WHRO Public Media

06/01/2026

Leaders from Isle of Wight County Schools, along with leaders from neighboring school divisions and community organizations, gathered last week to launch an exciting partnership.

Isle of Wight County Schools, Portsmouth Public Schools and Suffolk VA Public Schools are joining with Opportunity Scholars to help students explore and navigate career pathways.

Opportunity Scholars is a nonprofit organization that empowers high school seniors and young adults to achieve their educational and career goals. Coaches in the organization provide personalized academic coaching, financial support, and career-readiness training to guide students toward a career path that interests them.

The program is available to low to middle-income young adults ages 16-29. The goal is to provide low-cost pathways to fill high-demand jobs.

Read More: https://www.whro.org/2026-05-26/local-school-divisions-partner-with-opportunity-scholars-to-facilitate-career-pathways-for-students

06/01/2026

Affordable childcare has always been hard to come by in Charles City County.

When members of the Chickahominy tribe received federal childcare subsidies, they realized there weren’t enough centers to handle the number of families seeking care.

The tribe is planning its own $15 million center that would accommodate at least 100 kids. It would be open to Indigenous and non-tribal children.

Read More | https://tinyurl.com/4cpxde67

06/01/2026

The Norfolk Police Department is pushing for a new ordinance that would require permits for drone takeoffs and landings on some city-owned property, and ban them outright at other city-owned spaces.

The Federal Aviation Administration controls all domestic airspace, so Norfolk cannot set rules on where pilots may fly drones. But the city wants to try to control unlicensed drone operators through permitting or fines.

City Council is set to vote on the measure June 9 and would implement any new ordinance ahead of Harborfest and Sail250.

Read More | https://tinyurl.com/5f4wt9nw

06/01/2026

Researchers at William & Mary’s Batten School and Virginia Institute of Marine Science are working with local shellfish farmers to learn more about how changing conditions could impact the aquaculture industry in coastal Virginia.

They know rising acidity tied to climate change is making it harder for shellfish to access calcium carbonate, a fundamental building block for growth.

Local oysters appear to be more tolerant of acidification than out West, which has experienced mass die-offs.

Read More | https://tinyurl.com/3kh2mr28

06/01/2026

Good Monday morning! Here are today's newsletter headlines:

🦪 The Chesapeake Bay is getting more acidic. Scientists are studying what that means for local aquaculture.

🚁 Norfolk police want to regulate where drones take off and land. A local pilot says it misses the point.

🌸 Chincoteague nonprofit benefitting aging residents will hold first garden tour fundraiser

Catch up on these stories and more in today's newsletter!

Read More | https://tinyurl.com/4xh9hk6x

06/01/2026

WELCOME OUR NEW CLASSICAL ANNOUNCER, DIANE 🎶

You'll hear her on WHRO 90.3FM starting TODAY!

Diane Jones is a radio host, composer, and performer. After 16 years on the air in Syracuse, NY, she says she is excited to join WHRO and call Norfolk her home. Diane is also the creator, host, and producer of Feminine Fusion, a nationally syndicated weekly program highlighting women in the classical music world. Now in its 10th season, Feminine Fusion was recognized for excellence by the National Endowment for the Arts.

“Not only is Diane an experienced classical radio host," said Wayla Chambo, program director of WHRO FM, "she lives and breathes this music as an active composer and performer. Her depth of knowledge and warm, conversational hosting style make her a great fit to round out our on-air lineup. I’m thrilled to welcome her to WHRO and to introduce her to our wonderful family of music lovers!”

Diane said she is also thrilled to join WHRO and explore her new hometown.

05/29/2026

GET YOUR STORY IN THIS WEEKEND!

Submissions for our next Story Exchange event end MONDAY, JUNE 1ST 🦋 This event's theme is all about friendship...

Join us June 10th at the The Great Machipongo Clam Shack at 7pm to hear our storytellers!

Visit whro.org/events to learn more & submit your story today...

05/29/2026

The Riverview Theater has a familiar new owner.

Richard Levin owned it starting in the 1990s and sold it to a nearby business owner in 2023.

For several years, the theater’s new owner promised a renovated building, but the vision never came to fruition.

Levin bought the theater back on Thursday with intentions to restore it.

Read More | https://tinyurl.com/4de2b22x

05/29/2026

Ms. Martha shares a story written and illustrated by Journey H. from Norfolk, VA, titled, "Clara the Curious Kid."

Support for Ms. Martha Reads comes from Bay Power Solutions

Ms. Martha shares a story written and illustrated by Journey H. fro...

05/29/2026

Less than half of U.S. adults met federal guidelines for aerobic physical activity in 2024, according to new data. The trend reflects broader challenges around weight, chronic disease and access to preventive care.

Companies are starting to expand offerings for people looking to better manage their health and weight.

One is CVS MinuteClinic, which started offering virtual appointments in Hampton Roads to help patients get access to weight management interventions, like GLP-1 medications.

Read More | https://tinyurl.com/yjpbfzxr