🌞Good morning, Newport News! The government shutdown drags on, and we know it’s hitting home for many of you, our DoD civilians and service members who keep showing up even when the paychecks don’t. We see you, value you, and stand with you.

In today’s Newport Newser:

💙Emergency Help for Furlough Workers

🌆 Newport News kicks off EDGE Summit

🏅 National award for open government

🗳️ Early voting

Let’s see what’s up.

What is the origin name “Newportes Newes” associated with Newport News, first appearing in records around 1619?

This Week's Sponsor

Byrd's Restaurant

Byrd’s Restaurant dishes out classic American breakfast and lunch with a Southern kick. Tucked in the Hidenwood area, this local favorite turns out comfort food like shrimp and grits, cinnamon swirl pancakes, and lemon-blueberry bread French toast. Almost everything’s made from scratch, and the staff makes you feel right at home.

They’re open Thursday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Walk-ins only, no reservations. The line can get long, but most folks will tell you the wait is part of the experience.

🚨 Government Shutdown Support Alert 🚨

Emergency Help for Furlough Workers

THRIVE Peninsula is stepping up for families in Newport News, Hampton, Yorktown, and Poquoson.

Walk-in emergency food assistance is available Monday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Families affected by the shutdown can also apply for help with critical bills. If that’s you or someone you know, don’t wait, reach out and get the support you need.

🔗 Apply now at www.thrivepeninsula.org/help

Newport News is launching into a period of transformation.

Newport News just launched the NN EDGE Summit, a two-day event at the Marriott City Center spotlighting 12 key sites ready for growth. Mayor Phillip Jones called it “an exciting new chapter,” with city leaders aiming to match private investment with a public vision for long-term progress. While the summit is invite-only, residents can follow updates as these projects set the stage for the city’s future.

Newport News Wins National Award for Open Government

Newport News has earned national praise for its commitment to openness, taking home a 2025 Best in Governance Award in the Trust Through Transparency category.

The recognition came from the city’s debut use of the Balancing Act budget tool, which let residents test budget choices, weigh tradeoffs, and share priorities directly with leaders. City Manager Alan Archer said the award belongs to the people, crediting community input for shaping decisions and building trust.

The city will be celebrated this fall at the ICMA Annual Conference, with its Top Performer badge proudly displayed on nnva.gov and across social media.

Read More

🗳 Early Voting in Newport News 🗳

Early voting for the 2025 Election is starting soon! You can vote in person or drop off your ballot at any of these three convenient locations:

📍Denbigh Community Center - Opens Oct. 20, Mon-Fri, 8 am-5 pm

🗓️ Special Weekend Hours

✅ Saturday, Oct. 25 & Nov. 1- 9 am -5 pm

✅ Sunday, Oct. 26 - 11 am - 4 pm

⛅Thursday  70° 59°  Sunny to partly cloudy, breezy early.

⛅Friday       72° 56°   Mostly cloudy

⛅Saturday   75° 60°   Partly sunny and pleasant

⛅Sunday      77° 61°   Partly sunny, pleasant.

 Fall‑O‑Ween Festival 2025

📅Date: October 4 & 5, 2025

🕒Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM each day

📍Location: Newport News Park, 13560 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA

🎟️Admission / Parking: Admission is free; parking is $10 per vehicle (cash only)

📄 Details: A two‑day family festival with crafts, exhibitors, live entertainment, Halloween‑themed vendors, costumed characters, kids’ activities, photo ops, seasonal beer garden, and more.

ONE LOVE: Reggae Music Festival (5th Annual)

📅Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025

🕒Time: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

📍Location: Coastal Fermentory, 206 23rd Street, Ste B, Newport News, VA

🎟️Admission: Free

📄 Details: Live reggae music all day, artist performances, community gathering atmosphere.

Handbuilt Jack‑O‑Lanterns

📅Date: October 4 & 11, 2025

🕒Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

📍Location: Pop-Shop by Jo Louise, 10846 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA

🎟️Admission: $50 (Ticket Info)

📄 Details: This guided workshop teaches participants how to create pinch-pot pumpkins, carve expressive Jack‑O‑Lantern faces, and decorate them with underglaze color.

Oktoberfest Celebration at 1700 Brewing

📅Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025

🕒Time: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

📍Location:1700 Brewing, 11838 Canon Blvd, Newport News, VA

🎟️Admission: Free

📄Details: Part of a German / Oktoberfest themed event with music, food, and German‑style fare via “Taste of Germany / Lodschgi” involvement.

Pumpkin Patch 2025

📅Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025

🕒Time: Starting at 2:00 PM onward

📍Location: Hidenwood Presbyterian Church, 414 Hiden Blvd, Newport News, VA

🎟️Admission: Come pick out the perfect pumpkin! All proceeds support the church’s programs.

📄Details: Seasonal pumpkin patch opens October 4 for the community (likely daily after opening).

Warwick Auto Show

📅Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025

🕒Time: Starting at 9:00 AM– 2:00 PM

📍Location: Warwick Moose Lodge,1711 Warwick Moose Ln, Newport News, VA

🎟️Admission: Free

📄Details: Hosted by the Warwick Moose Lodge, this classic auto show features vintage cars, muscle cars, custom builds, and more.

Chicken Yock Recipe (Yock-A-Mein)

Yock, also called Yock-A-Mein, is a Tidewater classic that blends Chinese noodles with Black Southern flavor. This chicken version keeps the tradition alive with spaghetti, seasoned broth, and a hard-boiled egg on top.

Try the full recipe here: Chicken Yock

🏈Gunner White Powers CNU in Big Win Over Gettysburg

Christopher Newport stayed perfect at 2-0 with a 49-14 win over Gettysburg, as senior RB Gunner White set the school’s career touchdown record with four scores on the day. CNU has next weekend off before hosting fourth-ranked Susquehanna University on Saturday, September 27th, at TowneBank Stadium. 👉 Read more...

It’s an early recorded form of the name “Newport News.”

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