WHRO Hampton Roads

The future aircraft carrier USS Kennedy is nearing readiness for the Navy after completing sea trials. This development occurs as the Trump administration contemplates making major changes concerning future Ford-class carriers.

A potential connection between Dominion and NextEra has raised concerns regarding rooftop solar energy. The text notes that both of these energy giants reportedly have a history of increasing the cost of small, independent solar projects for homeowners and businesses.

Chesapeake plans to restrict data center development, and Virginia Beach is reportedly pressing pause on its approach. These cities are examples of local governments in the region and across Virginia considering land-use rules. This regulatory action aims to manage and control data centers.

Privacy advocates across multiple Virginia communities, including Norfolk, Fairfax County, Elkton, and Bridgewater, have voiced public opposition to a spreading AI-powered surveillance system. This technology involves unblinking cameras lining local streets. In some instances, elected leaders have taken notice of this growing pushback.

James City County is partnering with Virginia Commonwealth University to test drone defibrillator delivery. Betsy Sink, of the James City County Fire Department, stated that this initiative has immense potential for saving lives.

The City Council plans to sell the property of Virginia Beach National Golf Club. This proposed sale has drawn criticism from citizens, although officials argue that the sale will save taxpayers money on maintenance and also generate tax revenue.

Luria won a Democratic primary and will face Kiggans in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District. Both candidates are military veterans, and the race has national implications.

Virginia Beach is exploring strategies to market its Oceanfront area to local residents. Business leaders and officials aim to boost visitation within the city and broader region.

WJCC has introduced a second proposed redistricting map. The new proposal includes changes for several schools, while seven remain unchanged from the May proposal.

Hampton Roads’ groundwater supply is under threat according to a new analysis. State lawmakers are calling for a special session of the General Assembly to address issues raised by the report.

Student loan repayments have restarted, leading to an increase in borrower defaults in Virginia. Borrowers report confusion, frustration, and apprehension about the repayment process according to a state loan advocate.

Michael Marshall, a Portsmouth native, partners with nonprofits to provide counseling and reentry services for former inmates based on his own experience with incarceration at 17.

Norfolk council is set to consider a school sales tax referendum. The city would join Portsmouth and Newport News in seeking voter approval to fund school construction.

Regional planners conducted a survey asking Hampton Roads residents to allocate a hypothetical $1,000 to regional issues, reflecting budget constraints. The exercise aimed to identify community priorities.

NASA Langley has launched a $57-million wind tunnel designed to support research on vehicles operating in Earth and space environments.

Virginia’s sales tax holiday weekend offers exemptions for purchases of school supplies, clothes, emergency preparedness items, and energy-efficient products. The exemption covers these specific categories to provide consumer savings during the event.

Approximately 400 former crew members visited the USS Nimitz as the aircraft carrier prepares for decommissioning after 51 years of service.

Medicaid cuts may result in 18,000 residents in Norfolk becoming uninsured. The city is preparing a response to address the impact of these changes.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger has restored voting rights to more than 66,000 Virginians. The action involves reinstating voting privileges to individuals in Virginia.

Virginia's 'assault weapons' ban is temporarily halted as the US Supreme Court prepares to review gun-related cases, including similar cases in other states.