Oct. 22, 2026

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A rendering of the future Rudee Park shows surface parking, less asphalt and a reworking of the area so the elevation meets with the existing boardwalk. (Image via the City of Virginia Beach)

John-Henry Doucette

Virginia Beach Reporter

Construction on Virginia Beach's $50 million Rudee Park project could begin in late fall next year with building expected to take two years. 

City officials presented an update to the City Council proposing a nonprofit conservancy model to operate, staff and maintain the Oceanfront resort property once completed. 

The city aims to launch a fundraising campaign in the spring, offering naming opportunities and national sponsorship options to offset municipal costs. 

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The tract of land in Cape Charles where a resident says aerial pesticide spraying has contributed to health issues, as seen in September 2026. (Photo by Katherine Hafner)

After experiencing sudden illness from aerial pesticide drift near her Cape Charles home, Clelia Sheppard is raising public awareness about the health hazards of chemical spraying. 

Following a May incident involving a crop duster spraying a nearby field, Sheppard filed a complaint with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to investigate potential regulatory violations.

She is also urging local officials and farmers to establish a warning program to notify residents about pesticide use. 

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A map of WJCC Schools' new school zone districts, with changes marked by lines. (Image via Williamsburg-James City County Schools)

Williamsburg-James City County Schools will shuffle its school zones next year following the unanimous approval of a redistricting plan by the school board. 

The division began planning two new preschool buildings three years ago to move pre-K classes out of five elementary campuses, easing crowding and reducing trailer usage. 

However, parent advocacy groups and equity organizations raised concerns that the new boundaries will concentrate students of color and economically disadvantaged students at specific schools, potentially widening achievement gaps.

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After federal cuts, Spanberger mounts health insurance enrollment push with new state subsidies Read More

AUDIO: Virginia Beach agrees to state partnership for historic church restoration Listen Here

Transgender care for young patients remains on hold at Virginia hospitals Read More

United Nations report highlights significant increase in U.S. climate pollution Read More

The day before announcing his reelection campaign in March, U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, meets with Vonda Robinson, president of the National Black Lung Association as well as United Mine Workers of America representatives in Castlewood, Virginia. (Photo by Christopher Tyree) 

Philip Shucett

Freelance Reporter

Virginians will elect a U.S. Senator Nov. 3, with incumbent Democrat Mark Warner facing Republican challenger Bert Mizusawa.

But for most of Virginia’s history, voters weren’t allowed to choose who would represent them in the senior chamber of Congress. Until the 20th century, the Virginia General Assembly chose the occupants of those two seats. Cue the suspect politics of smoke-filled backrooms and horse-trading.

In the next installment of our series, Our Unfinished Union, the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO examines the contentious debates over the structure of the Senate and how its members would be selected.

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Another View with Barbara Hamm Lee is on a break this week, and brings you "Morning Edition Presents Michel Martin: Going There: A Matter of Life and Death" from NPR host Michel Martin.

Black Americans seek help for mental health struggles less often than other groups and rates of suicide have been increasing among Black youth. This special features a candid panel conversation about the growing crisis.

Hear the discussion 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 Living Museum, 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News

A family-friendly Halloween adventure featuring trick-or-treat stations, animal encounters, a Mad Scientist's Lab, a corn maze and colorful laser shows. 

Hampton Roads Convention Center, Hall B, 1610 Coliseum Dr., Hampton

A weekend celebrating paper crafts, rubber stamping, and scrapbooking with specialty vendors, live demonstrations, giveaways and creative inspiration.

Chrysler Museum of Art, One Memorial Place, Norfolk

Celebrate Halloween with live performances, hands on art activities, a scavenger hunt and museum staff bringing works of art to life. 

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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