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Being unable to afford a place to live is a growing concern in Hampton Roads, especially for seniors. (Photo via Canva) |
Housing costs are straining senior adults. Local leaders say people’s spare bedrooms could help. |
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| Business and Growth Reporter |
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In Hampton Roads, adults aged 55 and older make up roughly a third of the region's homeless population, as fixed incomes struggle to keep pace with rising costs for rent and groceries. To help combat this growing crisis along with a statewide shortage of affordable rental homes, local organizations such as The Planning Council and Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia are exploring a home-sharing model underway in Oregon. The project matches older homeowners who have empty bedrooms with seniors needing affordable housing, providing mutual financial relief and companionship. |
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Virginia Beach mulls data center moratorium until it can devise regulations |
Inside a typical data center, thousands of computer servers accommodate internet needs. (Photo via Canva) |
Virginia Beach City Council will consider a 12-month moratorium on new data center permits to give local officials time to establish regulations. Local planning staff faced challenges setting clear standards because the industry lacks established guidelines on what to allow or avoid. The city joins Chesapeake and Suffolk in using moratoriums to manage concerns over large-scale facilities and their impact on electricity, water and noise. |
| Miss America 2026 visits home state of Virginia to share love of arts with families |
Cassie Donegan (right), Miss America 2026, poses with Starlight, the mini highland cow, at Hunt Club Farm in Virginia Beach after story time on Aug. 11, 2026. (Photo by Ashley White) |
Families recently gathered at Hunt Club Farm in Virginia Beach as Miss America, Cassie Donegan, led a special story time featuring the book "Hide-and-Seek Hettie." Donegan, a Smithfield native and arts education advocate, read to attendees alongside farm animals. The weekly summer event highlights a different animal and book each session. Donegan's visit featured an appearance by Starlight, a mini highland cow wearing her own crown. |
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Hampton Roads tenants describe landlord’s abuse, retaliation after landmark fair housing settlement Read More |
Summer camps help Native American Virginians connect with their cultures Read More |
New aircraft carrier heads toward Mideast after reports of issues on long-deployed USS Lincoln Read More |
How would a Kennedy Center shutdown impact artists and audiences? Read More |
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