Sept. 11, 2026

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Staffing shortages are among the challenges facing nursing homes as facilities work to meet residents’ daily care needs. (Photo via Shutterstock)

Yiqing Wang

Health Reporter

A WHRO News analysis of federal data revealed that 101 Virginia nursing homes received citations for abuse, neglect or exploitation during their most recent inspection cycle.

Residents report severe basic care delays, missed meals and staffing shortages that leave residents waiting hours for assistance. Officials within the industry attribute these care breakdowns to severe recruiting challenges and Medicaid payment shortfalls.

Adding to the problem, the Virginia Department of Health faces its own staffing shortages, leaving more than half of the state's nursing homes overdue for routine inspections.

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A harmful algal bloom detected in the Lafayette River in July 2026. (Photo courtesy of Margie Mulholland)

Researchers at Old Dominion University reported a bloom of the algae species Margalefidinium polykrikoides, nicknamed "Marge," in the Lafayette River before tracking its movement toward the James River, York River and even the Oceanfront. 

Fueled by warm waters and nutrient pollution, these "mahogany tides" occur almost every year in the lower Chesapeake Bay.

While algae form the base of the marine food web, excessive blooms can block sunlight, deplete water of oxygen as they decay and cause unpleasant odors.

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Some Virginia jurisdictions are asking voters to approve a 1% sales tax to fund new school construction projects. (Photo by John-Henry Doucette)

Virginia faces widespread public school infrastructure challenges, with more than half of the state's school buildings exceeding 50 years of age and ongoing maintenance backlogs. 

Although recent state legislation allows localities to levy a voter-approved 1% sales tax for school capital projects, only about a third of Virginia jurisdictions are putting the referendum on the November ballot. 

Economists say that many local leaders opted out because of tight ballot deadlines and concerns over asking lower-income households who are already fatigued from inflation to approve sales tax increases.

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Norfolk Zine Fest on Saturday: 'The best secrets are always on paper.' Read More

Virginia agricultural pollution control program struggles to spend its cash Read More

AUDIO: A Virginia Beach family farm grows as a local food hub Listen here

Scientists say August was Earth's hottest month they've measured Read More

A farm tractor drives past a Flock camera on Dry River Road in Bridgewater on Aug. 15, 2025. (Photo by Christopher Tyree)

Kunle Falayi

Data Reporter

Last September, the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO published a stunning analysis of Flock Safety logs from Bridgewater, Va.

Law enforcement agencies from across the country searched data from the town’s five Flock surveillance cameras nearly 7 million times. The data captured the exact time, location and vehicle images from daily commutes, shopping trips, and family outings.

Residents and privacy advocates in the quiet, low-crime town were alarmed. This week, Bridgewater officials responded. The seven-member council voted unanimously to end its contract with Flock and bag up the cameras.

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Julius Ayo

Digital Producer

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