Josh Janney

Staff writer

Josh Janney covers the cities of Newport News and Hampton. He earned a master's degree in communications with a specialization in journalism from Syracuse University and previously covered local government for The Winchester Star in northwestern Virginia. In his free time, he enjoys going to the cinema or visiting a local coffee shop.

On Wednesday, City Council approved three short-term rental use permit applications — at 230 N Fifth St., 826 N First St. and 8 Findley St. These were the first applications approved since the council voted in December to require all short-term rentals to have a use permit and a business license.

By Josh Janney

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May 25, 2023

Hampton approves test batch of 3 short-term rentals; city to monitor effectiveness of use permit conditions

The airport will receive $1.35 million in federal funding to update its Airport Master Plan — a planning document that guides the airport’s future for the next 5-20 years.

By Josh Janney

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May 22, 2023

Newport News airport receives federal funding to help plan for the future

For more than three weeks, public computers, printing, faxing, and scan-to-email services have all been unavailable at Newport News libraries.

By Josh Janney

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May 18, 2023

Attempted cyber attack responsible for 3-week Newport News library computer outage

Buckroe Coffee Co. became the focus of worldwide internet intrigue after business owners documenting renovation of the building space discovered a mysterious vault hidden within the shop’s walls.

By Josh Janney

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May 17, 2023

Discovery of a hidden vault inside a Hampton coffee shop captivates the imagination — and the internet

The popular Dockside Seafood Feast returns after a four-year hiatus. Money raised during the event will help sustain museum educational initiatives, student tours and school outreach.

By Josh Janney

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May 16, 2023

All-you-can-eat seafood fundraiser returning to Hampton after 4-year hiatus

During a recent City Council work session, Assistant City Manager Alan Archer and Police Chief Steve Drew made a pitch for utilizing drones to help respond to emergencies and calls for service. The goal is to increase safety for police and people involved in a crisis.

By Josh Janney

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May 13, 2023

Drones as first responders? Newport News considers employing devices to assess crime scenes

City Council unanimously adopted the city’s $611 million budget and lowered the real estate tax rate from $1.18 to $1.16 per $100 of assessed value.

By Josh Janney

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May 11, 2023

Hampton adopts $611 million budget, lowers real estate tax rate

City Council reduced the real estate tax rate by 2 cents, from $1.20 per $100 of assessed value to $1.18.

By Josh Janney

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May 10, 2023

Newport News adopts $1.1 billion budget with lower real estate tax for homeowners

About $500,000 in federal funding will be used to enhance the sheriff’s office’s re-entry program efforts, which help people leaving jail successfully re-enter society.

By Josh Janney

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May 05, 2023

Club owner Baxter Simmons said he had not received a draft lease from the National Park Service. Without one, he has not been able to negotiate the terms and doubts if the lease is approved that he would be able to open by summer.

By Josh Janney

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May 01, 2023