Schools Shine and Mayor Tours New Planetarium
Plus, drought warning continues, public safety updates, and community events
Newport News Daily is a publication of Williamsburg-based Dog Street Press, LLC. An editor used primary sources and AI tools for this report.
Newport News Daily brings you today’s updates, highlighting Mayor Jones’s tour of the newly updated Abbitt Planetarium and a busy week for Newport News Public Schools, from student commitment ceremonies to an entrepreneurs summit. Today’s edition also covers public safety developments, new business investments, and upcoming community events around the city.
Mayor Jones Tours New Abbitt Planetarium Facility The Virginia Living Museum shared a video featuring Mayor Jones touring the recently updated Abbitt Planetarium. This enhancement represents an important addition to the community’s science education offerings. The planetarium provides Newport News residents and students with expanded opportunities to explore astronomy and space science in an immersive environment.
Schools & Education
Newport News Schools Observes Decision Day VA and Commitment Ceremonies Newport News Public Schools shared a video about Decision Day VA and AADH Commitment Day 2026, marking an important milestone for local students. These events recognize and celebrate when students formally commit to their post-secondary educational paths and opportunities. The ceremonies bring together Newport News students, families, and school officials to acknowledge student achievement and the significant decisions students make regarding their academic futures. Decision Day VA represents a statewide initiative that honors student commitment and choice in education.
Huntington Middle School Students Tour VPCC Campus Huntington Middle School students had the opportunity to tour the Virginia Peninsula Community College campus as part of their school programming. The visit allowed students to learn about the academic programs and resources available through VPCC and to gain insight into higher education pathways in the Newport News area.
Newport News Public Schools Hosts Young Entrepreneurs Summit Newport News Public Schools shared a video about the Young Entrepreneurs Summit, an event designed to inspire and support young business leaders in the community. The summit provides students with resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to develop their entrepreneurial skills and launch their business ideas.
Newport News Schools Honors Exemplary Support Staff Employees Newport News Public Schools recently held an awards banquet recognizing exemplary support staff employees whose contributions are essential to student success throughout the district. The event brought together district staff to honor those who go above and beyond in their roles. Support staff members play a vital role in the daily operations and culture of schools across Newport News Public Schools.
Public Safety
Newport News Police Chief to Address Officer’s Drawn Gun Incident Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew is scheduled to address an incident captured on video showing a police officer pointing his gun at an SUV and its driver at City Center over the weekend. A 17-year-old high school senior recorded the interaction, which has circulated widely online. According to the video, the incident occurred around 2 a.m. Sunday following a prom event in Hampton. The footage shows the officer directing the SUV driver to stop and later approaching the vehicle with his weapon still drawn as the driver rolled down the window with hands raised. Chief Drew’s news conference is scheduled for Tuesday morning to provide details about the department’s response to the incident. https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/newport-news/nnpd-chief-to-address-video-of-officer-pointing-gun-at-suv-at-city-center
Police Seek Public Tips in 2023 Newport News Teen Homicide Newport News Police Department reports detectives are actively seeking public assistance in the ongoing investigation into the August 2023 homicide of 16-year-old Da’Traevieus Torian. The teen was found with a gunshot wound on a driveway in the 600 block of 34th Street after officers responded to a gunshot detection alert on August 20, 2023, at approximately 9:31 p.m. He was transported to a hospital where he later died from his injuries. Torian was a student who enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing sports, and mentoring younger children in his neighborhood through the Boys and Girls Club. He held aspirations of becoming an engineer, HVAC technician, and pipe fitter, with plans to open his own business. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or submit tips online through P3Tips.com. https://www.abc27.com/news/police-looking-for-leads-in-2023-homicide-of-teen-boy/amp
Newport News Police Sergeant Thweatt Featured in Running Code Podcast Newport News Police Department shared a video featuring Sergeant Richard Thweatt, who is being promoted to Lieutenant, on their Running Code podcast series. Throughout his career spanning nearly three decades with the department, Thweatt has maintained a consistent focus on community engagement and developing the next generation of officers. The episode explores Thweatt’s varied assignments and his dedication to training and mentoring younger members of the Newport News Police Department.
Newport News Waterworks Declares Stage 2 Drought Warning for Region Newport News City Manager Alan K. Archer has declared a Stage 2 Drought Warning for the Newport News Waterworks service area in response to ongoing dry conditions, below-average rainfall, and lower-than-normal reservoir levels. The utility is requesting that customers voluntarily reduce non-essential water use to help protect the region’s long-term water supply. Current water supplies remain stable and continue to meet all state and federal drinking water standards. However, the region has experienced an extended period of below-average rainfall, which has reduced natural inflow into the reservoirs that serve more than 410,000 customers across Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, York County, and portions of James City County. Customers can support conservation efforts by limiting non-essential uses, watering landscaping only between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m., repairing household leaks, running full loads in appliances, and reducing water use during peak daytime hours. https://www.nnva.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/2534
Business & Economic Development
Gladstone Commercial Acquires $22.75 Million Industrial Property in Newport News Gladstone Commercial has acquired a major industrial property in Newport News valued at $22.75 million. The 153,890 square foot facility is fully leased to a subsidiary of Huntington Ingalls Industries, the nation’s largest shipbuilder, under a long-term net lease agreement supporting American shipbuilding and U.S. Navy operations. The real estate investment trust funded the acquisition through internally generated cash flow without issuing additional equity. The transaction expands Gladstone Commercial’s industrial portfolio concentration while contributing to industrial cash and straight-line rents, demonstrating the company’s ability to grow through disciplined capital management and strategic acquisitions. https://pulse2.com/gladstone-commercial-22-75-million-newport-news-industrial-property-acquisition-announced/
Virginia Peninsula Chamber Hosts Mid-Year Economic Forecast Breakfast The Virginia Peninsula Chamber, in partnership with Old Dominion University’s Strome College of Business, will host the 2026 Economic Forecast Mid-Year Breakfast on Friday, June 5, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Newport News Marriott at City Center. The event will feature presentations from Dr. Vinod Agarwal, interim dean of the Strome College of Business and director of the Economic Forecasting Project, and Dr. Robert McNab, chair of the Department of Economics and director of the Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy.
Community Events
City Hosts Free Dog Grooming and Vendor Event June 6 The City of Newport News announces a free community event scheduled for June 6, 2026, at Tradition Brewing Company. The Boxers, Buddies & Brews Spring Fling will run from noon to 4 p.m. and welcomes dog owners and community members to attend at no cost. The event will feature complimentary nail trims provided by Jones Bathing & Nail Trimming, local vendors, and a 50/50 drawing. No advance registration is needed. https://www.nnva.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=3657
Cure Coffeehouse Hosts Weekly Open Mic Night Performances June 4 Cure Coffeehouse at City Center at Oyster Point invites performers and audiences to its weekly Open Mic Night on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 7 to 10 p.m. The event features music, poetry, and entertainment in a welcoming environment with complimentary admission. The coffeehouse will offer beverages including coffee, tea, beer, and cocktails for purchase. All performers are welcome to participate, and visual artists have opportunities to display and sell their work at the venue. https://www.nnva.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=3653
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