Nearly seven months after a shooting at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront left six people injured, one of the victims tells News 3 he is still recovering from the physical and emotional impact of that night.

Johnte Kirby, a 21-year-old Virginia Peninsula Community College student and athlete, was at the Oceanfront on March 7 during spring break when gunfire erupted.

Kirby was shot twice in the ankle while trying to get away.

His mother, Shamika Kirby, said the shooting has drastically changed her son's life.

"He was shot two times in his ankle, which caused him to be in a wheelchair for the last six months," she said. "He just started walking on September 5."

Kirby has undergone two surgeries since the shooting. His mother said the injury was so severe that his ankle was shattered.

"Because the injury was so severe, it completely shattered his ankle," she said. "He doesn't have an ankle anymore, so he's actually standing on metal plates."

Kirby's injuries have also put his college studies and athletic career on hold. His mother said doctors have not yet determined whether he will make a full recovery.

Kirby told his side of the story on what happened that night to a judge on Thursday.

He said he had gone to the Oceanfront to enjoy the first warm day of the year.

"It was the first warm day, and I was just trying to get out and see how it was going to be, but it's life-changing now," Kirby said.

Now, Kirby said he is focused on recovering and getting his life back on track.

"Thanks to my mom and support system, I'm doing better, but it's been a long five or six months," he said. "So now I'm trying to get everything back on track, trying to get my mental right and just think of it as a new chance, think of it as a new day."

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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. The Virginia Aquarium's Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center in Virginia Beach is currently working on recovery efforts after a Tuesday night fire caused extensive smoke damage that displaced animals and staff.

The Virginia Beach Fire Department responded after a fire and significant amount of smoke set off the building's fire alarms. The fire was contained by the sprinkler system, but the entire building suffered smoke damage. No staff or emergency personnel were injured.

Five sea turtles undergoing rehabilitation were removed from the building on Tuesday by aquarium staff and first responders. Some invertebrates were lost the night of the fire and a Kemp ridley sea turtle has also since died.

"The turtle had stranded several weeks ago and was admitted to the DMACC for rehabilitation. It was extremely compromised at the time of the fire, and there is currently no determination if smoke exposure contributed to its death; additional tests are pending," the aquarium said in a release.

All remaining fish and invertebrates have been transferred out of the building and are being monitored by veterinary and animal care teams.

"We are very grateful to the first responders who acted quickly to protect our facility, and our staff who guided the safe recovery and continued care of our animals and animal systems," Aquarium CEO Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis said in the release. "The team is tired, but they remain completely focused on animal welfare and getting this critical facility operational again."

Assessment and recovery efforts are underway and ongoing at the DMACC. The aquarium says every space and system was affected by smoke damage or contamination.

The animals and staff from the DMACC are currently displaced, and the duration of their displacement remains unknown.

Until the sea turtle rehabilitation systems and treatment areas are operational, the care of current stranded patients is being managed under temporary conditions at the aquarium's main vet center.

At this time, the Virginia Aquarium does not need supplies or donated items from the public. Monetary donations made to the Virginia Aquarium Foundation directly support the Stranding Response Program's operations. The Foundation provides critical funding for the Program.

The Stranding Response hotline remains operational. Any marine mammal or sea turtle in distress or found deceased should be reported to the 24/7 hotline at 757-385-7575.

Court records obtained by News 3 reveal Virginia ABC suspended Eagles Nest Rockin' Country Bar's liquor license days before the Chesapeake business announced it was temporarily closing.

The newly filed lawsuit provides new insight into questions surrounding the bar's closure, which drew widespread attention earlier this week when Eagles Nest announced it was permanently closing its club side and temporarily shutting down the entire facility.

Watch previous coverage: Customers want answers after Eagles Nest permanently closes club side and temporarily closes entire facility

According to court documents filed Oct. 1 in Chesapeake Circuit Court, Great Bridge Sports Pub Inc., which operates as Eagles Nest, is suing Virginia ABC and multiple state officials over a Sept. 22 order that suspended the business's liquor license.

The lawsuit asks a judge to block enforcement of the suspension and restore the license while the case proceeds.

The suspension stems from a Sept. 20 incident that, according to the court filing, began inside the establishment and continued into the shopping center parking lot. The lawsuit references an ABC order that states a patron was kicked in the face by an unknown person approximately 63 feet into the parking lot.

Newly released information from Chesapeake Police provides additional details of the Sept. 20 incident. Police say officers responded to Eagles Nest around 1:29 a.m. for reports of a fight involving multiple people and encountered a large disturbance involving patrons and security personnel. According to police, officers used OC spray to help bring the situation under control. Three people were arrested and charged, including one man charged with simple assault after investigators reviewed surveillance video and witness accounts. Two people also alleged they were assaulted by members of the establishment's security staff. Police say the incident remains under investigation and confirmed they provided information to Virginia ABC as part of the agency's licensing investigation.

Eagles Nest argues Virginia ABC improperly used its emergency suspension authority because the injury allegedly occurred in a parking lot the business does not own or lease.

The Eagles Nest attorneys argue in the lawsuit that the lot is common property owned and managed by the shopping center landlord and therefore falls outside the circumstances covered by Virginia's summary suspension law.

The lawsuit also alleges Virginia ABC suspended the license without providing notice, access to evidence or an opportunity for the business to respond beforehand.

ABC suspended the license Sept. 22, according to the filing. Six days later, Eagles Nest announced it was permanently closing its club side and returning to its country roots. The following day, the business announced it was temporarily closing for renovations.

In News 3's previous reporting, public records showed the business's liquor licenses listed as inactive. At the time, Virginia ABC declined to discuss specifics.

Call data provided by the Chesapeake Police Department for the location showed a total of 182 service calls to Eagles Nest over the past 6 months, with 67 of those calls being for officers to monitor the scene to deter or prevent criminal activity. The other 115 calls over the past 6 months for various incidents include DUI, assault, disorderly persons, fights, rape, reckless driving and additional offenses. 13 of those reports involve guns being stolen from vehicles at the location, between the beginning of March and the end of September. Chesapeake Police say that number of service calls is considered high.

The lawsuit now identifies the reason the licenses became inactive as an emergency suspension order issued by the agency.

In the court filing, Eagles Nest claims the continued suspension is costing the business between $75,000 and $95,000 per week in gross revenue and affecting approximately 50 employees.

The business says it has already implemented additional security measures, including a written use-of-force policy, and has proposed operating under restrictions that would include additional security staff, off-duty police officers, identification scanning and expanded camera coverage.

The lawsuit also states Eagles Nest petitioned ABC for a restricted license that would allow it to operate under certain conditions while the matter is resolved.

A hearing before Virginia ABC is scheduled for Oct. 7, according to court records.

The allegations contained in the lawsuit represent Eagles Nest's claims. No judge has ruled on the merits of the case, and Virginia ABC had not filed a response in the court records reviewed by News 3.

Chesapeake reporter Erin Holly talked to the attorney representing Eagles Nest, and he declined to comment because the parties are in the negotiations period. Virginia ABC does not comment on investigations.

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A new federal school choice program is set to launch next year, giving families in participating states another way to help cover education-related expenses.

The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program is scheduled to begin Jan. 1, 2027. Thirty states have already opted into the program, according to the IRS.

The program will provide scholarships for eligible K-12 students that can be used for a range of education expenses, including private school tuition, academic tutoring, special-needs services, books, supplies, computers and other qualifying costs.

The scholarships will be funded through contributions to approved nonprofit Scholarship Granting Organizations, or SGOs. Participating states will identify organizations that qualify to take part in the program.

Taxpayers who make qualifying cash contributions to those organizations will be able to claim a federal income tax credit of up to $1,700 annually. Under proposed federal regulations, married couples filing jointly could receive a combined credit of up to $3,400.

The amount of an individual student's scholarship will not be limited to $1,700. Scholarship amounts will instead be determined by the organizations distributing the money.

Students generally must be eligible to enroll in a public elementary or secondary school and come from a household earning no more than 300% of the area's median gross income to qualify.

Families can receive scholarships only in states that choose to participate, while taxpayers may contribute to qualifying scholarship organizations in participating states regardless of where the donor lives.

Federal officials estimate the program could eventually support as many as 2.2 million scholarships each year.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. Four students were taken to a hospital after a school bus crash on Friday morning, according to Virginia Beach police.

Police received a report of the crash in the 3400 block of Princess Anne Road at around 7:27 a.m.

The Virginia Beach City Public Schools bus was taking 27 students to school.

First responders arrived and took four students to a local hospital for treatment.

Virginia Beach police are continuing to investigate the crash.

Videos circulating on social media claim lab-grown meat is making its way into grocery stores. Experts and Virginia law tell a different story.

Cultivated meat meat grown from animal cells in a controlled environment exists, but it is not on many grocery store shelves.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, the process starts with animal cells grown in a controlled environment.

"And then they add nutrients, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and also a growth factor and from that stem cell they're able to grow muscle, they're able to grow connective tissue, and they're able to grow fat," Shaye Arluk, a registered dietitian and nutritionist at Sentara Health, said.

Multiple companies are working on different types of cultivated meat, but where you can actually buy it is limited.

"The Internet would make you think it's everywhere. It is not," Arluk said.

The FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service are working with manufacturers to make sure products meet set requirements.

Some states, like Florida and Alabama, have fully banned the product. However, in Virginia, lawmakers have focused on strict labeling requirements rather than a full ban. As of July 1, 2026, manufactured-protein products must have a clear label when they are represented as meat or poultry.

That legislation was introduced by Sen. Angelia Williams Graves after farmers and cattlemen pushed for it. They said they support a marketplace with cultivated meat but want it to be clearly distinguished so consumers know what they are buying.

"If [the product is] plant-based, it has to say that. If they're meatless, it has to say that. If it's cell cultivated, it has to say that," Williams Graves said.

"Anything that's cultivated, fungus-based, insect-based products, they all have to just be clearly labeled so that the public knows what they are eating," Williams Graves said.

Williams Graves said it was a proactive measure.

"[Many bills are often proactive. We said,] let's go ahead and make the requirements so people [and businesses] can't say they don't know. People can't say, you know, well, we didn't do anything wrong because there wasn't a law against it," Williams Graves said.

As for what cultivated meat means for health, Arluk said it is a more complicated question.

"We know nothing, we don't know if it's better for us, we don't know if it's worse for us." Arluk said. "I can't approve or disapprove because the human data is not there."

The technology is still developing, and research continues into its nutrition, production, impact on food supply and environmental impacts.

"You have to do your research. You have to look beyond the AI created videos and really understand what's going on," Arluk said.

Virginia Tech is currently in the middle of a five-year study to see if lab-to-table protein can help fill the gap of food insecurity while reducing the environmental footprint.

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Called the Virginia Energy Plan, Virginia law requires its governor to release one every four years. Spanberger said this one was created through months of stakeholder meetings, input sessions, and surveys.

"This plan in particular arrives at a moment unlike any in our recent past. Electricity demands are rising, and our energy system will need to grow at a pace that we have not seen in more than 80 years," said Spanberger.

The nearly 200-page document lays out how the state's energy costs and demands have increased in recent years, driven heavily by data centers, and that Virginia imports 30% to 40% of its electricity annually, which is the highest percentage in the nation.

It added that even based on a moderate projection (and which Spanberger's administration said they based the plan off of), energy demand is expected to increase by 98% by 2050.

"Our job now is to make sure that Virginia is prepared to be nimble, responsive, and importantly innovative, because we need to deliver an affordable, reliable, clean energy future across our Commonwealth," said Spanberger.

The plan charts five options to deal with this expected demand, including four options that officials said would meet the demands and the VCEA requirements. One option is maintaining the status quo, while Spanberger said she supports the three other pathways dubbed the "Distributed Flexibility Scenarios".

"These pathways explore the impact of a greater focus on distributed energy resources, demand flexibility from data centers, and the use of non-combustion resources like fuel cells and linear generators," said Virginia's Chief Energy Officer Josephus Allmond. "We also look at what would happen if solar deployment was limited, where we limit Virginia's reliance on external energy imports, or if we didn't build any new gas. These different scenarios showed us that there are multiple pathways that can deliver better outcomes for Virginia."

"The reason that we present them as a suite is because they do demonstrate the needed flexibility," added Spanberger. "That if there are innovative changes in types of technologyif there might be supply chain challenges into the future, what does that mix and that push and pull look like?"

The plan also includes a fifth pathway that would see Virginia repeal the VCEA and leave the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). But it claims that pathway will lead to less new energy capacity and cost more when factoring in the social costs of carbon and its health impacts.

But Republican lawmakers are critical of the plan, with House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore (R-Scott) saying the plan "is the strongest argument we've seen yet for repealing the Virginia Clean Economy Act and getting Virginia out of RGGI. By their own math, meeting Virginia's power needs will be more than $100 billion cheaper if we took that common sense step."

"This is not really an energy plan. It is, I think, more accurately, a data center solar panel industry plan," said State Senator Glen Sturtevant (R-Chesterfield), who added the plan highlights ongoing impacts data centers will have on Virginia's energy grid and why he wants a moratorium on them.

"It is very simple how we can lower Virginians' electric bills very easily and that is first and foremost with a data center moratorium and legislation that will require data centers to pay the full cost of their impact on our grid. Secondly, it's to get Virginia out of RGGI," he added. "Then to repeal and replace the Virginia Clean Economy Act, so that we can get back to in all-of-the-above energy approach where we can utilize small modular reactors and we can utilize oil and gas and traditional forms of energy and it's not forcing Virginians to pay the higher costs needed for solar farms and these wind farms."

Full implementation of the plan will require actions from regulators, power companies, and lawmakers.

Spanberger said she briefed the latter group Wednesday and is working on legislative proposals for them to consider in the next General Assembly session in January.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Dominion Energy said the governor's focus on "affordability, reliability, and increasingly clean energy reflects priorities we share as we work to meet Virginias growing energy needs."

"Meeting the demand will require an all-of-the-above approach that expands power generation in Virginia and ensures reliability. The proposed combination of Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy would further strengthen our ability to deliver reliable and increasingly clean energy while keeping costs affordable for customers," they added.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is making it easier for taxpayers to manage their accounts on the go with the launch of a new mobile app.

The agency recently replaced its "IRS2Go" app with the new IRS App, which offers expanded features designed to help users access tax information and services directly from their smartphones.

According to IRS spokesperson John Fuld, the app allows taxpayers to check their refund status, view account balances, make payments, review payment history, access tax records and more.

One of the newest features being added will allow users to view IRS notices and letters sent directly to them.

"So you could go to the app and input your secure information, and it'll tell you what letters have actually been sent to you," Fuld said. "You'll be able to compare and determine whether something is real or not. That is a great function."

Financial expert and certified public accountant Dr. Lilly Mbinglo of Chesapeake-based ARK NPS Accounting said improved communication with the IRS could benefit many taxpayers.

"When it comes to the IRS, communication has always been a challenge for many clients," Mbinglo said.

Mbinglo also noted that October 15, is the filing deadline for taxpayers who requested an extension this year. She said the app could be especially useful for those who are unsure of their filing status.

"There are a lot of people who may not know where they stand," Mbinglo said. "Maybe you don't know if you filed or requested an extension. The app is going to come in very handy because you can go in and check."

For those who prefer not to download the app, the IRS says its website will continue to provide the same services.

"This is the companion to IRS.gov. We're not eliminating IRS.gov. It's still there for you," Fuld said. "This is a great way to expand services and give people options."

The IRS says the app's current features are only the beginning, with additional services expected to be added over time.

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Residents living near Hull Creek pressed Hampton Roads Sanitation District officials for answers Thursday night, seeking a timeline for when their neighborhood can return to normal following a massive sewage spill that contaminated the waterway.

Community members gathered at Port Norfolk Church to question HRSD officials about cleanup efforts after an August malfunction released 3.1 million gallons of raw sewage into Hull Creek. Emergency repairs were completed days later, but contaminated sediment remains in the creek while officials work to develop a long-term remediation plan.

Many residents said they have seen little improvement in conditions since the spill and expressed concerns about ongoing odors, visible sediment and increased flooding.

"What are we supposed to do about this consistent problem that keeps happening?" one resident asked during the meeting.

Among those seeking answers was Portsmouth resident Scott Graves, who said the community wants a clearer understanding of how and when the creek will be fully cleaned up.

"The permit process is being used as an excuse. Maybe excuse is the wrong word, but as a reason for some of this delay in their plan moving forward," Graves said.

HRSD officials told residents the agency is evaluating multiple remediation options, including removing contaminated sediment or capping it in place. However, officials said any cleanup plan must first receive approval from local, state and federal agencies.

"We have local, state and federal agencies that have to approve this," an HRSD official said during the meeting.

Afterward, Graves said he spoke directly with HRSD representatives and gained a better understanding of potential remediation strategies, though he remains concerned about the lack of a finalized plan.

"They didn't share their ideas during the meeting. They did share them afterward, which was a little frustrating," Graves said. "But now I have a better idea of the path they're planning to take. There still isn't a formal plan moving forward."

For many residents, the focus remains on restoring access to the waterfront and returning the community to the conditions that existed before the spill.

"We've lost the use of our property. We can't enjoy our waterfront," Graves said. "I think this neighborhood will continue pushing for dialogue until we reach a point where we can use our property again like we could before the spill."

HRSD officials said another community meeting will be held once remediation options are finalized. The agency has not provided a timeline for completion of a final cleanup plan.

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NORFOLK, VA (WTKR)- After falling in its last three games, Old Dominion hits the road looking to get back on the right track in Atlanta.

This week on the Old Dominion Football Coach's Show, head coach Ricky Rahne discusses some things the Monarchs are working to clean up after last weekend's loss to James Madison and what lies ahead when the silver and blue tangle with Georgia State this Saturday.

Penalties and untimely turnovers once again hurt ODU against the Dukes. Rahne wants to eliminate the pre and post-snap penalties altogether. The head coach also wants his players to stop trying to force the big play, rather preparing to put themselves in the right positions, which will lead to the explosive outcomes when the opportunities present themselves.

Starting quarterback Quinn Henicle was sidelined for the match-up with JMU due to an undisclosed injury, but could return as soon as this weekend. He was listed as "probable" on the latest Sun Belt injury report. Ryan Huff made his first collegiate start in Henicle's place and completed 20 of his 39 passes for 261 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

The Monarchs (1-3, 0-1) hit the road to face Georgia State, where the Panthers have the makings of a turnaround season in the early going. After a 1-11 showing last year, GSU is out to a 3-1 start and leading the Sun Belt in total offense. The Panthers are well-balanced, mixing up the run and the pass. They've allowed just two sacks all season, while sacking opposing quarterbacks 12 times in four games.

ODU is looking for its fourth straight victory in the series with GSU. The Monarchs have won six of the seven all-time meetings between the two programs.

We're also breaking down a few plays from the JMU game with Coach Rahne and discussing his weather preferences when it comes to football.

Old Dominion and Georgia State kick off at 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Atlanta.

The Old Dominion Football Coach's Show airs every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on The Spot Norfolk 27 through the end of college football season.

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A man charged in connection with a March shooting at the Oceanfront had his charges dismissed Thursday after video shown in court indicated he did not attempt to take another mans gun or fire during the incident.

During Thursdays preliminary hearing, Matheus Cavalcante, who had his charges in connection with this shooting set aside, told his side of the story for the first time about what he said happened the night of March 7th.

Cavalcante was at the Oceanfront because it was the first warm day of the year, and he planned to attend a party with friends at a hotel.

Cavalcante said those plans fell through and that, while he was walking along Atlantic Avenue, two people attempted to grab a gun he was legally carrying openly on his hip.

Cavalcante identified the two people as Jamari Horton and Alex Scott. He said he ran away and, when he turned around, BaShaun Williams was firing a gun in his direction.

Cavalcante told the judge he fired back in self-defense.

Six people were injured in the shooting, which eventually led to a temporary curfew at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

One of the victims, Johnte Kirby, testified during Thursdays hearing. Kirby, a student-athlete at Virginia Peninsula Community College, was shot in the ankle during the incident. He said he does not know when he will fully recover.

It was the first warm day. I kind of regret going now because of this, Kirby said. It was the first warm day, so I just wanted to get outside and see how its going to be, but its life-changing now.

During Thursdays hearing, charges were dismissed against one of the suspects, Andrew Anthony, who, during testimony, was alleged to have pulled out a gun during the incident but did not fire.

The video shown in court appeared to show that Anthony did not attempt to take Cavalcantes gun either.

I think what helped my client out was the video, which basically showed my client not involved in this, Eric Korslund, Anthonys attorney, said. He was there at the time this happened, but he took no part in this.

Williams, Horton, and Scott still face nine charges each, including four counts of unlawful wounding.

The cases will now move to Circuit Court.

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An investigation is underway after a man was found dead Thursday night on Thole Street, according to the Norfolk Police Department.

Around 5:35 p.m., police arrived at the 400 block of Thole Street on the report of an unresponsive man in the bushes near a home. Norfolk Fire-Rescue arrived and pronounced the man dead on the scene, according to NPD.

Norfolk detectives and forensics are on scene investigating the incident and circumstances around the man's death.

This is an ongoing investigation, additional information will be shared when it is available.

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Investigators returned to a Portsmouth home Thursday, one day after police arrested a 53-year-old man in connection with a homicide investigation that has drawn multiple law enforcement agencies to the neighborhood.

Ann Kincheloe, who has lived on Elliott Avenue for nearly 30 years, said the level of law enforcement activity is unusual for the neighborhood and has been difficult to watch.

When you see NCIS people down there and FBI and ATF it it really is kind of distracting, Kincheloe said.

Kincheloe and her husband were home Wednesday when police arrested Gregory Michael Coffey at 3404 Elliott Ave.

It was quick. All we heard sirens and then all of a sudden we see all these vehicles and all these people running around down there. We see the canine dog down there, Kincheloe said.

Coffey faces charges of first-degree murder and defiling of a dead body. His arraignment was held Thursday morning.

A spokesperson for the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office said Coffey was brought out, had his charges read and was appointed a public defender.

Meanwhile, Portsmouth police and other city departments were back at the Elliott Avenue home Thursday.

Coffey's arrest follows the discovery of the remains of Gordon Randolph Tillman Jr. outside the home Sept. 25. The remains were positively identified as Tillman on Sept. 28.

Tillman's brother, Raymond Poole, reported him missing Sept. 2. The next day, Poole came to the Elliott Avenue home looking for his brother. Police said Poole allegedly shot Coffey.

Poole was arrested Sept. 11 and charged with attempted second-degree murder.

The continued activity at the home has left neighbors questioning what investigators are looking for.

What are they looking for now? What, they arrested the man. What are they now looking for? Are they looking for a weapon? Are they looking for other bodies or what? Coffey's mother said.

Kincheloe agreed that neighbors are still looking for answers.

If there's more to it that we need to know about, we need to know about it, she said.

Portsmouth Police Chief Stephen Jenkins thanked eight agencies Wednesday for helping with the investigation: the FBI, Naval Criminal Investigative Services (NCIS), Virginia State Police and the police departments of Chesapeake, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Smithfield and Newport News.

All of these folks were instrumental in providing resources and technology that helped us shift through this massive scene in such an expeditious manner, Jenkins said.

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On TV, online, and on social media News 3 has been letting you know about VDOTs closure of the HRBT tunnel.

We always go the other way, the Monitor-Merrimac [Bridge Tunnel,]" said Chesapeake resident Butch Pierce.

Pierce said the closure won't impact him directly and he also wasn't worried about the extra traffic it could create on the Monitor-Merrimac.

Watch: Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel closing 4 weekends in October for repaving

Ill stay pat, but if youre coming from Richmond, it might be better to go 460 and come that way. It might take you 10 or 15c minutes longer but itll be less stressful," Pierce said.

The last time there was a tunnel closure for paving, it created scenes like this. Traffic backed up as far as the eye could see.

"People ran out of gas. It was ridiculous," one man told News 3 in a 2012 story.

Watch: VDOT Hampton Roads District Manager gave final approval for HRBT, JRB closings

The JRB was also closed for maintenance at the same time.

That led to a series of News 3 investigative stories about VDOT's decision making process and led to VDOT issuing a public apology for the traffic issues.

Then-Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell even weighed in.

I've certainly said we cannot have this traffic mess again," McDonnell told News 3 at the time.

Watch: Official VDOT release on closures

One of the lessons VDOT said was learned was to never have two major crossings closed at the same time.

While the westbound lanes are closed this weekend, anyone trying to head up to the peninsula on 64 will have to get off at 4th View Street in Norfolk. If the paving work isnt finished this weekend, the lanes will be closed again next weekend.

VDOT said the work is needed because the pavement has reached the end of its life.

Watch: HRBT expansion expected to reduce impact of tunnel incidents, officials say

Were seeing some cracking, rutting, and other surface deterioration," VDOT communication specialist Emily Tuttle explained.

The closure was scheduled to start at 9 p.m. Friday and end at 5 a.m. Monday. The eastbound side of the tunnel was scheduled to be closed for paving October 16-19 and again October 30-November 2 if needed.

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The recent nor'easter's impacts weren't limited to Hatteras Island. The damage extended to towns across the Outer Banks. That's especially true in northern Corolla, where News 3 Outer Banks reporter Will Thomas walked the beach with neighbors Thursday to see the impacts firsthand.

"It's distressing to watch," said Benjamin Watson, who has lived in Corolla for 20 years.

Just a short walk north of Corolla Village Road, it's hard to miss the impact the storm had on this stretch of shoreline. Already-threatened homes are exposed, dunes are damaged, and debris still sits along the beach.

"There's a lot of people that have spent a lot of time, effort, and money in front of their particular houses building up. Whether it's dune pushes, implementing sand fencing, all these measures, that seem to have just sort of washed away," said Watson.

News 3 has told viewers before about these concerns and how Currituck County's beach management plan remains in the draft phase. Neighbors like Watson hope the recent storm accelerates discussions about stabilizing the beach.

"I don't know how it gets better before it gets worse without some sort of intervention," said Watson.

This stretch of northern Corolla continues to feel the most immediate impacts from coastal storms. In the draft beach management plan, Coastal Protection Engineering has suggested beach nourishment as a tool for stabilization here. However, it remains up to the Currituck County Board of Commissioners to decide whether to move forward with that option.

"I certainly understand that they need to make an informed decision. I think at this point we're past the point of just fully relying on potential plans, and we really need to get something in action," said Watson.

Commissioner Tony Angell told News 3 on Thursday afternoon that county leaders are actively considering options for short-term beach stabilization. As for a potential beach nourishment project, he said commissioners will be better positioned to determine how to move forward once the draft beach management plan is finalized.

For neighbors like Watson, he would simply like to see some acknowledgment from commissioners that this is an issue that needs to be addressed.

"We're in a position where we need some action, and we would prefer it to be as soon as possible," said Watson.

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NORFOLK, Va. Carolyn Savage remembers celebrating her birthday. She remembers getting dressed up, going out and learning a line dance at PBR in Norfolk.

Then, nothing.

The next thing Savage remembers is waking up in the hospital, where she learned that her night out had turned into a fight for her life.

Months later, Savage returned to PBR to meet and thank some of the people responsible for making sure her story did not end there.

Norfolk Fire-Rescue invited News 3 to the reunion. WTKR News 3's Jay Greene was there as Savage came face-to-face with some of the people who helped save her life.

"I really appreciate everybody that just rushed in," Savage said. "It saved my life, and I wouldn't be here today."

Savage was celebrating her birthday on July 24. She said she had spent the day with her boyfriend and eventually made her way to PBR.

"I remember I was learning the line dance, and that was it," Savage said. "Then I ended up in the hospital."

Around 12:30 a.m., Savage collapsed.

Norfolk Police Sgt. Kenny Aldrich was working private security at PBR when he saw Savage on the ground. He went to her, realized she did not have a pulse and immediately started chest compressions.

PBR staff worked to clear the building while someone went to get the facility's automated external defibrillator, or AED.

Norfolk Fire-Rescue's Medic One arrived shortly after 12:35 a.m., followed by Engine One. By the time crews reached Savage, the chest compressions had helped produce a faint pulse.

But she soon lost that pulse again.

Crews immediately resumed CPR and used a defibrillator. Her pulse was restored around 12:43 a.m., according to Norfolk Fire-Rescue.

Savage was taken to the hospital, where doctors determined she was having a heart attack. She was taken to a cardiac catheterization lab and received a stent to help keep an artery open.

Savage said she had never experienced anything like it before. She considered herself active and said she regularly worked out and walked. She recalled feeling slightly tired in the days leading up to the cardiac arrest but did not think it was a sign of what was about to happen.

Her family history also included heart attacks. Savage said her mother and grandmother both died after suffering heart attacks.

Hearing afterward just how close she came to dying was difficult to comprehend.

"Sometimes it overwhelms me when I'm just doing normal things, and I'm like, 'Oh my God! I literally was out, and I actually died, and I came back to life,'" Savage said. "So I feel like I have a second chance."

Part of that second chance meant getting an opportunity to meet the people who acted during those critical first moments.

Savage said she had spent months thinking about the officer who rushed to help her, even though she did not know what he looked like.

"I know it's somebody's job, but it's just, it's everything to me that he would rush up and help me," Savage said.

During the reunion, she was finally able to hug Aldrich and thank him herself as well as member of Norfolk Fire-Rescue who were there.

"I gave him a card and just said, you know what? Thank you for rushing in. Thank you for just seeing something and you did it. You acted fast," Savage said. "I just gave him a big hug, and it just makes me cry."

For Norfolk Fire-Rescue, the reunion was also a chance to see an outcome first responders do not always get to witness.

Capt. Darlene Braun leads Norfolk Fire-Rescue's EMS division. She said seeing Savage return to her normal activities after what happened was worth celebrating.

"We work really hard in the city to deliver the best patient care, and to see somebody be able to walk out of the hospital after such a short amount of time and go back to their daily activities is a big deal for us," Braun said.

Braun said Savage's survival also demonstrates why the actions taken before paramedics arrive can be critical.

"Early compressions, bystander CPR. That is the message that we're trying to push," Braun said.

In Savage's case, Braun said the people inside PBR had several pieces of that response already in motion. Aldrich was performing compressions, and staff knew where the AED was located and went to retrieve it.

"They had all of the steps in place," Braun said. "Early compressions were already being given, and somebody went to get the AED."

Braun said simply knowing where an AED is located can make a difference during an emergency.

"To know where your AEDs are is very important. Early defibrillation is very important," Braun said. "It's a very simple skill."

Norfolk Fire-Rescue offers free courses to people in the city to teach hands-only CPR and how to use an AED. Braun said people should not hesitate to ask where an AED is located when they are at a business or other facility because an emergency can happen without warning.

The department is also looking for more people interested in making emergency response their career.

Braun said Norfolk Fire-Rescue is in the hiring process for both fire-rescue and paramedic-only opportunities. She encouraged people interested in the work to follow the department's website and social media for information about those opportunities.

"If saving lives is something that you are drawn to, we would love to have you part of our team," Braun said.

For Savage, the experience has also changed how she thinks about her own health and the time she has.

She said she now gets regular checkups, takes medication and has made changes to her diet and lifestyle. She also hopes what happened to her reminds other people not to assume a serious medical emergency cannot happen to them.

But her biggest takeaway is simpler.

"Life is way too short," Savage said. "Just be in the moment. Enjoy your life, love your life."

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Dominion Energy customers could see their monthly bills increase by about $10 as the company works to recover roughly $1 billion in fuel costs.

State regulators are backing a plan that would allow Dominion to collect the money from customers over seven years, rather than recovering the full amount over a single year. Spreading out the costs is intended to reduce the immediate impact on customers' monthly bills.

For the average customer, the plan is expected to add about $10 a month to their electric bill.

Watch related: Regulators approved Dominion Energy's plan to recover $1B in fuel costs

The unrecovered fuel costs come as several factors put additional pressure on electricity prices. Experts point to extreme weather, higher natural gas prices and growing electricity demand, including demand from new data centers, as factors that could continue driving costs higher.

Concerns about that trend were raised during a recent hearing. An SCC staff witness warned that the current trajectory is not sustainable.

Regulators have now ordered Dominion to take a closer look at what is driving the additional costs and provide more information in its next filing.

Brooklyn Riley Elizabeth Rose, 17, was last seen Tuesday at 5 p.m. leaving her house in an Uber, according to Virginia State Police.

Officials described Rose as 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 180 pounds. She has brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a blue/green bra and pink shorts.

Rose has been found safe, officials wrote in an email around 6:10 p.m. Thursday. No additional details about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance were released.

A CODI Alert is one of six alert programs from Virginia State Police, including AMBER alerts, Critically Missing Adult Alerts, Missing Person with Autism Alerts, Blue Alerts and Senior Alerts.

Thanks to all who SHARED on social media to SPREAD the WORD!

Dominion Energy's winter heating assistance program launches Thursday, October 1st, offering eligible customers up to $600 to help cover power bills.

The Energy Share program is open to Dominion customers facing financial hardship and eligibility is not based on income.

"So many families are stretched thin," explained Cherise Newsome, a Dominion Energy spokesperson. "They're trying to make ends meet. Inflation has touched every area of household budgets."

Newsome shared with News 3, financial hardship can take many forms under the program's guidelines.

"Energy share is designed to help families who are facing financial hardship. And that can look like a lot of things. Financial hardship could be unexpected medical bills. Financial hardships could include unexpected transportation costs that are necessary, for example, for you to get back and forth to work. Unexpected and necessary child care costs that may have increased, temporary interruptions in pay," Newsome said.

Legislation passed this year extended the Energy Share program, which had been set to expire in 2028.

"Originally, it was scheduled to sunset in 2028, but now it's been extended an additional 10 years through 2038. And the amount that is being spent on the program has also increased. So we encourage customers who are in financial hardship to go ahead and give us a call so we can provide the best support possible,"s said Newsome

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NASA's Disasters Program and Old Dominion University are partnering to develop cutting-edge flood prediction technology designed to help Hampton Roads municipalities better prepare for rising water levels and increasingly intense storms.

ODU is leading the effort alongside NASA, several other universities, and local cities, using satellite data and advanced modeling to predict where flooding will hit hardest across the region.

Dr. George McLeod, ODU's director of geospatial science, education and analytics, is heading the project through the university's mapping and data center.

"The intent of the project is to take massive data and tools, and some flood modeling and some social data about our region," McLeod said.

The team is building what they call a "geo-visualization hub" a user-friendly dashboard that city leaders can use to see flood risks in real time. The tool combines satellite data with information about which neighborhoods face the greatest risk.

"That flood model and target are most vulnerable populations and really hone in on where are the areas where the flood waters are going to intersect either critical infrastructure or these ultra vulnerable susceptible populations that really don't have much ability to help themselves," McLeod said.

The project covers Hampton, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach, as well as critical facilities like Norfolk Naval Station. The goal is to help leaders make better decisions about where to direct funding for flood protection.

"That's the kind of information we need to turn over to our decision-makers in the region to focus on. How do we adapt?" McLeod said.

NASA selected Hampton Roads because its flooding challenges could serve as a model for coastal cities across the country.

"ODU wants to do research that improves life in Hampton Roads. We're very proud of our international national research but ODU more than I think many universities is heavily ingrained in the community invested in regional and local projects," McLeod said.

The research team is heading into the second year of the three-year project and expects to have the flood prediction dashboard ready for local governments to use within the next year.

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VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (WTKR)- The games always seem to be close, but since 2022 the scales have tipped towards Frank Cox in the Falcons' annual showdown with Salem.

"He and I got the job at the same time," said Cox head coach Tyler Noe of Salem head coach Mark Hall. "It was four years ago so it's been a great rivalry. We have a good friendship, but there's always that one week that neither one of us want the other to win."

"You always want to beat somebody you haven't beaten before," Hall added, as he has yet to top the Falcons during his Salem tenure. "It's definitely something that's under my skin a little bit but definitely looking forward to it this week."

It will be a showdown on Shorehaven Drive between the two Beach District rivals. Cox brings its run-first offense that has served it well to this point, while the Sun Devils look to play a physical brand of football that will lead them to the win.

"Their run game," Salem senior quarterback Landen Curles said of Cox. "Everybody knows Cox can run the ball so it's going to be about containing their running back and just limiting those big plays."

"I think they have a great plan," pointed out Falcon senior wide receiver Alex Neff. "They run the ball well, they pass the ball and their quarterback is really good. I just think they've got a great team."

Frank Cox brings a 4-1 record into the contest, while Salem has won three of its first four games. Both squads' lone loss came to Green Run, though both held their own and put themselves in good position before the Stallions pulled away down the stretch. While a defeat is never a desired outcome, each team feels it learned valuable lessons from their respective defeats.

"That one really hurt," Neff recalled. "I thought we had it and then we just let go at the end. We've really just got to keep pushing, even towards the end. After that first touchdown, we thought that we had the momentum."

"I feel like we learned a lot about each of our teammates," added Curles from the Salem perspective. "Everybody learned a lot about each other, just reflecting, looking yourself in the mirror and just like 'what can I do better?'"

The Sun Devils and Falcons could potentially see Green Run again in the playoffs, but right now both are focused solely on Friday's showdown, which promises to have big postseason implications of its own in Region 5A.

"There could be quite a few 7-3 teams," noted Noe. "As long as we keep winning and doing what we know, go one week at a time, go 1-0 every week, we think we could really set ourselves up for good playoff positioning."

"I try not to look at the seeding in the region right now, but it's kind of hard not to see that this will be a placement game in the region for playoffs," Hall said.

A lot is on the line in this midseason meeting. The two district foes will kick off Friday night with Salem looking to turn the tide and the Falcons hoping to continue soaring in the series.

"I feel like it would get something off our back," said Curles. "They have that over us and I don't enjoy that."

"That would be awesome," Neff countered. "If we win this game, it will make my month."

"It would be gigantic going into our bye week next week 5-1 with a win streak going on," said Noe.

"It means a lot," Hall added. "Just going 1-0 each week. It's a lot for the guys and they're just looking forward to winning each week."

Frank Cox and Salem kick off Friday at 7 p.m. in our Friday Night RedZone Game of the Week.

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A new statewide study is revealing just how many families across Hampton Roads are struggling to put food on the table, with local food bank leaders saying the findings reflect a growing need they have been witnessing firsthand.

The inaugural Virginia Hunger Study found that 43% of households across Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore experienced food insecurity during the past year. On the Virginia Peninsula, that number climbed to 50%.

The findings were released Wednesday during a joint briefing in Norfolk, where leaders from the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore and the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank joined representatives from community organizations to discuss the challenges facing local families.

For Chris Tan, president and CEO of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, the findings put numbers behind a problem that extends beyond the people many might traditionally associate with hunger.

"These are not families in some distant place; these are our neighbors, the people who bag our groceries, who teach our children, who serve alongside us at church, who work full time and cannot make ends meet," Tan said.

The study included interviews with more than 5,600 Virginians and was commissioned through a partnership between the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, the Virginia Department of Social Services and No Kid Hungry Virginia. The survey was conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago with support from researchers at Virginia Tech.

It is the first statewide, Virginia-only survey to measure food insecurity using the U.S. Department of Agriculture's standard 18-question Household Food Security Survey Module.

Statewide, 42% of households experienced food insecurity, according to the study.

The numbers were even higher among households with children.

In Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, 56% of households with children experienced food insecurity. On the Peninsula, that number reached 62%.

Bob Latvis with the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank said those numbers are especially concerning because children and seniors are among the most vulnerable populations his organization serves.

"For food insecurity, in its simplest terms, it's you don't know when your where your next meal is coming from," Latvis said.

He said families are increasingly having to make difficult decisions about which household expenses to prioritize, including prescriptions, gasoline, health care costs and groceries.

The growing need is also reflected in the number of people turning to local organizations for assistance.

During its 2025-2026 fiscal year, the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank recorded 100,000 additional visits to its partner agencies and mobile pantries.

"We've seen on the Peninsula the numbers spike drastically year over year," Latvis said.

Latvis said the organization had been seeing increasing demand at pantries, mobile distributions and other locations even before the new study was released.

The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore has experienced a similar increase.

Tan said the organization handled about 1.4 million transactions annually when he first arrived. Last year, that number reached 2.6 million.

But one of the study's findings also challenges the assumption that food insecurity primarily affects people who are unemployed.

In Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, approximately 60% of both food-insecure and food-secure neighbors were employed.

Dr. Matisha Dentu, who helps operate a food pantry through Living Faith Christian Center on the Peninsula, said that reality is evident among the families her organization serves.

"These are people who get up every morning. They go to work. They care for their children and their families. They pay rent. They pay a mortgage. They pay utility bills. They put gas in their cars to go to work," Dentu said. "And after doing all of that, there simply is not enough money left to purchase the food that their households need."

Dentu said the pantry is not necessarily the only source of food for the people it serves. For some families, it provides the additional groceries they need to make their household budget work.

The study found that 87% of food-insecure households statewide said higher-than-usual grocery prices had a major impact on their finances.

Dentu said families can find themselves struggling because of an accumulation of expenses rather than one major financial emergency.

Groceries may become more expensive at the same time as utilities or housing costs rise. A family could face an unexpected car repair, illness or loss of income that puts additional pressure on an already tight budget.

Dentu described one neighbor who had been using her organization's pantry to supplement his grocery budget while waiting for disability benefits. As his physical condition worsened and he was no longer able to travel to the pantry, the organization began taking food to him.

"That is what these statistics look like in real life and in real time," Dentu said.

She said food assistance can help families preserve money for other necessities, including medicine, utilities and transportation.

"Making sure a child doesn't go hungry matters," Dentu said. "So when we talk about food or hunger, we're not just talking about food. We're talking about the stability of families. We're talking about health, and we're talking about the ability of hardworking people to remain stable when their household budgets simply cannot absorb another increase."

For some Hampton Roads residents, finding available food is only part of the challenge. Getting to it can be another obstacle.

Sabrina Davis, founder and executive director of RESET INC., said her organization operates a 24-hour community walk-up pantry in Chesapeake along with a weekly food and diaper distribution.

Davis said the walk-up pantry alone can serve approximately 50 to 75 people each day. During one recent Thursday distribution, Davis said the organization served 246 people in less than two hours. In one week, the organization also received 12 calls for food assistance, delivered food to 10 households and received 14 requests for diapers.

"Having food available does not necessarily mean you have accessibility," Davis said.

She said some of the people her organization serves do not have reliable transportation. Others are elderly, have young children or are trying to coordinate food pantry hours around their work schedules.

Davis said families are also weighing food costs against rent, electricity, medication, child care, gasoline and other household expenses.

Despite being a relatively young, grassroots organization, Davis said RESET INC. serves more than 500 people during an average week.

She said meeting that need requires collaboration among food banks, local pantries, churches, businesses, farmers, volunteers and community leaders.

"Food insecurity cannot be addressed by one food bank, one nonprofit, one church, or by one government agency or community partner," Davis said. "It takes all of us."

The study also identified differences in health outcomes between food-insecure and food-secure households.

In Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, 76% of adults in food-insecure households reported having been diagnosed with a chronic disease, compared with 67% of food-secure adults.

Sixty percent of food-insecure adults reported visiting an emergency room or urgent care facility, compared with 46% of food-secure adults.

Tan said those findings reinforce his organization's emphasis on distributing nutritious food.

During its most recent fiscal year, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore distributed a record 26.6 million pounds of food. For the first time, fresh produce and lean protein accounted for more than half of that distribution.

The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank has also increased its focus on fresh produce, lean proteins and other nutritious options. The study found 27% of food-insecure neighbors on the Peninsula reported difficulty accessing healthy food.

Food bank leaders say the new study can also help them identify communities where people may have difficulty finding charitable food resources.

Tan said one of the findings that concerns him is the number of people experiencing food insecurity who are not accessing the charitable food network.

He said his food bank has grown from 110 partners to 241 in three years, but there are still geographic gaps.

In some communities, Tan said, there may be several food pantries within a mile. In more rural areas, people may have far fewer options.

"There are pockets of our communities where ... there are not enough resources for those neighbors," Tan said.

The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore has also made changes to its Food Finder tool to help people find distributions that are open near them in real time.

Tan said the organization plans to continue using data to determine where people are accessing food and where additional resources may be needed.

For the food bank leaders and community organizations who gathered Wednesday, the study provides new data to describe a need they say they have already been seeing at pantry doors and distribution sites.

"The study certainly gives us the data. Our pantries and other partner agencies give us the faces behind the data, and both are telling us the same thing," Dentu said. "More of our neighbors are finding it difficult to put enough food on the table, and the charitable food network is an increasingly important part of how families maintain and remain stable from one month to the next."

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A 53-year-old Portsmouth man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and defiling a dead body after police found the remains of a missing man in the yard of a home on Elliott Avenue.

Gregory Michael Coffey was taken into custody Wednesday, according to Portsmouth Police Chief Stephen Jenkins, who learned of the arrest during a news conference about the case.

Im just told that as of right now, he is in custody, Jenkins said during the news conference.

See previous coverage: Portsmouth police identify homicide victim, suspect in custody after Elliott Avenue investigation

The case began Sept. 2, when Raymond Poole reported his brother, Gordon Randolph Tillman Jr., missing.

The next day, Poole went to 3404 Elliott Ave. looking for his brother. Police said Tillman Jr. was known to frequent the home and Poole made contact with Coffey, who lived there.

Police said Poole allegedly shot Coffey during the encounter.

Poole was arrested Sept. 11 and charged with attempted second-degree murder.

The investigation took another turn Sept. 25, when police executed a search warrant at the Elliott Avenue property and found human remains outside the home. Police confirmed three days later that the remains belonged to Tillman Jr.

See previous coverage: Police to increase presence in Portsmouth neighborhood amid search warrants

Jenkins described the condition of the remains during the news conference.

So unfortunately, Mr. Tillman was dismembered. Parts of his body was also burned and decomposed, Jenkins said.

Tillman Jr.s mother and aunt attended the news conference as police shared details about the investigation. His mother said she wants justice for her son.

I would like to have some justice done for my son, please. Do whatever you people gotta do, she said.

Police have not released a motive for Tillman Jr.s death. Jenkins said the search warrants connected to the investigation have been sealed, and police did not provide additional details about what investigators found during their searches.

Coffey now faces charges of first-degree murder and defiling a dead body. Poole remains charged with attempted second-degree murder in connection with the Sept. 3 shooting.

Jenkins said both men will have their day in court.

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A steady flow of traffic came to and from Hatteras Island on Wednesday, each driver having to use the temporary one-lane gravel road detour near the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. That's the reality right now as North Carolina Department of Transportation crews work to rebuild a thousand feet of damage to the road.

"I might choose something above Hatteras Island next time, just because of fear. I know it's a lot safer weather-wise up there if things do happen," said Adam Phillips, a visitor stranded on Hatteras Island who was able to leave on the emergency ferry on Tuesday after being in line for more than 40 hours.

News 3 asked Dare County Commissioner Mary Ellon Ballance if she worried that having so many tourists stuck on Hatteras Island for this long would impact tourism there in the future.

"I hope everybody that was discouraged, gives us another chance," said Ballance.

A lot of moving parts made it possible to reopen N.C. 12 on Tuesday after the road sustained a thousand feet of damage from the storm. Now a one-lane temporary detour is set up, but it's also reignited conversations about what the future looks like here.

"There's some stuff in the STIP right now to relocate that road to the other side of the visitor center, and there's some traction on that," said Ballance.

Ballance is talking about the North Carolina State Transportation Improvement Program, which is a major tool in deciding what projects will be funded and approved in areas across the state like ours.

Ballance lives in Hatteras, so N.C. 12 is her lifeline too. Ultimately, like other county leaders News 3 has spoken with, she feels that a bridge is needed in this stretch.

"At the end of the day, we have to have some elevated roads, that water has to be able to flow underneath of it, so that the beach can rebuild. The Etheridge Bridge, that to me is a prime example of how bridges work because we gave the island and the shoreline an opportunity to breathe," said Ballance.

These aren't new conversations, but the recent storm has made them even more important.

"Unfortunately, it takes nor'easters like this to open everybody's eyes," said Ballance.

At the end of the day, our county leaders can push for these needed improvements but are just one piece of the puzzle.

"Counties don't have the ability to build or maintain roadways, it's the responsibility of the state. Our hands are tied. We're just advocates for the people that we serve. The legislature allows us to do the things that we do, and so we're doing all those things, and we're advocating," said Ballance.

But it will take the state and federal government's help to make preserving N.C. 12 a reality.

"We just have to find the funding for it and get everybody on board to say, okay, hey, it's time. It's the responsibility of the federal government, and it's responsibility of the state. It brings in a lot of money, and we need some help and we need to do it," said Ballance.

With traffic flowing on N.C. 12 again Tuesday and Wednesday, the emergency ferry service between Rodanthe and Stumpy Point stopped running Wednesday afternoon. Visitors will be allowed back on Hatteras Island starting at 7 a.m. Thursday.

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A preschool-age child in Virginia's Eastern Region has died from flu complications, marking the third confirmed pediatric flu death in the state this season, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

Riverside Health is administering free flu shots in Newport News for those who want to drive through or walk up to receive a vaccine.

Ciboney Wells came out to get her flu shot to lower the risk of getting herself and her family sick.

"It's important to get it because you don't want to get the flu and then you pass it on to other people," Wells said.

"Think about the kids, very important as someone who's a parent I don't want my child to get the flu, I don't want to pass it on to him so I do my best to prevent that from happening," Wells said.

As of Sept. 19, the Virginia Department of Health says respiratory illness levels statewide remain low and stable. However, flu season is starting back up.

"We are already seeing a rise in flu cases so we're just out trying to help support our local communities," Amy Harden with Riverside Medical Group said.

Harden says flu season typically runs from mid-to-late September through around February and can affect people of all ages.

"It varies I mean it can be from infant to elderly geriatrics," Harden said.

Health officials say there are several ways to help prevent the spread of flu, including getting vaccinated, washing your hands, and staying home when you're sick.

Riverside Health will administer free flu shots at their clinic throughout October in different parts of the Peninsula.

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Just off Shore Drive, among a small collection of unique shops, a new restaurant is bringing fine dining to East Beach in Norfolk.

Magnolia & Marlin is the first joint venture between two couples Angela and Carl Reddix and Tony and Tara McGee who are betting the elevated Southern and seafood concept can turn a hidden cluster of businesses into a destination.

For Dr. Angela Reddix, the location carries deep personal meaning. Just a couple of blocks away sits what was once Norfolk's designated beach for African Americans.

"I just remember the days that my grandmother and my 10 aunts and uncles and cousins, we would come to City Beach," Reddix said. "This space just means a lot from how little we came from to now owning something like this."

Reddix is already known in the area for her healthcare consulting business ARDX and nonprofits including the Mustard Seed Place in Portsmouth. Magnolia & Marlin marks her first restaurant venture.

"This is a new frontier for me," Reddix said.

Her co-owners share the sense of purpose behind the project. Tara McGee, originally from Mississippi, said the setting shaped the concept.

"I love the water and so East Beach for me brought in the beach (and its) southern coastal charm," Tara McGee said.

"We thought bringing something beautiful to the community would match what is already here," Tony McGee added.

The menu focuses on elevated Southern and seafood dishes cornbread, greens, fried catfish among the options and is designed to grow as recipes are refined, the couples tell News 3. The owners brought the same meticulous intention to the restaurant's interior dcor.

News 3 spoke with both couples on Friday, September 25, as they prepared for their first official dinner service. Anticipation from the surrounding community had already been building.

"They've been pulling at the door wondering when we're gonna open up," Carl Reddix said.

Angela Reddix said the team worked closely with neighbors before opening.

"The amount of presentations we made to the HOA and the Civic League," Reddix said. "I'm so proud that we went through that process and we engaged them along the way."

Business has been strong since opening. A neighboring shop, Riffle Farms a market and co-op is looking forward to the added foot traffic Magnolia & Marlin could bring, along with a coming ice cream shop called Mermaid Creamery.

"It's gonna bring in a whole different array of folks, maybe people from outside of this little area," Will Johnson of Riffle Farms said. "The whole community's been excited about it. We're excited about it. We feed off of each other."

There is still work ahead. The team at Magnolia & Marlin is still interviewing candidates to fill out its staff and is currently awaiting approval of its ABC license. In the meantime, the restaurant is serving mocktails.

For the owners, the partnership is rooted in something bigger than business.

"Faith is the foundation of everything and we would invest in business together and so this is our first venture as Faithful 4," Angela Reddix said.

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Instead of recovering those costs over a typical year, the SCC allowed Dominion to spread repayment over seven years. That breaks down to $7.97 per month for the fuel costs themselves, which Dominion customers saw added to their bills in July. Now, to cover the financing, there will be an additional $2.26 per month totaling $10.23 each month for a typical customer regarding the unrecovered fuel costs.

Dominion said the securitization plan significantly reduced the impact on customers. Without it, the company said residential customers would have faced a monthly increase of nearly $22.

The SCC issued two orders one approving the fuel factor rate that has been in effect on an interim basis since July 1, and another approving the securitization strategy. Dominion said it will submit semi-annual updates on the Deferred Fuel Cost Charge for SCC approval.

The company attributed the new fuel rate to rising costs. Dominion said the cost of purchased power went up nearly 30% over the last year, and natural gas prices increased by more than 15%.

The approval comes as ratepayers are still paying off a similar $1.27 billion bond request from 2023. Delegate Irene Shin noted the overlap during the rate case.

"My constituents are still paying off $1.27 billion, and they won't finish that until 2031," Shin said.

Carol Myers, an SCC staff witness, warned at a hearing that the pattern of billion-dollar fuel cost underrecoveries followed by bond requests is not sustainable.

"I think continuing down this path, it's dangerous and puts customers in a bad position," Myers said.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Virginia pushes back as Dominion Energy seeks another rate increase

Multiple witnesses testified during the rate case that weather, rising natural gas prices, and data center load growth are among the factors driving increased fuel costs being passed on to customers. Currently, Dominion has more demand for electricity than it can supply from its own generation, causing the company to purchase power from other suppliers.

In 2025, Dominion's forecasts of how much power it would need to purchase fell short by $1.26 billion.

Carew Bartley with the Attorney General's Office pointed to rapid growth as a key factor.

"The rapid addition of new large load customers seems to be a primary driver of the increased fuel and purchase power costs," Bartley said.

The SCC has also ordered Dominion to conduct a root cause analysis to help regulators understand what is causing the underrecovery and why Dominion's forecasts missed the mark. The SCC asked Dominion to present that information with its next fuel factor application.

The Chesapeake Fire Department announced plans to move to a 42-hour work week for firefighters. The department plans to add a fourth shift and to hire roughly 140 new firefighters to make it happen.

The department currently operates on three rotating shifts, with firefighters working about 56 hours per week. On average, a firefighter works about 832 more hours per year than a regular 40-hour employee. Fire Chief Sam Gulisano said the fourth shift will spread those hours out, giving firefighters more time to rest and recover between shifts.

"So we're excited to announce that we're moving toward a fourth shift," Gulisano said. "So most fire departments across the nation work on a three-shift schedule. This initiative adds a fourth shift to our fire department."

Gulisano said the change will also help the department compete for talent in a tight labor market.

"Recruitment and retention is a critical aspect of our job and what we do," Gulisano said. "We're as good our department is as good as it is because we get the best people and we train them up, so this keeps us competitive in that market to continue to bring in the best people and provide the best services to our community."

Tom Bell is the president of the Professional Firefighters of Chesapeake IAFF Local 2449 and a lieutenant with the department. He has worked 56-hour weeks for nearly a decade and said the change will be significant for the department's more than 400 members.

"The end goal is to reduce our work week from 56 hours to 42 hours," Bell said. "So what that's gonna do for myself as well as the 400-plus members for the fire department is improve our work/life balance number one, improve our rest and recovery. It's going to reduce injuries, reduce illnesses."

Bell said firefighters currently working the three-shift schedule sometimes face what the department calls "Hump Week."

"We have something called 'Hump Week,' and that's where we're working four 24-hour shifts in a 7-day span," Bell said. "And when you're doing that every three weeks, every hump week is draining to you mentally and physically."

Bell said the fourth shift will eliminate that schedule. Moving toward the fourth shift plan includes the hiring of up to 70 new firefighters in 2027 during the first phase.

Firefighters are also exposed to occupational hazards including carcinogens that Bell said contribute to serious long-term health consequences.

"Cancer is actually the highest killer of firefighters right now, so 74% of line of duty deaths actually come from cancer," Bell said. "So by reducing our exposures over the course of an annual year and the course of a career, should be reducing the amount of cancers that we see moving forward."

Bell said the hours add up significantly over a career.

"When you look at the hours that we work over the course of a year, we're working 800 more hours annually than an average 40-hour employee," Bell said. "So when you compound that over a 25-year career, we're working 10 extra years on top of a normal employee."

The department needs to hire 139 firefighters to fully implement the fourth shift, though Gulisano said that number could increase slightly depending on additional factors. Support staff positions will also need to be filled.

Gulisano said the department may not wait until all positions are filled before launching the fourth shift.

"We're hopeful that we'll be able to do the fourth shift before we have the full 139, 140 people," Gulisano said.

The move follows action by the Virginia General Assembly earlier this year. Delegate Michael Feggans of Virginia Beach's 97th District sponsored House Bill 1333, which was signed into law and encourages fire departments in Virginia to implement work weeks that do not exceed 42 hours.

Chesapeake joins neighboring cities Norfolk and Virginia Beach in moving toward reducing firefighter work week hours. Norfolk committed $1.8 million to create 34 new firefighter positions as part of its own transition. Virginia Beach approved a plan to move forward in reducing their firefighter work week from 56 hours to 48 hours.

Watch related coverage: Virginia Beach firefighters push for fourth shift as Norfolk moves forward with hiring plan

Gulisano credited the collaboration between the fire department, Local 2449, city leadership, and city council for making the announcement possible.

Bell echoed that sentiment.

"We're excited with this change moving forward and looking forward to the work we can do with our city council and city leadership as well as the fire administration to make sure we're taking care of our members as well as the citizens," Bell said.

A department work group is still determining how the 42 hours will be structured across shifts. No target launch date has been set. Anyone interested in joining the Chesapeake Fire Department is encouraged to fill out an interest card.

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Work to create a tiny home community for the homeless in Hampton and Newport News continues. News 3 first told you about the tiny home idea in April. At the September 23 Hampton City Council meeting, Hampton city manager Mary Bunting provided an update.

Were currently in the process of trying to finalize some of the details," Bunting said.

Watch: September 23 Hampton City Council meeting

Those details include pros and cons of different options. That was part of her update to City Council. She also showed a video put together by Newport News about the trip leaders from both cities took in February to Salt Lake City, Utah to learn about how tiny homes are being used to help the homeless there.

In the video, Hampton's city manager says they want to replicate services in a way that makes sense here.

Watch: City of Hampton considering tiny home community to address homelessness

Were not Salt Lake City, of course, we have our unique characteristics. But, we can learn from what theyve done and we were very inspired by the things that we saw," Bunting said in the video.

Newport News city manager Alan Archer also shared the video at the September 22 Newport News City Council work session and said this is a step toward having a plan in place.

We are working hard," said Archer. "Were getting closer to it. Its not at hand yet."

Watch: September 22 Newport News City Council work session

Councilwoman Tina Vick suggested housing the homeless in the citys Four Oaks Day Center. Archer said the language in the agreement the city has to operate the center prevents that.

Newport News City Council has since approved paying the federal government more than a million dollars to remove conditions on the deed for the property, but a city spokesperson told News 3 this is not related to the regional effort to address homelessness.

In April, News 3 talked with Hampton resident Brenda Marks who was concerned about the possibility of Hampton taxpayer dollars being used to build something in Newport News.

Watch: Hampton residents share ideas for location of possible tiny home community

"Whatever is built for the homeless should be built within the boundaries of the city of Hampton," Marks said.

As of Wednesday, the city of Hampton had set aside about $4.5 million that could be used for a tiny home community. Bunting said she and Archer hoped to present a report later in the year on how to implement what the cities have been learning about ways to help the homeless.

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Owl Creek Landing in Virginia Beach is preparing to add a new nighttime holiday experience following strong visitation since the attraction opened in September of last year.

The attraction features an observation tower, spiral slide, and canopy walkway. Owner Bahman Azarm of Outdoor Ventures said the response from visitors has encouraged the business to continue adding activities for families.

As people come, they're just enjoying being outdoors, and we've given them a lot more activity than when we first opened, Azarm said.

The newest addition, Lumi Skywalk, will transform Owl Creek Landing's canopy walkway into a nighttime holiday experience beginning Nov. 20.

Azarm said the experience will feature large screens along the canopy walkway, with a holiday story produced by local artists and a local theater company.

We have this very unique canopy walkway that's really one of a kind in the country, and what we decided to do was to bring a Lumi Skywalk, a theatrical nighttime experience, Azarm said.

Holiday treats will also be available during the event.

The attraction's spiral slide will remain open at night during Lumi Skywalk. Azarm said visitors frequently ask about riding the slide after dark.

The slide will be open because it is something that people are always asking for, and it's really something unique, he said.

Lumi Skywalk begins Nov. 20 and will run through the new year. For more information, click here.

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A former James City County police officer was charged with misusing the Flock camera system for an issue related to his coworkers, according to the James City County Police Department.

Officials say Androu A. Eskandar was charged with five felony counts of computer invasion of privacy, three misdemeanor counts of computer invasion of privacy and five misdemeanor counts of improper use of the automated license plate reader (ALPR) system by law enforcement.

Eskandar allegedly used Flock camera systems for purposes related to "an internal matter involving coworkers," according to JCCPD.

JCCPD says it became aware of Eskandar's misuse in March 2026 when another worker reported concerns during an internal investigation. They requested Virginia State Police to conduct an independent criminal investigation immediately after. Eskandar resigned from JCCPD on April 17.

Eskandar turned himself in to VSP on Monday and was released on unsecured bond. He worked for JCCPD from April 3, 2023 to April 17, 2026.

Watch previous coverage: Bipartisan push for probe into Flock cameras grows amid misuse allegations

"Maintaining the trust of our community requires uncompromising accountability. When an officer misuses law enforcement systems, it is a serious breach of duty and the values of this Department," Police Chief Mark Jamison said in a release to News 3. "We will act decisively whenever misconduct occurs, and we remain fully committed to ensuring our personnel uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity."

JCCPD said that it has used ALPR tech for the past 15 years to support investigations, locate stolen cars and help with missing persons cases. The department has since updated policies, reinforced access controls, retrained staff on appropriate and lawful use of ALPR systems and strengthened supervisory review.

The department has also added random audits of the system use in addition to the monthly audits required by state law, meant to support the existing requirements that all searches must be "documented, justified and conducted strictly for lawful investigative purposes."

JCCPD has a public transparency page with information about their Flock program and oversight practices. Click here to learn more.

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PORTSMOUTH, Va. Portsmouth police have identified a homicide victim and announced a suspect is in custody following a weeks-long investigation into a missing persons case tied to a property at 3404 Elliott Avenue.

Chief Steve Jenkins announced Wednesday that Gordon Randolph Tillman Jr., an unhoused man who was reported missing Sept. 2, was found dead on the property. Gregory Coffey, the homeowner, is wanted on charges of first-degree murder and desecration of human remains. Jenkins announced during the press conference that Coffey had been taken into custody.

"About an hour ago, we were made aware that potentially he may have returned to the residence," Jenkins said. "We did have fugitives apprehension at that residence on surveillance, and he is in custody, which is obviously the best part of the information that we're able to provide today."

The case began Sept. 2, when Tillman's brother, Raymond Poole, reported him missing to Portsmouth police. Poole told investigators he had last seen his brother on Sept. 1.

The following day, Sept. 3, Poole went to 3404 Elliott Avenue a property Tillman was known to frequent searching for him. During that encounter, Poole allegedly shot Coffey. Coffey was treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital, where he remained for several days before being released.

On Sept. 11, Poole was arrested and charged with second-degree attempted murder in connection with the shooting.

Detectives continued to develop leads, and on Sept. 21, a combination of investigative work and a citizen tip allowed investigators to establish probable cause for a search warrant at 3404 Elliot Avenue. The warrant was executed that day, and the property remained in police custody over the following days.

On Sept. 22, detectives canvassing the property discovered what they believed to be human remains. Those remains were sent to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, which confirmed on Sept. 23 that they were human.

On Sept. 25, a multi-agency excavation team that included the FBI, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Virginia State Police, Chesapeake Police Department, Suffolk Police Department, Virginia Beach Police Department, Smithfield Police Department, and Newport News Police Department conducted an extensive search of the property. Investigators recovered burned and decomposed human remains and body parts found adjacent to the property.

Jenkins said Tillman had been dismembered, and parts of his body had been burned and decomposed.

On Sept. 28, fingerprint comparison confirmed the remains were those of Tillman. That same day, detectives obtained a warrant for Coffey's arrest on charges of first-degree murder and desecration of human remains.

Jenkins described the property as presenting significant challenges for investigators. The yard both front and back was filled with large amounts of debris, and a storm system that moved through the region further complicated the search.

"What you saw on the outside was very reflective of the way that the property was on the inside," Jenkins said. "We would probably characterize the individuals there as hoarders. Just tons and tons of stuff that had to be gone through by investigators. Obviously, there was a sanitary concern by my folks as well."

Jenkins said cadaver dogs were also used during the search. He confirmed that only one set of remains was recovered from the property.

"We are confident to say, based on extensive search, not only through our federal partners and state partners, but also the professionals with our sister locations throughout the region, that there are not additional remains on that property," Jenkins said.

Jenkins also directly addressed rumors that had circulated in the community, saying there was no evidence of multiple victims or a serial killer connected to the address.

"There is no report or factual evidence that we have a serial killer related to 3404 Elliott Avenue in the city of Portsmouth," Jenkins said.

Jenkins acknowledged the property had been a concern for the city for years, saying code inspectors and contractors had been sent to the address on more than one occasion. He said Coffey pulled a firearm on a contractor who came to clean up the property, and was charged with brandishing a firearm in connection with that incident. Jenkins said he did not have information available at the press conference to explain why that case was ultimately dismissed.

Jenkins said Coffey's mother also resided at the property but was staying with a neighbor during the investigation. He said there is no indication she had any involvement in Tillman's death.

Jenkins said the department deliberately withheld details during the investigation to protect the integrity of the case and ensure accurate information was released.

"We wanted to make sure that we got it right the first time," Jenkins said.

He extended condolences to Tillman's family on behalf of the Portsmouth Police Department and the city.

"No loss of life in the city of Portsmouth is acceptable," Jenkins said. "Mr. Tillman, while going through his own personal bouts of homelessness, lost his life for whatever reason, and I wanted to make sure that we understand that."

Jenkins also made a direct appeal to the public for information on Coffey's whereabouts before the announcement of his arrest, and urged Coffey to turn himself in.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact Portsmouth police.

Couples looking to save money on their wedding day have a new option in Norfolk and it comes with a photo to remember the moment.

As of June 2026, the Norfolk Circuit Court offers a marriage package that includes a photo taken inside a newly decorated room and a commemorative marriage certificate for $20. Combined with the $30 marriage license fee and a $75 commissioner's fee, couples can get married for a total of $125.

Crystal Daniels, chief deputy at Norfolk Circuit Court, said the upgraded space was designed with couples in mind.

"This is a very special moment for them, so we want the room to look good as well and if you can't afford a photographer, you have at least something that will give you this moment back," Daniels said.

Daniels said the package was inspired by marriage commissioner Deneshia Swann, who noticed couples frequently asking for photos during their ceremonies.

"She's the one that said, a lot of people ask me to take pictures. How can we work on that? What can we do to make that happen?" Daniels said.

Swann said she wants every couple who comes through to feel welcome.

"I want people to feel comfortable and loved and I'm happy that they chose me to be a part of like their special moment," Swann said.

No appointment is needed at the Norfolk Circuit Court, but Swann said Fridays are the busiest days.

"On our busiest days we can marry between 20 and 30 people," Swann said.

Norfolk resident Sabrena Berky married her partner at the waterfront two years ago and filed the paperwork with the Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk's Office that same day. She said the decision to skip a traditional wedding came down to cost.

"We thought about having a [traditional] wedding, and we started pricing things out, and then what really just, like, put it into perspective was the cost of napkins. I was like, this is crazy. I'm not paying that [price] for napkins, we're eloping," Berky said.

Berky said the choice has paid off in many ways.

"It was truly a great financial decision because now I can put that money, and we did like into our home and into what we are going to be growing in Norfolk," Berky said.

Photographer Hayley-Ann Vasco documented Berky's elopement and has since put together an extensive wedding guide for couples considering a Norfolk courthouse ceremony. The guide covers everything from the best time to get married to how long the process takes and where to park.

"When you have a small wedding or an elopement the possibilities are endless for what you can do on that day," Vasco said.

Berky said Vasco's involvement went far beyond photography.

"I will never be able to thank her enough for everything she poured into it. It was so much more than hiring a photographer. I truly hired like a built-in day of planner," Berky said.

Vasco said couples should not feel pressured to follow tradition.

"I just love that every single day is completely different because it's all catered to exactly what the couple wants. You don't have to feel like you're fitting in the traditional mold of like a big wedding," Vasco said.

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Early voter turnout is off to a strong start in Virginia, with participation already far exceeding levels seen during the last comparable election cycle.

As of Monday, Sept. 28, approximately 220,969 Virginians had cast their ballots ahead of the November election. That total is roughly double the number of early voters recorded at the same point in 2022.

State election officials are also expanding voting access this year. For the first time, every early voting location in Virginia will offer Sunday voting opportunities on Oct. 18 and Oct. 25, giving residents additional chances to cast their ballots before Election Day.

Early voting remains available statewide through Oct. 31. Voters are encouraged to check with their local registrar's office for polling locations, hours and voting requirements.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and a local psychotherapist says there are clear warning signs parents should watch for and real steps families can take as concerns grow about teens' relationship with social media.

A 2025 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that 31% of youth surveyed showed signs of addictive social media use, and that those behaviors were linked to a higher risk of suicidal behaviors and ideations.

Dr. Sarah Williams, a licensed clinical psychotherapist, said many parents underestimate how much time their children spend on social media platforms.

"Oftentimes parents are not aware of how much their children are engaging in social media," Williams said.

Williams said parents should watch for changes in sleep, mood, and daily routines including pulling away from friends, dropping grades, or losing interest in activities they used to love.

She said beyond setting screen time limits, the key is giving young people meaningful outlets and something to be curious about.

"We can mitigate the over utilization of social media by continuing to offer alternatives, offer competing alternatives, activities that young people are interested in, clubs, organizations, free concerts," Williams said.

"All these different activities that they can do to stay engaged because social media is the draw is the engagement, the curiosity," Williams said.

If you or someone you know is struggling or needs help, help is available 24 hours a day by calling or texting 988 the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

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NORFOLK, VA (WTKR)- Norfolk State had a lot to celebrate in the moments after Saturday's victory at Chicago State.

It was the first time the program had won back-to-back games since 2021 and represented Michael Vick's first road triumph as a head coach.

"I told our team during the week that it was going to feel really good to go on the road together, experience what we were about to experience, take care of business like professionals and get on the plane as winners," Vick said Tuesday. "Those experiences will be very memorable for us as long as we take care of our business throughout the week and go into the game super confident."

Vick and the Spartans were quick to turn the page. Two straight wins are nice, but the green and gold have their eyes on more as MEAC play nears. NSU's next task is back on the road as a showdown with Robert Morris awaits this Saturday.

"Back-to-back wins, it feels good, but we want more," Vick pointed out. "Obviously we've got to go through these type of scenarios in order to build the confidence and become the team we want to be. Nowhere near satisfied. There's more out there, there's more on the table. We're going to work our butts off to put ourselves in that position and try to accumulate as much success as we can."

Norfolk State's offense is trending in the right direction. The Spartans are averaging 31 points and 389 yards per game, but if you take out the two losses to FBS opponents, those numbers skyrocket to 47 points and 501 yards per outing. Running back Jalyn Daniels has eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark in each of NSU's three victories and freshman quarterback DaJean Golmond took the reins of the offense at quarterback and led the Spartans to a 623 yard day at Chicago State.

Robert Morris enters the game at 2-2 and is coming off a 31-28 loss at Buffalo. This will mark the first meeting in football between the two schools.

Norfolk State and Robert Morris kick off Saturday at 2 p.m. The Spartans return home next Saturday, October 10, for their homecoming match-up against Virginia University of Lynchburg.

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Norfolk city leaders shared updates on four major development projects, including the redevelopment of MacArthur Mall, the East Street Garage, the Norfolk casino, and Military Circle Mall.

The city released new renderings showing downtown Norfolk's future without MacArthur Mall. The redevelopment plan envisions a complete transformation featuring retail shops, entertainment destinations, and a grocery store.

The centerpiece will be a central square designed for families to gather and neighborhoods to connect. New hotels will broaden downtown's hospitality offerings. The development will also include homeownership and rental housing options, along with amenities designed to attract businesses to downtown.

The City Council has voted yes on the East Street Garage project; the proposal awards a $15 million design-build contract to Breeden Construction.

The project would include 491 parking spaces. A recent ordinance change would add 30 additional spaces while also demolishing the Sheriff's administrative building and making a 103-space surface lot. When complete, the site would offer a total of 624 parking spaces the highest capacity achievable within budget. Completion is targeted for fall 2027.

Norfolk's casino project remains on track for its November 2027 opening.

Demolition of Military Circle Mall is priced at nearly $3 million, with the first phase set to begin next month. This marks the beginning of the end for the aging shopping center, clearing the way for future development in the area.

According to the city, the four projects represent Norfolk's commitment to reimagining its urban landscape, creating more livable spaces, and positioning the city for economic growth.

We will continue to bring updates as more information is released on these projects.

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NORFOLK, VA (WTKR)- Mike Privott hasn't wasted any time turning around the Booker T. Washington football program.

A team that had lost 22 straight games entering the 2026 campaign is out to a 3-1 start, which includes a 39-14 win over defending state champ Lake Taylor.

In the latest episode of the News 3 Coaches Corner Podcast, Privott discusses how there have been some difficult moments during his first head coaching job, especially in the early months when he and his team were learning about each other. The head coach told us about the balance between keeping his style while adjusting to his players.

A Lake Taylor graduate, Privott calls leading one of Norfolk's high school programs "a dream." His hope is to help bring some of the competitiveness back to the gridiron in the city where every game against cross-town rivals is seen as a big game with a close score. Privott also discussed who he thinks is the Bookers' biggest rival right now.

While he's a first time head coach, Privott has plenty of success on the headset. His most recent gig was at Maury as defensive coordinator, where he helped the Commodores to three consecutive state titles. That's where he's learned a lot about being a coach and running a program, as well as the work that goes into success.

We're also chatting about college coaches who the head coach looks up to and football movies.

Click the above video to view the full episode with Mike Privott.

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Hatteras Island's lifeline reopened to northbound traffic Tuesday afternoon and reestablished critical access for visitors to get home. Before this, visitors were met with lengthy wait times to get on the emergency ferry between Stumpy Point and Rodanthe and the Hatteras ferry to Ocracoke.

News 3 met Adam and Amber Phillips on the emergency ferry from Rodanthe to Stumpy Point on Tuesday.

"44 hours ago, we got in line," said Adam Phillips.

That wait time has been the reality for many over the past few days since the emergency ferry was activated Sunday. Ferry crews have been hard at work getting visitors off Hatteras Island. The moment that happened Tuesday afternoon for the Phillips was special.

"It was just glorious, it was an amazing feeling," said Adam Phillips.

The Phillips, like many, have had to make the most of their situation being stranded there.

"We just rode our bikes around a lot, talked to neighboring cars just to make friends and make the best of the situation," said Amber Phillips.

That's something fellow stranded visitor Stephen Fultz has been doing as well. Fultz has built quite a following on social media with his fishing content, but he put on a different hat this week. Fultz posted every day about the experience of being stranded on Hatteras Island on his social media pages.

"That's how I always try to tackle life, I always look at the positive in every situation. I just figured I'll just go out here and do my due diligence, and also meet the local people, which were very inviting, helping me out, sharing information. I had a lot of fun doing it," said Fultz.

The Phillips echoed that message, seeing firsthand that during an unfortunate situation, people were helping people.

"There were so many people helping people out there, even though it was just terrible for a lot of people waiting. It's what got me through it, is all the help of the people," said Adam Phillips.

So far, NCDOT's Ferry Division says it has transported more than 600 cars and 1,400 people off Hatteras Island through its Stumpy Point and Hatteras routes as of Tuesday morning. Another positive is that as of Tuesday afternoon, N.C. 12 reopened to northbound traffic.

"That road will definitely help alleviate a lot of stress," said Amber Phillips.

An unforgettable experience for many, but also a feeling of gratitude for the many moving parts that have helped them get home.

"They're doing the best that they can. It's been positive, given the circumstances," said Fultz.

NCDOT announced its N.C. 12 reopening was a day earlier than anticipated. State Secretary of Transportation Daniel Johnson was also here on Tuesday. Alongside Dare County leaders, Johnson surveyed the damage on N.C. 12 and visited the Stumpy Point ferry terminal.

NCDOT crews have been hard at work to reopen the highway since 1,000 feet of damage impacted the road near the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Center Visitor Center from the recent coastal storm. What that's looked like is rebuilding the protective dune, removing the damaged asphalt and creating a gravel one-lane temporary detour.

"We took some lessons from disaster response in Helene and translated them out here to the Outer Banks. The division had contracts in place. We think having those contracts in place and being able to get them moving as quickly as possible probably saved us two or three days as far as reopening access," said Johnson.

The gravel surface is the reality for the road right now as crews continue their efforts to reconstruct the two-lane paved road. Right now, it's not clear when that work will be completed and when southbound traffic will be allowed through.

The emergency ferry route between Stumpy Point and Rodanthe will remain open until traffic congestion has slowed on Hatteras Island. It's important that visitors remember they are still only allowed on ferries leaving Hatteras Island.

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The Newport News school division is working with a planning and design firm to study the entire school system and determine whether there are more efficient and effective ways to operate the division, including changing school zones.

Earlier this year, School Board Chair Dr. Terri Best announced the division would be reviewing the elementary magnet school structure. Best cited issues including a bus driver shortage, concerns about students spending long periods of time on the bus, and concerns about equity.

"These realities require us to examine how we must most effectively and equitably deliver high quality instruction and support to every child," Best said.

Under the current magnet school program, some students are bussed out of their neighborhoods to attend other schools.

Candace Jones said her grandson attends Achievable Dream Academy in downtown Newport News, even though he lives in a more northern part of the city.

"He's very very smart very good with numbers and he's doing very well at Achievable Dream," Jones said.

Lisa Loyd said she has seen the impact magnet schools have had on her grandchildren.

"I have grandchildren. I've seen the progress with going to magnet school and what it has done for my two granddaughters," Loyd said.

This week, the school division is holding three community meetings where residents can learn about the review process and provide feedback.

"We just want to make sure we show up at the meetings to kind of, you know, voice how we feel about the rezoning, rebounding, however they want to name it. Some kids deserve to be in these programs," said Kashonda White-Mizelle, another parent.

The planning and design firm is expected to gather feedback through the fall and present recommendations to the school board early next year. If approved, those recommendations could take effect in fall 2027.

Best previously said no final decisions have been made.

For some families, the uncertainty has been unsettling.

"It's like a big shock to us," Jones said.

This week's meetings are being held on the following dates and times:

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UPDATE: Mikey has been found safe! We're told a neighbor was out walking their dog when Mikey came up to them, and he is now taking a trip to the vet to make sure he is OK. See the original story below.

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A Virginia Beach woman is recovering in the hospital after neighbors said a piece of construction material fell on top of her car while she was driving on Elbow Road Monday evening.

Two of the womans dogs were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash. One was severely injured and taken to a veterinarian, while the other, a German shepherd named Mikey, ran away during the chaos.

Now, members of the community are searching for Mikey.

Aubree Midgett, who lives near Elbow Road, said she was returning from CVS Monday evening when she heard a loud boom.

She said when she came around the corner of Elbow Road, she saw a pole had somehow landed on top of a car.

Midgett said she approached the scene and found the driver complaining of chest pain.

I was concerned about the woman in the front because she was complaining of chest pain, Midgett said. They were trying to move her, so I talked to her for a little bit, tried to calm her down some.

Midgett said she soon learned the woman was also worried about her dogs.

It was something out of a movie. I was really shocked, Midgett said. I had to process what I was kind of seeing.

Sasha Jones, another neighbor, said she knows the woman who was injured. Jones said their dogs had played together before the crash.

She said she received a text from the friend just minutes after the crash, asking her to call 911.

I called her, she explained where she was and that Vooka was hurt, and Mikey took off, and my dad and I just came running, Jones said.

Jones said Vooka is recovering at a veterinarians office. She and several other community members have been searching the area near the crash for Mikey.

The city said it is aware of the accident and is working with the Virginia Beach Police Department as the investigation continues.

I never thought that something like that could have happened, and the fact that it did is terrifying, Jones said.

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When Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Western North Carolina in September 2024, Trey Stephens was living and working in Asheville.

He was working at a small restaurant when the storm hit, leaving widespread damage and debris across the area.

There was a lot of structural damage and there was a lot, a lot of trees and debris down to where we could barely even walk out of our front door, Stephens said.

Stephens said seeing the destruction around his community made him want to find a way to help.

It hurt. It was, it was sad, and I immediately wanted to say like, what can I do? Stephens said.

That opportunity came when Mercy Chefs set up a relief kitchen in a hospital parking lot in Asheville. Stephens joined the effort, helping prepare and serve meals to people recovering from the storm.

Mercy Chefs founder and CEO Gary LeBlanc said the organization was in Florida when Helene hit, but quickly began receiving calls for help from communities across the Southeast.

The next day my phone started ringing. Then it was people in Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee, and North Carolina, LeBlanc said.

LeBlanc said hiring local workers is part of Mercy Chefs response during disasters, particularly when people lose work because of a storm.

Part of our tradition. We hire locally and so we're in an area like that we look for chefs and professionals that are out of work because of the storm, LeBlanc said. Trey got to come and work with us and we immediately were in love with him and he immediately fell in love with the mission and with our team.

Stephens said the team prepared about 1 million meals, with many coming from the Black Mountain kitchen.

The experience ultimately changed the direction of Stephens career.

Today, he is the managing chef at the Portsmouth Community Kitchen, where he helps prepare meals for charities and people in need across Portsmouth and Hampton Roads.

For Stephens, the work is about more than preparing food.

To be able to make a meal and give it to someone and see their eyes light up on a really bad day or to even work with other volunteers and see their eyes light up being able to give someone a meal and share that experience, that's what really drew me to Mercy Chefs, Stephens said.

Two years after Helene, Stephens is still serving meals with the same purpose that first drew him to disaster relief in Asheville.

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