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Restroom facilities at Huntington Park in Newport News are set for upgrades after the city selected a contractor for the work. The project covers two sites within 60-acre site along the James River. At Fort Fun, a 14,000-square-foot playground overlooking the river, new restrooms will replace the existing toilet facilities. At the Lifeguard Station, the existing restrooms will be renovated rather than rebuilt.

The selected company, GC Commercial, is based Newport News and its website states that the company is veteran-owned. Both improvements fall under a single prime contract with the firm. GC Commercial’s bid totaled $885,943.55, with $546,271.71 for the Fort Fun restrooms and $339,671.84 for the Lifeguard Station. Eleven contractors submitted bids ranging from $639,000 to more than $2.3 million. Bid documents state that the project must be substantially complete 365 days after the contractor receives notice to proceed, and the Lifeguard Station renovation is due by April 30, 2027. No separate completion date was specified for Fort Fun.

Huntington Park also includes a boat ramp, rose garden, picnicking, ball fields and fishing at Lake Biggins. Lifeguards staff the beach seasonally, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

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Newport News Daily Brief - October 16, 2026

Habit burger block party to benefit Boys and Girls Clubs Habit says it is partnering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula to support the group’s work providing youth with inclusive, safe spaces for development. The group will have a table and interactive fundraising activity at Habit’s first-ever “Fresh Off the Block” party. The party will be Saturday, Oct. 17, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Habit’s Hampton restaurant, 2034 Coliseum Dr., with Charburgers, live music and games.

Newport News court to hold community listening tour Oct. 20 The Newport News Circuit Court Clerk’s Office says it will hold a community listening tour event Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Newport News City Council Chambers. Clerk Angela F. Reason will host with the Virginia Access to Justice Commission. Doors will open at 5 p.m., and remarks will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Newport News Sheriff’s Office to offer free drive-thru shredding event Saturday The Newport News Sheriff’s Office will hold a free drive-thru shred event Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Piggly Wiggly parking lot.

Newport News to host 2026 Global Freedom Summit on trafficking The Newport News Department of Juvenile Services will host the 2026 Global Freedom Summit, a free community event on human trafficking and the online exploitation of children, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Opportunity Center, 550 30th St. The department says attendees will hear from local professionals, nonprofit leaders and service providers about how traffickers target young people online and in person, and learn the warning signs and how to report concerns. The department encourages families, educators, caregivers, youth advocates and all interested residents to attend.

Chamber seeks nominations for 2026 Nonprofit Business of the Year The Virginia Peninsula Chamber is accepting nominations for its 2026 Nonprofit Business of the Year Award, which honors a nonprofit that has made a significant impact in the community. The chamber says the recipient will be recognized at its State of the Chamber Annual Meeting on Thursday, Dec. 17.

Newport News library to host 2026 Festival of Books Oct. 31 Newport News Public Library will hold its 2026 Festival of Books Saturday, Oct. 31, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Main Street branch, 110 Main St. The library says visitors can meet local authors and publishers, join hands-on workshops and enter writing competitions.

Mariners’ Park Fall Festival to offer music, tastings Nov. 7 The Mariners’ Museum and Park says its Fall Festival will be Saturday, Nov. 7, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Lions Bridge. Entry will be $2, free for children 3 and under, with live music, a Teeny Tiny Farm, food trucks and beer and cider tastings for ages 21 and older.

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Funding is moving forward for a slate of Newport News projects, with City Council unanimously approving the next steps at their regular meeting on October 13, 2026. The money will support new community facilities as well as facilitate improvements to how people get around the city.

The measures, all approved 6-0 Oct. 13 with Council Member Rob Coleman absent, centers on facilities that many residents rely on every day. A permanent Fire Station 11 will replace a temporary station on leased airport property as that lease nears its end, and the city says the new location will cut response times to Denbigh Boulevard, Jefferson Avenue and I-64. A replacement Virgil L. Grissom Library will take the place of a nearly 50-year-old building at the end of its service life, serving more than 88,000 people north of J. Clyde Morris Boulevard. The Southeast Community Resource Area will add a new middle school, recreation center and library, with total appropriations for that project now reaching $141.2 million.

The infrastructure work focuses on how people get around the city. Council received bids for utility easements tied to a project that will widen Warwick Boulevard sidewalks from 6 feet to 8 feet between Lucas Creek Road and Atkinson Boulevard, with the easements allowing underground electric lines and lighting. A section of Old Denbigh Boulevard will join the city street system, tied to a sidewalk project that adds ADA-compliant ramps and a pedestrian signal. Council also appropriated $5 million to close out the Newport News Transportation Center Project, whose Amtrak station opened Aug. 22, 2024.

City Line Road Right-of-Way Vacated, Waterline Access Kept

A 4,914-square-foot portion of right-of-way south of 48th Street on City Line Road will be vacated after City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Oct. 13, according to the council’s agenda summary. The 6-0 vote came with Council Member Rob Coleman absent. Waterworks will retain an easement for its waterline, while Liebherr-America Inc. moves equipment between its adjacent properties.

Warwick Boulevard Sidewalks Set to Widen for Pedestrians

Sidewalks along Warwick Boulevard from Lucas Creek Road to Atkinson Boulevard are set to widen from 6 feet to 8 feet as part of a project to bring pedestrian access up to federal standards, according to the council’s agenda summary. City Council voted 6-0 Oct. 13 to receive bids for related utility easements, with Council Member Rob Coleman absent.

Underground Electric Lines and Lighting Planned on Warwick Boulevard

The winning bidder for two 10-foot-wide utility easements at 15198 Warwick Boulevard would install underground electric lines and lighting fixtures, according to the council’s agenda summary. City Council voted 6-0 Oct. 13 to receive bids, with Council Member Rob Coleman absent. Action to grant the easements is expected Oct. 27.

Voter Registrar to Lease Space in Brentwood Shopping Center

Newport News’ voter registrar will lease 6,825 square feet at 10500 Jefferson Ave. in a shopping center owned by the Economic Development Authority, according to the council’s agenda summary. City Council unanimously approved the lease Oct. 13, 6-0, with Council Member Rob Coleman absent. The five-year deal has no rent, though the city will pay its share of operating expenses.

Newport News to Expand Flood Messaging for Residents

Newport News will expand flood messaging, including flood insurance information and resources before, during and after emergencies, under an updated Program for Public Information, according to the council’s agenda summary. City Council adopted the plan 6-0 Oct. 13, with Council Member Rob Coleman absent. The effort uses existing Engineering Department funds.

Old Denbigh Boulevard Section to Join City Street System

Part of Old Denbigh Boulevard will join the city street system, and city-owned land at 1001 Denbigh Boulevard will become public right-of-way, according to the council’s agenda summary. City Council voted 6-0 Oct. 13, with Council Member Rob Coleman absent. The Denbigh Boulevard Sidewalk Project would add a sidewalk, ADA-compliant ramps and a pedestrian signal.

Permanent Fire Station 11 to Replace Temporary Airport Site

A permanent Fire Station 11 at Turnberry and McManus boulevards will replace the temporary station at the airport and shorten response times to Denbigh Boulevard, Jefferson Avenue and I-64, according to the council’s agenda summary. City Council voted 6-0 Oct. 13 to appropriate $2,655,000, with Council Member Rob Coleman absent. The city broke ground Feb. 13.

Newport News Transportation Center Project Gets $5 Million to Close

The Newport News Transportation Center Project, which includes the new Amtrak station, will close out with a $5 million appropriation from the general fund’s assigned fund balance, according to the council’s agenda summary. City Council voted 6-0 Oct. 13, with Council Member Rob Coleman absent. The station opened Aug. 22, 2024, and the project reached final completion this summer.

New Two-Story Grissom Library to Anchor Sherwood Redevelopment

A new two-story, 51,450-square-foot Virgil L. Grissom Library will anchor redevelopment of the Sherwood Shopping Center site, according to the council’s agenda summary. City Council voted 6-0 Oct. 13 to appropriate $8,822,000, with Council Member Rob Coleman absent. The funding brings the project to $47.8 million. The city broke ground July 16.

Southeast Community Resource Area to Get School, Recreation Center

The Southeast Community Resource Area will get a new middle school, recreation center and library, according to the council’s agenda summary. City Council voted 6-0 Oct. 13 to appropriate $11.4 million, with Council Member Rob Coleman absent. The funding brings total appropriations to $141.2 million, and construction has begun.

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The Newport News Planning Commission advanced a package of zoning text amendments intended to align city definitions for assisted living facilities and group homes with Virginia state law, forwarding each item to City Council on unanimous votes. At their meeting on October 7, the commission also approved a rezoning request that would allow a vacant former restaurant at 12580 Jefferson Avenue to be repurposed as a Bank of America branch, and reviewed a conditional use permit for a faith-based residential care program serving young boys. These matters are planned for City Council consideration on October 27, 2026.

The proposed amendments to definitions for assisted living facilities and group homes carry practical significance because state law requires qualifying licensed residential facilities serving eight or fewer residents to be treated as single-family residential occupancy, according to agency materials. Staff materials state that the existing four-person threshold for assisted living facility congregate classifications overlaps with those smaller protected facilities, a problem the proposed increase to a nine-person minimum threshold is designed to resolve. The amendments would also delete the definition of special residential facility, which staff described as overlapping with the group home classifications and creating confusion.

Beyond the definition changes, the commission considered separate amendments on wireless facility review procedures and site plan waivers, as well as the Bank of America rezoning and the Ziklag House group home permit. Nyoka Hall, Zoning Administrator, presented the wireless facility and definition amendments, describing each as aligning the city’s ordinance with applicable provisions of the Code of Virginia. Saul Gleiser, Senior Planner and Urban Designer, presented the rezoning and group home permit applications, recommending approval of both to be forwarded to City Council.

The commission opened the public hearing on change of zoning application CZ-2026-0003, under which RL 12580, LLC, and Bank of America sought to rezone a 1.64-acre parcel at 12580 Jefferson Avenue from M1 Light Industrial to C1 Retail Commercial with proffers. Gleiser described the property as vacant following its prior use as a restaurant, surrounded by a mix of M1 and C1 properties, and said the One City, One Future 2045 land use map designates the site for community commercial use. The presentation noted that while a bank could operate under M1 zoning through a conditional use permit, rezoning to C1 would allow the use by right and bring the property into conformance with the comprehensive plan. The applicant described planned improvements including ATM canopies, ADA-compliant handicap stall repaving, rebranding elements, and removal of an unsightly dumpster. The commission voted 8 to 0 to recommend approval, with the case scheduled for City Council on October 27, 2026. (0:11:06)

The commission then considered conditional use permit application CU-2026-0006, submitted for the operation of a group home designated as Ziklag House at 823 27th Street, a 0.11-acre R4 Single-Family Dwelling parcel. Gleiser described the Ziklag House Corporation as a faith-based residential center proposing to serve up to four boys between the ages of 8 and 10 who require structured care due to physical, emotional, social, educational, intellectual or spiritual needs, with a qualified adult staff member present 24 hours a day. Domond testified before the commission, stating that residents would be transported to their existing schools to preserve continuity, that participants would be referred by the Virginia Department of Social Services or the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and that the maximum length of stay would not exceed 24 months. Commissioners questioned the location, the transition plan for residents at the end of the 24-month period and whether any similar homes existed in the Hampton Roads area, with Domond stating the program is her own creation and would be the first of its kind. The commission voted 8 to 0 to recommend approval with 18 conditions, also forwarding the matter to City Council for October 27, 2026. (0:29:40)

The commission took up zoning text amendment ZT-2026-0005, which proposed amending Chapter 45, Section 45-523 of the zoning ordinance governing communication towers, wireless facilities and small cell facilities. Hall explained that the amendment would establish an administrative review process consistent with state statutory requirements for qualifying modifications that do not substantially change a facility’s physical dimensions, covering the addition, removal or replacement of transmission equipment and certain excavation or equipment deployment within 30 feet of an existing facility. The commission voted 8 to 0 to recommend adoption to City Council. (1:16:54)

Hall then presented zoning text amendment ZT-2026-0006, proposing to amend Chapter 33.02, Section 33.02-23 to allow the Director of Planning to grant a site plan waiver for commercial projects involving no more than 1,500 square feet of proposed building or site improvement area. The presentation outlined five criteria a project must satisfy to qualify, including no adverse impact on traffic circulation, no construction or modification of public streets or utilities, no modification of stormwater management facilities and full compliance with zoning and city regulations. Hall clarified in response to a commissioner’s question that the waiver applies to commercial construction under Chapter 33.02, not residential additions, and that the 1,500-square-foot threshold was selected as a reasonable figure below the 2,500-square-foot level, based on the size of requests historically approved through administrative waiver. The commission voted 8 to 0 to recommend adoption. (1:20:34)

Hall presented zoning text amendment ZT-2026-0007, which proposed amending Chapter 45, Section 45-201 to clarify the definitions of assisted living facility, assisted living facility congregate and group home, and to delete the definition of special residential facility. The presentation described four changes: clarifying the assisted living facility definition to reflect state law and incorporate the exclusion of current illegal substance use from the definition of mental illness and developmental disability; raising the minimum occupancy threshold for the congregate classification from four to nine persons; clarifying group home A and B definitions to reflect state requirements on residents served, occupancy, staffing and licensing; and deleting the special residential facility definition to remove overlapping language. Hall explained in response to commissioner questions that the nine-person threshold for the congregate category was chosen because the Virginia state code’s protected class provision covers facilities serving eight or fewer residents, and the revised threshold keeps the congregate classification separate from those smaller protected facilities. The Regulations Committee reviewed and recommended approval on September 16, 2026, according to agency materials. The commission voted 8 to 0 to recommend adoption to City Council. (1:26:38)

The commission considered zoning text amendment ZT-2026-0008, also presented by Hall, which proposed amending Chapter 45, Section 45-402, the permitted residential uses table, to update references consistent with the definition changes adopted under ZT-2026-0007. Hall described three changes to the use table: revising use B.8 group home to reference both the A and B classifications, revising use B.13 assisted living facility to reference both the A and B classifications, and removing use B.15 special residential facility from the table entirely because its definition is being deleted from Section 45-201. The presentation stated that the proposed changes do not expand or reduce the districts where group homes or assisted living facilities are permitted, but update the names and references in the table to reflect the accompanying definition changes. The Regulations Committee reviewed and recommended approval on September 16, 2026. (1:32:50)

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The Virginia Department of Transportation’s Hampton Roads District weekly traffic alert lists work on Interstate 64 in its Newport News and Hampton project area. Single-lane closures run in both directions from I-664 to Rip Rap Road through Oct. 16, and between Denbigh Boulevard and Mercury Boulevard (exit 263).

Brief, intermittent stoppages are scheduled from 1-4 a.m. Oct. 11-16 on I-64 east between Mercury Boulevard and I-664 and on I-64 west between I-664 and J. Clyde Morris Boulevard. Several ramps close overnight Oct. 11-15, including I-664 north to I-64 east and the I-64 west exit to I-664 south (exit 264A), both from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Long-term closures are also listed, including the LaSalle Avenue on-ramp to I-64 east and an inside lane on I-64 between LaSalle Avenue and Denbigh Boulevard. Work is weather permitting. Drivers can check 511.vdot.virginia.gov, use the VDOT 511 app or dial 511.

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Newport News Daily Brief, October 13, 2026

Education

Heritage High School celebrates school spirit at pep rally event.

Heritage High School in Newport News held a pep rally that was recorded and edited by Christopher “CJ” Sheppard, according to NNPS Telecom, a student-produced television channel based in Newport News. The channel, which features high school sporting events, graduations and other school productions, shared the pep rally footage as part of its ongoing coverage of local student activities.

New Kent students explore future public safety in Newport News

Gifted students from New Kent Middle School visited Newport News on Oct. 6 for a hands-on learning experience as part of a future-city project, according to a Newport News Fire Department news release. The students met with Fire Chief Wesley Rogers, Senior Deputy City Manager Sabrina Joy-Hogg, and Benjamin Scott from the City of Newport News Department of Information Technology to learn about public safety, city operations, and technology. The visit challenged students to design a self-sufficient community capable of withstanding fires, cyber disruptions, and other threats while exposing them to careers in emergency services and local government.

Military

US Navy seeks shipyard data for submarine programme

The US Navy issued a sources sought notice requesting information from prime shipyards about capacity for the SSN(X) attack submarine programme, successor to Virginia class submarines. General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding are the two eligible yards. Responses will be due October 15, with production expected to begin around 2034.

HII CEO warns of costly delays switching carrier catapults back to steam

The Trump administration has directed the Department of Defense to develop plans for replacing electromagnetic launch systems with steam catapults on future aircraft carriers. HII CEO Christ Kastner said switching the USS Doris Miller from EMALS to steam would require significant design changes and cause program delays. The memorandum issued in August requires the Navy to submit a replacement plan within 60 days.

Development

Merchants Capital secures nearly $98 million for Newport News affordable housing

Merchants Capital arranged $97.8 million in financing for the rehabilitation of Stuart Gardens, a 491-unit affordable housing property in Newport News, Virginia. The capital stack includes a $62.8 million HUD loan, $35 million in equity bridge loans from Merchants Bank, and low-income housing tax credits, alongside historic and green retrofit financing.

Newport News streamlines development review and permitting processes for applicants.

The City of Newport News has launched improvements to its development review and permitting processes, including a new Citizen Self Service Portal launched in 2024, hiring a Navigator/Manager of Development Services in June 2026 and a Development Services Specialist in August 2026, and developing standardized comment forms and performance measures to enhance consistency and transparency across departments.

Science & Technology

Kanama Bivins named associate laboratory director at Jefferson Lab.

Kanama Bivins has been appointed associate laboratory director for business services at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in Newport News, Virginia. In this role, Bivins oversees the lab’s finance, procurement, budget and property management functions, reporting directly to the chief operating officer.

Community & Services

Newport News launches housing relief grant program for homeowners

The City of Newport News is accepting applications through December 31 for its ResidentFirst Housing Relief Grant Program, which offers income-based assistance to eligible homeowners, according to a city news release. The program provides $300,000 in grants on a first-come, first-served basis to residents whose housing costs equal or exceed 30% of household income. Applicants must own and occupy their Newport News home and meet income requirements. Approved grants will be credited to June property tax balances. Residents can apply online or submit paper applications at the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office or call 757-926-8653 for assistance.

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A contractor is being sought to rehabilitate the waterfront restaurant building at 2295 Harbor Road, according to an invitation for bids. The City of Newport News owns the property and leases it to the Newport News Industrial Development Authority, which will contract the work. The approximately 4,650-square-foot building was originally constructed in 1940. It previously served as a Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Station and was the railway’s fourth Newport News depot, and Amtrak later operated it until 1981. The work is intended to prepare the building for a new restaurant tenant and operator.

According to a Feb. 3, 2025, article titled Opening New Doors, the authority finalized its selection of an operator for the waterfront restaurant. Antoine Bethea will bring a new concept, 41 on Harbor, to the space. The restaurant is to offer an affordable-upscale American dining experience, with plans to add weekend brunch service. It would also add a dining option downtown, complementing ongoing development on 23rd Street. The article added that $300,000 in funding awarded to the city from the Port Host Communities Revitalization Fund will support modernization of the facility.

Two contracts with PMA Inc. for work on the restaurant are listed on a project page at apps.nnva.gov. The first covers architectural and engineering services, with listed dates of May 7, 2024, to Nov. 30, 2024, a contract amount of $143,863.00 and $143,863.00 paid to date. The second covers construction document design, meaning the detailed drawings used to build a project, with listed dates of Dec. 6, 2024, to May 31, 2025. Its contract amount is $591,721.00, with $397,498.55 paid to date. The page also marks the design phase as 100% complete.

The same project page lays out the remaining schedule. A phase labeled Pre-Ad is listed as ending Nov. 5, 2026. The page lists an advertisement phase from Nov. 6, 2026, to Nov. 19, 2026, although the invitation for bids was released Oct. 8, 2026. A construction award phase is listed as running from Nov. 21, 2026, to Jan. 4, 2027. Construction is then scheduled to run through next summer. The page lists Oct. 9, 2027, as the end of project closeout, the final step.

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Newport News library offers free Festival of Books Oct. 31

Book lovers can attend the Newport News Public Library’s free Festival of Books from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Main Street Library. The event features local authors, two workshops, writing competitions for adults and for youth ages 8 to 11, giveaways, face painting and entertainment.

BrassWind closes Tech Center summer concert series Oct. 15

Neighbors can wrap up the season with live music Thursday, Oct. 15, when the horn-driven party band BrassWind closes Tech Center Research Park’s 2026 Summer Concert Series. Music starts at 6 p.m. at 800 Tech Center Parkway in Newport News. Guests can bring lawn chairs and enjoy food from vendors.

Jefferson Lab joins two newly funded Genesis Mission projects

Jefferson Lab is a partner on two projects receiving new multi-year funding under Phase II of the Department of Energy’s Genesis Mission, according to a Jefferson Lab news release. One project will aid interpretation of physics experiments and theory, and the other will expand Super Intelligence-enabled capabilities for particle accelerator operations.

Summer Intern Conserves Three Objects at Mariners Museum Lab

At The Mariners’ Museum and Park in Newport News, summer conservation intern Alva Brookshire spent nine weeks restoring a taped tea saucer from the S.S. Brittania, cleaning a Polynesian sailing canoe model and rebinding a damaged 1963 library book, the museum’s blog reports. Brookshire, a Christopher Newport University student, called the internship their first professional conservation experience.

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Newport News Public Schools set a record on-time graduation rate of 98.06% for the Class of 2026, up from 97.26% in 2025, according to the district’s news site. The Virginia Department of Education released the School Performance and Support Framework ratings Oct. 7, sorting schools into four categories from Distinguished to Needs Intensive Support. The district’s dropout rate was 0.24%.

Every school in the district remains fully accredited for the second consecutive year, and 81%, or 30 of 37 schools, in Newport News meet or exceed Virginia’s academic performance expectations, the district’s news site reported. Booker T. Washington Middle School and Woodside High School joined Deer Park, General Stanford and Hilton elementary schools as Distinguished schools. The three elementary schools earned the designation for a second straight year.

The district’s news site reported that 25 schools received a lower overall designation based solely on federal student-group accountability requirements. Superintendent Michele Mitchell said the lower designations were not because of a decline in the schools’ overall performance. She added that the district remains committed to improving outcomes for every student, including student groups where achievement gaps exist.

Statewide, the department reported that schools gained 4 to 5 points on average on the framework in its second year, and 38% improved their performance category. A record 16 of 49 federally identified schools exited Comprehensive Support and Improvement status, and three of every four schools reduced chronic absenteeism. Among the state’s more than 1,800 schools, 99% are fully accredited.

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Newport News Daily Brief, October 9, 2026

Education

Freshman Erin Rigby Sings With Broadway Stars and Virginia Symphony

Christopher Newport University freshman Erin Rigby, a music and theatre student, performed a solo with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Broadway stars Erika Henningsen and Santino Fontana before 1,700 people at the Ferguson Center for the Arts, just two weeks into her first semester, CNU’s Kelley McGee reported Oct. 8.

NNPS Teacher Andrea Williams-Roots Named Adapted Physical Educator of Year

Newport News Public Schools adapted physical education teacher Andrea Williams-Roots was named 2026 Adapted Physical Educator Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, NNPS reported Oct. 5. She serves the district’s middle and high schools and will be recognized Oct. 24-25 at the association’s convention in Lynchburg. Williams-Roots became a physical education teacher in 1992 and moved into adapted physical education in 2015. Adapted physical education is instruction specially designed for students with disabilities. She calls herself an “edu-carer” who builds relationships and helps students become lifelong physically active participants.

Business

BayPort Reopens Downtown Newport News Branch, Only Financial Institution There

BayPort Credit Union, the only financial institution with a branch in downtown Newport News, reopened its renovated 37th Street location, its first-ever branch, BayPort said in an Oct. 5 press release. The overhaul added drive-thru and walk-up interactive teller machines, and BayPort gave The Mariners’ Museum $25,000.

Community & Services

Community listening tour on justice

Angela Reason, Clerk of the Newport News Circuit Court, will host a Community Listening Tour on October 20 in partnership with the Virginia Access to Justice Commission. Residents can share experiences about access to justice with judges and legal community members. Community organizations will provide resource tables at the free event held at City Council Chambers.

Waterworks to host science focused event at Tradition Brewing

Join Newport News Waterworks on October 16 at Tradition Brewing Company for “A Scientist Walks Into a Bar,” a free event exploring water science and beverage making. The presentation will cover water treatment, quality, and brewing processes, followed by water-themed trivia and prizes.

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A 17,775-square-foot commercial structure at 10615 Jefferson Ave in Newport News is slated for demolition after being declared unsafe and derelict. The building has been described as both an attractive nuisance and a fire hazard, raising concerns for neighbors and nearby properties. An Unsafe Structure Notice was issued in March 2026, and when the owner failed to correct the violation, the matter went to court, which ordered the demolition.

The city has now released an Invitation for Bid to find a contractor for the job, with the project released on October 5, 2026. The work calls for removing the entire structure down to its floor slabs, including all building materials, finishes, furnishings, plumbing, mechanical and electrical fixtures, and both structural and nonstructural components. The contractor must also cut off and cap all floor penetrations once the building is cleared.

Interested contractors face a tight timeline. A mandatory pre-bid conference and site visit takes place today, October 8, at 10:30 am at the property. Questions are due by October 15, and bids must be submitted by October 23 at 2:00 pm. Bidders are responsible for examining the bid documents, understanding site conditions that could affect cost and progress, and promptly reporting any conflicts or discrepancies they find.

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Newport News Daily Brief- October 8, 2026

Government

Newport News to hold referendum on school construction sales tax

On November 3, 2026, Newport News residents will vote on whether to authorize an additional one percent local retail sales tax dedicated exclusively to school capital projects. If approved and adopted by City Council, the combined sales tax rate would rise from six to seven percent and generate approximately $29 million annually through 2046. The tax would not apply to groceries, hygiene products, vehicles, or gasoline. The school district has identified roughly $356.8 million in capital needs through fiscal 2031, including Denbigh High School renovation and Dutrow Elementary replacement. Newport News is among 47 Virginia localities with this question on the ballot. Early voting will run through October 31, with a town hall scheduled for October 6 at Warwick High School.

Newport News employees can elect 2027 benefits during October window

The City of Newport News is conducting its annual open enrollment for employee benefits from October 5–12, 2026. Full-time and part-time employees can select from medical plans through Sentara Health (traditional POS or high-deductible with HSA), dental coverage via Delta Dental, and vision insurance through VSP. Additional offerings include flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts with city contributions of $750–$1,500, life insurance options, legal services, voluntary benefits, and long-term disability coverage. Employees should use the MUNIS Employee Self-Service portal to complete their elections and can access educational resources including presentation videos and benefits guides on the city’s human resources website.

Newport News receives array of municipal recognition awards

Newport News earned numerous accolades across multiple city departments throughout 2026 and prior years. Notable recent achievements include the Fire Department’s highest-grade Class 1 ISO rating and reaccreditation, the Library’s recognition for programs supporting community engagement, Waterworks’ gold awards for water treatment excellence, and the Department of Human Services’ ICMA award for the A Chance to Shine Program. Earlier recognitions spanned environmental stewardship, economic development partnerships, budget excellence, and innovative public safety initiatives, demonstrating the city’s commitment to operational quality and community wellbeing across diverse municipal functions.

Education

Christopher Newport University celebrates Homecoming 2026 with returning alumni

Christopher Newport University shared a video about Homecoming 2026, showcasing the return of alumni and current students to campus for a day of reconnection and celebration. The event brought together Captains from various graduating classes to share stories, catch up with old friends, and participate in activities across the university community.

Military

USS Harry S. Truman Arrives at Newport News Shipbuilding for Major Overhaul

The USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) arrived at Newport News Shipbuilding on September 30 to begin its refueling and complex overhaul, a significant maintenance and modernization initiative for the aircraft carrier. HII shared a video featuring shipbuilders involved in this major project, offering insight into the scope and scale of work ahead.

Business

City of Newport News to host artificial intelligence implementation forum

Newport News AI Day 2026 will take place October 15 at Christopher Newport University’s David Student Union, running from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM. The City of Newport News Department of Information Technology organizes this complimentary event designed for government and education professionals to discuss practical applications of artificial intelligence in their sectors. Registration is restricted to participants using official government or educational email addresses; personal, contractor, and vendor addresses are not permitted. Parking is available at Ferguson Center garage with shuttle service to the venue. Interested attendees can register at the event website.

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The City of Newport News has issued an invitation for bids, a formal request for contractors to submit sealed prices, to build a new seafood market at the north end of the Seafood Industrial Park. The project is part of a neighborhood redevelopment effort. The selected contractor would provide all labor, materials and equipment for a 7,000-square-foot market building and supporting site development. The city’s invitation lays out the specifications and requirements bidders must follow.

Marshall-Ridley Choice Neighborhood Initiative efforts in Newport News’ Southeast Community include this project. According to the invitation, the goal is a functional, code-compliant and aesthetically aligned seafood market. The market is intended to support local seafood industry operations and give residents more access to fresh seafood. It is also meant to contribute to broader redevelopment goals in the Southeast Community.

Inside, the building would hold a public food hall, served by vendor stalls and a commercial kitchen, plus offices for the market operator and harbor master. Kitchen support areas include a loading dock and refrigerated trash storage. Outdoor eating areas would include a boardwalk overlooking the harbor, along with other seating. The existing parking lot would shrink, and visitors would walk from the inlet street along a landscaped path to the market entrance. The drawings’ Department Legend lists 34 rooms and spaces, indoors and out, including a Patio Deck that appears in Design Alternate 02.

The project team list in the plan sheets names the Newport News Economic Development Authority as owner, while the invitation’s Summary section defines the City of Newport News as the Owner. The Economic Development Authority of the City of Newport News, Virginia will serve as the contracting entity for the project. Work Program Architects is the architect, and Sam Bowling is the architect of record. Timmons Group is the civil engineer, and IMEG, formerly Lynch Mykins, is the structural engineer. Ricca Design Studios is listed for food service, Pace Collaborative covers plumbing, mechanical and electrical work, and Orbis Landscape Architecture is the landscape architect.

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Newport News Daily Brief, October 7, 2026

Community & Services

Serve the City Peninsula Serves Nearly 70% of the Year

Serve the City Peninsula reports it serves nearly 70% of the year, which the group describes as over 250 days each year dedicated to showing up for the city and loving neighbors. The organization says that includes 20+ days a month of serving the community consistently, a share it describes as nearly two-thirds of every year, with the aim of building stronger neighborhoods together. It thanks every volunteer, partner, and supporter who makes this possible. The organization lists these upcoming volunteer opportunities:

• Diaper Bank Packing Project, October 9, 12:45pm – 2:30pm

• EarthBond U Litter Clean Up, October 10, 9:30am – 11:30am

• BINGO @ Sprately House, October 10, 8:00am – 12:00pm

• SAME Mobile Food Pantry, October 10, 9:30am – 12:00pm

• Zion Foodbank, October 13, 10:30am – 1:30pm

• Yard Transformation, October 15, 9:00am – 12:00pm

• Elmerton Cemetery, October 16, 9:00am – 12:00pm

• Urban Ag Garden, October 17, 9:00am – 12:00pm

• Prep for Paint at GCO, October 23, 10:00am – 12:00pm

• Habitat Repair Blitz @ GCO, October 24, 8:00am – 3:00pm

• SAME Support Day, October 26, 9:30am – 1:30pm

• Yard Transformation, October 30, 9:00am – 12:00pm

• HBC Community Dinner, October 30, 5:00pm – 7:30pm

Newport News Police to Host Domestic Violence Awareness Walk October 28

The Newport News Police Department says it will join advocates and survivors for the annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk at City Center on Wednesday, October 28, at 5 p.m. According to the department, participants will meet at the gazebo for a short program, then walk together around the fountain, and attendees are encouraged to wear purple. The department says it is also partnering with Transitions Family Violence Services throughout October to collect brand new items for survivors leaving unsafe situations, and it lists drop-off locations. Information supplied separately says the department is working with service providers and community members this month to highlight safety, support, and collective action.

Items being collected include:

• toiletries such as shampoo, soap, deodorant, and toothpaste

• feminine hygiene products

• blankets and towels

• diapers, wipes, and baby supplies

• socks and undergarments

• household essentials such as cleaning products and laundry detergent

• non-perishable snacks and bottled water

Drop-Off Locations:

• NNPD – Headquarters, 9710 Jefferson Ave.

• NNPD – Central Precinct, 611 Dresden Dr

• NNPD – South Precinct, 3303 Jefferson Ave

• NNPD – North Precinct, 13785 Warwick Blvd

• New Beech Grove Baptist Church, 361 Beechmont Dr

• Holiday Inn, 930 Omni Blvd

• Gethsemane Baptist Church, 5405 Roanoke Ave

• Brittingham-Midtown Community Center, 570 McLawhorne Dr

• Denbigh Community Center, 15198 Warwick Blvd

• Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, 2410 Wickham Ave.

• Newport News Public Schools – Administrative Office, 12465 Warwick Blvd

• Center for Women’s Health, 716 Denbigh Blvd. Bldg. E Suite 2

• Hornsby Tire & Service Center Tire Pros, 3300 Jefferson Ave

• Commissioner of the Revenue – 2400 Washington Ave. (City Hall)

• Commissioner of the Revenue – 12912 Jefferson Ave. (Denbigh Office)

Tourism & Events

Cirque de Paris to Bring French Circus to Newport News

Cirque Anouchka Bouglione says its Cirque de Paris show will perform under the Big Top at American Legion Post 368 in Newport News from October 8 to October 11. According to the company, the 90 minute show will feature Europe’s best circus artists performing together for the first time in the United States, including the Supka Family juggling troupe, two traditional circus clowns, and producer Anouchka Bouglione’s children, Noah and Alyana, in their season debut. The company describes Bouglione as the seventh generation of France’s Bouglione circus family, whose relatives became owners of the Cirque D’Hiver in Paris in 1934.

Parks and Recreation

Yoga at Mariners’ Lake Boathouse to Start Thursday in Mariners Park

Yoga at Mariners’ Lake Boathouse with Bleevable Prana will take place at the Boathouse in Mariners Park from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and costs $20 per person. The listing says each participant should supply their own yoga mat, advance registration is recommended, and parking is available at the Boathouse. Information supplied separately says Bettina Lee of Bleevable Prana will lead a session along Mariners’ Lake each Thursday evening in October, with the first session this Thursday, October 8.

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A City of Newport News slide announces that applications for ResidentFirst, a housing relief program for Newport News homeowners, open October 1. According to additional information provided, ResidentFirst is a new income-based grant program for eligible homeowners. The same information says applications will be due Thursday, December 31, and funding is limited, with grants awarded first come, first served until program funds run out.

Applicants must meet household-income limits, have housing costs equal to at least 30 percent of combined household income, own and live in the Newport News home, and not own other real property, with provisions for some homeowners in care facilities. Residents can apply online or on paper and should have income documentation for everyone in the home and documentation of eligible housing costs for the prior calendar year.

Supporting papers can be uploaded online or brought or mailed to the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Downtown Office. The information provided also states that applying does not guarantee a grant, and residents should keep paying real estate taxes while applications are under review. Help is available from the Commissioner of the Revenue at 757-926-8653 or cts@nnva.gov, and in person at 2400 Washington Ave. or the satellite office at 12912 Jefferson Ave., Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Government

Newport News Hosts Town Hall on School Sales Tax Referendum

A flyer from the City of Newport News and Newport News Public Schools announces an informational town hall on October 6, 2026 at 6:00 PM at Warwick High School. It covers the school capital sales tax referendum on the November 3, 2026 ballot. The sample ballot asks about an added local sales tax of up to one percent for school construction or major renovation, expiring June 30, 2046. According to additional information provided, the tax would raise an estimated $29 million a year if voters approve and City Council adopts it, and it would apply to most retail purchases, including restaurant meals, but not groceries, motor vehicles or gasoline. A yes vote would not create the tax, only let City Council consider adopting it by separate ordinance. Council voted unanimously on July 14, 2026 to put the question on the ballot. The town hall is free, doors open at 5:30 p.m., and Vice Mayor Curtis D. Bethany III will facilitate.

Newport News Early Voting Open Now With Weekend Hours

A City of Newport News early voting slide says voting is open now Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with added weekend hours on October 18, 24, 25, and 31. According to additional information provided, the final two weeks of early voting, October 18 through 31, will take place in the City Hall lobby ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, November 3. Questions can go to 757-926-VOTE. votenn@nnva.gov

Education

CNU Invites Prospective Students to Open House October 17

Christopher Newport University will host an open house on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Newport News, according to a CNU flyer. The event will highlight more than 90 areas of study, undergraduate research, study abroad, internships, and leadership opportunities. The flyer also promotes the new Science and Engineering Research Center and championship athletics. It welcomes first-time college students, transfers, veterans, military members, dependents, and graduate students.

Roads and Infrastructure

HRBT Weekend Closures Planned Through October With November Backups

A closure schedule lists weekend closures that will each run from 9 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. A westbound closure to Hampton is planned, if needed, beginning Friday, Oct. 9. Eastbound closures to Norfolk will begin Friday, Oct. 16 and, if needed, Friday, Oct. 30. The weekends of Nov. 6-9 and Nov. 13-16 are backup dates. The schedule urges drivers to use the I-664 Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel as the primary alternate route, with Route 17 James River Bridge and the free Jamestown-Scotland Ferry as other options. According to additional information provided, the closures are at the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel as I-64 construction continues, work is weather dependent, and transit riders can check detours at the address below.

Community & Services

CANstruction Competition Set for October 21 in Newport News

A flyer for the 2026 CANstruction Competition announces a live event on Wednesday, October 21, from 4 to 7 PM at New Horizons Regional Education Center in Newport News. Teams will build sculptures from cans of food on the theme Celebrating America’s 250th, and the food will go to THRIVE Peninsula and Grove Christian Outreach Center. According to additional information provided, boxes of food are also used and monetary donations are accepted.

Newport News Human Services to Host Resource Fair October 10

Newport News Human Services will host the Human Services Day Resource Fair on October 10, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 6060 Jefferson Avenue. The department describes the fair as a one-stop shop for housing, health, job, and family resources. According to additional information provided, this is the second annual fair, and it will include children’s activities, giveaways, screenings, and free food.Tourism & Events

Port Warwick Art and Sculpture Festival Seeks Volunteers October 10-11

A flyer for the 22nd Annual Port Warwick Art & Sculpture Festival seeks volunteers for the event on William Styron Square in Port Warwick on October 10-11, 2026. It lists reasons to volunteer, including connecting with people, giving back to the community, and supporting the arts and local artists. It also mentions a beer and wine garden and family fun. Questions go to Laura@portwarwick.com.

Mariners’ Park Fall Festival Set for November 7 With Tastings

The Mariners’ Park is urging people to get tickets for its Fall Festival. According to additional information provided, the festival will be Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Lions Bridge at The Mariners’ Museum and Park. The event will feature family-friendly activities, a Teeny Tiny Farm, live music, food trucks, and beer and cider tastings for guests 21 and older with a valid ID. Admission is $2 per person, and children 3 and under are free. Advance tasting tickets cost $45, or $35 for museum members, and include free admission. Guests who buy in advance online receive a free gift while supplies last. Pets should stay home.

USS Monitor Legacy Program to Examine Second Battle of Sabine Pass

The USS Monitor Legacy Program will present a lecture on the Second Battle of Sabine Pass on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at noon Eastern. According to additional information provided, John V. Quarstein, director emeritus of the USS Monitor Center, will speak from 12 to 1 p.m. about the 1863 fight in which 49 Confederate defenders at Fort Griffin, led by Lt. Richard Dowling, stopped a Union advance. Advance registration is required to attend in person, with free admission for museum members and $1 for guests. The lecture will also be livestreamed and free to watch online.

Historian to Present Merci Train Story at Lee Hall Depot

City Historian Mary Kayaselcuk will present The Merci Train: A Story of Generosity & Gratitude at 7 p.m. at the Lee Hall Depot, 9 Elmhurst Street in Newport News. As part of VA250 celebrations recognizing the bond between France and the United States, she will highlight the story of boxcar diplomacy. The event is free and open to the public and is cosponsored by the Lee Hall Train Station Foundation and the City of Newport News. Information is available at 757-525-7372.

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The City of Newport News has received $2 million in federal funding to help connect Peninsula fiber to the regional network on the Southside, according to a city news release posted Oct. 1 on the Newport News city website. The money supports the Peninsula Digital Infrastructure Expansion Initiative.

The funding will help run fiber-optics through the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel and the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, closing a gap in the regional fiber ring where water separates the Peninsula from the Southside. The new lines would link Newport News and Hampton to the open-access fiber ring on the Southside. Over time, the release says, the Peninsula would also connect to undersea cables that come ashore in Virginia Beach.

Because the project uses both tunnels, the region gains two paths for data. If one has a problem, internet and communication traffic can use the other, according to the release. The city says that reliability matters for hospitals, schools, universities and emergency services, which depend on real-time connections.

U.S. Rep. Robert C. Scott presented the funding, which he secured as Community Project Funding in the fiscal year 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The award is part of the city’s Digital Infrastructure Readiness effort. The city is studying fiber and conduit it already owns and the needs of residents, schools and businesses, and looking at ways to make building faster and less costly for internet providers.

The city’s Digital Infrastructure web page describes the work as a city-led plan to assess strengths and gaps in systems such as fiber, wireless networks, cybersecurity and workforce skills. That page lists planning and assessment as in progress, followed by public engagement, draft development, public review and final adoption. It says no developer, deal or zoning change is involved. Mayor Phillip Jones said in the release that the city is preparing for the industries and technologies of coming decades. The city’s materials do not give a total project cost, a construction timeline or details of Hampton’s role.

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Newport News Daily Brief - October 5, 2026

Education

Community members share input on NNPS efficiency study plan

Newport News Public Schools held initial public meetings September 29 through October 1 where families, staff and community members provided feedback on an efficiency study. The district partnered with consulting firm WXY to develop new school attendance zones aimed at maximizing facility usage, reducing bus times and improving equitable access. A final recommendation will go to the School Board in January 2027 for possible 2027-2028 implementation.

Newport News Public Schools showcases summer arts program

Newport News Public Schools highlighted its Summer Institute For The Arts program, which provides students with creative learning opportunities during the summer break. The initiative demonstrates the school system’s commitment to fostering artistic development and enriching student experiences beyond the traditional academic calendar.

Virginia Peninsula Community College launches student-athlete fundraising initiative

Virginia Peninsula Community College has launched a fundraising campaign called Fuel the Gators to support its growing athletic program and student-athletes. The initiative aims to provide athletes with resources needed to succeed both in competition and in their academic pursuits.

Sanford Kindness Club, Heritage Students Join Connected Week

Newport News Public Schools highlighted several community initiatives in this week’s update. The Sanford Kindness Club welcomed new staff members to support its mission, while Heritage, Warwick, and Woodside schools participated in Connected Week programming designed to strengthen student connections and engagement.

Military

USS John F. Kennedy nearing full acceptance into Navy fleet

The future USS John F. Kennedy is 99% complete and has achieved preliminary acceptance as the second nuclear-powered Ford-class aircraft carrier, Stars and Stripes reports. Built by Newport News Shipbuilding, the over $11 billion ship is expected to reach full Navy ownership in spring 2026. Final construction includes testing of advanced weapons elevators.

Business

Women’s financial networking event planned for October 26.

Wine, Women & Wealth Newport News will host an evening for accomplished women to discuss personal finances and make professional connections. The free event will run from 5:15 to 7 p.m. October 26 at Hilton Garden Inn Newport News, organized by Cathy Badurina and Five Rings Financial.

Community & Services

Newport News recognizes 2026 Lifetime Citizenship Award recipients

Newport News TV shared a video about the 2026 Lifetime Citizenship Awards. The video recognizes individuals being honored for their significant contributions and service to the Newport News community.

Newport News Shipbuilding honors 130 employees with Model of Excellence Awards

Newport News Shipbuilding celebrated the achievements of more than 130 shipbuilders who received the Model of Excellence award, the company’s highest honor. The award recognizes employees who demonstrate steadfast commitment to the shipyard’s critical mission.

Mariners’ Museum explores meticulous craftsmanship behind Monitor engine miniature

The Mariners’ Museum and Park shared a video exploring the exceptional craftsmanship involved in recreating USS Monitor’s propulsion systems at miniature scale. The first episode of “Crafting History with Rich Carlstedt” documents the intricate work required to manufacture just one throttle pipe component, a process that took over a year to complete.

Tourism & Events

Sustainable Landscaping Festival Rooted Together to come to Huntington Park

Newport News Parks and Recreation will host the Sustainable Landscaping Festival “Rooted Together” on November 7, 2026, from 10 AM to 3 PM at Huntington Park. The free, family-friendly event will feature 20–30 vendors including native plant nurseries, environmental organizations, and state agencies, plus interactive exhibits, hands-on demonstrations, a free tree giveaway, and food trucks.

Virginia Symphony Orchestra to perform at Ferguson Center.

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will perform at Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News on November 14, 2026, at 7:30 PM. Tickets are currently on sale through Bandsintown and Spotify.

Newport News TV covers annual Denbigh Day Parade celebration

Newport News TV shared a video about the 2026 Denbigh Day Parade, capturing the annual celebration that brings together residents and community members in the Denbigh area. The parade represents a longstanding tradition in Newport News that brings neighbors together to celebrate local culture and pride. The video provides viewers a look at the parade festivities and the community spirit that defines this neighborhood event.

Sports

Menchville High School competes in girls volleyball matchup against Hampton

NNPS Telecom posted a video about the girls volleyball competition between Menchville High School and Hampton High School. The student-produced broadcast captures the intensity and skill displayed by both teams during this Newport News area matchup. NNPS Telecom regularly features high school sporting events, graduations, and student productions that celebrate the achievements of Newport News Public Schools students and athletes.

NNPS Telecom documents Menchville Hampton boys volleyball matchup

NNPS Telecom posted a video about the boys varsity volleyball game between Menchville and Hampton High Schools. The student-produced broadcast captures the competitive matchup between these two Newport News area programs. NNPS Telecom continues to document high school athletic events, graduations, and student productions serving the Newport News Public Schools community.

NNPS Telecom Broadcasts Menchville Woodside High School Football Game

NNPS Telecom shared a video of the high school football game between Menchville and Woodside. The student-produced broadcast captures the competitive matchup between two Newport News area programs. NNPS Telecom regularly produces coverage of local high school sporting events, providing fans an opportunity to follow their teams throughout the season.

Newport News hosts tennis legends at Darryl Cummings Classic

NNPS-TV shared a video about the Darryl Cummings Tennis Classic, featuring retired doubles champions Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan. The event brought together tennis greats, including U.S. Davis Cup Captain Bob Bryan, along with co-founder Clark Cummings and former Christopher Newport University and Hampden-Sydney College player Barrett Foster.

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A large industrial building at 615 Bland Blvd. in Newport News has been sold, and the buyer plans upgrades aimed at manufacturing users. The property covers about 27 acres next to Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport and dates to 1971. Vitesco Technologies, a division of Continental, formerly operated the facility. The cost of the work, its schedule and any future tenants were not confirmed. An affiliate of Phoenix Investors, a Milwaukee-based real estate investment firm, announced the purchase Sept. 29.

The plans concern how a large industrial site in Newport News could be used in the future. Phoenix said the upgrades would reconfigure the building and improve the grounds so a broad range of manufacturing and light industrial users could occupy it. Light industrial generally refers to smaller-scale production and storage uses. Phoenix’s president said the company intends to invest in the Newport News community and its workers. How many jobs the project could create was not confirmed.

Phoenix pointed to the site’s location, saying it is next to the airport and about one mile from Interstate 64. It said the site is near several military installations, in an area with a large concentration of defense, shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing work. Phoenix said the property also lies in a federal Opportunity Zone, a designation meant to encourage investment. Phoenix said the building has climate control throughout and 16,000 amps of electrical service. It added that the site has groundwater access for cooling and extra land for expansion. It described Newport News as a market with limited large industrial space. City records list the building at 365,956 square feet, while Phoenix cited 378,331 square feet.

Beyond the planned upgrades, city records show three sales of the property. Bendix Corp. bought it in 1970 for $240,000. Siemens-Bendix Automotive Elec LP paid $18,421,000 for it in 1988. Bland Boulevard LLC bought it in 2007 for $22,000,000 and is listed as the current owner. The records show no later sale, and the price of the recent purchase was not confirmed. Tax records show $1,816,188.30 in real estate tax payments from 2021 through 2026. They also show $350,194.07 in stormwater payments. The current assessed value, the city’s valuation for tax purposes, is $28,638,300.

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Riverside Health names Dr. Patsy McNeil chief clinical operations officer

Riverside Health, the health system based in Newport News, announced Sept. 30 on its news center page that Dr. Patsy McNeil will become chief clinical operations officer and executive vice president in December 2026. She currently serves as system chief medical officer for Adventist HealthCare. In the new role, she will oversee the acute care division, Riverside Medical Group, quality, information technology and medical education.

Five Riverside Regional emergency nurses win statewide Virginia nursing awards

Riverside Health reported Sept. 23 in its news center that five emergency nurses at Riverside Regional Medical Center, a Newport News hospital, received 2026 Virginia Emergency Nurses Association State Council Awards. The honors cover clinical excellence, leadership, emerging talent, education and lifetime achievement. The nurses will be recognized at the association’s banquet Oct. 15 in Richmond. The hospital’s emergency services senior director, Mary Haigh, is among the recipients.

Newport News Telecom graduates bring TV skills to college sports

Beth Scott of NNPS-TV reports that two recent graduates of the Newport News Public Schools Telecommunications Center are applying their high school television production training in college athletics. Nigel McCallum records the marching band at Norfolk State University, while Cameron Kea films soccer games at Virginia Peninsula Community College through work-study. Both credit the Newport News program for preparing them.

NNPS-TV to air select Newport News high school football live

Beth Scott of NNPS-TV reports that the station is covering select Newport News high school football games live from Todd Stadium, on Cox Channel 47, Verizon Fios Channel 17 and several streaming platforms. The next listed broadcast is Denbigh vs. Menchville on Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. NNPS-TV also plans to cover the NNPS Band Expo Oct. 13. Coverage of all five high school teams is not guaranteed.

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Aery Aviation said Tuesday that the Federal Aviation Administration has withdrawn a civil penalty of about $15.7 million that the agency proposed against the company in December. In a news release, the Newport News-based company said the FAA withdrew the entire penalty letter issued Dec. 22, 2025. According to Aery, none of the proposed penalty will be assessed, the FAA made no finding of violation, and the matter is closed. The release said the FAA’s formal notice called pursuing the case “not in the interest of justice.”

When the FAA announced the proposal on Dec. 22, it put the amount at $15,744,352.50 and alleged unsafe operations using unairworthy aircraft. The agency alleged Aery installed banner- and target-tow equipment on Learjets without required maintenance or documentation, and operated 431 flights between July 2021 and April 2022 without required airworthiness certificates. It also alleged 945 flights with the equipment installed and no waiver. The FAA said most flights were near Newport News-Williamsburg Airport’s Class D airspace and alleged the operations were careless or reckless and endangered lives or property.

Aery said in its release that it contested the proposed action from the start, maintained it did nothing wrong and argued the facts and law did not support the penalty. The company said it gave the FAA documents addressing factual, aircraft, operational and jurisdictional issues. Scott Beale, Aery’s president, said the company is pleased the FAA withdrew the penalty after considering the evidence, and that public announcement of the proposal created uncertainty for employees, customers and others. Aery said it will continue to focus on its defense, government, medical, engineering, maintenance, modification and commercial aviation businesses.

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Government

State Corporation Commission schedules public hearings on energy merger.

The State Corporation Commission will hold three in-person hearings on the proposed $67 billion merger between Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy, plus three days of phone testimony. One hearing will occur October 7 at Christopher Newport University in Newport News. If approved, the merger would create the largest regulated utility in the country. Written testimony deadline will be November 9.

Education

Huntington Middle School student brings optimism and positive attitude daily

Seventh grader Liam Evans at Huntington Middle School is recognized for his leadership and positive influence on classmates. The student ambassador received a principals’ award, participated in Black History Month activities, and plans to join the PBIS team this year. Evans also participates in track, drama and chorus while volunteering at his church.

Thrust Flight opens sixth US location at Newport News

Thrust Flight has launched its first East Coast campus at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport in partnership with Hampton University. The facility supports flight training for Hampton students while offering programs to the public, featuring Piper aircraft equipped with Garmin G1000 avionics and planned Aircraft Powerplant mechanic training.

Military

Navy takes preliminary acceptance of future carrier

The Navy accepted the future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) from Newport News Shipbuilding on September 29, following successful Acceptance Trials in August. The carrier is approximately 99 percent complete with all major systems finished. Preliminary acceptance allows the ship and crew to conduct at-sea testing while the shipbuilder completes final systems testing ahead of formal delivery in Spring 2027. The Navy postponed delivery of USS John F. Kennedy from July 2025 to March 2027, a 20-month delay attributed to arresting gear certification and weapons elevator issues that similarly affected USS Gerald R. Ford. Kennedy incorporates design improvements including modular construction reducing labor by five to ten percent, simplified steel construction, and a less expensive radar system saving approximately 180 million dollars, according to 19FortyFive.

HII awarded 5 billion dollars for carrier overhaul

The Navy awarded shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries more than $5 billion to perform the mid-life refueling and complex overhaul of the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier at Newport News Shipbuilding. Work is expected to conclude by November 2031 and will include refueling the nuclear reactor, upgrading propulsion and combat systems, and modernizing thousands of compartments throughout the vessel.

USS Idaho submarine completes first deployment in six months

The USS Idaho, commissioned in April 2026, returned to Groton, Connecticut on September 28 after completing its first Sixth Fleet deployment. Built by General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII Newport News Shipbuilding, the Virginia class submarine sailed over 19,000 nautical miles while operating in the U.S. European Command area, making port calls in Norway and Georgia.

Weapons Station Yorktown youth visit Newport News Police Department headquarters.

Military-affiliated children from Naval Weapons Station Yorktown’s Youth Center toured Newport News Police Department headquarters on September 8, interacting with Chief Steve Drew. The visit was documented by the Navy and released via DVIDS.

Naval Captain Hannah Kriewaldt retires after 27 years

St. Joseph native Captain Hannah A. Kriewaldt retired from the U.S. Navy after 27 years of service, concluding her tenure commanding SUPSHIP Newport News in Virginia. The 1999 Naval Academy graduate led over 600 professionals overseeing nuclear aircraft carrier and submarine construction and modernization programs.

Weapons Station Yorktown youth center honors September 11 legacy

Military affiliated children at Weapons Station Yorktown’s Youth Center received a $2,500 Boys and Girls Club of America grant to honor the September 11 legacy through educational programming and first responder outreach. Youth created thank you cards and packed lunch totes for Newport News police and York County firefighters, delivering them in person during facility visits that allowed children to learn about law enforcement and emergency services.

Development

Long-term lane closures begin on I-64 in Hampton and Newport News

Starting September 29, contractor crews will close the inside lane between LaSalle Avenue and Denbigh Boulevard overnight from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. as part of Hampton Roads Express Lanes construction. The lane will reopen when Express Lanes operations begin, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Business

Costco to open new warehouse location in Newport News, Virginia

Costco announced plans to open a new store in Newport News as part of a broader expansion including 33 locations nationwide. According to the New York Post, the company will open 14 stores with identified locations, while remaining 2027 locations have not yet been announced.

Public Safety

Newport News man charged after interstate chase and crash

A Newport News man was charged after state police attempted to stop his blue pickup truck on I-64 near Fort Eustis Boulevard on September 27. The vehicle struck a white van during the pursuit, which ended near exit 255B. Zackary R. Boham, 35, faces charges including reckless driving, felony elude, DUI, and felony hit and run. No injuries were reported.

Recreation & Events

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater coming to Ferguson Center

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will perform at Ferguson Center for the Arts, located at 1 Avenue of the Arts in Newport News, Virginia on April 27. The renowned dance company will bring its celebrated performances to the local venue.

Virginia Arts Festival to perform at Diamonstein Concert Hall.

The Virginia Arts Festival is scheduled to perform at Diamonstein Concert Hall in Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available through the venue.

Band Expo to feature eighth grade and high school musicians

The Newport News Public Schools Band Expo will take place Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Todd Stadium, with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. The free community event will feature eighth grade musicians and high school marching bands, with concessions available and a clear bag policy in effect.

Dr. Seuss’s Cat In The Hat to come to Newport News

Dr. Seuss’s The Cat In The Hat Live On Stage will perform at Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News on Tuesday, March 23, 2027 at 6 p.m. Tickets are available through AXS.

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Newport News Housing and Neighborhood Services recently hosted the 2026 Newport News Housing Summit at Gaines Theater at Christopher Newport University, 1 University Place. According to the organization, the two-day event included workshops, tours, conversations and resources. Virginia Housing and James River Country Club sponsored it.

The summit brought together realtors, developers, housing leaders, community organizations and residents to discuss housing and neighborhood development, the organization said. It said the event aimed to strengthen neighborhoods, expand housing opportunities and connect residents and professionals with tools that support long-term housing success. Attendees could hear from local experts and learn about homeownership programs. Programming also included industry networking, housing market discussions and neighborhood-focused sessions.

The organization said the summit offered separate sessions for housing professionals and for homeowners, residents and potential buyers. According to the city’s website, the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Services works on housing, neighborhood services and sustainability alongside other city departments. It includes the Office of Housing and Community Development, the Office of Sustainability and the Office of Neighborhood Services.

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Business

Virginia Peninsula Chamber Announces Three Ribbon Cuttings This Week
The Virginia Peninsula Chamber is inviting the community to three ribbon cutting ceremonies this week. Stay Apt Suites will celebrate on Tuesday, September 29 at 11:30 AM in Hampton. IncuHub will follow on Wednesday, September 30 at 12:00 PM, and BayPort Credit Union on Thursday, October 1 at 8:00 AM, both in Newport News. Registration is free for members and non-members. Contact Allie Carson at allie@vpcc.org or (757) 325-8157.

Public Safety

Peninsula Residents Invited to Hazard Mitigation Open House October 15
The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission is hosting open houses on the hazard mitigation plan, and the Peninsula session will run 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Williamsburg Fire Department’s second floor EOC, 440 Boundary Street. No RSVP is required. Attendees can review draft mitigation actions, talk with planners, and complete a survey. Limited parking is available at the station, with overflow in the parking deck across the block.

Newport News Fire Department to Host Free Fire Prevention Showcase October 10
Newport News is inviting residents to a free Fire Prevention Showcase on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10am to 1pm at Huntington Park Beach, 361 Hornet Circle. Attendees can meet firefighters and specialty teams, see fire engine displays, watch presentations, join educational activities, and enjoy photo ops. Organizers ask guests to RSVP on Eventbrite so enough supplies are on hand.

Community & Services

Riverside Health to Offer Free Drive-Thru Flu Shots Across Peninsula
Riverside Health will host free drive-thru flu vaccination clinics from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with many stops on the Peninsula. Locations will include Sherwood Shopping Center in Newport News on September 30, Hampton on October 3, Newport News on October 7, Gloucester on October 14, Williamsburg on October 21, and Newport News again on November 4. No appointment will be needed while supplies last.

Newport News hosted “Conoce tu ciudad” virtual town hall
As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, the City of Newport News hosted “Conoce tu ciudad” (”Meet Your City”), a virtual town hall on September 28, 2026, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. The event featured a panel of city leaders including Chief of Police Steve Drew, NNPS Lead School Social Worker Maria Henriquez, Parks and Recreation Director Torrance Archie, and Prevention Services Program Manager Nikki Bacilio-High from the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board. The town hall aimed to strengthen community connections, provide residents access to city programs and services, and create a welcoming space for civic engagement. Residents from all neighborhoods were encouraged to participate in both English and Spanish.

Domestic Violence Awareness Summit scheduled for October 26
United 4 Justice & Healing will present a free Domestic Violence Awareness Summit on Monday, Oct. 26, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, 2410 Wickham Ave. in Newport News. The daylong event will feature internationally recognized experts Gael Strack, J.D., and Casey Gwinn, J.D., co-founders of Alliance for HOPE International, discussing strangulation prevention, domestic violence prosecution, and evidence-based survivor support. The summit will explore emerging trends including strangulation and hidden homicides, will include a panel discussion on families affected by domestic violence, and will bring together survivors, advocates, and professionals. The event will be free with lunch provided; advance registration is encouraged. Register through Eventbrite or contact chaversco@nnva.gov.

Recreation & Events

Downing-Gross announces auditions and anniversary concert events
Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center (DGCAC) is holding auditions for “Ain’t Misbehavin’ The Fats Waller Musical” on Saturday, September 26th from 12:00-4:00pm at the Ella Fitzgerald Theater. The organization will also celebrate 18 years with an anniversary concert on October 10, 2026, from 7:00-9:30pm, featuring vocalist and songwriter Ash Ford. General admission is $25. Ford, originally from Alabama and now based in Boston, is known for soulful storytelling blended with modern production, exploring themes of faith, healing, and growth through vocal layering and emotion-driven songwriting. Ned Harris to perform as special guest opener. Ned Harris, born in Albany, Georgia and now residing in Hampton Roads, is a vocalist beginning his performance career at age 5. He joined his church choir at 11 and performed with community theater before reaching legal age. Influenced by Motown music from his parents’ collection, Harris maintains that musical style in his performances today. He will serve as special guest opener for an upcoming event. Tickets are available for purchase. Downing-Gross.org.

2nd Annual Port Warwick Art & Sculpture Festival announced
The 2nd Annual Port Warwick Art & Sculpture Festival will return to Styron Square in Newport News on October 10-11. Featuring more than 80 juried artists from across the country, the free, public event will showcase fine art, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, photography, and mixed-media works. The festival will include live music throughout the weekend, local food vendors, and a Young Collector’s Tent for children. Visit Newport News has partnered with Holiday Inn Newport News-Hampton and the Port Warwick Foundation to offer a special package including discounted rooms (code ASA), a Friday Meet & Greet with artists at Burger Theory, round-trip trolley transportation, and early festival access. Volunteers are needed for artist assistance, guest check-in, the Young Collector’s Tent, and general operations; interested individuals can email laura@portwarwick.com.

Hispanic Film Series Continues September 29 and October 6
The Latin American Studies Minor and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department are presenting a Hispanic Film series discussion for Hispanic Heritage Month, with screenings at 7:15 PM in the Trible Library Theater. Upcoming films are The Teacher Who Promised the Sea (España, 2023) on September 29, presented by Dr. Sara Arribas, and Tótem (México, 2023) on October 6, presented by Dr. Kevin Anzzolin. Questions can go to sara.arribascolmenar@cnu.edu.

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Newport News City Council reviewed a draft 2027 state legislative package that would, if approved by the Virginia General Assembly, authorize localities to use local general fund money for grants and loans to low- and moderate-income homeowners and property owners who provide rental housing. Jerri Wilson, Intergovernmental Affairs Manager in the City Manager’s Office, presented the draft priorities to council at a work session, with City Manager Alan Archer noting the package was scheduled for approval on the evening agenda the same day. The presentation described the request as adding a new tool for localities at a time when federal homeowner assistance programs have grown more uncertain and smaller.

The code change request targets sections of the Code of Virginia and would extend grant and loan authority to all localities, with each locality empowered to design its own program. Wilson told council that existing statutory authority for similar programs is largely limited to renovation, construction or improvement, and that federal funding for homeowner assistance has contracted in recent years. The program would “allow us to use local general fund money for grants and loans to homeowners. And this could look like a lot of different things,” she said. “And it’s specifically set up in our request so that each locality, every locality would have the authority to do it.”

The legislative package also includes standing policy statements asking the General Assembly to preserve local authority to regulate short-term rentals and to support legislation giving localities enhanced enforcement tools for impromptu or pop-up events. Wilson described an anticipated bill on impromptu events as a reintroduction of legislation that failed the previous year, with expected patronage in the Senate from the chair of Senate Local Government and in the House from a delegate. On short-term rentals, Wilson said the anticipated challenge this session would not be a direct governance bill but rather a proposal to collect the transient occupancy tax at the state level and redistribute it to localities, an approach the city opposes because, as Wilson explained, the state takes a share off the top.

The work session opened with Wilson describing the structure of the 2027 General Assembly session as a 45-day short session that is not technically a budget session, though she noted every session over the past 20 years has functioned as one (0:08:33). Wilson said 2027 is an election year for all 140 members of both chambers and that both chambers are imposing strict bill limits, making it harder to find patrons willing to carry city-backed legislation on both the Senate and House sides. She added that the bill limits do not apply to budget amendments or resolutions.

Wilson then presented the first specific legislative request, a code change that would amend Section 15.2-958.4 of the Code of Virginia to allow all localities to use local general fund money for grants and loans to low- or moderate-income homeowners and for rental subsidies to property owners (0:10:55). She told council the proposal was structured so every locality would have the authority and could design its own program, and she described the move as a response to shrinking federal homeowner assistance funding, noting that much existing statutory authority covers only renovation, construction or improvement.

The presentation moved to a study request asking Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to examine the structure and long-term fiscal sustainability of local Alcohol Safety Action Programs (0:11:59). Wilson said legislation passed the prior year had restructured how local programs must attach to a participating locality as a fiscal agent, but that the legislation was vague about what support looks like. She described the governance structure as involving a legislative commission, local policy boards, a state commission and the Department of Motor Vehicles, and said the programs were originally designed to be supported entirely by user fees, which she characterized as no longer practicable because judges frequently waive fees for participants who have lost their licenses and income.

Among the standing policy statements, Wilson highlighted the impromptu events legislation, describing it as a bill that failed the previous year but would be reintroduced with Senate patronage from the expected chair of Senate Local Government and House patronage from a delegate (0:14:16). She said changes to the bill since last session include the removal of a gun-free zone requirement, and that the revised version would give each locality a menu of options such as enhanced curfews or reduced speed limits to apply to pop-up events.

Wilson then addressed ongoing General Assembly discussions about the real estate tax exemption for veterans, noting that a presentation had been made to the committee examining the issue (0:16:16). She said the current rate of foregone revenue from the veterans exemption is unsustainable for smaller localities and is placing a strain on larger ones as well, while acknowledging that localities recognize the value veterans bring to communities and workforces.

The short-term rental issue followed, with Wilson telling council the anticipated legislation this session would not directly address governance of short-term rentals but would instead seek to have the transient occupancy tax collected at the state level and then redistributed to localities . She said the city opposes that approach because the state retains a portion, and she noted that the city’s standing policy statement was adjusted this year to encourage lawmakers to maintain consistency in how the tax is collected across platforms.

Wilson closed her presentation by reviewing the pre-session calendar, noting that interim committee meetings were ongoing, bill pre-filing had begun in July and that as of the work session date, 444 bills were active with 443 representing carried-over legislation (0:18:34). She said the governor’s budget and joint money committee meetings were scheduled for December 17, after which the race to the start of session would begin. Following the presentation, a council member raised the question of whether the city should advocate for legislation giving preference points to local vendors in the procurement process, referencing a disparity study and noting the city had introduced a similar preference bill previously.

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Newport News is spending about $373,000 to upgrade its sidearms, awarding contracts this week to outfit the Police Department, Fire Marshals, Park Rangers and City Security with new Glock pistols and holsters. The newer model adds mounted Aimpoint optical sights and improved ergonomics that city officials believe will give officers better accuracy and control on duty. It is a newer generation of the same pistol line the agencies currently carry.

Town Gun Shop Inc. will supply 555 of the new firearms and optical sights for $289,050.95, while Atlantic Tactical Inc. will provide compatible holsters for $84,227.45. The city also ordered 11 training models fitted with standard sights. Firearms instructors will be the first outfitted, with 25 units arriving by mid-October and the remainder by early 2027.

To help offset costs, Newport News will trade in its current pistols and holsters, all rated in good or excellent condition. The exchange cannot begin until all officers have fully transitioned to the new firearms. Once complete, the trade-in credits will be subtracted from the final purchase price.

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Government

Regional housing professionals convene for two-day summit in Virginia The Newport News Housing Summit will bring together industry experts, housing organizations, and community members on September 25-26, 2026, for workshops and networking sessions. Held at Christopher Newport University’s Gaines Theater (1 University Place, Newport News, VA 23602), the free event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. Participants will explore topics including housing innovation, homeownership expansion, community development, and strategies for creating stronger neighborhoods. Registration is available online.

Cities of Newport News and Hampton host climate planning workshop Newport News and Hampton are jointly presenting a free Climate Action Planning Workshop on September 29, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, VA 23666. A formal presentation begins at 6 p.m. Community members are invited to learn about climate action planning initiatives and how both cities are addressing future climate challenges and opportunities. The event includes a resource expo where attendees can connect with environmental organizations and partners. No advance registration is necessary.

Newport News residents can build community flood resilience Newport News residents can strengthen their community’s ability to withstand flooding by taking individual actions, according to the city’s Engineering Department. The city encourages residents to learn their flood risk using an interactive map, implement nature-based solutions like rain gardens and native plantings, and build responsibly by obtaining permits and installing flood-resistant features such as flood vents and elevated machinery. Additional resources including factsheets on designing for changing conditions, responsible building practices, flood risk awareness, and nature-based solutions are available through the city’s stormwater management program.

Education

Jefferson Lab invites teachers to free science enrichment program Jefferson Lab is accepting applications for its After-School Science Teacher Program, a free initiative designed to provide science enrichment opportunities for educators. The program invites teachers back to the classroom to enhance their professional development in science education. Interested teachers can apply through Jefferson Lab’s official website for this educational opportunity.

Military

HII secures Army contract for airdrop technology advancement Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Mission Technologies division received a five-year task order to develop improved aerial delivery systems for military personnel and cargo resupply. The work focuses on enhancing cargo and personnel airdrop technologies for both manned and unmanned aircraft, emphasizing equipment dependability, safety, and interoperability across systems. The initiative also addresses sensing technologies, autonomous operations, and cybersecurity measures to protect against environmental and operational hazards. The contract was awarded through the Information Analysis Center Multiple Award Contract, administered by the Defense Technical Information Center for the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center. HII currently maintains approximately 60 active task orders on this program.

Business

Virginia Peninsula Chamber hosts governance and boards seminar The Virginia Peninsula Chamber is hosting “Governance & Boards,” a small business seminar on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at 11850 Merchants Walk, Suite 110 in Newport News, VA. Professor Willy Donaldson, Ph.D. from Christopher Newport University will facilitate the session. Admission is free for chamber members and $15 for non-members. Sponsorship opportunities are available, including Series Presenting Sponsor ($4,000) and Event Sponsor ($500) levels. For registration or more information, contact Allie Carson at allie@vpcc.org or 757-325-8157.

Newport News tourism spending climbs to $337.3 million Visitors to Newport News contributed $337.3 million to the local economy in 2025, representing a 2.2% increase from the previous year. The tourism sector supported 3,261 jobs and generated $21.0 million in tax revenue for the city.

Public Safety

Fire department marine team rescues boaters amid dangerous storm conditions On September 12, 2026, the Newport News Fire Department’s Marine Incident Response Team responded to an emergency on the James River when a fishing boat with three occupants lost engine power during severe weather near the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel. Jimmy Auvil of Smithfield, Virginia, and his 14-year-old son and the son’s friend faced deteriorating conditions including heavy rain, strong winds, and a tornado warning. Fire Boat 2 arrived within 10 minutes and safely evacuated the two juveniles while securing the disabled vessel. All three were brought to shore without injury. Auvil later praised the firefighters’ professionalism and courage.

Newport News Fire Department celebrates Naval diver’s pioneering legacy The Newport News Fire Department honored the legacy of Carl M. Brashear on September 16, 2026, welcoming his son Phillip Brashear for a presentation at Station 1. Brashear was a trailblazing U.S. Navy diver born in Kentucky in 1931 who became the first African American master diver in 1970, overcoming racial discrimination throughout his career. After losing his lower left leg in a 1966 nuclear weapons recovery operation off Spain, he became the first amputee recertified as a Navy diver in 1968. He achieved the rank of master chief petty officer before retiring in 1979 and was posthumously honored through the 2000 film “Men of Honor” and a dedicated fire boat named in his honor in 2005. Brashear died in 2006 at age 75.

Community & Services

James River Association offers two Williamsburg yard workshops Saturday The James River Association will host two hands-on workshops Saturday, September 26, at the Lower James River Center in Williamsburg. The 10 a.m. Rain Barrel Workshop teaches participants how to assemble and install a rain barrel to capture stormwater, with a $50 registration fee that includes a 55-gallon drum and DIY kit. At 11 a.m., the free Native Plants Workshop covers the benefits of native plants for local wildlife and fall planting strategies, with participants receiving a Plant Hampton Roads Natives guide and a regionally native plant.

Regional PB&J collection challenge underway across Hampton Roads The Regional Spread the Love PB&J Collection Challenge runs through September 30 across Hampton Roads, with Newport News and 10 other localities competing to collect new, unopened jars of peanut butter and jelly for the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. Organized by Isle of Wight County, participating communities include Isle of Wight County, Williamsburg, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Smithfield, Windsor, Norfolk, Suffolk, Chesapeake, and Franklin. Donation bins are located at multiple Newport News sites including City Hall, City Manager’s Office, City Center, and several community centers. Residents can also purchase items through an Amazon Wishlist for direct shipment to City Hall. For questions, contact Aggie Hollingsworth, CMO’s operations manager, at 757-926-8411.

Library card sign-up month highlights Newport news benefits September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, promoting the Newport News Public Library’s expanded offerings beyond traditional books. NNPL cardholders gain free access to streaming services like Hallmark+ through Hoopla, eBooks, audiobooks, and unique items including Nature Backpacks with Virginia State Parks admission, STEM kits, puzzles, and cake pans. The library provides public computers, printers, and interlibrary loan services. Two registration options are available: an E-Account for immediate digital access and an All-Access Account for full privileges including physical materials and computer access. September registrants receive a free gift.

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AACE Trolley Tour Brings African American History to Newport News
Visit Newport News promotes the African American Cultural Experiences (AACE) Trolley Tour, a monthly guided journey departing from the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center every fourth Saturday at 9 a.m. For $20 per person, riders explore historic neighborhoods, cultural landmarks, and public art highlighting African American contributions to Newport News. Tour guides share local stories not found in textbooks. Seats fill quickly and tickets are available online. visitnewportnews.com/aace

Newport News Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Restaurant Week
The Newport News Tourism Development Office reports that Hispanic Heritage Month Restaurant Week is running from September 19 through 29 in Newport News, Virginia. Participating restaurants are offering special deals and menu offerings during the celebration. The tourism office encourages visitors to discover flavors, support local restaurants, and find new favorite dining spots during the event.

Government

Newport News City Council Holds Work Session on September 22
Newport News TV covered the City Council work session held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. The work session provided an opportunity for council members to discuss and prepare agenda items for upcoming official meetings.

Education

Christopher Newport University Celebrates 65 Years of Academic Excellence
Christopher Newport University is celebrating 65 years of institutional history and growth. The university reflects on its academic journey and the evolution of its campus and programs over six decades.

Newport News Library Hosts Hispanic Film Series Discussion Events
The Newport News Public Library is presenting a Hispanic Film Series Discussion on three dates: September 22, September 29, and October 6, 2026. The events will take place at 1 Avenue of the Arts in Newport News, Virginia. The film series coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month Restaurant Week, which runs from September 19 to 29 and features special menu offerings at participating local restaurants, according to the Newport News Tourism Development Office.

Science & Technology

Jefferson Lab explores subatomic research through nuclear physics
Jefferson Lab shared a video exploring the groundbreaking research conducted at its Newport News facilities, where scientists investigate the fundamental building blocks of matter within atomic nuclei. The lab brings together nearly 1,700 nuclear physicists from around the world to collaborate on discoveries about the nature of matter. The video offers a glimpse into the specialized facilities and equipment that enable this cutting-edge research in nuclear physics.

Recreation & Events

Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center Offers Machine Sewing Classes This Fall
The Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center in Newport News is announcing a new round of sewing classes and workshops with instructor SherriAnn Harris, beginning in October 2026. Options include a beginner machine sewing class, an intermediate robe-making course, a youth beginner workshop, and a Thanksgiving-themed apron class. The center sent the announcement via its email newsletter. Registration deadlines begin October 2, and interested participants are encouraged to sign up soon. Register online.

Latino Folklore Scavenger Hunt at Newport News Library This Week
The Newport News Tourism Development Office announces a free Latino Folklore Scavenger Hunt taking place September 23 through 30, 2026, at Pearl Bailey Library. Participants ages 0 to 17 can follow clues inspired by Latin American folk tales, collect tokens, and redeem them for treasures. The event begins at 10:00 AM and requires no registration. The activity is part of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations in Newport News, Virginia.

Newport News Hosts Salsa at Sunset Dance Event
According to the Newport News Tourism Development Office, Salsa at Sunset was held at City Center at Oyster Point located at 701 Town Center Drive in Newport News, Virginia. The event has already concluded. The tourism office also promoted Hispanic Heritage Month Restaurant Week, which ran from September 19 through 29, featuring special deals and menu offerings at participating local restaurants.

Newport News Hosts Two-Day Housing Summit This September
The City of Newport News is hosting a two-day Housing Summit on September 25 and 26 at Christopher Newport University’s Gaines Theater, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sponsored by Virginia Housing and hosted by Newport News Housing and Neighborhood Services, the event gathers housing professionals, faith leaders, renters, homeowners, and prospective buyers for workshops on market trends, home repair, property management, and more. nnva.gov

Newport News Public Works and Waterworks Host Job Fair Saturday
The City of Newport News is hosting “The Works” open house and job fair on Saturday, September 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Public Works Complex, 513 Oyster Point Road. More than 75 positions are available across the Public Works and Waterworks departments, with on-the-spot interviews offered. Benefits include a $500 CDL hiring bonus, free CDL training, uniforms, and paid parental leave. nnva.gov

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From a Colorado power plant to a coal mine in Illinois, industrial facilities around the country have installed towering porous wind screens, keeping fugitive dust on-site rather than letting it drift toward nearby homes. A consultant’s study now under review recommends the same approach for Newport News, Virginia, calling for 80-foot screens around open coal stockpiles at two waterfront terminals where fine coal dust escapes at rates as high as 99 percent under prevailing winds.

The two terminals, Dominion Terminal Associates and Kinder Morgan’s adjacent Piers IX and X, sit along the James River waterfront and handle large volumes of bituminous coal through open-air stockpiles that can reach 70 to 90 feet in height. Coal dust is generated by wind moving across the piles as well as during routine stacking and reclaiming operations. Using computational fluid dynamics, a type of computer airflow simulation, Dust Solutions, Inc. (DSI) of Beaufort, South Carolina, found that between 87 and 99 percent of fine coal particles leave the terminal boundary without a barrier in place, carrying particulate matter toward residential neighborhoods located several hundred meters away.

A consultant recommends 80-foot porous wind screens for Newport News coal terminals. Similar barriers already operate at industrial facilities nationwide, from Illinois to Colorado.

Among the configurations tested, an 80-foot partial-wrap fence covering roughly half to three-quarters of the stockpile perimeter produced the strongest results. Under the most common wind direction from the southwest, that design cut the share of fine particles leaving the terminal from nearly 95 percent down to about 10 percent. The report recommends an 80-foot fence built from 50 percent porous material, meaning air passes through half its surface area, configured as a partial wrap rather than a full enclosure, which often allowed more dust to escape due to altered internal airflow.

Porous wind screens of the type recommended in the study have been installed at coal and industrial sites elsewhere in the country, offering a sense of what the barriers look like at industrial scale. A Wisconsin power plant operates a 100-foot, 2,500-foot-long screen. A Colorado coal facility has a similarly tall barrier running 1,700 feet. Comparable installations include a 70-foot screen at a coal mine in Illinois and a 40-foot barrier stretching more than 3,000 feet at a Montana ash pond. Similar structures have been erected at cement and petroleum coke facilities in Egypt.

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Recreation & Events

The City of Newport News and the Denbigh Lions Club will host the 66th Annual Denbigh Day Parade and Festival on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 14302 Old Courthouse Way. The Newport News Tourism Development Office promotes the community event.

Great Food Truck Festival coming to Newport News this September - The Great Food Truck Festival will be scheduled for September 19, 2026, at 900 Bland Boulevard in Newport News, Virginia. According to the Newport News Tourism Development Office, admission requires an eight dollar ticket. The festival coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month Restaurant Week, running through September 29, when participating local restaurants offer special deals and menu offerings celebrating Hispanic cuisine and culture.

Learn to Play Day introduces Sorcery and Flesh and Blood games - The Newport News Tourism Development Office will promote a Learn to Play Day event featuring Sorcery and Flesh and Blood games on September 20, 2026, at Tap N Roll in Newport News. The event offers newcomers an opportunity to learn these trading card games in a welcoming environment at the gaming venue.

Newport News Hispanic Film Series Discussion Coming This Fall - The Newport News Tourism Development Office will host a Hispanic Film Series Discussion featuring multiple screenings and discussions scheduled for September 22, September 29 and October 6, 2026, at 1 Avenue of the Arts in Newport News, Virginia. The programming coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, which also include a Restaurant Week from September 19-29 offering special dining experiences at local participating restaurants.

Newport News hosts Latino folklore scavenger hunt event - Newport News will host a Latino Folklore Scavenger Hunt at Pearl Bailey Library from Sept. 23-30. The free event, open to children ages 0-17 with no registration required, invites participants to follow clues inspired by Latin American folk tales, collect tokens, and redeem them for treasures. The scavenger hunt coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month and Restaurant Week celebrations in the city.

Cozzys Comedy Club announces September and October entertainment schedule - Cozzys Comedy Club will host multiple entertainment events through October. The schedule includes comedian Eric Grady performing September 18-19, followed by Sundays/Texas Hold’em from September 20 through October 4, Comedy Open Mic nights from September 24 through October 1 with comedian Ralph Anthony performing September 25-26, a Making Strides for Breast Cancer fundraiser on September 30, and performances by Jeremy Alder October 2-3.

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The City of Newport News announced a $1.7 billion housing agreement between the U.S. Department of the Navy and Hunt Military Communities, which includes over $450 million in investment for a downtown development project. The HomePort Hampton Roads 2 project will construct two 17-story residential towers and supporting facilities in Downtown Newport News, according to a city press release issued Sept. 16, 2026.

The development will house roughly 750 unaccompanied sailors in two-bedroom units and feature parking and ground-floor retail space alongside Navy services. City officials stated the investment addresses housing capacity while supporting downtown revitalization efforts. “This is the largest federal investment in Newport News history and a transformational investment in the Sailors who serve our nation,” Mayor Phillip Jones said in the release.

The Navy, the Commonwealth of Virginia, Hunt Military Communities, and the City of Newport News partnered to execute the project. Hunt Military Communities, the largest private military housing provider in the United States, manages approximately 190,000 residents in nearly 60,000 homes across military installations nationwide. Officials said the development will modernize existing structures while bolstering the downtown area and supporting sailors’ quality of life and operational readiness.

The 1,050-space parking structure will support the residential towers. While the city disclosed the $450 million commitment, specific construction timelines and development details were not included in the announcement.

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Government

Regional open house to discuss hazard mitigation plan updates
The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission is hosting a public engagement open house on September 24, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Franklin Southampton Economic Development Center in Franklin, Virginia. Residents are invited to review draft mitigation actions for the region’s updated Hazard Mitigation Plan. No RSVP is required, and attendees can drop in at any time during the event.

Newport News hosts Public Works open house event September 26
The City of Newport News announced an open house event for its Public Works and Waterworks departments scheduled for September 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 513 Oyster Point Road. The event will feature live equipment demonstrations, facility tours and career opportunities, with on-the-spot applications and interviews available. Residents can meet department staff responsible for city operations and services.

Military

Military Recognition Breakfast Honors Outstanding Military Personnel September 22
The Virginia Peninsula Chamber will host its 2026 Military Recognition Breakfast on September 22, according to the chamber’s website. The fall event, organized by the Chamber’s Military Affairs Council, honors outstanding military personnel for their contributions. Tickets are available for $45. ITA International, LLC serves as the presenting sponsor, with Hampton Roads Workforce Council among the silver sponsors.

Business

Howmet Aerospace Presents Conference Updates and Second Quarter Results
Howmet Aerospace announced plans to present at the 2026 Jefferies Global Industrials Conference and reported its second quarter 2026 financial results. The company, which specializes in advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and commercial transportation industries, also announced that its board approved a common stock dividend. Howmet continues to highlight its innovative technologies across aerospace applications.

Public Safety

Fire Prevention Showcase Scheduled for Saturday, October Tenth
Newport News Fire Department is hosting a Fire Prevention Showcase on Saturday, October 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event offers attendees an opportunity to learn about fire safety and prevention measures. Tickets are available through the Eventbrite platform for those interested in attending the three-hour educational showcase.

Newport News Sheriff’s Office holds annual car and bike show
The Newport News Sheriff’s Office will held its 2026 Annual Project Lifesaver Car and Bike Show on Sunday, September 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Todd Stadium parking lot in Newport News, Virginia. The event featured live entertainment and food vendors, with proceeds supporting the Project Lifesaver program. Last year’s event raised $2,000 for the initiative.

Recreation & Events

Open Mic Night Returns to Paperbacks Ink Bookstore Friday
Paperbacks Ink Bookstore is hosting an open mic night on Friday, September 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., according to Eventbrite. The event welcomes poets, musicians, storytellers and creative performers of all kinds to share their talents. Tastefully Philly Café will be open from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. offering food and beverages for purchase.

66th Annual Denbigh Day Parade and Festival set for September 19
Newport News Parks and Recreation will host the 66th Annual Denbigh Day Parade and Festival on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The parade begins at Denbigh High School and travels along Denbigh Boulevard, featuring marching bands, floats, dance teams and community groups. The festival at Courthouse Way Community Center offers free admission and parking, with food trucks, games, inflatables, arts and crafts, and vendor booths. Temporary traffic closures will begin at 7 a.m. along the parade route.

Twenty-second Annual Port Warwick Art and Sculpture Festival
The Port Warwick Art and Sculpture Festival will celebrate its 22nd year October 10-11, 2026, in Newport News. The event features artisans displaying artwork, live entertainment, a children’s and family area with scavenger hunts and crafts, and a Young Collector’s Tent offering discounted artwork for patrons under 14. Visitors can enjoy food trucks and a beer and wine garden throughout the weekend.

Newport News Hispanic Heritage Month Restaurant Week begins September 19
Newport News is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a special Restaurant Week running from September 19 to 29, 2026, according to the Newport News Tourism Development Office. Participating local restaurants are offering special deals and exclusive menu items highlighting Hispanic culinary traditions, from traditional tacos and empanadas to contemporary fusion dishes. The event encourages residents and visitors to explore diverse flavors while supporting local establishments. Hispanic Heritage Month Restaurant Week features nine establishments including Chihuahua’s, Catrin Cantina, Cazadores Mexican Grill, El Fogon, Amadeus El Patio, Gordo’s Mexican Bar and Grill, Juan’s Cafe and Cantina, Jose Tequila’s, and La Parrilla Mexican Grill, inviting diners to explore regional Hispanic culinary offerings across multiple locations in the Newport News area.

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Newport News received bids this month from 11 contractors competing to overhaul restroom facilities at Huntington Beach, with proposed costs ranging from $639,000 to more than $2.3 million. The solicitation, issued as an invitation for bids by the city’s engineering department, sought a single contractor to handle work at two sites. The city has not yet selected a winning bidder.

The work calls for two distinct improvements, both within Huntington Park. At Fort Fun, a 14,000-square-foot playground overlooking the James River, the contract requires construction of new restroom facilities to replace the existing toilet facilities there. At the Lifeguard Station, the work involves renovating the existing restrooms rather than building new ones. Both sites fall under a single prime contract, meaning one contractor will be responsible for both.

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Huntington Park spans 60 acres along the James River and includes the public beach, a boat ramp, a rose garden, picnicking, ball fields, a playground and fishing at Lake Biggins, according to Newport News Parks and Recreation. A full-service restaurant sits adjacent to the beach. Lifeguards staff the beach seasonally, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The project is expected to be substantially complete 365 days after the chosen contractor receives a formal notice to proceed. The Lifeguard Station renovation carries an earlier deadline within that window, required to be completed by April 30, 2027. No separate completion date has been specified for the Fort Fun restroom construction.

In other news:

Newport News to host public works and waterworks open house Newport News Public Works and Waterworks will hold a joint Open House on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Public Works Complex, 513 Oyster Point Rd. According to the announcement, attendees can visit information stations, watch live equipment demonstrations, and meet city employees who maintain streets, sewers and drinking water systems. Games and giveaways will also be part of the event.

Virginia Peninsula Chamber schedules five ribbon cuttings this fall According to the Virginia Peninsula Chamber, three of the five upcoming ribbon cuttings will take place in Newport News, including events on September 21 at 11864 Canon Boulevard, September 30 at 115 28th Street, and October 1 at 3711 Huntington Avenue. The events, free for members and non-members, run through early October across Newport News and Hampton. Contact Allie Carson at allie@vpcc.org or 757-325-8157 for more information.

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A long-vacant building at the busy intersection of Jefferson Avenue and City Center Boulevard is set to be torn down, making way for a new branch of Southern Bank. The Newport News Planning Commission voted at a recent meeting to recommend the project move forward, though it still needs final sign-off from City Council. The rundown property, once a restaurant, has sat empty for years and most recently was used only for storage. City planners said the redevelopment would replace an eyesore with a modern building at one of the area’s most visible corners.

Planning staff noted the property’s location at a prominent intersection bordered by a vacant retail property, an industrial equipment supplier, an inn, and a medical office. Planners emphasized that the new zoning would complement adjacent properties and support long-term redevelopment of the corridor, while removing industrial uses inconsistent with the area’s commercial future.

Multiple representatives of the applicant and project contractors presented before the commission, describing the project for the North Carolina based bank as a redevelopment that would remove industrial uses from the key commercial intersection and contribute to ongoing neighborhood revitalization efforts

The 1.32-acre lot at 11847 Jefferson Avenue, once a restaurant and most recently used for storage, would be demolished under Southern Bank's proposal to build a new branch, its first location north of the James River in Newport News.

Commission discussion focused on construction and site design details. Project representatives confirmed complete demolition and reconstruction, with recovered asphalt converted to open space to meet storm water management standards. Representatives addressed architectural design standards, explaining the proposed approach and noting that final designs would require planning director approval to ensure local compliance.

The commission voted unanimously, 7-0, at its September 2 meeting to recommend the zoning change to City Council. The recommendation includes three proffers committing the developer to a master site plan with specified landscape buffers and architectural standards. City Council is scheduled to consider the matter on September 22, 2026.

In other news:

Newport News Public Schools highlights community service opportunities Newport News Public Schools posted a video about community service opportunities available to residents who want to make a difference locally. The updated resource explores various ways residents can contribute to the Newport News community from their homes. The video serves as a guide for those interested in volunteering and civic engagement in the area.

Newport News Shipbuilding highlights shipfitter Natasha McLemore’s career HII shared a video about Natasha McLemore, a shipfitter at Newport News Shipbuilding who has built a rewarding career in the maritime construction industry. Shipfitters, often referred to as “carpenters of steel,” are essential to the shipbuilding process, responsible for assembling the various components that make up Navy vessels. McLemore’s profile is part of Around the Yard at NNS, an ongoing video series that introduces viewers to the skilled shipbuilders, teams, and specialized roles that keep Newport News Shipbuilding operating as one of the region’s largest employers.

Mariners’ Museum explores USS Michigan, Navy’s first iron warship The Mariners’ Museum posted a video on USS Michigan, the US Navy’s first iron-hulled warship, which was laid down in 1839. The vessel was constructed to protect Lake Erie from pirates and smugglers while countering British naval expansion on the Great Lakes.

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