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.
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.