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.
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.