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.
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.