High Winds Knock Out Coal-Handling Equipment at Newport News Terminal
Plus, Newport News Police Analyst Discusses Crime-Solving Role; Weekly events June 19 through 25
A major piece of coal-handling equipment at Dominion Terminal Associates in Newport News was knocked out of service after a storm with wind gusts exceeding 80 miles per hour struck the facility on the evening of June 14. According to a press release, the damaged machine, a stacker reclaimer used to move coal into and out of stockpiles, is one of two such devices at the terminal and is currently inoperable, according to Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc., which holds a majority ownership interest in DTA.
A second stacker reclaimer, which was refurbished earlier this year, remained intact and operational following the storm. Alpha, a Tennessee-based metallurgical coal supplier that uses DTA for most of its export shipments, said it has issued force majeure letters to affected customers. The company noted it maintains additional shipping capacity at terminals neighboring the Newport News facility. Terminal officials are working to assess the full scope of damage and have not yet released a timeline for repairs or a plan of action for restoring the downed machine to service.
DTA is a Newport News coal shipping and ground storage facility founded in 1984. Owned by Alpha Metallurgical Resources and Core Natural Resources, DTA handles coal sourced from Appalachian mines, combining high-speed coal handling with sampling and blending systems for delivery to global customers via ships and barges.
An example of a “Stacker Reclaimer”
In other news …
Government
Newport News City Council to hold work session June 23 Newport News TV covered the Newport News City Council Work Session held on June 23, 2026. The work session provided an opportunity for council members to address city business and deliberate on matters affecting the community. Residents interested in local governance and upcoming city initiatives can review the full session to stay informed about Newport News municipal affairs.
Newport News City Offices, Libraries Closed for Independence Day The City of Newport News reports that all municipal offices and public libraries will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of Independence Day. The closure affects city services for the entire day from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Residents are advised to plan accordingly if they need to conduct city business or access library services. For information about specific services or to learn about alternative resources during the closure, residents can contact the city at 757-933-2311 or visit the Newport News website.
Business
Virginia Peninsula Chamber Opens Registration for Business Branding Seminar The Virginia Peninsula Chamber has announced registration is now open for the Start, Grow, Thrive: Succeeding in Business seminar series. The first session, titled “Always Be Branding,” will take place on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the chamber’s location in Newport News.
Former Newport News Shipbuilding Executive Launches Defense Supply Chain Software Firm A former supply chain executive at Newport News Shipbuilding announced the launch of a technology company aimed at helping small and mid-sized defense contractors meet federal compliance requirements. Strong Chain LLC, founded by Cullen Glass, formerly Vice President of Supply Chain at Newport News Shipbuilding, offers a suite of modular software applications targeting quality management, cybersecurity compliance, and production capacity planning for defense suppliers. According to Strong Chain, smaller defense firms are increasingly being squeezed out of the defense industrial base because enterprise compliance tools are priced beyond their reach.
Community & Services
Virginia Peninsula Chamber Opens Registration for Military Recognition Breakfast The Virginia Peninsula Chamber announces registration is now open for its 2026 Military Recognition Breakfast, an event dedicated to honoring the men and women in military service. The breakfast brings together community members to recognize and celebrate the contributions of military personnel who protect our nation.
City of Newport News Announces Free Summer Meals and Juneteenth Curfew The City of Newport News reports that free summer meals are now available for children and teens across the community through Newport News Public Schools’ participation in the USDA Summer Food Service Program. Meals are provided on a first-come, first-served basis at multiple locations, with no registration required. All meals must be consumed on-site at participating locations.
Conway H. Sheild III Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Bar Association Kaufman & Canoles announced that Conway H. Sheild III received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Newport News Bar Association in recognition of his exceptional career in the legal profession. The honor celebrates more than fifty years of distinguished service to the community and the field of law.
Public Safety
Newport News Police Analyst Discusses Crime-Solving Role The Newport News Police Department shared a video featuring Senior Law Enforcement Analyst Serena Puleio discussing her role within the department. Puleio, who previously worked in the Sheriff’s Office, was drawn to analytical work after growing up watching crime shows and enjoying puzzle-solving challenges.
Recreation & Events
City of Newport News announces weekly events June 19 through 25 The City of Newport News reports a full calendar of community events and entertainment options for the week of June 19 through 25. Residents can enjoy family-friendly activities, cultural celebrations, and evening entertainment throughout the area.
Newport News Celebrates 20th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival Saturday The City of Newport News announced it will host the 20th annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival on Saturday, June 20, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Victory Landing Park. The free, family-friendly event will feature nationally known DJs, live entertainment, an immersive laser light show, food vendors, games, and giveaways celebrating freedom, culture, and community. The festival will include performances by Day 26, Tobias Cortez, and multiple DJs throughout the evening, with gates opening at 4 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to use free public parking at multiple locations throughout the city and take advantage of complimentary shuttle service. For safety and traffic updates, attendees can text “NNEvents” to 888777. The event will also stream live on Newport News Parks and Recreation’s YouTube channel. For more details, visit the Newport News Parks and Recreation website or call 757-926-1400.
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