Aug. 27, 2026

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Virginia Beach is now one of many districts across the U.S. working with the company to bring “responsible AI adoption” to teachers and staff. (Photos via Virginia Beach City Public Schools and OpenAI. Illustration by Julius Ayo)

Ashley White

Education Reporter

Virginia Beach City Public Schools has joined a nationwide cohort of 55 school districts partnering with OpenAI to provide educators with "ChatGPT for Teachers." 

The program is designed specifically for teachers and staff rather than students, offering features such as data analysis and research capabilities. Approximately 7,600 division employees were already using ChatGPT independently.

The expanding role of artificial intelligence in education continues to spark broader discussions regarding its environmental impact, ethical implementation and potential security risks.

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A photo of the intersection of Colonial Ave. and W. 20th St. in Norfolk during a flash flood on Aug. 4, 2026. (Photo by Steve Walsh)

Norfolk City Council voted unanimously to pass three spending measures authorizing the city to borrow hundreds of millions of dollars via revenue and tax-backed bonds for capital improvements, wastewater systems and stormwater repairs. 

The funding directly supports Norfolk’s five-year Capital Improvement Plan, allocating more than $70 million for flood mitigation, including the downtown coastal protection partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The latest move follows intense summer downpours, including a "one-in-100-year" rain event that swamped local auto shops with flooded vehicles and caused extensive roof leaks at the historic Wells Theatre.

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The newly completed living shoreline at Norfolk Southern's Lambert's Point coal terminal in Norfolk on Aug. 25, 2026. (Photo by Katherine Hafner)

Norfolk Southern completed the final phase of a living shoreline project that transformed a hardened, eroding stretch of the Elizabeth River at its Lambert’s Point terminal into a thriving wetland ecosystem.

Created in partnership with the Elizabeth River Project, the restored 1,500-foot shoreline uses marsh grasses, oyster reefs, rock sills and more than 300 planted trees and shrubs to buffer waves and prevent erosion. 

Living shorelines offer a cheaper alternative to traditional bulkheads. Project leaders hope the initiative will encourage other industrial waterfront businesses to adopt sustainable, eco-friendly infrastructure.

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As six West Nile cases are reported in Virginia, mosquitos with the disease are on the rise in Virginia Beach Read More

Spanberger orders state agencies to prepare for Medicaid, SNAP changes Read More

Young people tell Virginia Beach safety task force about homelessness, uncertainty Read More

Virginia Museum of History and Culture explores state’s immigration history with book launch Read More

A restoration of rights form that is used to check a former convict’s voting rights status. (Photo by Cianna Morales)

Philip Shucet

Freelance Reporter

More than a quarter of a million voting-age Virginians last year were barred from the polls. They were once convicted of a felony, served their time and re-entered society – but not completely.

Virginia is one of three states that does not automatically restore voting rights for free citizens with a felony conviction. The Commonwealth requires men and women to petition the governor to regain that right.

A federal court ruled this year that prohibition is illegal. In November, Virginians will consider a constitutional amendment to enshrine the automatic restoration of rights.

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Join us for the next Another View, broadcast live from Fort Monroe and the African Memorial Landing.

It's all a part of the week-long commemoration of the 1619 arrival of the first Africans in English North America at Point Comfort, now known as Fort Monroe. Our guests include ethnohistorian Eola Dance; direct descendant of two of the first recorded Africans, Dr. Wanda Tucker; Nikkolas Smith, illustrator of "The 1619 Project: Born on the Water"; and Shannon LaNier, author of "Jefferson's Children: The Story of One American Family."

Plus, hear reactions from our live audience as they get a sneak peek at the newest installation at the African Memorial, called "The Figures."

Join us for an inspiring history lesson on the next Another View, today at noon on 89.5 WHRV-FM.

Stream the latest episode HERE, subscribe through Apple Podcasts, YouTube Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Join WHRO’s Chuck Doud and local podcast host Kayda Plus as they share a list of curiously curated and intriguing events happening each weekend in Hampton Roads.

Virginia Beach Oceanfront, from the 1st Street Jetty to 10th Street

The world's longest running surf competition returns for its 64th year with professional and amateur surfing, BMX, beach volleyball, skateboarding, live music, food trucks and more.

Virginia Beach Oceanfront at 32nd Street

The annual funk and R&B beach party returns with two nights of music featuring D Train, Big Daddy Kane, Midnight Star, Trouble Funk, Cameo and more. 

Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion, 16 Crawford Circle, Portsmouth

A waterfront celebration of 757 culture featuring music, art, fashion, local vendors and entrepreneurship. The lineup includes Key Glock, Yung Miami, BossMan Dlow, KenTheMan, Shann and more.

Stream the latest episode HERE, subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Julius Ayo

Digital Producer

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