Aug. 13, 2026

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Sentara Heart Hospital on the Sentara Norfolk General campus. (Photo via Sentara Health)

Yiqing Wang

Health Reporter

A contract dispute between Sentara Health and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia could disrupt care for nearly 380,000 Anthem members statewide, including 215,000 in Hampton Roads.

Sentara is requesting an average reimbursement increase of roughly 6.2% for 2027 to offset rising labor, drug and supply costs, while Anthem has proposed a 1% rate reduction.

Health experts say these public standoffs are often just negotiating tactics between giant hospital systems and insurance companies.

However, if hospitals get those higher rates, regular consumers usually end up paying for it through bigger premiums and higher deductibles. 

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Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander (left) and Councilman Tommy Smigiel at the dais during a City Council meeting. (Photo via the City of Norfolk)

Brian Saunders

Norfolk Reporter

Norfolk City Council meetings have faced growing friction this summer over a procedural rule that empowers the mayor to restrict public comments deemed repetitive or cumulative. 

Council leaders enforced the policy during June and July sessions as large turnouts from the DeFlock Norfolk Coalition sought to speak against the city's use of Flock surveillance cameras. 

Coalition members and local organizers strongly criticized the move, stating that limiting speech shuts down their primary direct channel to elected officials and effectively censors community concerns.

Read More

History project leads to digging deep into an artist's 'Ancestral Soil' Read More

NAACP attorneys celebrate win, offer Shenandoah County discount on multi-million legal fees Read More

Are hacks of U.S. water facilities a new front in the Iran war? Read More

Inflation eases in July as gasoline and grocery prices fall Read More

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Since 1908, YWCA South Hampton Roads has strengthened social movements that eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

The organization serves more than 8,000 people through programs and services that address critical needs of survivors of domestic violence, stalking and sexual harassment and violence.

And now the YWCA South Hampton Roads needs your help.

Major funding from the federal government is on hold, and the organization has about three months before it will have to drastically curtail, or end, its domestic violence services, including a local shelter.

On the next Another View, we talk with CEO Michelle Ellis Young about the immediate needs and how the community can help.

Join us for 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 MOCA, 5811 Wesleyan Dr., Virginia Beach

More than 70 local artists create original works live during drawing sessions, with each finished piece available for purchase. Proceeds will benefit Virginia MOCA’s Artist Prize Fund.

Norfolk Botanical Garden, 6700 Azalea Garden Rd.

A family-friendly celebration of bees and other pollinators featuring educational exhibits, hands-on activities, local vendors and a look at the Garden’s active hives.

Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St.

A two-day celebration of anime featuring celebrity voice actors, vendors, Artist Alley, cosplay competition and Q&A panels.

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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