Virginia researchers reveal widespread coastal ‘ghost forests’University of Virginia researchers used high-resolution imagery and artificial intelligence to map more than 10 million dead trees — known as “ghost forests” — along the East Coast, from Maine to South Carolina.
The study found many previously undocumented hotspots, with about 6 million dead trees concentrated in low-lying areas most vulnerable to sea level rise and saltwater intrusion.
Researchers say ghost forests signal accelerating coastal change and could help warn communities about encroaching saltwater and rising flood risks.READ MORE
More headlines‘This ICE thing is a real problem’: Dozens protest in Norfolk after ODU graduate is fatally shot by ICE agent in Minneapolis Read more-VIDEO: Norfolk city leaders and school officials break ground on new Maury High School Watch here-In statewide survey, employers say Virginia child care crisis negatively impacts businesses Read more-Rappahannock Tribe says state agencies did not consult over potential harm to its namesake river Read more
Sports from our media partner WTKRA last-minute add for Norfolk State, Maury’s Newton making most of opportunity Read more-Malone settling in as Hampton head football coach Read more-Blunt, who put more than just fingerprint on Phoebus football, eyes next chapter Read more– Colored lights shine on a hemp plant in a grow house operated by Veg Out Organics in 2023. Co-owner Brad Wynne said the company stopped growing hemp the following year. (Photo by John-Henry Doucette)The long wait for a legal cannabis market has forced some Virginia hemp growers out, strained othersDespite hemp legalization in 2018 and marijuana legalization for personal use in 2021, Virginia still lacks a legal retail cannabis market, creating ongoing challenges for growers and regulators.
In the absence of legal cannabis sales, hemp-derived THC products filled the gap, but increasingly strict limit have squeezed the industry and driven some growers out.
With new restrictions making many hemp products unviable, growers say transitioning to a regulated marijuana market is their best path forward, if lawmakers approve one this upcoming session. READ MORE Local journalism is made possible only because of generous WHRO donorsDONATE NOW The increases are part of the Williamsburg’s strategy to shore up funding for capital projects. (Photo via Pexels)Williamsburg ups taxes on meals, hotel stays and event ticketsWilliamsburg is raising its meals and lodging taxes and adding a tax on event tickets to help close a gap in its capital improvement budget.
The changes bring the meals tax to 6.5%, lodging to 7% — both on top of the state sales tax — and add up to $1 per non-school-related event ticket.
City leaders say the revenue is needed to cover rising costs, while business owners and residents remain divided over the impact.READ MORE
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