Mussels grow along a shoreline in the Lynnhaven River in April 2026, mixed in with some oysters. (Photo by Katherine Hafner) |
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Mussels are ‘exploding’ along Virginia Beach shorelines |
Environmental groups are reporting an "explosion" of ribbed mussels along the Lynnhaven River, a species that was difficult to find just a few years ago.
These muddy mollusks are thriving without human intervention, attaching to marsh grass roots and helping to stabilize shorelines against erosion and rising sea levels.
Officials say this recent growth likely reflects significant improvements in water quality, with more than half of the Lynnhaven River now healthy enough for shellfish harvesting. |
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FROM THE VIRGINIA CENTER FOR INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM |
A police officer puts cordon tape on a hydrant outside the home of former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, after he shot and killed his wife, Cerina Fairfax, and himself, according to police, on April 16, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Nathan Howard, Reuters) |
A family tragedy and Virginia’s gun violence |
The murder-suicide of former Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax and his wife, Cerina, last week brought into focus a family tragedy that has been more common in Virginia than in many other states.
Virginia is among the nation’s top 10 states in the number of murder-suicide cases, gun violence data shows.
The Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO found another striking fact – since 2016, every one of the 173 cases of murder-suicide in Virginia has involved a firearm.
This year, the General Assembly passed more restrictions and requirements for gun purchases and ownership. Whether the measures help curb gun violence will be closely watched. |
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Virginia voters OK a Democratic effort to redraw the state's congressional map
Read more |
Virginia Beach’s controversial curfew survives initial legal challenge
Read more |
Virginia lawmakers push back on Spanberger's changes to retail weed market bill
Read more |
How one Virginia Beach company coordinates organ and tissue donations across the state
Read more |
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The VA Hospital in Hampton. (Photo by Steve Walsh) |
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The fourth director in two years has taken over at the Hampton VA |
The Hampton VA Healthcare System is experiencing another round of leadership turnover as Shane Soto steps in as interim director, the latest in a series of temporary appointments.
Soto, who arrived from San Antonio in late March, is expected to serve a 120-day tenure following the recent retirement of Michael Harper.
This transition leaves nearly all top administrative positions at the facility filled by interim or acting officials, a situation union leaders describe as a lack of consistent leadership. |
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