Drought Disaster Declared

The U.S. Department of Agriculture designated two dozen locations in Virginia as drought disaster areas, meaning they have either experienced severe drought for at least eight consecutive weeks or experienced more extreme conditions during the growing season.

Much of the state is under “severe drought” conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, which assigns statuses from “abnormally  dry” to “moderate,” “severe,” “extreme,” and “exceptional drought.”

Farmers in the affected areas can apply for drought disaster assistance or emergency loans through the USDA.

An updated drought monitor report is set to be released today amid an April heat wave.

Prices Challenge Virginia Farmers

Virginia farmers are suffering price shocks as the cost of fuel and fertilizer has skyrocketed this spring.

Fertilizer costs have jumped an estimated 40% in recent weeks. About a third of the world’s seaborne fertilizer trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz, so the recent shutdown has limited supplies.

“Since the war began, we’re seeing producers report increases of anywhere from $100 to $300 per ton increase,” Taylor Hubbard of the Virginia Grain Producers Association said. “We had one member that reported a $45 per acre increase for pre-plant fertilizer application.”

A Mechanicsville farmer said he had to leave Virginia to obtain enough urea for his crops and made a “mad dash” to stay ahead of demand.

Farmers warned that they will eventually have to pass these higher costs along to consumers in the form of higher prices.

A Drumroll, Please

The annual Virginia International Tattoo begins today and runs through the weekend in Norfolk. The annual event features military bands and color guards from around the globe.

This year’s celebration honors America’s 250th birthday. More than 800 performances are scheduled.

The name “tattoo” comes from a Dutch phrase, meaning to “turn off the taps.” Drummers and trumpeters would march through towns near military outposts to signal innkeepers to stop serving beer and soldiers to return to barracks for curfew. Over time, that nightly parade evolved into the celebrations seen today.

The Virginia International Tattoo is the largest such celebration in the world.

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➤ Blacksburg: Virginia Tech will hold a Day of Remembrance today to honor the memories of those who died in the April 16, 2007, shooting that killed 32 faculty and students. (Details)

➤ Virginia Beach: The city council will meet today to discuss whether to impose a curfew on all visitors to the Oceanfront. In addition to the standing 7 p.m. curfew for unaccompanied minors, lawmakers may impose a 9 p.m. curfew for all ages during the next two weekends. (Details)

➤ Fairfax County: Sedrick Walker, the 21-year-old who allegedly broke into homes in Centreville in the nude, appeared—fully clothed—in court on Tuesday to be arraigned on 10 charges, including indecent exposure, breaking and entering, and resisting arrest. (More)

➤ Statewide: Virginia became the 18th state to join the National Popular Vote Compact, an agreement that would award the Commonwealth’s electoral votes to the presidential ticket that wins the nationwide popular vote rather than the majority of Virginia votes. The agreement hasn’t yet taken effect. (Details)

➤ Richmond: A total of 212 people applied to become state troopers in March, the most applicants in 10 years. The next class, starting in June, is expected to include more than 80 trainees. (More)

➤ Statewide: A new law will allow physician assistants who have three years of full-time clinical experience to practice in Virginia without a physician practice agreement. (More)

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➤ The Virginia Challenge track and field meet begins today at UVA. (Details)

➤ UVA baseball returns home to face Clemson today. The Cavaliers are coming off a 6-2 road loss at VCU on Tuesday, the Rams’ first win in the rivalry since 2022. (More)

➤ Richmond baseball moved to 20-16 by blasting six homers during a 10-2 victory over James Madison on Tuesday. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | MLB | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer

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➤ CarMax, based in Richmond, reported that its fourth-quarter combined retail and wholesale used vehicle unit sales increased 0.7% year-over-year. However, total gross profit in the same timeframe dropped 9.4%. (Details)

➤ A new state law that takes effect July 1 will make it easier for restaurants to balance food and alcoholic beverage sales. (More)

➤ A coalition of anti-tax groups is working to reverse Virginia Beach’s meal tax. “There are a lot of businesses that are struggling to keep their doors open in this economy, and this is a burden to them,” a representative from the group said. (Details)

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➤ The Potomac River ranks as the country’s most endangered river, according to the nonprofit group American Rivers. A spill that dumped raw sewage into the river in January was a key concern. (Details)

➤ The Virginia Department of Historic Resources will position seven new historical markers across the Commonwealth. (The List)

➤ The King and Queen of the United Kingdom plan to visit a U.S. National Park in Virginia when they are in the country from April 27-30. Exact details of their trip have not been revealed. (Details)

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Should Virginia Beach repeal its 6% local meal tax?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Not sure

Wednesday’s Results:

Have you ever completed an Ironman competition? 

1. No: 45%
2. Are you kidding?!: 37%
3. Yes: 18%

What is Virginia’s largest private industry?

Show me the answer