WHRO Public Media

Do you write and perform your own music? We invite you to apply to perform at the Play Your Heart Out new music showcase 🎶 Apply by July 1st for your chance to play at the The Chrysler Museum of Art museum on August 16th! Submissions must include your name and a recording of your work. For this event, all songs must be original music written by the musician. Four musicians will be chosen by a team of WHRO staff and the Emerging Leaders Board ⭐

🎥 CALLING ALL LOCAL FILMMAKERS! Local content is at the heart of WHRO. It deepens our sense of place, connects audiences through shared experiences, and celebrates the diverse voices of our region. WHRO Public Lens is our new initiative to showcase the work of talented local filmmakers and audio producers from Virginia and North Carolina, as well as stories from across the U.S. that hold local relevance for our community. We’re inviting storytellers, producers, and artists to share their unique perspectives with audiences across WHRO TV, WHRV 89.5 FM, and our digital platforms. From powerful documentaries and imaginative narratives to thought-provoking radio features and explorations of arts and culture, these works have the potential to inspire, challenge, and bring our community closer together. If you’re a filmmaker or audio producer with a project ready for the spotlight — we’d love to hear from you. This is your opportunity to have your work featured on WHRO, reaching viewers and listeners across the region who value authentic, local storytelling. Submit your work & learn more at whro.org/publiclens

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WAYLA 🥳 You may recognize Wayla's voice as the host of Afternoon Classics and throughout different programming on the station for the past decade. She's also the Assistant Program Director for WHRO-FM, our classical station. Wayla earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of North Texas, and holds previous music degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and California Institute of the Arts -- so you can bet she knows all about music 🎶 In addition to her work in radio, Wayla is also a professional flutist and music educator. You can find her performing around town in ensembles such as Norfolk Chamber Consort and even as a substitute flutist with the Virginia Symphony! Hope you have a great day, Wayla 💛 Wish her well in the comments ⬇️

Join us at the WHRO Public Media TV studio in Norfolk for an EXCLUSIVE first look of the PBS Masterpiece show "Grantchester" Season 11 in Norfolk and Williamsburg ✨ We'll be showing EXCLUSIVE Season premiere for this show's FINAL season with TWO chances to watch -- 11am & 6pm on two days & two locations: ⭐️ Williamsburg Regional Library | 515 Scotland St ⭐️ Norfolk | WHRO Studios 5200 Hampton Blvd SEASON 11: In the transformative summer of 1963, Alphy reconnects with his estranged mother and questions his faith. Geordie faces a promotion that could end his crime-solving, partnership with Alphy, and Cathy’s career soars. As Leonard discovers his paternal side and Miss Scott faces a life-changing event, the Grantchester family must face love, loss, and forgiveness one last time. 📺 Catch up on past seasons & binge Season 11 starting June 14th on the WHRO+ app

USS Gerald R. Ford will return to Norfolk Saturday after 327 days at sea, marking the Navy’s longest deployment since the Vietnam War. Thousands of family members are expected to gather at Naval Station Norfolk as the aircraft carrier returns home. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is also expected to attend. Sen. Mark Warner praised the sailors’ dedication while also questioning the length of the deployment and raising concerns Friday about staffing cuts and unfilled positions at VA facilities across Virginia. Read more by visiting whro.org/news (or link in bio). #WHROPublicMedia #WHROnews #publicmedia #community #localnews

The NAACP and the Advancement Project are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse a Virginia Supreme Court ruling that struck down the state’s redistricting referendum, arguing it invalidated the votes of millions of Virginians who approved the measure. The legal challenge comes after the state court blocked certification of the April 21 vote, citing constitutional issues tied to the amendment process. The referendum would have reopened Virginia’s congressional map, potentially reshaping districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The groups argue more than 3.1 million votes were improperly thrown out and say voters’ will should be respected as the legal fight continues. Read more from our media partner the Virginia Mercury by visiting whro.org/news (or link in bio). #WHROPublicMedia #WHROnews #publicmedia #community #localnews

Joint Base Langley-Eustis has opened a new $45 million hangar for the F-22A Raptor, further solidifying its role as the Air Force’s primary training hub for the advanced fighter jet. The 76,000-square-foot facility is part of a broader expansion that includes maintenance and support buildings following the Air Force’s decision to relocate additional aircraft from Florida after Hurricane Michael in 2018. Officials say the upgrades strengthen long-term readiness for the 1st Fighter Wing, which oversees a significant portion of the nation’s F-22 fleet. Read more by visiting whro.org/news (or link in bio). #WHROPublicMedia #WHROnews #publicmedia #community #localnews

Inside a lab at Jefferson Lab in Newport News, researchers are working on technology they hope could help unlock the future of nuclear fusion energy. The project, funded by the Department of Energy, focuses on developing specialized “spin-polarized fuel” that could make fusion reactors far more efficient — potentially increasing energy output by up to 80%. Scientists say the work happening in Hampton Roads could help move fusion energy closer to commercial reality. Read more by visiting whro.org/news (or link in bio). #WHROPublicMedia #WHROnews #publicmedia #community #localnews

The Norfolk Greek Festival is back 🍽️🇬🇷 Norfolk Greek Festival returns through May 17, 2026 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Enjoy Greek food, music, and culture all weekend long—free and open to the public. Festival hours: - Friday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. - Saturday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. - Sunday: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Note: The event is not pet-friendly.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger has vetoed legislation that would have expanded collective bargaining rights for Virginia public workers, prompting backlash from major unions and labor groups. The bills would have allowed more employees to negotiate pay and working conditions, building on a 2020 law that lets some local workers opt in if their locality approves. Supporters say they’re disappointed by the decision, while some state leaders continue to push for expanded union rights moving forward. Read more from our media partner the Virginia Mercury by visiting whro.org/news (or link in bio). #WHROPublicMedia #WHROnews #publicmedia #community #localnews

Norfolk City Council approved a more than $2 billion operating budget for fiscal year 2027 on Tuesday night. But council members delayed a vote on the city’s $352.2 million capital improvement plan after residents from eastern Norfolk raised concerns about spending priorities and investment in their neighborhoods. The council is expected to vote on the capital plan at its May 19 meeting. Read more by visiting whro.org/news (or link in bio). #WHROPublicMedia #WHROnews #publicmedia #community #localnews

A new report from the Congressional Budget Office estimates the proposed Golden Dome for America defense network could cost $1.2 trillion over 20 years. Project Director Gen. Mike Guetlein said the Department of Defense plans to have the system operational by 2029. Fort Story in Virginia Beach houses one of the long-range sensors expected to be part of the new defense system. Read more by visiting whro.org/news (or link in bio). #WHROPublicMedia #WHROnews #publicmedia #community #localnews