Aug. 6, 2026

news@whro.org | 757-889-9312

An aerial view of Adam’s Creek Recreation Area in Gloucester in April 2021. (Photo courtesy of Aileen Devlin, Virginia Sea Grant)

Katherine Hafner

Climate and Environment Reporter

According to a new Virginia Department of Environmental Quality report, eastern Virginia's groundwater usage could become unsustainable within five to 10 years without intervention. 

The report highlights that escalating demand from industrial users, particularly water-intensive data centers, presents a major stressor alongside climate change impacts such as saltwater contamination. 

In response, state lawmakers and environmental advocates are calling for urgent legislative action, including expanded authority for state regulators to deny unsustainable withdrawal permits.

Read More

Virginia Beach business leaders and city officials hope to increase visitation by locals to the Oceanfront. (Photo by John-Henry Doucette)

Virginia Beach city and business leaders are working to encourage more residents to visit the Oceanfront following reports of declining foot traffic.

While the city's primary tourism marketing targets out-of-town visitors, officials hope to position the Oceanfront as a convenient destination by highlighting initiatives such as a new voucher program offering residents $50 in free parking. 

Business leaders attribute recent traffic slumps to rising gas prices, shifting consumer spending habits, and lingering publicity surrounding a springtime curfew.

Read More

A map of WJCC Schools' proposed new elementary school zone districts released in August. (Image via Williamsburg-James City County Schools)

The Williamsburg-James City County school division has released revised redistricting maps that would require roughly 16% of students to change schools if approved. 

The updated plan reflects community feedback following sharp criticism over an earlier proposal, though core concerns regarding socioeconomic and racial equity remain largely unaddressed.

School division leaders emphasized that crafting the new zones requires balancing competing priorities, including managing classroom capacity and streamlining bus routes.

Read More

Luria to face Kiggans again after Democratic primary win Read More

Virginia Beach honors teacher for years of engaging students with music Read More

Landmark DNA case is among Virginia executions being examined in review of Mary Jane Burton's work Read More

Black lung rates in Appalachia are as high as the 1970s, with thousands of miners sick Read More

Local journalism is made
possible only because of
generous WHRO donors

(Image by WHRO Public Media)

On the next Another View, we broadcast before a live audience at the historic Cape Charles Elementary School.

Affectionately called "the school over the hump" by students because it is located just beyond a former railroad bridge, the school opened in 1929 to educate Black children in segregated Cape Charles. It was one of 5,000 Rosenwald Schools created through the partnership of education leader Booker T. Washington and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald. The school closed in 1966, and the building was used as a seafood processing plant until the late 1970s. For decades it sat dormant, but today it's revitalized to once again serve the community.

Meet former students and learn more about the history of this historic landmark on Virginia's Eastern Shore 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.

Chrysler Museum of Art, One Memorial Place, Norfolk

The Norfolk Innovation Corridor hosts a free evening of networking, creativity and community at the Chrysler Museum, with an optional cocktail and mocktail tasting.

The Contemporary Arts Network, 701 Mariners Row, Suite 104, Newport News

The closing celebration of The Gift of Time artist residency featuring art, community and a final evening bringing together the Night Market and Kick Back, Give Back.

Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, 2410 Wickham Ave., Newport News

A live podcast, comedy, music and talent showcase featuring regional performers in partnership with Newport News Parks and Recreation.

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

Julius Ayo

Digital Producer

Thank you for being a part of the WHRO journalism community! If you benefited from this email, forward it to a friend. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up here to be one of the first people get the most important local news every weekday.