Environment stories in Hampton Roads

Pleasant Saturday before storms Sunday.

Multiple people were injured when an outside tent at EastLake Community Church in Moneta, VA failed due to severe weather, and first responders are on site providing care.

Brazilian officials announced a 61.4% decrease in Amazon deforestation rates for May compared to 2025, countering US tariff claims. Environment Minister João Paulo Capobianco stated this is the lowest recorded for May, as Brazil aims for reduced annual deforestation levels.

In 1816, a massive volcanic eruption caused a year without summer in America, leading to frost, snow, and crop failures. This climatic anomaly played a significant role in driving westward expansion across the country.

The Pentagon was placed on lockdown Thursday following the detection of an air quality issue, leading to a shelter-in-place order. Precautionary measures were implemented as officials assess the situation's significance.

A pigeon with a pink wing, likely dyed for a gender reveal celebration, was rescued in Northern California. Wildlife advocates are raising alarms about the trend of dyeing birds and releasing domestic species into the wild, highlighting the risks to their health and safety.

A 12-foot alligator was found shot dead in Dare County, prompting outrage from local kayak guide Joe O'Grady. The incident highlights the need for wildlife protection awareness as a young man faces legal consequences for the unlawful killing.

A new study indicates that human-driven sea level rise has significantly increased the frequency of extreme coastal flooding events worldwide. These findings highlight the urgent need for improved coastal infrastructure and flood planning as climate change intensifies.

Scientists on the Eastern Shore are keeping tabs on how changes in the environment may affect some migratory shore birds, including a federally threatened species called red knots.

As World Oceans Day approaches, advocacy groups highlight the dangers of single-use plastic foam, particularly Styrofoam, which poses health risks to marine life and humans. Legislation banning plastic foam is gaining traction across the U.S.

Three newborn foals have been spotted on Shackleford Banks, bringing the wild horse population to 105. The herd faces significant challenges due to food scarcity, with a mortality rate of 17% reported in 2025.

As Lake Powell's water levels decline due to prolonged drought, previously submerged canyonlands in Glen Canyon are reemerging. Ecologists and advocates are documenting the resurgence of diverse ecosystems, highlighting the impact of water overuse in the Colorado River Basin.

Portsmouth city leaders are working on adopting their first long-term flood resilience plan to address increasing flood risks. The plan aims to secure funding for infrastructure projects and incorporates feedback from over 10,000 residents.

A hands-on workshop at the Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach educated attendees on building bee hotels to support local pollinators. Led by Terri Gorman of Lynnhaven River Now, the event emphasized the importance of native plants in creating habitats for bees and enhancing biodiversity.

[Link: https://www.bayjournal.com/news/pollution/new-system-gleans-real-time-data-for-potomac-anacostia-shenandoah-rivers/article_c18ae1ad-0a7c-40cc-9b07-98685a179820.html]

Newport News Water Works has issued a Stage 2 drought warning, encouraging residents to voluntarily reduce water usage. Experts suggest upgrading sprinkler systems to cut water waste by up to 30% as drought conditions worsen.

A newly identified microraptor species, Jian changmaensis, has been discovered in a 120 million-year-old fossil in northwestern China. This finding expands the known geographical range and timeline of these feathered dinosaurs, providing insights into the evolution of avian flight.

[Link: https://www.13newsnow.com/video/news/state/virginia-gov-spanberger-outlines-states-readiness-efforts-as-hurricane-season-begins/291-eb43bb63-be0b-4407-ae57-7ce255863471]

Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) says, regardless of where you live, all Virginians need to prepare for hurricane season before it’s too late.

I have a pear tree that is sick and I'm curious there's an arborist in the town that could look at it and help identify what the problem is with it or better yet a cure. I'm not looking to cut it down.

Keep Suffolk Beautiful is organizing a Recycling Drive and Tire Amnesty Day to help residents safely dispose of various items. The event will take place at Nansemond River High School, encouraging community participation and donations.

A Dutch court has agreed to hear Greenpeace's lawsuit against Energy Transfer, challenging a $345 million damages award linked to protests of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Greenpeace argues the North Dakota lawsuit is abusive and seeks to protect its reputation.

[Link: https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/suffolk/suffolk-ending-curbside-recycling-next-month-switching-to-ai-waste-sorting-system] >SUFFOLK, Va. — Starting July 1, the city of Suffolk will end curbside recycling. Residents will no longer need to separate recyclables from household tras

Virginia Organizing hosts the first large-scale pride festival in James City County on June 27. (Virginia Organizing) WILLIAMSBURG — Virginia Organizing will bring the Williamsburg Area Pride Festival to Jamestown Beach Event Park on Saturday, June 27, from noon to 5 p.m. This is the first large-sca