Healthcare staffing took center stage in Virginia Beach on October 15, when U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. joined Congresswoman Jen Kiggans for a workforce roundtable at Tidewater Community College. They discussed easing certification requirements to help military veterans move into medical careers and address staffing shortages.

Kennedy also highlighted efforts to improve military nutrition, expand rural healthcare access, and strengthen the National Health Service Corps. At a press conference, he faced questions about measles outbreaks and the administration’s vaccine policies.

The visit drew criticism from Kiggans’ Democratic opponent, Elaine Luria, ahead of November’s congressional election.

Captain Sean Millard is the Virginia Beach Fire Department’s 2026 Firefighter of the Year. The Stihl-sponsored award, presented at the department’s October 14 ceremony, recognizes his leadership, technical expertise and contributions to water rescue.

Millard serves on the State Swift Water Team, Virginia Task Force 2 and the department’s Marine Team. He developed training and certification programs for rescue watercraft operators, helping improve emergency response capabilities.

Fire officials also praised his commitment to mentoring fellow firefighters and strengthening operational readiness—work that supports public safety in Virginia Beach and across surrounding Hampton Roads communities.

In Norfolk, artificial intelligence now handles more than 40% of calls to the city’s non-emergency line, freeing dispatchers to focus on urgent situations.

 Rather than sending callers through a basic phone menu, the system can answer questions about city services and route calls to the right department.

The assistant draws on Norfolk-specific information, not the open internet. AI also helps 911 staff by transcribing and summarizing calls, but human dispatchers remain central to emergency response. At less than $2,000 a month, officials see the technology as a support tool for staff, with room for broader use in the future.

• A naval name that misleads: Norfolk Naval Shipyard is in Portsmouth, across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk. Its origins date to the Gosport Shipyard, established in 1767.
• From landfill to landmark: Virginia Beach’s Mount Trashmore Park was built on a former landfill. Its main hill rises about 60 feet.
• A tree with a place in history: Hampton University’s Emancipation Oak is associated with the first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in the South, in 1863.
• A Civil War discovery: Newport News’s Mariners’ Museum houses the turret of the USS Monitor, recovered from the Atlantic seabed in 2002—140 years after the ironclad fought in Hampton Roads.

• A naval name that misleads: Norfolk Naval Shipyard is in Portsmouth, across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk. Its origins date to the Gosport Shipyard, established in 1767.
• From landfill to landmark: Virginia Beach’s Mount Trashmore Park was built on a former landfill. Its main hill rises about 60 feet.
• A tree with a place in history: Hampton University’s Emancipation Oak is associated with the first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in the South, in 1863.
• A Civil War discovery: Newport News’s Mariners’ Museum houses the turret of the USS Monitor, recovered from the Atlantic seabed in 2002—140 years after the ironclad fought in Hampton Roads.

Why is it called Hampton Roads when so much of it is water?

“Hampton Parallel Parking for Aircraft Carriers” wouldn’t fit on the sign.

Come aboard Naval Station Norfolk for Fleet Fest, a day of exploration and community connection at the world’s largest naval installation. Tour Navy ships, see military demonstrations and STEM exhibits, and meet Sailors while learning about the Navy’s mission.

Bring the family for live music, local vendors, food, a car show, games and activities for all ages. The event celebrates the Navy’s partnership with the Hampton Roads community and takes place rain or shine.

Make plans for a Friday night of hockey as the Norfolk Admirals host the Trois-Rivières Lions at Norfolk Scope. The puck drops at 7:05 PM ET on October 23, 2026.

Bring your friends or family and cheer on the Admirals from the stands. Individual tickets and group packages are available, along with premium hospitality options. Check the ticket options to find the right fit for your night out.

Visit the Virginia Zoo

Spend a day exploring the Virginia Zoo, where animals, gardens, and learning opportunities offer plenty to discover. Guest activities, behind-the-scenes tours, and education programs give visitors more ways to enjoy their time at the Zoo.

The Zoo is celebrating 125 years with special events, discounts, and giveaways throughout the year. Check the calendar for seasonal happenings, including ZooBoo, or plan a visit to see the animals. The Zoo is open daily from 9:30 AM to 4 PM.

If a steak dinner sounds good, LongHorn Steakhouse has plenty to look forward to. Menu highlights include Flo’s Filet and the Outlaw Ribeye, alongside Wild West Shrimp, Parmesan Crusted Chicken, LongHorn Salmon, and Chocolate Stampede for dessert.

Planning a visit is easy: browse the menu, join the waitlist, or order ahead online. The LongHorn app also offers waitlist and online-ordering options.

For more from the steakhouse, join the eClub for exclusive offers and news, plus an appetizer on LongHorn. Gift cards are available, too.

Nothing Bundt Cakes has two limited-time flavors for gatherings that call for dessert. German Chocolate layers a chocolate cake with German chocolate filling, toasted coconut and pecans, then adds ganache frosting and a chocolate drizzle. It contains tree nuts and may cost extra.

For a fall-leaning option, Pumpkin Spice pairs a soft, spiced pumpkin cake with the bakery’s cream cheese frosting. Both flavors are available while supplies last, with cake sizes to suit anything from a birthday table to a holiday celebration. If you’re choosing between them, it comes down to rich chocolate and crunch or cozy pumpkin spice.