with all the news around here as a newcomer, and I really want your input. What should I be covering? Who has good stories in your community? What question do you want answered? You can email me, anna@cardinalnews.org, or come to my meet and greet in Big Stone Gap on Thursday, Aug. 20.
Big Stone Gap takes over old federal courthouse building nearly 3 years after it closed
In the old federal courthouse building in downtown Big Stone Gap, the former postmaster’s office is a squared-off room with an arched window, a small bathroom and a safe. Town Manager Stephen Lawson said he could easily picture turning it into a small hotel room. Even if the blue-green radiator under the window isn’t functional, he’d want to keep it.
School serving special education students in Wise County to close due to funding challenges
The Wise Minnick School for students with special education needs in far Southwest Virginia is closing due to a change in the reimbursement policy by local government, school officials say. The 17 students currently enrolled at the K-8 school in Big Stone Gap will be transitioned out of their classrooms over a nine-week period, with the school officially closing Oct. 9. Some students will return to public schools, while there are different options for others, including in-home education.
Buchanan County says it has recovered most of the money stolen in a construction-related scam
Buchanan County has recovered a majority of the funds it lost in a targeted scam recently, according to its treasurer.  Lonnie Keith Boyd said last week that the county had received $3,231,991 back through First Horizon Bank. That money, which has since been returned to the school district, was received on July 27. On Monday, Boyd said that an additional $66,900 had been recovered that day.
Southwest Virginia Field Notes: You have 1 week left to fill out a survey on the possibility of bringing nuclear to Wise County
Hey there, and welcome to another edition of Southwest Virginia Field Notes. And happy Friday! This week’s edition offers some things to know, along with possibilities for fun over the weekend, rain or shine. I’ve been living and working in Southwest Virginia for a month now, and I have so much exploring left to do in the coalfields. Please let me know where I should go and what I should look into in the coming weeks at anna@cardinalnews.org.
Southwest Virginia Field Notes: New legislation pushes to increase monthly stipend for black lung benefit recipients
Hello, hello! I’m a new reporter based in Wise County, bringing you another edition of Southwest Field Notes. I just moved to Southwest Virginia this month, and a few people have said they’re sorry when I tell them I’m from New Jersey. It’s OK! I’m just happy to be here now. I’m from West Windsor, New Jersey, but spent the past few years in Boston for school and graduated in May.
Anna Rubenstein
Posted inSouthwest Area Plus: A music shop is coming to St. Paul, and early voting for the primaries ends Aug. 1 Posted inLocal Center officials say hiring and insurance contracts are the final pieces before an opening date is set. Posted inLocal Local funding for the financially strapped school has been a point of contention between the board of supervisors and the county IDA. Posted inEducation The shift helps the college save money during a tight financial time, officials said.
Southwest Virginia Field Notes: New legislation pushes to increase monthly stipend for black lung benefit recipients
U.S. Politics 1 hour ago For the first time under a new law, Virginia’s election offices were open Sunday. In nearly half the state, no one showed up to vote. cardinalnews.org - by Dwayne Yancey • 1h Virginia marked a milestone earlier this week: Voter registrar offices across the state were open for early voting on Sunday.
Dickenson County drug treatment center administrator hired, staff hiring begins
Wildwood Recovery Center, Dickenson County’s long-awaited addiction treatment facility near Clintwood, has hired an administrator and is beginning to hire staff as it inches closer to opening later this year. Tyler Jordan was named administrator of the center and will bring years of experience in the recovery field and degrees in counseling. “I wasn’t going to take the job until I got down here,” said Jordan, who is originally from Salyersville, Kentucky.
Merger talks for Appalachian School of Law continue amid Buchanan County leadership turmoil
The push for a potential merger between Appalachian School of Law in Grundy with a Kentucky university is continuing, despite what some say are efforts by local officials to derail it. Buchanan County supervisors recently ousted the chair of the county’s industrial development board, who said he believes his removal is tied to disputes related to the struggling law school.
Mountain Empire Community College closing workforce center, relocating programs to campus
Mountain Empire Community College will no longer house workforce programs at the Center for Workforce and Innovation of Appalachia, located in the former Appalachia Elementary School. The center is closing, and all power line worker, commercial driver’s license and welding programs have been moved back to campus, a change Mountain Empire says will save about $86,000 per year during a tight time for community colleges across the state.
Former Brigham and Women's doctor pleads not guilty to 81 new counts of sexual assault
Former Brigham and Women's doctor pleads not guilty to 81 new counts of sexual assault Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden speaks during the announcement of 81 new felony charges against Dr. Derrick Todd on April 21, 2026. (Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) Dr. Derrick Todd, the former rheumatologist who hundreds of patients allege sexually abused them under the guise of medical care, pleaded not guilty on Thursday to 81 new counts of sexual assault.
Healey signs bill reforming marijuana business governance, sales in Mass.
Gov. Maura Healey will now appoint all the members of a reformed Cannabis Control Commission. She signed a bill Sunday that included several changes to Massachusetts' marijuana industry and the state agency that oversees it. As part of the changes signed into law, the commission will shrink from five to three members. Previously, the power to appoint was split between the governor, treasurer and attorney general.
A running list of the Boston Marathon's (many) landmarks
First ran in 1897, the Boston Marathon is a legendary race that courses through a region that reveres its history. It's no surprise, then, that the 26.2-mile route is peppered with monuments, landmarks and traditions befitting its status as one of the world's biggest races. Here are some of the must-see people and places that dot the roads from Hopkinton's Town Common to Boston's Boylston Street. Today, the image sends marathoners off as they begin their 26.2 mile journey in Hopkinton.
Trump administration fires Boston immigration judge who issued ruling in Öztürk case
The Trump administration has fired a Boston immigration judge who ruled the government had no grounds to deport Rümeysa Öztürk, the Tufts University doctoral student arrested in Somerville by masked immigration agents last year. Roopal Patel was terminated Friday, according to the New York Times. Her dismissal is one of the latest judge firings among dozens of others as the federal government moves to transform the nation’s immigration courts.
Trump administration fires Boston immigration judge who issued ruling in Öztürk case
The Trump administration has fired a Boston immigration judge who ruled the government had no grounds to deport Rümeysa Öztürk, the Tufts University doctoral student arrested in Somerville by masked immigration agents last year. Roopal Patel was terminated Friday, according to the New York Times. Her dismissal is one of the latest judge firings among dozens of others as the federal government moves to transform the nation's immigration courts.
With new program, Boston to ensure AI literacy in public high schools
Tech entrepreneur Paul English has a vision for the Boston Public Schools: all high schoolers graduating with artificial intelligence literacy. Through a partnership with his AI Institute at UMass Boston, English, a BPS graduate, contributed $1 million to BPS to launch the program. Boston will be the first major U.S. city to ensure AI training in public high schools.
Power outages, downed trees and coastal flooding expected from 'historic' nor'easter
State officials declared a state of emergency and joined Boston officials in urging residents to stay indoors during the nor’easter arriving Sunday night, calling it a historic storm. “This is one to take seriously,” Gov. Maura Healey said Sunday afternoon, hours before the arrival of what she described as a “strong, long lasting storm.” The snow is expected to be heavy and wet and create blizzard-like conditions, and officials warned residents about power outages and downed trees.
Boston schools officials outline 400 staff cuts, priority investments in proposed budget
Boston Public Schools officials outlined their upcoming financial plan for schools Thursday evening, for the first time sharing specifics about the loss of over 400 positions in next year's budget and hearing comment from the public and school committee. The staffing losses include 265 teaching positions and 161 paraprofessional positions.
Man dies, two police officers injured in Fall River shooting
Police shot and killed a man after they say he fired at and injured two officers early Sunday morning in Fall River. Police responded to a call about a man with a firearm in a vehicle on Linden Street at 12:13 a.m. Sunday, according to a statement from the Bristol County District Attorney's office and Fall River Police Department. Officers found 40-year-old Nigel Vaughn outside the address. While police were performing a pat frisk, Vaughn "began to violently resist," officials said.
Anti-ICE protesters gather on Boston Common
Protesters gathered on Boston Common Saturday to demand Massachusetts end all cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and provide stronger protections for immigrant communities. Demonstrators began arriving before noon amid bitter cold and blue skies, carrying signs and flags and chanting "hey hey. Ho ho. ICE has got to go." A brass band set up in front of the State House gates as attendees poured out of Park Street station and began filling Beacon Street.
Healey tells business leaders she's focused on driving down costs in Mass.
Gov. Maura Healey said Massachusetts will continue to invest in the state's most lucrative industries while looking after its most vulnerable residents. Speaking to a room full of business owners Thursday, she said her administration remains focused on lowering costs despite a loss of federal funding. " How do we drive down housing costs? How do we drive down energy costs? How do we drive down healthcare costs?" Healey asked. "These are things we're trying to drive every single day.
The saga of Mr. Tasty and the food trucks near Patterson Park
It was the end of September, but Glen Bossard was still thinking about his cookout in August. He was enjoying lamb chops and shrimp kebabs, shirtless in the comfort of his own backyard. He had gotten used to the tune of the ice cream truck, which often parked on his street in Southeast Baltimore. But after 15 minutes of it that day, he’d had enough.
Mr. Tasty accused of bullying rival food trucks in Patterson Park
It was the end of September, but Glen Bossard was still thinking about his cookout in August. He was enjoying lamb chops and shrimp kebabs, shirtless in the comfort of his own backyard. He had gotten used to the tune of the ice cream truck, which often parked on his street in Southeast Baltimore. But after 15 minutes of it that day, he’d had enough.
Baltimore’s scrappy skateboarding scene rolls beyond the streets
These Baltimore skateboarders spend Sundays at the opera — or at least near it. The smooth marble steps at the war monument next to the Lyric Opera in Midtown is a perfect place for a blunt slide on their boards. On a recent August afternoon, a group of skateboarders sling their bags down and take turns at a running start, pushing down on their boards to jump so the surface appears stuck to their soles.
Baltimore’s scrappy skateboarding scene rolls beyond the streets
These Baltimore skateboarders spend Sundays at the opera — or at least near it. The smooth marble steps at the war monument next to the Lyric Opera in Midtown is a perfect place for a blunt slide on their boards. On a recent August afternoon, a group of skateboarders sling their bags down and take turns at a running start, pushing down on their boards to jump so the surface appears stuck to their soles.
In Baltimore’s ‘hope desert,’ a mass drug overdose exposes deeper problems
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Out of the hundreds of people who visit Pastor Duane Simmons’ old stone church in Baltimore’s Penn North community every week, only a handful are there to worship. Many others, famished, wait in line for a free meal. Battling addiction, they attend support groups. It’s but one sanctuary fighting a tide of despair. When he looks out, Simmons sees that despair all around. He sees rows of vacant buildings with eyes of jagged glass. He sees a neglected playground near an open-air drug market.
By Alissa Zhu Verified, Anna Rubenstein Verified, Jessica Gallagher Verified, Sahana Jayaraman Verified
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buff.ly
In Baltimore’s ‘hope desert,’ a mass drug overdose exposes deeper problems
Out of the hundreds of people who visit Pastor Duane Simmons’ old stone church in Baltimore’s Penn North community every week, only a handful are there to worship. Many others, famished, wait in line for a free meal. Battling addiction, they attend support groups. It’s but one sanctuary fighting a tide of despair. When he looks out, Simmons sees that despair all around. He sees rows of vacant buildings with eyes of jagged glass. He sees a neglected playground near an open-air drug market.
In Good Company - The Baltimore Banner
In Good Company Casual conversations with Maryland small business owners. Highwire Improv keeps Baltimore on its toes Highwire Improv manages over 100 ensembles that can be hired for improv events at companies and organizations, with a new space in in Highlandtown. A wanderlust jeweler brings Mexican silver to Annapolis In the early 1980s, Donna De Garcia drove through the mountainside of Taxco, Mexico, searching for her vision of gold â silver.
'The school' is shining a light in McElderry Park
It was an early Saturday morning in July, and a house on a corner in McElderry Park began to stir. Floor cushions were cleared and toys stacked as the first lesson began: capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art. As the instructor strummed rhythms on a single-string bow, kids laughed until they cried as he made them sing a short song, one by one. Technically, this was the second session of The Realia Institute’s academic tutoring and peer mentorship program, run during the summer since 2019.
'The school' is shining a light in McElderry Park
It was an early Saturday morning in July, and a house on a corner in McElderry Park began to stir. Floor cushions were cleared and toys stacked as the first lesson began: capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art. As the instructor strummed rhythms on a single-string bow, kids laughed until they cried as he made them sing a short song, one by one. Technically, this was the second session of The Realia Institute’s academic tutoring and peer mentorship program, run during the summer since 2019.
A wanderlust jeweler brings Mexican silver to Annapolis
In the early 1980s, Donna De Garcia drove through the mountainside of Taxco, Mexico, searching for her vision of gold — silver. She was visiting a family business in the silver capital of country with a mission: to begin her own, exporting jewelry made in Mexico to the United States. Drawn to the big and bold contemporary style, De Garcia also had a love for Mexico, a country she had lived in off and on in since her college days of studying at a local university.
Baltimore pool renovations energize once-overlooked neighborhoods
Richard Brooks wishes he took a picture of the old Towanda Pool in Park Heights. One had to see it to believe its transformation. Brooks remembers it being open one summer and closed the next. Inside the chainlink fence, the âdeepâ pool was only four feet, he recalled, and people had to bring lawn chairs to sit around it. Outside, an unfenced baby pool sprouted a single sprinkler. In the off-season, people hopped the fence to hang out around the drained pool, leaving empty bottles and trash.
Baltimore pool renovations energize once-overlooked neighborhoods
Richard Brooks wishes he took a picture of the old Towanda Pool in Park Heights. One had to see it to believe its transformation. Brooks remembers it being open one summer and closed the next. Inside the chainlink fence, the “deep” pool was only four feet, he recalled, and people had to bring lawn chairs to sit around it. Outside, an unfenced baby pool sprouted a single sprinkler. In the off-season, people hopped the fence to hang out around the drained pool, leaving empty bottles and trash.
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