English Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Newport News, VA

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., March 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

About HII

HII is America’s largest shipbuilder, delivering the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain mission technologies, including unmanned systems, to U.S. and allied defense customers. HII is the largest producer of unmanned underwater vehicles for the U.S. Navy and the world.

With a more than 140-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII builds and integrates defense capabilities extending from the core fleet to C6ISR, AI/ML, EW and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit:

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In classrooms across Newport News, new teachers are finding the support they need to thrive thanks to the Accelerating Change Together (ACT) Grant—a dynamic partnership between the BayPort Foundation, Ferguson, Newport News Shipbuilding (a division of HII), and Virginia Natural Gas. In December 2024, the $500,000 grant was awarded to the Newport News Education Foundation (NNEF) to strengthen the Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) New Teacher Institute (NTI), the division's expanded teacher support strategy.

With nearly 30% of NNPS classroom teachers in their first three years of service, the division is confronting nationwide education workforce trends, including increased retirements, declining enrollment in teacher preparation programs, and greater demand for alternative licensure pathways. In response, NNPS has strengthened and expanded its NTI program to better support and retain new educators.

The NTI is a two-year program that welcomes new educators into the NNPS school division through mentorship, training, and community engagement. With ACT Grant support, the NTI set an ambitious goal to reduce turnover among novice teachers—those with five years of experience or less—by 20%. After just one year, the results were impressive. Baseline data from 2023–2024 showed a novice teacher turnover rate of 36%. By the 2024–2025 school year, that rate dropped dramatically to 16%, demonstrating the program's immediate and transformative impact on teacher retention.

"We are truly grateful to BayPort, Ferguson, Newport News Shipbuilding, and Virginia Natural Gas for their investment in our new teacher institute. The ACT Grant funds provide essential training, support, and resources for new educators, enhancing their effectiveness in the classroom and boosting retention," said Dr. Michele Mitchell, Superintendent of Newport News Public Schools.

The ACT Grant contributions committee expressed that supporting this institute is vital for developing a strong and sustainable educational system. By investing in teachers, the program helps create better opportunities for students across Virginia's workforce.

In the first year of a three-year, step-down grant, NNPS invested in professional development that delivers "just-in-time" support and job-embedded learning aligned to each teachers' grade levels and subject areas. The program's success is made possible by dedicated substitute coverage allowing teachers to engage in full-day training and coaching. The NTI also offers targeted professional development, including the innovative iTeach licensure pathway to support new educators' success.

The ACT Grant initiative was launched in 2022, with the first recipient being the Virginia Beach Education Foundation and Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS), which received funding for a new two-year, half-day Advanced Technology Center Renewable Energy Technologies program. For additional information on the ACT Grant, please visit

About BayPort FoundationBayPort Foundation is the charitable arm of BayPort Credit Union, headquartered in Newport News, Virginia and was established to extend the credit union's philosophy of "people helping people." The Foundation is an extension of the credit union's charitable giving. BayPort Credit Union commits more than half a million dollars in annual corporate donations and pays all the Foundation's overhead to ensure that 100% of the Foundation donations support its mission. For more information, visit .

About FergusonFerguson (NYSE: FERG; LSE: FERG) is the largest value-added distributor serving the water and air specialized professional in our $340B residential and non-residential North American construction market. We help make our customers' complex projects simple, successful and sustainable by providing expertise and a wide range of products and services from plumbing, HVAC, appliances, and lighting to PVF, water and wastewater solutions, and more. Headquartered in Newport News, Va., Ferguson has sales of $30.8 billion (FY25) and approximately 35,000 associates in over 1,700 locations. For more information, please visit .

About HIIHII is America's largest shipbuilder, delivering the world's most powerful ships and all-domain mission technologies, including unmanned systems, to U.S. and allied defense customers. HII is the largest producer of unmanned underwater vehicles for the U.S. Navy and the world. With a more than 140-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII builds and integrates defense capabilities extending from the core fleet to C6ISR, AI/ML, EW and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII's workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, please visit

About Virginia Natural GasVirginia Natural Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Virginia Natural Gas provides natural gas service to nearly 300,000 customers in southeast Virginia. Named a Top Workplace in 2024, Virginia Natural Gas also has been recognized as one of the safest, most reliable and customer-focused natural gas service providers and is consistently ranked in the top quartile for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates. For more information, visit .

SOURCE BayPort Credit Union

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Severe storms brought damaging winds and tornado warnings across Virginia and North Carolina. Now, conditions are clearing as crews assess damage.

NORFOLK, Va. — A severe weather threat is building across Hampton Roads on Monday as a powerful storm system moves through the region. The National Weather Service is expected to issue watches and possible warnings as conditions become favorable for strong to severe thunderstorms throughout the day.

Our team will provide live updates here as new information becomes available, including any tornado or severe thunderstorm watches and warnings, storm timing, impacts, and safety guidance for communities across the region.

Stay with us for the latest developments as the system moves through Hampton Roads.

11:00 p.m. — Neighbors in Virginia Beach share their experiences

13News Now's Brittany Miller was in Virginia Beach near Naval Air Station Oceana.

Mailboxes knocked down, fences flat on the ground, debris, and fallen trees were just a few of the sights in Virginia Beach on Monday.

“It doesn’t take but so much for a tree to blow over,” said Aubrey Williams III, who is the owner of Aubrey Landscaping and Tree Service.

A tree toppled over on Julie Drive, landing on a townhouse and damaging a total of two homes. One homeowner said they're now displaced. Those living in the Triple Oaks neighborhood said branches from the tree have fallen before, and they were anticipating the day that winds and rain would bring it down.

A few minutes away on Casey Court, neighbors believe a tornado touched down.

“Trash cans were flying across the cul-de-sac," Olivia Morgan said, "All this greenery and the basketball hoops were swirling in a circle.”

“It was really scary. It was like the Wizard of Oz,” she said.

A few doors down, her neighbor Kyle Deiss had similar thoughts.

“I almost had to call my mom and let her know I wasn’t in Kansas anymore," he said.

10:00 p.m. — Some warnings extended

The following locations are under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning until 11:15 p.m.:

9:55 p.m. — Severe Thunderstorm Warnings move east

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect until 10:15 p.m. for Gates, Chowan, Camden, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Isle of Wight, and York counties and the cities of Norfolk, Poquoson, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Portsmouth and Suffolk.

A line of thunderstorms is approaching and moving northeast at 55 mph.

9:15 p.m. — Severe Thunderstorm Warnings issued for the Peninsula, extended elsewhere

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for the following locations until 10:30 p.m.:

8:25 p.m. — Severe Thunderstorm Warning moves east

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect until 9:15 p.m. for certain parts of our region:

8:15 p.m. — The entire region is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until midnight

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to form. A watch usually covers a large area and can last for hours. When you're under a watch, that is your time to get prepared for inclement weather.

7:45 p.m. — Severe Thunderstorm Warning in western parts of our region

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect until 8:30 p.m. for certain parts of our region:

7:15 p.m. — Tornado Watch canceled early

The Tornado Watch has been canceled early for all except coastal waters from Oregon Inlet down to Surf City and out 20 nautical miles. This watch is in effect until 8 p.m.

6:10 p.m. — Tornado Watch remains in effect for certain areas

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 7 p.m. for Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach, as well as Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Pasquotank and Perquimans counties.

A Tornado Watch is in effect until 8 p.m. for Dare, Jones, Tyrrell, Hyde, Beaufort, Carteret, Craven, Onslow, Pamlico, and Washington counties in North Carolina.

The Tornado Watch has been canceled early for the remainder of the area.

5:10 p.m. — Severe Thunderstorm Warnings expire

All Severe Thunderstorm Warnings issued earlier have expired. There are no current Severe Thunderstorm Warnings.

4:50 p.m. — 2 lanes shut down due to flooding on I-64 East in Norfolk

According to VDOT, the left shoulder and left lane on I-64 East in Norfolk, near the Norview Avenue exit, are shut down as crews deal with standing water.

4:50 p.m. — Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, Flash Flood Warnings continue

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning remains in effect until 5 p.m. for southeastern Middlesex and north-central Mathews counties, as well as southeastern Lancaster County.

There is also a Severe Thunderstorm Warning in effect until 5 p.m. for Dare County.

Flash Flood Warnings are also in effect for northwestern Camden, northwestern Currituck, and southeastern Pasquotank counties, as well as northwestern Chesapeake, southeastern Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Portsmouth until 7:15 p.m.

4:20 p.m. — Severe Thunderstorm Warning in effect

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for central Gloucester, southeastern Middlesex, northern Mathews and southeastern Lancaster County.

The warning is in effect until 5 p.m. Storms packing 60-mph wind gusts are indicated by radar.

Residents should remain alert for possible tornadoes, which can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms.

4:15 p.m. — Approximately 3,000 Dominion customers without power

According to Dominion Energy's Outage Map, just about 800 Dominion customers are without power due to the storm in the West Park Manor region of Portsmouth, and about another 600 customers are without power due to the storm in the Bryan's Cove neighborhood in Chesapeake.

1,600 customers in the Oakdale Farms section of Norfolk are also without power.

4:10 p.m. — Flash Flood Warning issued for Virginia Beach, some NC counties

A Flash Flood Warning is in effect until 7:15 p.m. for Camden, Currituck and Pasquotank counties as well as the city of Virginia Beach.

Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen, and additional rainfall amounts of up to 1 inch are possible.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning remains in effect until 4:15 p.m. for north-central Currituck County and southeastern Virginia Beach.

In addition, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect for northeastern Hyde County as well as Dare County in North Carolina until 5 p.m.

3:38 p.m. — Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect for Norfolk, Portsmouth, northwestern Chesapeake and northwestern Virginia Beach until 4:15 p.m.

At 3:35 p.m., the storm was located over Deep Creek and moving northeast.

The storm has 60-mph wind gusts.

A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning also impacts southeastern Virginia Beach and north-central Currituck County. This warning also goes until 4:15 p.m. for a storm of similar strength.

3:15 p.m. — Tornado Warning for northeastern North Carolina expires

3:00 p.m. — Tornado warning issued for parts of northeast NC

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning for parts of northeastern North Carolina, including central Camden, central Pasquotank and southeastern Perquimans counties, until 3:30 p.m.

Forecasters said a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Snug Harbor around 2:59 p.m. and moving northeast at 55 mph. Communities in the storm’s path include Nixonton, Elizabeth City, Camden, Elizabeth City State University and Whitehall Shores.

Residents in the warning area should take cover immediately in an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and stay away from windows.

2:35 p.m. — Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued

A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for several counties in northeastern North Carolina until 3:15 p.m.

The warning is for Bertie and Hertford counties, as well as the southeastern part of Northampton County and the northwestern part of Chowan County.

The storm is packing 60-mph wind gusts, the National Weather Service said. Expect damage to trees and power lines.

2:15 p.m. — Spanberger urges Virginians to stay alert as severe storms move across the state

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger is urging residents to stay alert as severe storms are expected to move across the Commonwealth on Monday.

State emergency officials say damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rain and large hail are all possible as storms develop through the afternoon and evening. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is coordinating with the National Weather Service and local emergency managers to monitor conditions and ensure resources are ready if storms cause damage.

Spanberger encouraged Virginians to monitor trusted weather sources, enable emergency alerts on their phones and be prepared to take shelter quickly if warnings are issued. Officials also recommend securing outdoor items, charging devices and having multiple ways to receive weather alerts.

1:20 p.m. — North Carolina Governor warns of strong tornadoes, damaging winds

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein says the state’s emergency response teams are activated as severe storms move across the state on Monday. Officials warn some storms could produce damaging winds over 75 mph and strong tornadoes.

The State Emergency Operations Center is monitoring conditions while response resources, including search and rescue teams and firefighting crews, are on standby. Residents are urged to stay weather-aware, keep phones charged for alerts and be ready to take shelter quickly as fast-moving storms move east.

1:15 p.m. — Tornado Warning expires in northeast North Carolina

12:50 p.m. — Tornado Warning issued for parts of northeast North Carolina

The National Weather Service in Wakefield has issued a Tornado Warning for parts of northeastern North Carolina until 1:15 p.m. Monday.

The warning includes southeastern Chowan County and southwestern Perquimans County, where radar indicated rotation within a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado.

As of 12:51 p.m., the storm was located near Cape Colony, about 12 miles southwest of Hertford, moving northeast at about 35 mph.

Communities that could be impacted include Hertford, Burgess, Snug Harbor and Winfall, along with nearby areas such as Yeopim Station, Beach Springs and Holiday Island.

The National Weather Service warns that flying debris will be dangerous to anyone caught outside. Mobile homes could be damaged or destroyed, and damage to roofs, windows, vehicles and trees is possible.

11:00 a.m. — Storms could cause Jamestown-Scotland Ferry service disruptions

The Jamestown-Scotland Ferry may experience intermittent service outages Monday afternoon and evening due to severe weather expected in the region.

The Virginia Department of Transportation says operations could be affected between 2 p.m. and midnight on March 16 as strong winds, heavy rain and higher-than-normal tidal levels move through the area.

Officials say high water and strong winds can prevent ferry loading ramps from being safely raised or lowered. If service is reduced or suspended, ferries will resume operations once conditions are safe.

Drivers are urged to plan for possible delays and check the ferry hotline (800-VA-FERRY) or the 511 Virginia website for the latest service updates and alternate routes.

10:55 a.m. — Tornado Watch issued

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for much of southeastern Virginia and northeast North Carolina.

A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form. A watch usually covers a large area and can last for hours. When you're under a watch, that is your time to get prepared for inclement weather.

In Virginia:

Spanberger announces $1.53 million in state funding for Hampton Roads port communities to boost small business opportunities and strengthen maritime infrastructure.

NORFOLK, Va. — Abigail Spanberger announced Monday that more than $1.5 million will go toward redevelopment and infrastructure projects in several Hampton Roads port communities.

The $1.53 million investment comes through Virginia’s Port Host Communities Revitalization Fund and will support projects in Portsmouth, Norfolk and Newport News. According to the governor’s office, the funding will help renovate industrial and commercial buildings and repair aging maritime infrastructure tied to the region’s working waterfront.

State officials said the projects are intended to create new opportunities for small businesses, support manufacturing, and strengthen the seafood and maritime industries operating near the port.

“Virginia’s port communities play a central role in powering the Commonwealth’s economy and continue to have an important place in our shared history,” Spanberger said in a statement. “These investments will strengthen critical infrastructure, breathe new life into underused industrial assets, and create new opportunities for businesses and residents.”

In Portsmouth, $550,000 will support the renovation of a vacant property on High Street that officials say will be converted into a flexible space for small businesses. Plans include areas for makerspaces, commissary kitchens, recording and art studios, retail space and other resources designed to support entrepreneurs.

In Norfolk, the Norfolk Economic Development Authority will use $500,000 to renovate five industrial buildings owned by Mil-Spec Abrasives. The structures are used for manufacturing, packaging, storage and distribution of glass abrasives for industrial, marine and construction uses. Officials say the improvements are expected to expand production and logistics capacity at the site.

Meanwhile, in Newport News, $480,000 will go toward repairs at the Seafood Industrial Park’s outer harbor. City officials say deteriorating piers and mooring structures will be repaired or replaced to maintain access for vessels serving the local seafood and maritime industries.

The projects are funded through the Port Host Communities Revitalization Fund, a program created to help modernize or redevelop port-related facilities in Virginia’s port host communities. The Virginia General Assembly allocated $2.4 million to the fund for 2026.

State officials say the program is designed to leverage local and private investment to help redevelop aging properties and support long-term economic activity in communities connected to Virginia’s ports.

Chance the Rapper, Rhett & Link and CeeLo Green will headline Newport News’ first NOODLE Thinkers Convention, bringing music, tech and business leaders together.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The City of Newport News will host a new event bringing together speakers and performers from across technology, entertainment, science and business during Memorial Day weekend.

The inaugural “NOODLE – The Thinkers Convention” is scheduled for Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23, 2026, with programming planned at Victory Landing Park and throughout The Yard District along the city’s waterfront.

Organizers say the convention aims to connect community members with prominent voices in several industries while highlighting innovation and cultural development in the region.

Event organizers say the lineup includes several well-known figures from entertainment, business and science, including:

Organizers say the event will combine speaker sessions, community activities and music performances across the two-day convention.

According to organizers, the convention’s name, NOODLE, reflects the idea of exploring ideas and problem-solving collaboratively. Programming is expected to cover topics such as the ethical use of artificial intelligence, digital media entrepreneurship and technology-driven solutions for cities.

Philip Jones said the convention is intended to highlight the city’s role as a hub for innovation while creating opportunities for community engagement.

“NOODLE represents a tremendous educational, social, and cultural investment in the future of the City of Newport News,” Jones said in a statement.

Antonio Dowe, co-founder of the production company Global Music Touring, said the event grew from an idea to create a high-impact gathering in the region.

“Hampton Roads has never hosted an event quite like this,” Dowe said.

Organizers say Friday, May 22, will focus on community activations and opening events.

The main programming day, Saturday, May 23, will include speaker sessions and discussions during the day, followed by live musical performances in the evening.

The convention will also feature regional artists, organizations and businesses as part of what organizers describe as a cultural and commercial hub during the weekend.

Tickets for NOODLE – The Thinkers Convention are scheduled to go on sale March 12 at 10 a.m. online.

Additional event information is available through the convention’s website and social media pages.