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$184M Stuart Makeover, School Bus Crisis, CNU Rises & Big Weekend Events—See What’s Next!
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$184M Stuart Makeover, School Bus Crisis, CNU Rises & Big Weekend Events—See What’s Next!
Big news & local fun: $184M makeover, school updates, CNU honor & more events this weekend!
EJ Harris

EJ Harris

Aug 25, 2026

August 25, 2026|Issue #56|Newport news, VA

Together With:

Good morning, Newport News! Day one is done, and now we are officially back in the world of school buses, lunch boxes, and drop-off lines that somehow move slower when you are already late. 😅 Give yourself a few extra minutes this morning, watch those school zones and keep the coffee close. Here’s to a smoother Day 2!

 

In today’s newsletter...

 

☀️ Weather

 

🏘️ $184M Stuart Gardens Makeover

 

🚌 NNPS 90 Bus Drivers Short

 

🎓 CNU Makes Best Colleges List

 

📅 Events

 

Grab your coffee, check the calendar, and let’s get into it.

Trivia Question❓

Which Newport News high school is known for its Performing Arts Magnet Program?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

★★★★★

Vinny's Vinyl is your go-to spot for music lovers and collectors alike. With a passionate team and curated selection, it's where vinyl enthusiasts find hidden gems and classic favorites. Whether you're new to records or a seasoned crate digger, you'll feel right at home among friendly faces.

 

Supporting Vinny's Vinyl means joining a community that truly cares about keeping music alive. Stop by and experience the joy of great tunes, great company, and unbeatable service.

 

Address1045 J Clyde Morris Blvd
Days OpenTuesday-Sunday
Hours11 AM - 7 PM
Phone(757) 814-9408
Visit Vinny's Vinyl

🏘️ $184M Makeover Coming to Stuart Gardens

One of Newport News’ oldest housing communities is getting a nearly $184 million refresh. Stuart Gardens, 1326 Garden Drive, was built in 1941 to house military personnel and civilian workers during World War II, and today its 491 affordable apartments still serve families across 40 acres. Vitus Group began the $183.5 million renovation this month, with new kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, appliances, roofs, windows, landscaping and playground equipment planned before work wraps up in November 2027. The historic community includes 109 buildings with one to three-bedroom homes and serves residents earning between 40 and 60 percent of the area median income. Nearly 85 years after Stuart Gardens helped house Newport News’ wartime workforce, it is getting a major update for the families who call it home today.  Read More...

🚌 Newport News Schools Start the Year About 90 Bus Drivers Short

Newport News Public Schools opened Monday about 90 bus drivers short, far worse than the typical 20 to 30 at the start of a school year. The district is working through problem spots at individual schools and considering hiring bonuses to get more drivers behind the wheel. If you can drive your child to school this week, that flexibility could save you a headache while routes get sorted out. And if you have a CDL or want to earn one, NNPS is hiring right now. A little patience and a backup plan will go a long way this first week. Read More...

🎓 CNU Lands on Princeton Review’s Best Colleges List Again

Christopher Newport University is back on The Princeton Review’s Best Colleges list, and students gave it especially high marks in two areas. CNU ranked No. 7 among public universities for internship opportunities, with about 60 percent of undergraduates completing an internship, often with a direct path to a job after graduation. The university also came in No. 9 among public universities for making an impact, a category that looks at community service, student government, sustainability and campus involvement. For Newport News, that means one of the country’s recognized public universities is sitting right here in our backyard. CNU keeps giving the rest of the country another reason to know the name. Read More...

Here’s what’s happening this weekend 👇

 

Friday, August 28
🍺 Old Soul Revival 1700 Brewing | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
🎶 Broadway Then & Now Ferguson Center for the Arts (CNU's Great Lawn) | 7:30 PM.
🎸 Dave Crumpler Music Craft 60 Taphouse & Grill | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Saturday, August 29
🌾 Hilton Village Farmers Market Hilton Village | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
📚 Author Academy's FREE Introductory Writing Workshop Paperbacks Ink | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
🐢 Terrific Turtles Educational Program Newport News Park Discovery Center | 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM.
🎸 Chisolm Creek Band Warwick Moose Lodge and Family Center 1711 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
🎻 Virginia Symphony Orchestra Ferguson Center for the Arts (CNU's Great Lawn) | 7:30 PM.

 

❤️ Second Breath LLC Offers CPR Training in Newport News

Second Breath LLC is offering two American Red Cross classes this September at 733 Thimble Shoals Boulevard. A CPR Class on September 5 from noon to 5 p.m. costs $110 and covers CPR, AED use, choking and basic first aid. An Instructor Trainer Course on September 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. costs $330 for those who want to teach CPR classes. The company is also welcoming Dalia Johnson as its newest instructor before this one closes, too.

 

📞 757-717-4501

 

🌐 secondbreathllc.com

 

🏃 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...

🎵 Masego Came Home to Newport News With a Gift for Woodside Students

Before heading to Virginia Beach for a show at the Dome, Grammy-nominated artist Masego came home to Woodside High School, where he once walked the halls himself. Joined by Vice Mayor Curtis D. Bethany III, another Woodside graduate, Masego helped deliver thousands of dollars in school supplies and musical instruments, including about $3,500 in music supplies for local students. He also spent time playing music with students and answering questions about his journey from Newport News to stages around the world. For Woodside students, this was more than a donation. It was a chance to see what can happen when someone from your own neighborhood makes it big and remembers the way home.

Meme of the Day

SPORTS

 

🏈 Menchville Drops JV Football This Season

 

Menchville High School will not field a JV football team for 2026, though varsity will continue as scheduled. The Monarchs went 1 and 9 last season, and no official reason for the JV cancellation has been announced. Read More...

COMMUNITY

 

🛒 Jefferson Avenue Walmart Reopens After Fire

 

Walmart at 12401 Jefferson Avenue is back open after a Friday electrical fire closed the store for two days. No injuries were reported, and the store reopened after the building was checked and cleared as safe.Read More...

🐾 Clear The Shelters Returns To PRAS This August

The Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter is joining the annual Clear the Shelters campaign all month long, with reduced adoption fees, weekly specials, and extra chances to help pets find homes. To kick things off, Hearts at Home Pet Sitting, LLC is sponsoring the first 16 adult dog and cat adoptions, and eligible adopters will receive a free goodie bag. Every adoption opens space for another pet waiting for a second chance. Whether you want a walking buddy, a family pet, or a couch companion, August is a good time to stop by PRAS and meet who is waiting. Follow the shelter for current fees, available pets, hours, and weekly adoption specials. Learn More...

 

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Woodside High School

😊Thanks!

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