Editor

Johanna Somers

Johanna Somers is the editor of the letters to the editor sections of The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press newspapers. A former editor of The Virginian-Pilot’s community weeklies, copy editor and Portsmouth reporter, she is a Hampton Roads native and grew up in Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake.

Portsmouth’s I.C. Norcom gave this former U.S. ambassador the start he needed

July 27, 2019 at 3:54 a.m.

Portsmouth native Bismarck Myrick, 77, didn't have money growing up or privilege. As an African American teenager growing up in the late '50s and early '60s there weren't a lot...

Western Branch readers: I’m gonna need some help from you

August 15, 2019 at 3:09 p.m.

What do I know about Western Branch? Many of its schools are rated well: Greatschools.org gives Western Branch High School a 7 out of 10, Jolliff Middle a 6, Western...

House hunting in 2018 is brutal, especially if you’re picky like me

August 15, 2019 at 3:10 p.m.

So, apparently I'm a worrier. I recently started house hunting with my husband. We bought a house. We returned the house. Yes, you can do that, with a little luck...

Trying for a good night’s sleep as a new mom can be a disaster

August 15, 2019 at 3:09 p.m.

When Hurricane Matthew hit there were stories of homes flooding, cars submerged and plans ruined. For me, a 33-year-old new mom, there were perks. I was working an evening shift...

People for Portsmouth board departures show schism over race, mayoral endorsement

August 15, 2019 at 3:11 p.m.

PORTSMOUTH Questions about race and whom to endorse for mayor have caused a rift in a predominantly white political action committee, and four of its 12 board members have quit....

Portsmouth’s strict rules about pot in background checks make hiring difficult, police chief says

August 15, 2019 at 3:09 p.m.

PORTSMOUTH To fill 39 police officer vacancies, Chief Tonya Chapman says, the city needs to reduce the power of the panel that vets candidates. At Tuesday's City Council meeting, she...

Portsmouth Councilman Danny Meeks is delinquent on his taxes again, owes more than $17,000

August 15, 2019 at 3:11 p.m.

PORTSMOUTH Despite being given a second chance to develop the property at the old Cradock High School site, Councilman Danny Meeks has again failed to pay his taxes on time....

Portsmouth likely spent $54,000 defending $1,500 fine over secrecy rule. And the lawsuit isn’t over.

August 15, 2019 at 3:08 p.m.

PORTSMOUTH The council rule that fines members $1,500 for speaking about closed meeting information has likely cost the city more than $54,600 in legal fees, according to an email from...

Portsmouth Wi-Fi won’t be “Get-rid-of-kenny” or “WiFi McWiFiFace”

August 15, 2019 at 3:11 p.m.

PORTSMOUTH The city took a bit of a risk when it asked residents to take part in naming its new public Wi-Fi system this summer. And the internet delivered predictably....

Portsmouth council to discuss diversity policy for hiring contractors

August 15, 2019 at 3:10 p.m.

PORTSMOUTH The City Council is scheduled to discuss a policy on contracts for minority- and female-owned businesses at 5 p.m. today during a public work session. The topic has brought...

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