WHRO News used online records, LinkedIn profiles, meeting minutes and NRHA documents to chart the relationships between former NRHA staff and contractors the agency hired. (Illustration by Julius Ayo) |
|
|
EXCLUSIVE: WHRO News finds NRHA gave former bosses’ associates contracts worth more than $1 million |
A WHRO News investigation exposed a complex web of connections at the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, where former executive director Nathan Simms allegedly steered at least $1 million in no-bid contracts to a small orbit of past colleagues and business associates.
Almost immediately after his 2023 hiring, Simms installed several former coworkers from housing agencies in Maryland and Georgia into top-level, six-figure positions. Some of the new hires remained remote and rarely appeared in Norfolk.
These executives then oversaw or authorized "emergency" sole-source contracts for consultants and vendors with personal ties to the leadership. |
|
|
A Virginia parrot rescue — and its dozens of birds — scramble to find new home
Read more |
AUDIO: E-bike Safety Task Force makes recommendations for Virginia Beach
Listen here |
Virginia Tech awarded contract to help operate Jefferson Lab
Read more |
AUDIO: James City County sees 90% reduction in school zone speeding after installing cameras
Listen here |
|
|
A sign, markers and a chalk outline demonstrate the projected location of marshes by the end of the century because of rising sea levels at the Port Norfolk Beach Reflection Walk in Portsmouth on April 21, 2026. (Photo by Katherine Hafner) |
|
|
'Green Line' project illustrates how marshes will migrate in Portsmouth |
Researchers at Old Dominion University recently launched the “Green Line” project at Portsmouth’s Port Norfolk park to illustrate how rising sea levels will drive marshes inland by the end of the century.
The project highlights the threat of "coastal squeeze," where wetlands are lost as they are pushed against human infrastructure such as roads and seawalls.
Experts warn that coastal Virginia could lose up to 80% of its tidal wetlands by 2100 as the combination of rising waters and sinking land outpaces the ability of marsh grasses to grow. |
|
| Local journalism is made
possible only because of generous WHRO donors |
| |
|
(Image by WHRO Public Media) |
AV on Health: Darkness in public light |
In addition to the normal struggles of climbing the professional ladder, African American leaders in all professions carry the weight of representing the Black community, with their every move often considered a reflection of the entire race. It can be a heavy burden, sometimes leading to devastating consequences.
On the next Another View on Health, a frank conversation about the hidden struggles of Black professionals and where they turn when they need help. Our guests include Dr. Alvean Lyons and Dr. Harold Neighbors.
Join Barbara Hamm Lee, along with co-host cardiologist Dr. Keith Newby, for the next Another View, today at noon on 89.5 WHRV-FM.
Stream the latest episode HERE, subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. |
|
|
Weekend Events with Kayda Plus |
Tune in every Thursday! 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. |
Saturday: Virginia MOCA Community Day Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, 5811 Wesleyan Drive, Virginia Beach
A museum-wide grand opening celebration at Virginia MOCA’s new home on the Virginia Wesleyan University campus. The event includes inaugural exhibitions, live performances, artist demonstrations, hands-on artmaking and food trucks. |
Saturday: 35th Annual Children’s Festival of Friends Newport News Park, 13564 Jefferson Avenue
A family festival featuring many activities, including games, crafts, live entertainment, costumed characters and train rides. Admission and parking are free, with food vendors on-site. |
|
|
Thank you for being a part of the WHRO journalism community! If you benefited from this email, forward it to a friend. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up here to be one of the first people to get the most important local news every weekday. |
|
|
|
