Calvin Pynn
All Things Considered Host / ReporterCalvin Pynn is WMRA's local All Things Considered Host and works as a full-time reporter in the WMRA newsroom.
Calvin has also spent time as WMRA's Sunday morning host, and as a free-lance 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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Senator Tim Kaine met virtually with Virginia reporters Wednesday afternoon to discuss a bill he’s introducing that would help family caregivers. He also touched on yesterday’s bipartisan cooperation on Capitol Hill to pass a housing bill in the Senate and War Powers Resolution in the House. WMRA’s Calvin Pynn reports. -
Mary Page Marlowe tells the story of a woman’s life over the course of several decades, complicated by her personal choices and circumstances. The play, produced by local theater company ShenanArts, debuts in Staunton on Friday, June 19, and runs through Sunday, June 28. WMRA’s Calvin Pynn, spoke with the director and filed this report. -
Local government leaders and residents are navigating multiple proposals from developers to build data centers across the northern Shenandoah Valley. WMRA’s Calvin Pynn reports. -
A group of artists, local leaders and community members is working to revive a historic theater in downtown Staunton as a multipurpose performing arts venue and community center. WMRA’s Calvin Pynn checked in with The Arcadia Project and filed this report. -
Gregg Bissonette has drummed for dozens of artists over his 40 year career. He has been the drummer for Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band since 2008. Bissonette shared tips and tricks during a workshop in Harrisonburg Wednesday night. WMRA's Calvin Pynn was there. -
The closure of Spirit Airlines is already being felt in Virginia... Governor Abigail Spanberger has signed legislation that would help plaintiffs in class action lawsuits... expensive upgrades are delaying energy to Virginia’s power grid… and UVA Health announced a new wireless pacemaker… -
Local advocates are rallying this week in support of Haitian and Syrian immigrants as the U-S Supreme Court will hear arguments regarding Temporary Protected Status... Meanwhile, in Virginia, the state Supreme Court heard arguments in a challenge to the congressional redistricting effort... Voter confusion could explain why Democrats underperformed in last week’s referendum vote, despite winning… Governor Abigail Spanberger marked her first 100 days in office touting legislative victories… and a new cat café opens in Winchester…
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The Supreme Court of Virginia will hear oral arguments today regarding last week’s vote in favor of a constitutional amendment that would redraw the state’s congressional districts... We’ll have a preview of today’s arguments and how a nearly century-old ruling could inform today’s hearing... Meanwhile dozens of horses were quarantined after exposure to a disease at an event in Culpeper County… and fluctuating temperatures over the past week have impacted Virginia’s wineries…
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David Beasley is the former Governor of South Carolina, and most recently served as the Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize under his leadership. He will speak at James Madison University’s “Rocco Forum on the Future” on Friday. I asked Beasley how his time as governor prepared him for humanitarian work. -
Reverend Karen Mann is a pastor with Sojourners United Church of Christ in Charlottesville. Her work in ministry has led her to participate in issues impacting her community, like immigration advocacy. With a background in farming, Mann’s work as a pastor has also included a focus on climate change. WMRA’s Calvin Pynn asked Mann how her faith informs her views on climate change.
