Calvin Pynn
Freelance ReporterCalvin Pynn is a radio reporter, writer, and photographer based in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Originally hailing from the New River Valley, his career has been a continuous back and forth switch between radio broadcasting and print journalism. Before earning his bachelors degree in English from Radford University in 2012, Calvin held various positions at the university's radio station, WVRU 89.9, and was also the Arts and Entertainment Editor for RU's newspaper, The Tartan. From 2013 to 2015, he reported for The Southwest Times in Pulaski, VA. He has also contributed articles to The Roanoke Times, The Daily News-Record, and has also volunteered on air for Virginia Tech's radio station, WUVT 90.7, and recently for Staunton's community station, WQSV 106.3.
Calvin's reporting interests include business and technology, art and culture, human interest features, and the wider impact of social justice issues.
In his spare time, Calvin enjoys immersing himself in music - whether it's supporting local bands, going to major concerts, playing guitar, programming electronic music, or just listening to heavy metal. He also enjoys reading, riding his bike, and cooking.
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President Trump's overhaul of immigration law enforcement, from deportation to detention policies, worries many people in Harrisonburg’s immigrant community. But local advocates and institutions have been preparing. WMRA’s Calvin Pynn reports.
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Several dozen people gathered at Grace Episcopal Church in Berryville this past weekend to sing hymns in the shape note style, celebrating a musical tradition in the Shenandoah Valley going back more than 200 years. WMRA's Calvin Pynn reports.
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U.S. Senator Tim Kaine stopped in Harrisonburg today to announce federal funding for downtown infrastructure improvements and mental health care in Harrisonburg. WMRA’s Calvin Pynn reports.
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The Little Grill, dining staple in downtown Harrisonburg, has reopened after closing temporarily in September. The new owners, who are no strangers to the Grill, want to continue the beloved restaurant’s legacy. WMRA’s Calvin Pynn reports.
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Ukrainians living in the Shenandoah Valley gathered at the Veterans Memorial in Harrisonburg Thursday afternoon to share their connections to the conflict. WMRA’s Calvin Pynn reports.
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Virginians went to the polls today to vote in the midterm election. WMRA’s Calvin Pynn spoke with voters at Broadway’s polling station in Rockingham County.
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Dozens of homeless people in Harrisonburg suddenly have nowhere to go. Mayor Deanna Reed gathered leaders from organizations around Harrisonburg and Rockingham County to figure out a way to help the city's unhoused population until Open Doors’ thermal shelters can open in November. WMRA’s Calvin Pynn reports.
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A temporary homeless shelter on the James Madison University campus closed today. With nowhere else to go, unhoused people in Harrisonburg and their advocates protested outside City Hall. WMRA’s Calvin Pynn reports.
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Last year Gemeinschaft Home in Harrisonburg opened a house for female residents avoiding incarceration. The program just received a major federal grant to triple its capacity for those services. WMRA’s Calvin Pynn reports.
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Harrisonburg’s free clinic closed at the end of 2020. Nearly one year later, its successor has a permanent home, and it’s meeting pent-up demand. WMRA’s…