| Thursday, October 01, 2026|Issue #62|Newport news, VA |
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Good morning, Newport News!
It's pumpkin spice season. Apparently, we've decided that everything needs to taste like a candle for the next two months.
In today’s newsletter:
☀️ Weather
🌐 A second data path across the water
🏫 Newport News schools could get new attendance zones
🚂 A 75-year-old thank you note
🏈 The football team nobody saw coming
📅 Events
Here’s what’s up. |
Trivia Question❓Fort Eustis was once famous for training soldiers on what surprising form of transportation? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Uncharted Adaptive Fitness stands out as a welcoming space where everyBODY belongs. Their personalized workouts blend cardio, strength, and endurance, making fitness both fun and accessible for all, including those with neurological or medical conditions. With options for one-on-one training or supportive group sessions, athletes of every ability level can build confidence and achieve their goals in a safe and encouraging environment. Join the community and experience expert coaching from passionate trainers who believe that no fitness journey is too Uncharted! |
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🌐 Newport News Is Getting A Second Data Path Across The Water |
The Gist: Newport News received $2 million in federal funding to help extend fiber through the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel and the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. The project would connect Peninsula fiber to the Southside’s regional network and create a second route for internet and communication traffic.
Why It Matters: A second data path gives the region more backup if one connection has problems. That matters for hospitals, schools, universities, emergency services, businesses, and future technology growth. It is not flashy, but it is the kind of behind-the-scenes infrastructure that helps Newport News compete long term. Read More... |
🚂 A 75-Year-Old Thank You Note Just Opened In Newport News |
The Gist: The Virginia War Museum has opened a new exhibit on the Merci Train, a boxcar France sent to Virginia in 1949 as part of a thank-you gift to America after World War II. The exhibit, “The Merci Train: A Story of Generosity and Gratitude,” opened Oct. 3 and runs indefinitely at the museum on Warwick Boulevard. Curators tracked down 15 original gifts from the boxcar, including statues, dolls, clothing, furniture, and ornamental items.
Why It Matters: Newport News has had this piece of history for 75 years, but now visitors can finally see more of the story behind it. The exhibit is included with regular museum admission and gives residents a closer look at a rare symbol of gratitude, recovery, and friendship after World War II. Read More... |
🏈 The Newport News Football Team Nobody Saw Coming |
The Gist: Denbigh High School football is giving Newport News one of the better comeback stories of the season. Under second-year head coach Ray Malone, the Patriots are off to a strong start and have already picked up two big wins, beating Phoebus for the first time since 1997 and Hampton for the first time in 13 years. The team is building around more than football too, with Malone pushing classroom work, discipline and a stronger program culture. Denbigh plays Menchville this Friday at 7 p.m.
Why It Matters: For a program that has been working to rebuild, these wins feel bigger than a box score. Denbigh is giving students, families and alumni something to rally around again, and that kind of momentum can change the whole feel around a school.
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Here’s what’s happening this weekend 👇 |
Saturday, October 10
🎯 Harvest Moon Shootout Wilcox Indoor Archery Range | 9:00 AM.
🎨 22nd Annual Port Warwick Art & Sculpture Festival Port Warwick (William Styron Square) | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
🪴 Spooky Plant Bingo Sage Kitchen at Anderson's | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM.
🎸 Olde Virginia Company Live 1700 Brewing | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
🎸 Virginia Shellphish Coalition Live Smoke - BBQ Restaurant & Bar | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
🎵 The Moats Dogs: Anchorage Drive Album Release Party Hilton Tavern Brewing Co. | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
🎵 Live Reggae: David "Young Lion" Cuffee Chef Life Brewery & Distillery | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
🎙️ The Comedy Mill Stand-Up Comedy feat. Antoine Scott Craft 60 Taphouse & Grill | 9:00 PM (Doors open 8:30 PM).
Sunday, October 11
🎨 22nd Annual Port Warwick Art & Sculpture Festival Port Warwick (William Styron Square) | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
🎨 Frida Kahlo Niches Grissom Library | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Thursday, October 22
🎃 Abbitt’s Spooktacular Trunk-or-Treat Abbitt Realty Co. | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
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Fire Prevention Showcase |
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Join us for the Fire Prevention Showcase, a fun and educational event perfect for all ages! Meet local firefighters and specialty teams, explore fire engine displays, and enjoy interactive presentations. There will be plenty of hands-on activities and great photo opportunities for everyone. The event is free and offers convenient parking. Bring your family and friends to Huntington Park and learn important fire safety tips in a lively, community atmosphere. |
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Chaplain Introductory Training |
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Join us for the Chaplain Introductory Training organized by the Newport News Police Foundation. This event offers a great opportunity for those interested in serving as chaplains to learn, connect, and grow in their calling. Held at the Police Training Academy in the NNPD North Precinct, you'll gain valuable insights and practical skills in a supportive, in-person environment. Become a part of the team supporting Newport News law enforcement and your community. |
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🏃 Frosty Feat 5K Returns This December |
The Frosty Feat 5K is coming to Newport News on Saturday, December 12, at Copeland Field across from Warwick High School. The family-friendly event is sponsored by the Newport News Public Schools Wellness Program and includes a 5K at 9 a.m. and a 1-mile fun run at 8:30 a.m. Registration is $20 for the 5K and $5 for the fun run, with prices increasing after November 11. Packet pickup is Friday, December 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Todd Stadium. Read More... |
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🏥 Riverside Health Names Dr. Patsy McNeil To Top Clinical Role |
Courtesy of Riverside Health
Riverside Health has named Dr. Patsy McNeil its next chief clinical operations officer and executive vice president, starting in December 2026. McNeil currently serves as system chief medical officer for Adventist HealthCare. In her new role, she will oversee Riverside’s acute care division, Riverside Medical Group, quality, information technology, and medical education. For Newport News, it is a major leadership move inside one of the region’s biggest health systems. Read More... |
Meme of the Day |
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SCHOOLS
🏫 NNPS Efficiency Study Gets Community Feedback
Newport News Public Schools held public meetings from Sept. 29 through Oct. 1 to hear from families and residents about its efficiency study. The district is reviewing attendance zones, school building use, bus times, and fair access across the city. A final recommendation is expected to go to the School Board in January 2027. For parents, this is one to keep an eye on because it could affect school assignments, transportation, and how NNPS uses its buildings in the years ahead. Learn More...
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GOOD TO KNOW
📱 Virginians Can Add Their ID To Apple Wallet
Virginians can now add their state-issued driver’s license or ID to Apple Wallet on iPhone and Apple Watch. The digital ID can be used at select DMV locations, Virginia ABC pilot stores, Virginia State Police checks, and some businesses and venues across the state. It can also help with identity or age verification without sharing more information than needed. DMV says people should still check where mobile ID is accepted before relying on it. Handy? Yes. Time to throw away your real wallet? Not quite yet. Learn More...
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EVENTS
🎪 A French Circus Is Pitching Its Big Top In Newport News
Cirque de Paris is bringing its French circus show to Newport News from October 8 to October 11. The 90-minute show will take place under the Big Top at American Legion Post 368. The lineup includes juggling from the Supka Family, two traditional circus clowns, and performances from Noah and Alyana, the children of producer Anouchka Bouglione. The Bouglione family has deep circus roots in France, including ties to the famous Cirque D’Hiver in Paris. For families looking for something different this weekend, this one brings a little Paris flair to Newport News.. Learn More...
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🐾 Meet Leggy Peggy! |
Peggy is a 3-year-old German Shepherd mix with long legs, lots of energy and a sweet side that comes out once she gets comfortable. She loves walks, outdoor adventures and keeping an eye out for squirrels, so a home without small animals may be best. Peggy is currently relaxing in a foster home and is ready to find her forever adventure buddy. Learn More... |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Locomotives and Trains |
😊Thanks! |
Thanks for reading The Newport Newser today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who's been saying, “I’m gonna clean out the garage this weekend,” since 2022.
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