Sept. 24, 2026

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Supporters of collective bargaining in Portsmouth celebrate a 6-0 city council decision to create a framework in the city code for labor negotiations. (Photo by Toby Cox)

Toby Cox

Business and Growth Reporter

Portsmouth City Council voted unanimously to pass a new ordinance establishing the formal rules and framework for public employee collective bargaining, nearly three years after first approving the measure. 

The new rules create a direct path for city workers, including police officers, firefighters and paramedics, to negotiate pay, benefits and working conditions. 

Portsmouth became the eighth locality in Virginia to establish these operational rules since the state lifted its prohibition on public sector bargaining in 2020.

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The Chesapeake Bay along Virginia's Eastern Shore near Machipongo. (Photo via PTAP Aerial, Shutterstock)

President Donald Trump repealed a 2009 executive order from President Barack Obama that had helped coordinate federal and local efforts to clean up the Chesapeake Bay. 

Trump argued the original order created broad mandates without clear implementation guidelines.

Environmental advocates swiftly challenged the repeal, with Chesapeake Bay Foundation President Hilary Harp Falk calling the 2009 directive “foundational” to 15 years of water quality progress.

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Virginia Beach has a new "City Hall 101" academy so community leaders can learn more about government. (Photo by John-Henry Doucette)

Virginia Beach plans to continue its newly launched "City Hall 101: Civic Leaders Academy," an initiative designed to give neighborhood leaders an in-depth look at local government operations.

Developed from community feedback, the two-month program features weekly visits to municipal facilities and direct discussions with city personnel. 

Following a successful pilot cohort of 10 graduates earlier this year, the city has scheduled two additional classes for 2027.

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Virginia lawmakers call for study on AI use in Virginia colleges Read More

Virginia voters could OK an easier path back to the ballot after felony convictions Read More

Trump administration to remove 760,000 Affordable Care Act enrollees over fraud claims Read More

It's getting harder to afford rent in the U.S., even for middle-income families Read More

Early voting began on Sept. 18 in Virginia, and some Hampton Roads voters will consider school board candidates as well as congressional races and several state constitutional amendments. (Photo by Zach D. Roberts)

Philip Shucet

Freelance Reporter

Voters will consider three constitutional questions on the November ballot – two concern reproductive rights and marriage equality.

Arguments over the issues may seem intensely contemporary. A ban on same-sex marriage passed by Virginia voters in 2006 was later overruled by the U.S. Supreme Court. The battle over Roe v. Wade began as soon as the decision was delivered.

The Framers equivocated whether to even include a bill of rights in the nation’s founding document. Only after lengthy debate did they arrive at amendments known as the Bill of Rights.

Which liberties are so fundamental that they should be put out of reach of shifting political majorities and left to the people to decide?

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(Image by WHRO Public Media)

Food insecurity is defined as any member of a household lacking consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. According to a new study by the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, 42% of Virginia households experienced food insecurity at some point between May 2025 and May 2026. The numbers are higher for families with children: 51% of those households at some point went hungry during that same time period.

Plus, African American and Latino families experience hunger two times more often than white households.

On the next Another View on Health, we will talk about the causes of food insecurity and what the faith community is doing to help solve the problem.

Join us for the next Another View on Health, featuring cardiologist Dr. Keith Newby, 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 MOCA, 5811 Wesleyan Drive, Virginia Beach

Meet Mark Butts, featured artist of the 70th Annual Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show, for an evening exploring his work, creative process and artistic inspiration.

Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 1st to 35th Streets

The annual Boardwalk Weekend takes over more than 30 blocks of the Oceanfront with sand sculpting, hundreds of artists, live music, a parade, an 8K race and family activities.

Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater, 3550 Cellar Door Way, Virginia Beach

The national benefit for family farmers comes to Virginia Beach for a full day of music, food and activities featuring Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds 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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