RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia farmers whose crops were devastated by the late spring frost may be eligible for federal disaster assistance.

On Thursday, June 26, Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved her request for federal disaster assistance, which she made after many Virginia farmers whose livelihoods were harmed by the late spring frost and freeze events.

A warm early spring allowed for the beginnings of development in many farmers’ crops — but widespread freezing temperatures swiftly followed, with temperatures on some March and April nights hitting the 20s.

“According to reports provided by Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), losses are well above the 30% disaster trigger as a result of these freezing temperatures, with some growers anticipating a 100% loss,” Spanberger’s office said in a June 26 press release.

A total of 104 Virginia localities — or about 78% of all of Virginia’s counties and cities — are listed within the newly-issued Secretarial Disaster Declaration. This is broken down into 43 primary natural disaster localities and 61 contiguous localities.

Thirty-two Central Virginia counties and cities are listed, including:

• Albemarle County
• Amelia County
• Brunswick County
• Buckingham County
• Caroline County
• Charles City County
• Charlottesville
• Chesterfield County
• Cumberland County
• Dinwiddie County
• Essex County
• Fluvanna County
• Goochland County
• Greene County
• Greensville County
• Hanover County
• Henrico County
• King and Queen County
• King William County
• Lancaster County
• Louisa County
• Mecklenburg County
• Middlesex County
• New Kent County
• Nottoway County
• Orange County
• Petersburg
• Powhatan County
• Prince Edward County
• Prince George County
• Richmond County
• Sussex County

If you are a farmer in any of the included localities, you may be eligible for emergency loan assistance, credit extensions and other relief programs. As of Thursday, you have eight months to apply for this aid.

“These programs provide essential assistance to farmers who now face the prospect of paying for inputs, labor and debt-service for crops that will not yield a harvest and generate income in 2026,” Spanberger’s office said. “We encourage impacted farmers and growers to contact their county USDA FSA office to review eligible disaster assistance programs and begin any necessary application processes.”

You can find the full list of localities within the declaration here.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — The Virginia State Police (VSP) is requesting information from the public about a shooting that happened on I-64 eastbound between Jefferson Avenue and J. Clyde Morris Boulevard in Newport News Saturday evening, according to VSP.

At around 11:23 p.m. on June 27, the agency was notified that a patient at a hospital said he was shot earlier in the evening while he was a passenger in a Chevrolet Malibu traveling on the interstate. The man was left with non-life-threatening injuries, and the vehicle’s driver wasn’t injured.

At this time, the agency confirmed that information on a suspect isn’t available.

Anyone with information or dash cam video of the shooting is encouraged to call Virginia State Police Division Five Dispatch at 804-750-8788 or email questions@vsp.virginia.gov.

This incident is under investigation.

62ND SETTE COLLI TROPHY 

Speaking after lowering her own Italian record in the 100m free at the Sette Colli Trophy, becoming the first Italian under 53″ barrier,  Sara Curtis reflected on how training alongside one of the strongest groups in the world has transformed both her swimming and her mindset.

“It has been incredible,” Curtis said. “I can tell I’m a different person now. It changed me a lot, not only as an athlete but also personally.”

Curtis credited her Virginia teammates—including Gretchen Walsh, Alex Walsh and Kate Douglass—for helping her adapt to a new environment and continue developing.

“My teammates have helped me so much. It’s amazing to be part of such a great program.”

The 18-year-old also said that working with Virginia has introduced new elements into her training, particularly in sprint freestyle.

“I’m working a lot on things I had never really worked on before. It’s been challenging, but also really fun.”

Her record-breaking performance in Rome made the moment even more meaningful.

“It was special to be part of such a fast race and to swim faster than my Italian record, especially considering where I am in training. Yesterday and today I was probably even happier with the 100 than the 50.”

Curtis added that racing alongside Walsh before the final made the experience even more memorable.

“I spoke with Gretchen before the race, and I’m really happy she’s my teammate.”

With the European Championships approaching, Curtis believes both she and European sprint swimming continue to move forward.

“European swimming keeps getting faster every month. Racing here, in this pool and with this crowd, makes me really happy.”