Nathan Simms was fired from his job leading Norfolk's housing authority after the board learned about the use of no-bid contracts. Six months later, the authority is still assessing the full scope of the problems. (Photo illustration by Julius Ayo) |
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EXCLUSIVE: Fired Norfolk housing head directed millions in contracts that violated state law, federal and local policies |
A WHRO News investigation revealed that the former executive director of the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Nathan Simms, steered at least a million in no-bid contracts to former colleagues and business associates during his two-year tenure.
The NRHA issued a total of $4.3 million "sole-source" contracts during Simms' tenure without the board's knowledge. They were often for redundant consulting services and violated state law.
Following Simms' firing in November, the NRHA launched a forensic audit and an investigation into potential criminal misconduct. Several top executives Simms handpicked from previous posts have left the agency in the last few months. |
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After more than 8 months, USS San Antonio returns home to Norfolk
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AUDIO: Carly Fiorina named Colonial Williamsburg Foundation CEO
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Nedra Ross, Chesapeake resident and former Ronette, dies
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Green Run Collegiate students hone diplomacy skills at mock EU debates
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Kyle Rowley holds a basket full of freshly fried blue catfish at Skrimp Shack in Hampton on April 15, 2026. (Photo by Katherine Hafner) |
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To control invasive blue catfish, Virginia wants people to eat more of them. Can it work? |
Skrimp Shack, a Virginia-based restaurant chain, is participating in a statewide "River to Table" campaign to encourage diners to eat invasive blue catfish.
The fish were introduced to Virginia in the 1970s for recreational fishing, but they have since become "eating and reproducing machines" that threaten native species such as oysters and blue crabs.
To address this issue, Virginia is providing grants to local processors to overcome the expensive infrastructure and strict USDA regulations required to handle the species. |
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Construction season is underway. More than 600 road projects are planned across the state, VDOT officials said in press release. (Photo by Toby Cox) |
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‘They're really trusting the drivers’: VDOT urges alertness to prevent work zone crashes, protect workers |
Hampton Roads remains a critical hotspot for road safety, accounting for nearly half of the more than 4,000 work zone crashes estimated in Virginia last year.
With major projects such as the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion employing more than 2,000 workers daily, the Virginia Department of Transportation is urging drivers to be more careful when behind the wheel.
Data shows that 85% of these accidents are caused by speeding or distracted driving, with rear-end collisions being the most frequent type of incident. |
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