Much of the U-S – including Virginia – is in a state of drought. But there is a more sudden, lesser-known phenomenon impacting the environment. WMRA’s Calvin Pynn spoke with environmental scientist Tobias Gerken about flash droughts.

This summer, eligible Virginia families will receive SUN Bucks, a grocery benefit designed to help feed children when school is out of session. At some farmers markets, those dollars can stretch even further. WMRA's Anjoleigh Schindler reports.

It’s illegal to sell raw milk for human consumption in Virginia. But those who get it through herd shares—funding the care and feeding of cows on farms where it’s produced—say it’s worth the trouble, even as nutrition scientists warn “drink at your own risk.” WMRA’s Christine Kueter digs in.

To commemorate American innovation in this semiquincentennial year, the Virginia Scenic Railway has fired up a “Summer of Steam,” powered by the Norfolk & Western 611 steam locomotive. WMRA’s Meredith McCool rode the train from Staunton and filed this report.

Over the last year, the Nelson County Department of Social Services, or DSS, has faced state and local scrutiny over practices that led to kids being left in unsafe situations. In this last of a three-part series, WMRA's Meredith McCool reports on how state law governs local departments, and how Nelson County's office is rebuilding from the ground up.

An all-volunteer crew in Mount Solon runs an organization that rehabilitates injured bats, nurses orphaned pups, and teaches the public how to protect these furry, flying mammals. WMRA's Randi B. Hagi reports.

After a year of investigations and interventions, the Nelson County Department of Social Services is rebuilding. In the second of a three-part series, WMRA's Meredith McCool explores a statewide tool to guide local departments, and the staffing challenges faced by small rural agencies. Please be aware that this story contains details of child abuse and neglect.

Over the last year, the Nelson County Department of Social Services, or DSS, has faced state and local investigations and interventions over practices that led to kids being left in unsafe situations. Now, the county is working to rebuild the department – along with public trust. WMRA's Meredith McCool reports in the first of a three-part series. Please be aware that this story contains details of child abuse and neglect.

Mary Page Marlowe tells the story of a woman’s life over the course of several decades, complicated by her personal choices and circumstances. The play, produced by local theater company ShenanArts, debuts in Staunton on Friday, June 19, and runs through Sunday, June 28. WMRA’s Calvin Pynn, spoke with the director and filed this report.

Several prosecutors around the state, including in Page County, have vowed not to enforce a new law banning the sale and manufacture of weapons referred to as "assault firearms." In the meantime, gun sales are up, and local gun shop owners are trying to figure out how to navigate the restrictions. WMRA's Randi B. Hagi reports.

Agriculture is Virginia’s biggest private industry. The war in Iran has caused a significant uptick in fuel and fertilizer prices, which is impacting farmers who rely on them. WMRA’s Ayse Pirge reports.

It’s wedding season across Virginia. That means bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, and, sometimes, IV infusions and energy shots for brides, grooms, and their guests, even as some experts warn that their risks outweigh their benefits. WMRA’s Christine Kueter reports.