Oct. 21, 2026

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Reconstructed wetlands at Pleasure House Point in July 2026. (Photo by Katherine Hafner)

Katherine Hafner

Climate and Environment Reporter

A federal court in Norfolk has dismissed a lawsuit brought by local residents seeking to stop a controversial wetlands mitigation project at Virginia Beach's Pleasure House Point. 

Acquired in 2012 to prevent commercial development, 8 acres of the property were transformed into a restored wetland to generate environmental mitigation credits for municipal infrastructure and flood protection projects. 

Nearby residents filed suit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2025, alleging unlawful federal permitting and citing environmental damage from the clearing of more than 5,000 trees.

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Theater patrons, business owners, retired military and Talbot Park neighbors helped the playhouse, Generic Theater, settle into its new home. (Photo by Vicki L. Friedman)

The 45-year-old Generic Theater is transforming a 3,600-square-foot space inside the Masonic Temple in Norfolk into a new black box theater following an extensive search for a permanent home. 

After spending 18 years operating in the basement of Chrysler Hall, the independent playhouse secured a lease in May and is preparing to open its upcoming season in November. 

Despite changing locations, theater officials say they remain committed to the core mission of producing edgy, non-mainstream performances for the local community.

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Hariz Redzic of Australia-based Skunk Control installs elements of its immersive art show at Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach. (Photo by John-Henry Doucette)

A new interactive art installation titled "Where Wonder Grows: Sanctuary" has been unveiled along the lake at Virginia Beach's Mount Trashmore Park, where it will remain through mid-December. 

Created by Skunk Control, an Australian collective of scientists, engineers and educators, the installation features kinetic peacocks, birdhouses, towering flowers that open and close and more than a thousand structural butterflies. 

The project was selected from nearly 100 submissions to bring a unique cultural experience to the region.

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Norfolk-backed firm invests millions elsewhere as city waits Read More

Orchestra of the Eastern Shore debuts for the season with Mozart and a new conductor Read More

SCC staff recommend axing Dominion–NextEra Energy merger as proposed Read More

As the military plans to speed up the use of drones and AI in warfare, Congress considers safeguards Read More

Winchester City Council President Corey Sullivan, a Republican, at a council meeting on Oct. 13, 2026. (Photo by Jaysun Silver)

Jaysun Silver

Freelance Reporter

Following a VCIJ at WHRO investigation, the Winchester City Council president is calling for the resignation of the man who chairs both the Republican committee and city planning commission.

Other elected officials have also called for Carroll “Beau” Correll, a personal injury attorney connected to The Winchester Gazette, a controversial local news website, to step down from his appointed city post.

The Gazette launched in August 2023 with upbeat promises and an opaque public profile. But city leaders say the website has been divisive to the community.

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Julius Ayo

Digital Producer

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