The Hampton community gathered at Mary W. Jackson Fundamental Elementary School on March 18, 2026, to celebrate the planting of an Artemis Moon Tree — a loblolly pine grown from a seed that flew around the Moon with NASA’s Artemis I mission in 2022.

 

This living symbol, nurtured by the USDA Forest Service, now stands as a shining reminder of scientific discovery and resilience.

 

During the emotional dedication ceremony, students reflected on the tree’s meaning, emphasizing how small contributions can shape strong foundations and how supporting growth together fosters a sense of belonging.

 

Principal Ernriekus Williams expressed pride in the school’s role, highlighting the tree’s potential to inspire STEM curiosity and honor the pioneering legacy of Mary W. Jackson, NASA’s first Black female engineer.

 

As the Artemis Moon Tree grows, it will symbolize hope and the community's dedication to encouraging future innovators and explorers.

Jeremy Blunt, renowned for his leadership of the Phoebus Phantoms football program, is beginning a fresh journey in his coaching career.

 

After guiding Phoebus High School to four straight state titles from 2021 to 2024, Blunt officially stepped down in January, closing a celebrated chapter for the Hampton, Virginia community.

 

He has accepted a head coaching role at the new Nova Lakes High School in St. Cloud, Florida, where classes and athletics launch in August.

 

The school’s football program will operate independently for two years before joining Florida’s competitive 7A classification.

 

Blunt expressed heartfelt gratitude to Phoebus supporters and highlighted his excitement for building a fresh legacy with Nova Lakes.

 

Meanwhile, the Phoebus Phantoms must now seek new leadership to carry forward the tradition that Blunt established.

Hampton University's Marine and Environmental Science Department is launching a transformative project to create a living shoreline along the Hampton River, just beside the campus marina.

 

Led by Dr. Deidre Gibson, this initiative empowers students with practical experience designing and building sustainable shoreline solutions.

 

Living shorelines, crafted with natural materials like marsh grasses and oyster shells, offer resilient alternatives to bulkheads by stabilizing banks, preventing erosion, and enhancing water quality.

 

Partnering with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the team will deploy Natrx Basalt Oyster Shell Bags to help form the backbone of new oyster reefs, which defend the shore and support local marine habitats.

 

Oyster shell recycling from local restaurants and events will further boost reef growth and enrich the river’s ecosystem.

 

This community-driven effort not only preserves Hampton’s shoreline but also prepares students to tackle future coastal and environmental challenges.

Hampton City Schools has achieved top-tier recognition in Virginia for the eighth year in a row, reflecting its ongoing excellence.

 

This year, the district’s innovative spirit shines through the expansion of the Academies of Hampton with the ambitious Master Plan 2.0.

 

The new five-year plan focuses on closing opportunity gaps and delivering hands-on learning for elementary and middle school students.

 

Signature experiences are now empowering students to discover their passions and directly connect classroom learning to real-world careers.

 

Virginia Living’s prestigious State of Education issue highlights over 150 programs statewide, emphasizing those driving innovation and student wellness.

 

Hampton’s repeated honor highlights its devotion to real-world education that builds student confidence and career readiness.

 

With Master Plan 2.0 underway, families and students can expect even more advances in opportunities and achievement.

Searching for a fun, free weekend outing?

 

The Hampton History Museum opens its doors this Saturday, March 14, with an exciting Exploration Day and free admission for all ages.

 

Guests can journey through Hampton’s fascinating heritage, diving into interactive exhibits and family-friendly activities.

 

Stars & Sailors invites visitors to uncover how early mariners navigated by starlight, blending hands-on learning with local maritime lore.

 

The NASA Connection exhibit highlights Hampton’s vital role in space history, including the city’s contributions to lunar exploration.

 

Enthusiasts can also engage with three generations of curators, listening to enthralling stories about the museum’s evolving collection.

 

Whether drawn by historical intrigue or looking for family adventure, the free event offers something unique for everyone.

 

Embark on a memorable experience at the Hampton History Museum this Saturday.

Hampton University has launched the Tyrod Taylor Strive Academy, boosting its focus on hands-on, practical education for aspiring entrepreneurs.

 

Located at Harbour Centre in downtown Hampton, the academy is part of the university’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, offering students real-world experience, mentorship, and makerspaces.

 

NFL quarterback and local native Tyrod Taylor leads as the first entrepreneur-in-residence, inspiring students to chase ambitious business dreams.

 

The program provides certificates in booming fields like culinary arts, tech, and fashion, plus opportunities such as Pirate Valet, a student-run campus transport service.

 

Dynamic speaker events bring accomplished alumni and industry experts to campus, enriching the educational journey.

 

The university now also offers an accelerated master’s in entrepreneurship, weaving Strive Academy experiences into an innovative four-year degree track.

 

Equipped with modern tech and creative studios, the academy encourages students to launch ventures that strengthen both campus life and their communities.

The Hampton Pirates suffered a hard-fought 75-67 loss to the UNCW Seahawks on January 24, 2026, ending their 11-game home win streak at the Hampton Convocation Center.

 

The game was close for nearly 30 minutes before UNCW pulled ahead with a crucial 17-6 run late in the second half.

 

Free throw opportunities proved decisive, with UNCW racking up 27 attempts to Hampton’s 8.

 

Daniel Johnson led the Pirates with 17 points, supported by standout performances from Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt and Josh Ogundele.

 

UNCW dominated inside, outscoring Hampton 32-24 in the paint.

 

This marks the Seahawks' second win over Hampton this month.

 

The Pirates, now 10-11 overall, will regroup as they prepare for their January 29 road game against Drexel.

 

The Hampton community’s support and ongoing engagement remain key to the Pirates’ season journey.

A powerful winter storm has caused widespread closures, delays, and schedule changes across Hampton Roads.

 

Schools in Hampton, Franklin, Isle of Wight, New Kent, and Williamsburg-James City County are closed Monday, with many sporting and extracurricular activities canceled.

 

Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk public schools are on two-hour delays, while Poquoson holds virtual learning. Virginia Beach schools give students both Monday and Tuesday off.

 

City offices and public facilities in many cities including Hampton, Chesapeake, Newport News, Suffolk, and Williamsburg will open at 10 a.m., with liberal leave options for employees.

 

Hampton Roads Transit is running limited snow routes, while several community centers and libraries act as warming centers.

 

Several universities—Old Dominion, Christopher Newport, and Tidewater Community College—are shifting to remote or delayed schedules.

 

Residents should check local news and city updates, as conditions and schedules are subject to change.