Oct. 14, 2026

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Chesapeake Bay waters off the Eastern Shore in 2022. (Photo by Katherine Hafner)

Katherine Hafner

Climate and Environment Reporter

The health of the Chesapeake Bay reached its highest grade in four decades of data tracking, earning a C-plus with a 56% overall score on the latest annual report card. 

Lower Chesapeake Bay waters in southeastern Virginia recorded the highest score on record with a B-plus. Additionally, native oyster restoration efforts successfully reached a decade-old milestone across 11 regional tributaries. 

State officials and program managers say that the progress proves multi-state cleanup models are working, even as population growth, climate change and federal policy shifts create ongoing headwinds.

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A group of Norfolk residents rally against Flock surveillance cameras ahead of a city council meeting on Oct. 13, 2026. (Photo by Zach D. Roberts)

Brian Saunders

Norfolk Reporter

Demonstrators rallied outside Norfolk City Hall on Tuesday, demanding that city leaders cancel the city's contract with Flock Safety and remove all 172 automated license plate readers. 

Organizers from the DeFlock Norfolk Coalition cited widespread privacy concerns — the same concerns that have driven places like Richmond and Henrico County to drop the technology in recent weeks.

Norfolk officials defended the system, with Commonwealth's Attorney Ramin Fatehi calling the cameras a vital tool for solving violent crime.

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Christian groups sue VSU in federal court for religious discrimination Read More

Watch 'Hamilton' with 'Hamilton' on Saturday, on the site where it happened. Read More

57 years later, Virginia tries to identify eight Hurricane Camille victims Read More

U.S. restrictions on Chinese drones are hurting cash-strapped police departments Read More

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Julius Ayo

Digital Producer

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