This week Democrats rode the blue wave to a dominant win in Virginia's off-year elections. We'll have a break down of some Hampton Roads delegate elections. It was a historic year for Virginia as Democrat Abigail Spanberger was the first woman elected governor in the commonwealth. WHRO spoke with folks at the polls about the historic moment. Finally, Old Dominion football won its sixth game of the season against Louisiana-Monroe, making the Monarchs bowl eligible and keeping hopes alive for a Sun Belt title game appearance.

Former President Barack Obama visits Norfolk to campaign for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger ahead of Tuesday’s election. In Virginia Beach, officials are looking to city-controlled properties to expand economic development as available land runs short. And Virginia has launched a new statewide system to track medicinal cannabis use — part of a broader effort to improve patient safety.

This week service members and their families are concerned about bills and payments as the government shutdown continues. That's despite a Trump administration directive to the Pentagon last week to pay active duty troops. The Norfolk School Board approved a plan to close nine schools after years of discussion and a city council deadline. Finally, autumn season means corn mazes, pumpkin patches and hay rides. For local farms this drives a sizable chuck of their annual income. WHRO's Toby Cox went to these farms to break down the fall economy.

This week a farm preservation program is attracting prospective participants in Virginia Beach's rural south. They're in luck because another big year might be around the corner. Williamsburg, James City County and the WJCC School Board signed a ten-year funding agreement, closing the final chapter of the district's ongoing saga. Finally, a Center for Energy and Law Policy is opening at William and Mary Law School. WHRO spoke with the founding director who is a long time energy regulator

This week President Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited Hampton Roads to celebrate the Navy's 250th anniversary and announce a new housing initiative for junior sailors and soldiers. Old Dominion's latest "State of the Region" report says changes in federal policy are likely to lead to unpredictable fluctuations to the local economy. Finally, flood insurance has halted in the midst of the federal government shutdown. It's leaving people in southeastern Virginia vulnerable.

This week after a long wait the Norfolk School Board finally settled on a plan to close several elementary schools at a special meeting earlier in the week. WHRO has an update on the next steps. AI chatbots and language learning models are popular among Gen Z university and college students. Experts are concerned that students in Hampton Roads are using the bots for emotional support. Finally, the Army Corps of Engineers plans to restore sinking wetlands that have plagued parts of Virginia Beach.

This week construction at the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel had disrupted the habitat of the popular seabird colony. A $15 million project is moving froward to build a crescent-shaped island for the birds. If you caught a flight out of Norfolk International Airport over the past few months you might've noticed heavier foot traffic. That's because the airport recorded a record number of passengers this summer. Finally, Chesapeake Regional Medical Center is now a provisional level three trauma center.

This week primary care providers in Hampton Roads are stepping away from traditional insurance and into a growing trend of cheaper, direct care. A federal grant to expand solar access was recently terminated in Virginia. Energy activist groups are urging Gov. Glenn Youngkin and other state leaders to appeal. Finally, Chincoteague Island on Virginia's Eastern Shore faces challenges from climate change. A new project expresses those hurdles through the eyes of the community.

This week US Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested over 4,000 immigrants in Virginia through July this year. It's the highest number since 2012. Unsure where Suffolk ends and Chesapeake begins? Well the two cities are hosting town halls as they attempt to clear up the confusing border issue. Finally, The Nature Conservancy is preserving hundreds of thousands of acres of land to help local economies through environmental stewardship. A big effort focuses on Virginia's coal country.

This week a Virginian who received financial help for an abortion now runs the state's newest abortion fund in Hampton Roads -- a place where demand is rising as its politics are shifting. An Old Dominion University professor earned national recognition for her effort to reduce climate impacts in health care. WHRO spoke with her about her work. Finally, the US Navy is embracing a plan to privatize its barracks. Officials hope private companies can better build and maintain the buildings, many of which would be built in Norfolk.