
Ryan Murphy is a news reporter for WHRO Public Media.
Over the course of an eight-year newspaper career, Ryan covered Hampton Roads for both The Virginian-Pilot and the Daily Press, where his primary focus was local government accountability and watchdog reporting.
A Chesapeake native and graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, Ryan has also examined the region's housing issues, from redevelopment to public housing to evictions, and how the City of Norfolk’s racial history contributes to its current geography.
Recent Stories

Kellam High student Rose Doucette helps write "Trans Lives Matter" in chalk in the parking lot outside of a Virginia Beach School Board meeting. (Photo by Ryan Murphy)
Amid resistance, Virginia Beach approves queer student nondiscrimination resolution

The Route 168 Bypass Bridge in Chesapeake. One of the two southbound lanes will be closed "until further notice." (Photo by Ryan Murphy)
Update: Repairs on Chesapeake highway bridge used by Outer Banks visitors could take "several weeks"

Photo by Ryan Murphy. Negro Leagues Hall of Famer and Norfolk native Sam Allen shows off a jacket commemorating the teams of the Negro Leagues.
Portsmouth museum displays the proud history of Black baseball in Hampton Roads

This display has been up at Prince Books since this spring, when rumblings first started in Virginia Beach about banning books from schools. (Photo by Ryan Murphy)
Virginia Beach has battled over what books are too obscene for kids. Now the issue is going to court.

In April 2021, a Black man from Elizabeth City was shot to death by Pasquotank County Sheriff’s deputies. The shooting triggered protests.
Pasquotank County forms civilian review board a year after controversial police shooting

Protesters in the summer of 2020 pushed for police reforms in cities across the nation, including Norfolk. (Photo by Bec Feldhaus Adams)
Norfolk’s looking at a new police oversight panel. Here’s what it would - and wouldn’t - do.

A recent report flagged language access issues at agencies like the Department of Motor Vehicles, though it noted improvements at that particular agency had been made in recent years. (Courtesy Virginia DMV)
Virginia state agencies often fail to provide access for non-English speakers

Ralf and Sommer, a pair of Malaysian tomistomas, scarfed down rats named after the exes of Hampton Roads' jilted lovers. (Ryan Murphy)
Hate your ex? The Virginia Aquarium will feed them to the sharks for Valentine’s Day

Habitat for Humanity unveiled this 3D printed house in Suffolk on Dec. 21. It's only the second 3D-printed house in the state.