Good morning, Newport News.

THRIVE Peninsula has launched its THRIVE To Go program which installs refrigerated food lockers—donated by Sentara Health—to let families pick up groceries after hours from 2 to 10 p.m. The service aims to ease food insecurity by serving an additional 75 people per week and by offering extra Saturday morning pick up hours.

On Friday morning at Gethsemane Baptist Church, U.S. Senator Mark Warner and Congressman Bobby Scott joined local officials to announce the Peninsula Cooperative Fund—a $50 million small business loan program—designed to give underserved businesses access to loans and technical assistance on the peninsula.

Today, the 19th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival at Victory Landing Park will host eight local dancers who will perform with Sisqó, Dru Hill, Jazze Pha & Sammie in a free family event organized by Newport News Parks & Recreation and City Councilman John Eley III.

Choreographer Danni Rogers, a Portsmouth native, said she expanded the lineup after auditions on June 4 and expects the festival to draw visitors with 12 local food trucks & a free HRT shuttle for parking.

A study by the National Energy Assistance Directors Association shows home electricity bills are projected to hit record highs this summer at about $784 as temperatures remain high.

Experts advise cooling tips (such as setting AC between 70 and 78 when home) to help lower energy use as many residents boost their air conditioner use.

Newport News and its partners are funding nearly $300K in STEM education grants for learners pre-K & up to the adult level.

The Coastal Virginia STEM Hub awarded $295,418 to 16 regional organizations including schools, museums & nonprofits to boost training and after-school programs.

John Reid, Virginia's first openly gay statewide candidate and former talk show host, faces State Senator Ghazala Hashmi in the lieutenant governor race after he became the GOP candidate when Pat Herrity dropped out for health reasons.

Reid said he will work hard on issues like tax rates and classroom discipline while endorsing his GOP running mates—aiming to bring fresh ideas to the campaign.

On Friday, Virginia lawmakers met at Norfolk State University to hear local experts warn that federal funding cuts and shifting tariffs could lead to more evictions, rising prices and slower shipments at the Port of Virginia.

Experts noted that state actions may soon help counter rental shortfalls and supply chain delays amid uncertain trade policies with the European Union.

Newport News saw a bill passed by the Virginia General Assembly that removes out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging when a mammogram finds a concern—lawmakers hope this change will help many get the needed follow-up tests in time.

Object-Oriented Programming in C# Rev. 6.1 Training

N/A — June 23-27 — Genesis Training Center, Newport News, VA — $2090 — Enhance your skills with hands-on C# programming courses led by experts.

Free Pickleball Open Play

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Huntington Park Tennis Center — Free entry — Enjoy casual pickleball games while meeting fellow sports enthusiasts.

Driver Improvement Course

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Hampton Inn & Suites Newport News — $68 cash or money order only — Complete a driving improvement class and receive your certificate the same day.

Driver Improvement Course

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Hampton Inn & Suites Newport News — $68 — Complete your driving improvement training and get certified on the same day.

Chef's Market Beach Bash

5-8 p.m. — Chef's Market Food Hall & Butcher Shop — All-you-can-eat — Enjoy live music, DJs, and vendors for a vibrant summer beach party atmosphere.