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Cat Ponds in Smithfield in 2025 on the left, and in 2026 on the right. (Photos via the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources) |
Here’s the status of drought in Hampton Roads |
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| Climate and Environment Reporter |
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Virginia is currently facing a historic drought, with 2026 marking the second-driest year on record after receiving about 8 fewer inches of rainfall than normal.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger urged Virginians to voluntarily reduce their water use as 98% of the state's land area experiences drought conditions, impacting soil, pasture quality and crop yields for local farmers.
Most of the state, including the Peninsula, Middle Peninsula, Western Tidewater and Eastern Shore, remains under a drought warning. |
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Suffolk rejects small solar farm that drew neighbors' opposition |
A map of where New Leaf Energy proposed to build a 3-megawatt solar farm. (Image via the City of Suffolk) |
In a unanimous vote Wednesday, the Suffolk City Council rejected a permit for a proposed 3-megawatt solar farm on Old Myrtle Road, marking a victory for neighbors who opposed.
Developer New Leaf Energy planned to install solar panels spanning more than 25 acres on former logging land to participate in Dominion Energy's Shared Solar Program.
Local residents signed a petition against the project, citing potential construction traffic damage to narrow roads, stormwater runoff and noise. |
| Newport News unanimously passes collective bargaining framework for city employees |
Workers in Virginia have pushed for the ability to unionize for years, including during the 2024 state legislative elections. (Photo by Mechelle Hankerson) |
The Newport News City Council unanimously approved a new framework allowing city employees to engage in collective bargaining, joining Portsmouth as the only Hampton Roads localities to pass such measures.
Following a 2021 state law that lifted a longstanding prohibition, the initiative will enable eligible workers across five bargaining units to negotiate for pay and benefits.
Supporters and local union leaders celebrated the decision as a critical step toward ensuring employees have a voice and long-term job stability regardless of administrative changes. |
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Can’t find your wallet? People in Hampton Roads can now keep their driver’s license on their phone. Read More |
USS Fort Lauderdale returned to Norfolk after more than 11 months in the Caribbeans Read More |
After another fatal crash, Virginia Beach leaders again push for Nimmo Parkway extension Read More |
Clock starts for state regulators to review proposed Dominion-NextEra merger Read More |
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