Oct. 23, 2026

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Portsmouth Sen. Louise Lucas listens to former Gov. Ralph Northam address lawmakers on the state budget in 2021. (Photo by Jack Mayer, via Gov. Ralph Northam Flickr)

Mechelle Hankerson

News Director

Ashley White

Education Reporter

The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted Virginia State Sen. Louise Lucas alongside family members and business associates on federal narcotics, firearms, racketeering and conspiracy charges. 

Federal officials announced the charges in Norfolk, alleging Lucas used her political office to advance her Portsmouth cannabis business and operate a "criminal marijuana enterprise." 

Through her attorney and social media posts, Lucas denied the allegations, characterizing the prosecution as a politically motivated attempt by federal law enforcement to intimidate political opponents.

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Ruth Amundsen works to remove ivy on a tree off of Tidewater Drive in Norfolk on Oct. 18, 2026. (Photo by Katherine Hafner)

After struggling with invasive vines in her own yard, Norfolk retiree Ruth Amundsen partnered with Tree Commission member Melissa Teates to launch the Coastal Invasive Removal Team. 

The grassroots organization focuses on saving Hampton Roads trees from invasive English ivy, which weakens trunks, harbors fungal infections and restricts vital nutrients. 

The two estimate that tens of thousands of regional trees are currently threatened, undermining local efforts to preserve canopy coverage for shade and flood absorption.

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"I think it's important, given the impact that data centers are having on communities all across the state and perhaps even all across the country," Councilmember John Rector said. (Image via the City of Suffolk)

On Wednesday, Suffolk City Council unanimously approved a moratorium halting new data center projects until local rules and restrictions are formally established. 

City leaders defined data centers similarly to other Virginia localities, creating a temporary ban after planners warned that existing warehouse regulations could unintentionally permit them. 

The moratorium follows recommendations from the Planning Commission to ensure future facilities operate under terms agreeable to the city rather than developers.

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Medical centers use cups of creativity to raise breast cancer awareness Read More

Virginia Transportation secretary blames road maintenance funding gaps on Youngkin administration Read More

High health costs squeeze workers, even if you have good insurance through a job Read More

2025 policing trend: Fewer serious crimes, more minor arrests Read More

Republican U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans, left, is running against former Rep. Elaine Luria, right, for the second time. (Photos by Ryan Murphy, illustration by Julius Ayo)

Kunle Falayi

Data Reporter

The heated race for control of Congress has flooded money into Virginia’s competitive races from across the country.

In Hampton Roads’ 1st and 2nd congressional districts, outside donors have poured nearly $3.6 million into campaign coffers.

Almost 60% of donations to 2nd District Democratic challenger Elaine Luria’s campaign have come from outside Virginia, according to an analysis by the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO.

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Julius Ayo

Digital Producer

Correction: Yesterday, a photo attached to the story, "The U.S. Senate and the voice of the people," was misattributed. The photo is by Karen Kasmauski.

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