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Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Updated Weekly
News

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Updated Weekly

10/02/2020

Mark Laita: "Soft White Underbelly"

This episode is not appropriate for all listeners. Award-winning photographer Mark Laita has used his skills for clients such as Adidas, Apple and Mercedes-Benz, and his photography has been exhibited worldwide. But he might be doing the most important work of his life right now on Skid Row in Los Angeles. A few years ago, Laita started taking photographs of people living on the street, drug-addicts and prostitutes—and he began interviewing them and recording their stories. He never imagined his YouTube project Soft White Underbelly would take off the way it has, with over a million subscribers. Laita says he can’t help all the people he speaks to (though he has tried). But he says raising awareness about the suffering of people we don’t regularly meet could help future generations. Dr. Alan Campbell has an intimate conversation with Laita, discussing his childhood, how he became a photographer, and the painful but powerful work he’s doing now. Visit “Soft White Underbelly” https://tinyurl.com/tg232ag Learn more about Mark Laita http://www.marklaita.com/

10/02/2020

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3D AGO

Friday, February 27, 2026

This week Dominion Energy informed shareholders that it lost over $200 million from pausing work on its offshore wind farm, but the project is still on schedule despite the delays. Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger provided the Democrats' response to President Trump's State of the Union address. It heavily criticized the president's tariff policies. Finally, it's Girl Scout cookie season. WHRO's Mechelle Hankerson went behind the scenes to see how the cookie operation is carried out.

3d ago

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24 min
3D AGO

Housing voucher programs proclaim choice. But Hampton Roads’ housing market doesn’t leave many options, a new analysis shows.

Advocates and researchers say that housing vouchers give people the illusion of choice.

3d ago

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4 min
04/06/2021

The Man of a Thousand Stories | Garrison Keillor, Author and Former Host of A Prairie Home Companion

From quitting alcohol to his complicated relationship with fame, Garrison Keillor shares wonderful stories and insights from his time as an author and legendary host of A Prairie Home Companion.

04/06/2021

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12/29/2023

Scott Eyman on Charlie Chaplin Beyond The Screen

Known as one of the greatest entertainers in movie history, Charlie Chaplin rose to fame in the silent films of the nineteen-hundreds, and created one of the most iconic characters ever seen on the screen. But his career was derailed after being caught in the crossfire of political turmoil and mired in scandal. As a result, he was exiled from the U-S during the post-war Red Scare. On today's final installment of Watching America, best-selling Hollywood biographer and film historian Scott Eyman takes us behind the scenes of the tumultuous life of this famed cinematic genius. We’ll explore Chaplin’s politics, his controversies, and the relentless pursuit of his artistic vision.

12/29/2023

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3D AGO

Measles is on the rise in Virginia, but Hampton Roads remains case-free so far this year

Measles was declared eliminated in the United States more than two decades ago. Just two months into 2026, Virginia has already confirmed 10 cases.

3d ago

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1 min
3D AGO

Women, Property, and Power: Anne Roberts of the Golden Quarter

This March, Revolution 250: Stories from The First Shore honors the women of the American Revolution for Women's History Month: Anne Roberts inherited land, defied expectations, and became central to a landmark legal case that tested women’s rights and the meaning of freedom in the early republic.

3d ago

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2 min
5D AGO

Virginia Beach School Board bans the use of seclusion rooms

Virginia Beach reported the highest use of student seclusions in the state. A new policy limits the controversial practice for children in crisis.

5d ago

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1 min
6D AGO

Thanking those who removed offensive graffiti from the Rainbow Crosswalk in Virginia Beach

Public works employees removed homophobic messages in December. They were thanked Monday at the intersection, which is now surrounded by new artwork.

6d ago

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1 min
3D AGO

Suffolk Public Schools proposes $9 million increase for 2026-27 operating budget

The additional money would give teachers and support staff at least 2% raises, bus drivers 11% raises, and pay for new hires and benefits costs.

3d ago

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1 min

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