Good morning, Chesapeake.

Claire's filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Monday and will close nearly 300 stores nationwide—while safe Hampton Roads locations, including Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach, Patrick Henry Mall in Newport News, Williamsburg Premium Outlets and Norfolk Premium Outlets, remain open for customers today.

Hampton Roads schools showed modest gains in academic scores from last year's tougher SOL tests, with most districts reporting improvements.

York County led in reading and math while other areas like Portsmouth and Norfolk raised their scores—state averages stand at 74 in reading and 72 in math.

Virginia residents aged 18 and older can apply for free beekeeping equipment from VDACS's 2025 Beehive Distribution Program until Sept.

10—each household may get up to three hives that must be built and used for a bee colony within one year. The program aims to boost pollinators in farms, forests, meadows, and wetlands.

Scientists at VIMS & William & Mary's Batten School said a local waterman caught four stone crabs in Chesapeake Bay, far north of where they normally live in warmer waters.

Professor Romuald Lipcius will document this migration and asks anyone who catches one to call him.

Governor Youngkin said Google will invest $9 billion by the end of 2026 for new AI data centers in Virginia, which may lead to more projects across the state.

In Chesapeake, residents protested an AI data center proposal and the city council voted down the project—raising concerns about local resource strain.

Blaine Stewart, a News 3 anchor, suffered a near-fatal heart attack on June 13 after a Nationals game in Washington and returned on Thursday to share details of his recovery — which included weeks in hospital and ongoing therapy — as he prepares to resume his anchoring duties.

Symphony Under the Stars

6:30-10 p.m. — Chesapeake City Park — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful evening picnic with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra beneath the stars.

Thursday Night Cruise-In at Dairy Queen

3-6 p.m. — Dairy Queen Grill & Chill — Free entry — Show off your wheels and enjoy a casual afternoon with fellow car enthusiasts.

Full Moon Yoga Session

6:30-7:30 p.m. — The Holistic Treehouse — Mats provided — Experience a grounding yoga session under the enchanting full moonlight.

Black Ink: Block Party & Lit Fest

12-5 p.m. — Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee Outreach and Innovation Library — Free entry — Celebrate storytelling with cookbooks, live performances, and interactive workshops.