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June 18, 2026

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Bales of recycled material at TFC Recycling in Chesapeake in 2024. (Photo by Katherine Hafner)

Katherine Hafner

Climate and Environment Reporter

Starting July 1, Suffolk residents will no longer need to separate recyclable items from trash and can place all junk into their blue or green bins. 

This transition is part of a regional initiative by the Southeastern Public Service Authority, which finalized a $450 million agreement with Colorado-based AMP, to use artificial intelligence to pull recyclable material from the trash stream.

Collected waste will be sent to a new sorting plant in Portsmouth. Organic matter, such as food scraps, will be converted into a reusable substance called biochar.

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The city is considering a proposal to refurbish the Virginia Beach National Golf Club property and add housing on part of the 350-acre site. (Photo by John-Henry Doucette)

Local officials could sell the Virginia Beach National Golf Club property for $17.9 million under a redevelopment plan called Princess Anne Landing. 

The proposal would reconfigure the 18-hole course on about 350 acres, while adding a daycare center and 659 units of mixed for-sale housing. 

More than half of the new homes would be priced for people at or below 120% of the local average median income.

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A drone used in Newport News' Drone as First Responder program. (Photo by Yiqing Wang)

Next week, Newport News will launch a drone first responder program as part of a broader emergency initiative among Hampton Roads agencies. 

Trained pilots will deploy drones from locations across the city following high-priority 911 calls such as shootings or medical emergencies. 

The drones can reach some scenes in under 90 seconds and utilize thermal imaging to detect fire hot spots or locate people in dark conditions.

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HRT is switching up its bus routes next year to make service more efficient, consistent Read More

A Chesapeake mom had trouble getting her son accommodations for diabetes. Then, she went to Richmond. Read More

Luria to face Democratic challengers before a potential rematch with Kiggans in 2nd District Read More

North America's largest salamanders are in trouble. Researchers in Virginia are helping them survive. Read More

Virginia’s new Chief Energy Officer Josephus Allmond delivers the keynote address at a Coalition for Community Solar Access at the Westin Hotel in Washington, D.C. on May 29. (Photo by Elizabeth McGowan)

Elizabeth McGowan

Investigative Reporter

Spiking energy bills. Surging power demands from data centers and tech hubs. And a new governor promising to address affordability for families and businesses.
 
Into this mire steps Josephus Allmond, a 33-year-old environmental lawyer known for battling Dominion Energy in court with the Southern Environmental Law Center, while earning respect across the industry.
 
Gov. Abigail Spanberger appointed Allmond, a Duke University Law School grad, to the newly created cabinet position of Chief Energy Officer. At a time of rapid change, Allmond is charged with leading the governor’s efforts to ensure residents and businesses have affordable and reliable energy.
 
How might Allmond help shape energy policy in Virginia, and where did that name come from?

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Grab your lunch from a variety of food vendors at WHRO Public Media, then come inside and watch Another View live! Bring the whole family.

Miss Martha with Miss Martha Reads will have activities for the kids and for the adults, a great conversation about the meaning behind JUNETEENTH and a sneak preview of a new JUNETEENTH anthem called "Emancipation."
 
The party starts at 11:30 a.m. It's free — but please register HERE.

If you can't join us in person, tune in for the festivities on 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.

Town Point Park, Downtown Norfolk

America’s largest free maritime festival celebrates its 50th year with more than 60 tall ships, live entertainment, waterfront activities, food vendors, military exhibits and two nights of fireworks. Juneteenth celebrations are bigger than ever, as they include more interactive educational programming and concerts featuring national headliners.

Attucks Theatre, 1010 Church St, Norfolk

A free celebration of Black music, art and culture featuring live performances, community conversations and appearances by nationally recognized artists and local performers.

Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 2405 Atlantic Ave

A Juneteenth celebration featuring jazz, R&B, cultural arts and community programming on the Oceanfront.

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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