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Sept. 25, 2026

news@whro.org | 757-889-9312

Candidates for Norfolk’s Ward 3 and Ward 4 City Council races. (Illustration by Julius Ayo)

Candidates in Norfolk's two competitive council races talk experience, priorities

Brian Saunders

 

Norfolk Reporter

Five seats on Norfolk’s City Council are up for election this November, though only two feature contested races following Vice Mayor Martin Thomas' decision not to seek reelection in Ward 1. 

In Ward 3, first-time candidate and educator Sikaiadah Newton is challenging 12-year incumbent Mamie Johnson.

Meanwhile, Ward 4 incumbent J.P. Paige faces two challengers: psychiatric nurse practitioner Jacquetta Garris and public health professional Jazmine Garcia.

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New signage at the historic Barraud Park is part of a major overhaul of park facilities. (Photo by Brian Saunders)

After three years, Norfolk’s historic Barraud Park to reopen with multimillion dollar renovation

Brian Saunders

 

Norfolk Reporter

Following three years of closure, Norfolk's historic Barraud Park is set to reopen after undergoing extensive renovations. 

Upgrades include a multilevel playground, renovated restrooms, horseshoe pits, game tables, a new entrance sign and planned public art. 

Originally opened in 1928 as Norfolk's first public park designated for Black residents during Jim Crow segregation, the site holds deep historical importance.

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More Headlines

Virginia legislators debate Trump’s SNAP penalties as judge blocks their enforcement Read More

Tickets are on sale for the new, walkable Holiday Trail of Lights at the Beach Read More

Jay Pharoah's 'Phall Ball' on Saturday in Portsmouth supports arts students Read More

The U.S. Dept. of Ed. hasn't been dismantled. It's become more inefficient, staff say. Read More

From Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism
From Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism

Dominion Energy offices in Richmond. (Photo courtesy of Jimmy Cloutier)

Voter anxiety grows over rising electricity costs, poll shows

Elizabeth McGowan

 

Investigative Reporter

Rising demand, fuel costs and disruptive storms have pushed up Virginians’ electricity bills. The proposed acquisition of Dominion Energy by Florida-based NextEra Energy has added another layer of change and uncertainty for customers.

A new poll by clean energy advocates shows eight in 10 Virginians are seriously concerned about the cost, and a majority want legislators to weigh in with regulations. 

The Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO looks at the bipartisan support for more action by state leaders – and also a surprising finding about voter awareness of the mega-merger being considered by state regulators.

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Julius Ayo

 

Digital Producer

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