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Phosphorite modules on the seafloor, documented during the 2019 Southeastern U.S. Deep-sea Exploration mission. (Photo via NOAA Ocean Exploration) |
Federal government weighs seabed mineral mining off Virginia coast |
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| Climate and Environment Reporter |
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The Trump administration said it is considering what could be the nation's first federal lease for offshore mineral mining in a 2,700-square-mile area flanking the Eastern Shore.
The proposal involves heavy mineral sand mining, which dredges the seafloor to extract valuable minerals such as titanium and zirconium.
Federal officials argue the industry would strengthen the economy. However, environmental groups warn that it could have severe consequences for marine ecosystems and coastal communities. |
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State budget clarifies conditions of a $40M loan for sailor housing in Newport News |
Sailors assigned to ships undergoing maintenance in Newport News complained of poor onboard living conditions, which were highlighted after a string of suicides in 2022. (Photo via Shutterstock) |
Virginia lawmakers recently added amendments to the 2026 state budget to clarify the conditions of a $40 million loan for a massive sailor housing project in Newport News.
The legislative changes address concerns from city and state officials regarding an absence of clear language surrounding the loan's original terms.
Under the newly written budget amendments, the state's legislative branch holds the authority to completely forgive the loan once the housing project is complete. |
| For Henley, Virginia Beach’s longest-serving council member, there is always unfinished business |
Virginia Beach City Councilmember Barbara Henley returned to the dais at City Hall on April 16, 2026. It was the day after the funeral of her husband of 63 years. (Photo by John-Henry Doucette) |
At 83 years old, Councilmember Barbara Henley is running for another term on the Virginia Beach City Council, continuing her decades-long mission to protect the city's southern rural communities and farmland from industrial development.
First elected in 1978, Henley is the longest-serving council member in the city's history, but she increasingly finds herself isolated and outvoted by colleagues on land-use decisions below the anti-sprawl "Green Line."
Despite facing recent personal tragedy with the passing of her husband of 63 years, G. Winston "Winky" Henley, she says she remains determined to provide vital knowledge for her region. |
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One of Williamsburg, James City County’s first Pride events is Saturday Read More |
Navies from around the world are drilling in Hampton Roads for the first time in decades Read More |
Virginia joins challenge to Trump’s controversial IRS settlement Read More |
Spanberger-backed manufactured housing law could get a boost from federal housing effort, whether Trump signs it or not Read More |
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