Best WHRO Public Media Podcasts (2024)

1
Ellington 125 at the Virginia Arts Festival 7:45

3h ago7:45

7:45

Raymond Jones speaks with Todd Stoll, who directs the Attucks Jazz Orchestra in Virginia Arts Festival's celebration of the 125th anniversary of Duke Ellington's birth, with a program that goes well beyond the greatest hits.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Virginia Zoo opens freshwater “Turtle Oasis” 0:51

6h ago0:51

0:51

The turtle exhibit opened to the public in October but will have a grand opening on Saturday. It takes over an old sea lion habitat that’s been empty for decades.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Interview with Jorge Parodi of Opera in Williamsburg 7:45

2h ago7:45

7:45

Raymond Jones speaks with Music Director Jorge Parodi about Opera in Williamsburg's upcoming production of Offenbach's Tales of Hoffman.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Hampton Roads front and center in Congressional hearing on climate & national security 0:50

15h ago0:50

0:50

WHRO chatted with Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine about the Senate Budget Committee hearing this week.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Suffolk to transfer 71 acres of land to Nansemond Indian Nation 0:49

2h ago0:49

0:49

City Council's decision settles years of back-and-forth between the city and tribe over the future of the property, called Mattanock Town.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
OMENS 7 CITIES MC VIRGINIA

9h ago

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We catch up with an officer of the Omens 7 Cities motorcycle club while they were on their way to Cleveland, Ohio for their national roundup. Jason Price, known as "Hustle Man," is the Sergeant at Arms. He shares insight into one of the country's oldest predominantly Black motorcycle clubs.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
African American waterman villages in Suffolk named among state's most endangered historic places 0:57

1h ago0:57

0:57

Preservation Virginia said the historic villages of Hobson and Oakland face threats from flooding and modern development.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
State budget gives Norfolk $25 million for floodwall project 0:43

7h ago0:43

0:43

The final allocation is nearly $50 million less than what was in the governor's original budget proposal. Norfolk officials say the drop in expected funding won't affect the timeline of the immediate phase of the floodwall.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Interview with pianist Lara Downes 8:48

3d ago8:48

8:48

Raymond Jones speaks with pianist Lara Downes about her upcoming performances with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, which will feature a new piano concerto by local composer Adolphus Hailstork.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Virginia could see more days with worse air quality ratings. Here’s why. 0:48

3h ago0:48

0:48

State officials say stricter federal air pollution standards could tip more days from being considered good to moderate quality.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Virginia Beach marsh terrace project will be the first on East Coast 1:00

6d ago1:00

1:00

The city is planning to restore marsh habitat at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge that has been lost from years of erosion.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
A new regional group wants to push Hampton Roads forward without the drag of bureaucracy 1:07

1h ago1:07

1:07

The new Regional Organizations Presidents’ Council thinks frank discussions and deliberate action can break regional inaction that’s plagued Hampton Roads.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Federal "hurricane hunters" come to Norfolk 1:02

7h ago1:02

1:02

Norfolk International Airport was one of five stops along the East Coast during NOAA’s Hurricane Awareness Tour this week.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Sea level rise is swamping septic systems in Virginia. A local partnership is testing a solution. 4:15

4h ago4:15

4:15

The Middle Peninsula is often called the septic repair capital of the East Coast. A new pilot project in Gloucester could help.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Williamsburg, James City County residents split on breaking up joint school district 1:01

1h ago1:01

1:01

Concerns about the cost and student performance in an independent Williamsburg school district have popped up as the city's gathered resident feedback.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Liz Cheney talks with Doug Boynton of WHRV's All Things Considered

2d ago

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Former Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney spoke at the Norfolk Forum. A three-term member of the House of Representatives from Wyoming, Cheyney rose to the number-three leadership position—Chair of the House Republican Caucus--Until January sixth, 2021 happened. She voted for impeachment over January sixth…and was stripped of her party position, then…

1
A TRIBUTE TO GOLDEN HILL

11d ago

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Golden Hill was the wife of Charlie Hill, a shining gem within the helthcare space, and a friend of Another View who frequently joined us to talk about prostate cancer and its impact on African American men. We honor her with this tribute following her passing.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
William & Mary wants to add marine science bachelor's degree 0:40

3d ago0:40

0:40

The public university would be the first in Virginia to offer a full marine science program to undergraduate students.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Chesapeake Regional performs its first open-heart surgery

3d ago

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After applying to the state twice for permission for open-heart procedures, Chesapeake Regional performed its first open heart surgery April 30.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Chesapeake Bay cleanup inching along, but not enough to meet 2025 goals 0:50

4d ago0:50

0:50

Most states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including Virginia, will not meet federal pollution standards by the EPA's 2025 deadline. But officials announced some progress this week.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Tens of thousands face evictions without attorney help every year in Virginia. A new center is trying to help tenants fight for themselves. 0:59

4d ago0:59

0:59

The Eviction Defense Center aims to provide resources - from primers on the eviction process to scripts for court appearances - to the more than 100,000 Virginia households dealing with evictions annually.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Virginia Beach rejects collective bargaining for city employees 0:46

17d ago0:46

0:46

A councilwoman's abstention meant a split vote and the denial of the bargaining request. City employees were already looking to force another vote after the defeat.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Nocturnal bird migration expected to peak in Hampton Roads this weekend 1:00

6d ago1:00

1:00

Millions of birds are making their way north to breeding grounds, including warblers, thrushes and red-winged blackbirds.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Virginia Beach will decide Tuesday if firefighters can bargain a union contract 0:45

19d ago0:45

0:45

Several city council members have expressed worries about the expense of allowing Virginia Beach's firefighters to collectively bargain an employment contract. One member - a former fire chief - says it'll help ensure they get in line ahead of other priorities come budget time.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Virginia gets $156 million to expand access to solar power 0:55

15d ago0:55

0:55

The money from the EPA is part of the Biden administration's efforts to tackle climate change. It'll be used to help low-income households access solar infrastructure.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Regulators reject latest effort to restrict menhaden harvest in Chesapeake Bay 1:00

21d ago1:00

1:00

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission this week voted down the petition filed in December by environmental and recreational fishing groups.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Centuries ago, Black freedmen found refuge harvesting oysters in Suffolk. A descendant is carrying on their legacy. 4:16

24d ago4:16

4:16

Oysterwoman Mary Hill is trying to keep the village of Hobson alive. This story is part of an NPR project documenting historical markers throughout the U.S.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Hampton Roads’ first free-standing hospice house opens in Virginia Beach

21d ago

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With 12 rooms, the Dozoretz Hospice House of Hampton Roads in Virginia Beach puts only a small dent in the number of hospice beds needed in the region.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Nonprofit working to boost public access to Great Dismal Swamp 0:57

14d ago0:57

0:57

The Friends of the Great Dismal Swamp recently got a half-million dollar grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to implement planned improvements at the wildlife refuge.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
International climate change workshop comes to Norfolk 1:00

18d ago1:00

1:00

Community members took part in a French-inspired “Climate Fresk” to learn about the science behind global climate change.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
HRBT expansion marks breakthrough as boring machine completes first new tunnel 0:52

29d ago0:52

0:52

After a 5-month U-turn, the monster drill will bore a second tunnel back to Norfolk.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
The Neighboring Village: a new work for the Virginia Chorale 9:30

19d ago9:30

9:30

Composer Gregory Spears speaks with Raymond Jones about his new work The Neighboring Village (inspired by a Kafka story), which was commissioned to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Virginia Chorale.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Part of former Lambert's Point Golf Course opens as public green space 1:01

25d ago1:01

1:01

Residents had been pushing the city for nearly a year to preserve the 15 acres it owns as a park. And some questions remain.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Residential, retail and a new hotel: Norfolk targets MacArthur Center for a mixed-use development 0:50

27d ago0:50

0:50

Norfolk's mayor announcement was big on ambition and light on details, but included plans for a new 400-room hotel alongside high-rise apartments and condos.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Zwerner’s lawyers say Newport News schools could face state, federal investigations

1M ago

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Lawyers for former Newport News teacher Abby Zwerner say new information from a grand jury report indicting a former school administrator may give grounds for state and federal agencies to investigate Newport News schools.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
After grand jury indictments, prosecutors are still investigating Richneck Elementary Shooting 0:53

25d ago0:53

0:53

The grand jury report released this week suggests additional investigation into school district officials. Newport News Commonwealth's Attorney Howard Gwynn says his office will follow the facts where they lead.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
After grand jury indictments, prosecutors are still investigating Richneck Elementary shooting 0:53

1M ago0:53

0:53

The grand jury report released this week suggests additional investigation into school district officials. Newport News Commonwealth's Attorney Howard Gwynn says his office will follow the facts where they lead.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
City employees, residents tell Virginia Beach to let firefighters collectively bargain 0:57

1M ago0:57

0:57

A union representing city fire and EMS staff has requested the ability to collectively bargain a contract with the city, the first such request in Virginia Beach since public-sector bargaining was allowed by the state in 2021. The city must accept or reject the request by the end of May.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
VB wants to know: should city let employee unions bargain contracts? 1:05

28d ago1:05

1:05

Virginia Beach is facing a request from the International Association of Fire Fighters to let fire and EMS staff jointly negotiate a contract with the city. The council is holding a special meeting to get resident input.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Williamsburg officials say a resident survey prompted them to look at an independent school system. The survey didn’t ask that question.

1M ago

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When Williamsburg officials introduced the idea of splitting the Williamsburg-James City County Public School System last year, they cited feedback from a resident survey as one of the main reasons to consider ending the nearly 70-year partnership.But the survey, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, doesn't ask residents if they w…

1
Portsmouth leaders try different approach to nurture small businesses, downtown retail 4:14

1M ago4:14

4:14

Bloom Market is both a boutique and an economic development experiment. Small-scale local artisans will have a place to get some brick-and-mortar retail experience in the hope that they grow into their own locations.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Citing lack of affordable land, Hampton Roads Habitat for Humanity groups suspend new home applications 1:05

1M ago1:05

1:05

Last year, the Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg Habitat chapter got a record 280 new homebuyer applications. Now, it's suspending the program until it can find more land to build on.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Suffolk's real estate tax rate will stay the same — but bills will rise, according to city budget proposal

1M ago

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Suffolk’s tax rate isn't changing from $1.09 per $100 of assessed value — but new assessed property values went up by 5.4%.Residents’ real estate tax bills will go up because of the new assessment increase.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
North Atlantic Right Whale found dead off the Virginia Beach coast this week was likely hit by a ship, NOAA says

1M ago

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The whale, first spotted in 1989, suffered catastrophic damage to her spine, NOAA says. This kind of blunt force trauma is most consistent with a vessel strike. Vessel strikes are one of the leading causes of death for right whales.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Another right whale has turned up dead off the coast of Virginia, NOAA says

1M ago

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The dead whale was found floating around 50 miles off the coast of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. She was identified as Female #1950, first seen in 1989. She birthed a calf this past winter, which crews haven’t spotted yet.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
5 million pounds of contaminated sediment removed from Portsmouth’s Paradise Creek 0:55

1M ago0:55

0:55

The Coastal Virginia Conservancy recently finished the first phase of the cleanup project, which included replacing the polluted sediment with clean sand.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
New research looks at underwater heat waves in the Chesapeake Bay 0:53

1M ago0:53

0:53

The study out of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science focuses on deeper waters, where the impacts of heat waves are lesser known.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

1
Downtown Norfolk Council refocuses after residential growth, workforce decline 0:51

2M ago0:51

0:51

The population of Downtown Norfolk has tripled since the last time the Downtown Norfolk Council wrote up a strategic plan nine years ago.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA