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.
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.