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May 28, 2026

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Floating wetlands at the Norfolk Botanical Garden were created to educate people and attract wildlife. (Photo by Katherine Hafner)

‘Floating wetlands’ are now blooming at the Norfolk Botanical Garden

Katherine Hafner

 

Climate & Environment Reporter

Three small islands of native plant species in the Norfolk Botanical Garden’s pond are starting to bloom, providing nectar, pollen and seeds for animals.

The ‘floating wetlands,’ as they’re called, will eventually grow below the surface too, providing natural filtration and other benefits to the Garden’s freshwater pond.

Officials hope the kidney bean-shaped islands will also grab the attention of passersby.

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The Navy will use USS Gerald R. Ford to power Naval Station Norfolk

The USS Ford returned to Norfolk in May to enter maintenance after almost a year at sea. (Photo via Department of Defense)

 

The USS Gerald R. Ford will use its nuclear reactors to power Naval Station Norfolk as the Navy tests alternative ways to run shore-side bases in a crisis.

The Navy wants to ensure installations can be powered when the civilian grid could be compromised by events like natural disasters or cyberattacks.

A Navy spokesman confirmed that the Ford is the first test of the effort as the carrier prepares to enter maintenance after a record-setting deployment.

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Chesapeake will help undersea cable plant get federal grant

Chesapeake City Council during its May 26, 2026 meeting. (Photo by Natalia Nelson)

 

The Chesapeake City Council voted this week to submit a federal grant application with LS Greenlink, a submarine cable manufacturer.

The company has already begun construction on two major facilities in the city, and one requires a pier to move material and equipment along the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River.

LS Greenlink and the city will ask for $50 million through the United States Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program.

Read More

 
 

More Headlines

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The VSO's 'Peace at Potsdam' show this weekend will be more than a concert Read More

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

Dueling redistricting referendum campaign signs in Arlington. (Photo via Wikicommons)

The roots of Virginia’s redistricting battle

Philip Shucet

 

Reporter

After multiple legislative votes, lawsuits and an $85 million campaign, Virginia’s congressional districts remain unchanged.

The Founding Fathers understood this battle over representation in Congress. Still, they might have been surprised at modern redistricting battles.

In the third part of VCIJ at WHRO's special series, Our Unfinished Union, journalist Philip Shucet examines the constitutional debate over congressional representation. 

Read More

 

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AV on Health: Clinical trials

Clinical trials are research projects that study the effects of new medical interventions, like drugs, devices, vaccines or behavioral therapies, to determine if they are safe and effective for humans. Only 5% of clinical trial participants are African American.

What makes Black people so reluctant to participate in the trials? Why is Black representation important? And what can be done to increase trust?

We'll have some answers on the next Another View on Health with cardiologist Dr. Keith Newby. 

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

Weekend Events with Kayda Plus

 

Tune In Every Thursday!

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.

 

May 28: Hot Glass Deluxe at the Chrysler Museum

Perry Glass Studio at the Chrysler Museum, 245 Grace St., Norfolk

A hands-on glassmaking class where participants create a paperweight, drinking vessel, or seasonal object with guidance from the Studio team. Ages twelve and up.

 

May 29: Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Swift tribute

Ferguson Center for the Arts, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News

A live tribute concert celebrating Taylor Swift’s catalog, designed for Swifties of all ages.

 

May 30: Portsmouth Olde Towne Farmers Market

400 High St., Portsmouth

A weekly community market with local vendors offering produce, baked goods, seafood, plants, handmade items and free gardening advice from Master Gardeners.

 

For more events...

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

Mechelle Hankerson

 

News Director

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