Nick McNamara

2 weeks ago | whro.org | Nick McNamara

In a narrow vote Thursday, the Suffolk School Board approved policy changes for transgender and nonbinary students to align with model policies introduced by Gov. Glenn Youngkin in 2023. Beginning in July, students must use pronouns that align with their gender assigned at birth unless a parent submits a written request. School employees cannot be compelled to use a student’s preferred pronouns.

2 weeks ago | whro.org | Nick McNamara

A piece of Colonial history nestled in James City County has been at the heart of the Kingsmill community for years. Two buildings remain of the former Kingsmill Plantation, encompassed by the gated community and serving as a landmark overlooking a Kingsmill Resort golf course. Residents, though, fear the 1730s-era buildings won’t survive the construction of 28 homes nearby and that the development will harm other historic artifacts and possibly disturb burial plots.

2 weeks ago | whro.org | Nick McNamara

Hampton City Council in June will consider an ordinance prohibiting people from camping, lying down and sleeping on public property. The discussion comes as the city and other localities on the Peninsula are collaborating to address rising rates and lengths of homelessness. Advocates hope that includes building a shelter that’s open year-round. Hampton got a first look at the ordinance on Wednesday, brought at the request of city council members.

3 weeks ago | whro.org | Nick McNamara

Hampton approved a more than $677 million budget on Wednesday, growing nearly 5.4% from 2025. Here are five things to know. A cent off the property tax rateThe real estate tax rate is going down 1 cent to $1.14 per $100 of assessed value. The city has decreased the rate by 10 cents since 2022, which is now just under the median property tax rate of $1.15 per $100 of assessed value in Hampton Roads’ seven core cities.

4 weeks ago | whro.org | Nick McNamara

Williamsburg approved a more than $103 million budget this week, growing 9.3% from 2025. Here are five things to know about it. Property tax rates are flatReal estate taxes are staying at 62 cents per $100 of assessed value, the lowest of any city in Virginia. But that doesn’t mean residents won’t see their bills increase. Property assessments continue to rise on average by 4% in Williamsburg, though that is lower than it’s been in prior years.