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Good morning, Newport News! The fried apple pie is coming back to McDonald’s on June 23, and yes, we mean the hot, crispy, burn-the-roof-of-your-mouth one.

Back in the day, my order was a Big Mac, fries, a strawberry milkshake and a fried apple pie. A balanced meal? Absolutely not. A classic? Absolutely yes.

In today’s newsletter:

💜 First-in-the-nation sickle cell law signed in Newport News

🚌 Free HRT rides for Juneteenth

🦋 NNPS student art blooms at Huntington Park Botanical Garden

Here’s what’s up.

How many U.S. Navy ships have carried the Newport News name?

Meet SherriAnn Harris, Army Veteran and founder of Craft 2 You LLC. What started as a creative space for children with different abilities has grown into a welcoming community for all ages.

Through sewing and hands-on crafts, participants build confidence, strengthen skills, and connect with others in a supportive environment. SherriAnn blends her mental health background, military discipline, and love of crafting as a proud “Therapeutic Craft Professional.”

Now offering sewing classes and Cricut workshops for youth and adults.

💜 Governor Signs First-in-Nation Sickle Cell Law in Newport News

Governor Spanberger came to Newport News last week and made history. She signed the Queen Candis Act, a first-in-the-nation sickle cell law named after Candis Gabriella King, a 15-year-old we lost to the disease. Her parents stood right beside the Governor at Sentara Community Care Center for the signing. The law creates training for school nurses, coaches and healthcare workers to spot and treat sickle cell crises before they turn dangerous. Thousands of Virginians are living with sickle cell disease, and folks are hoping other states follow Virginia’s lead. A heavy moment, and a beautiful way to carry a young life forward. Read More...

🚌 Free Fares for Juneteenth

Hampton Roads Transit is giving everyone a free ride on June 19. Buses, light rail, the ferry, the VB Wave trolley, Paratransit and OnDemand are all fare free for Juneteenth. Buses will run on a regular weekday schedule, while light rail and ferry service get expanded hours thanks to Sail250 Virginia. It's one of four free fare days HRT offers each year, alongside Transit Equity Day, Earth Day and Election Day. Grab the GoMobile app if you want to plan your trip ahead of time. Learn More...

🦋 NNPS Students' Art Now on Display at New Huntington Park Botanical Garden

Photo Via: Newport News Public Schools

Second- and third-graders from every Newport News elementary school came to Newsome Park Elementary on June 4, ready to build. Their challenge was to design, build and code a small crane system to move cargo containers, just like workers do at the port. The twist? Nobody knew the challenge until it started. Dutrow Elementary took first place, B.C. Charles came in second and Carver finished third. A big day for tiny engineers with real Newport News roots. Read More...

🎉 Juneteenth Freedom Festival — Saturday, June 20, 5 to 10 p.m.

Victory Landing Park, 50 26th Street. Free parking, free entry, free activities. Day 26, Fly Guy DC, Tobias Cortez and a full DJ lineup all night. Twenty years strong and still one of the best nights of the summer.   Learn More...

Here’s what’s happening this weekend 👇

Unlike laser treatments, which may not work on gray or light-colored hair, electrolysis works on all skin tones and is the only FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal. Adams now helps clients dealing with PCOS, hormonal hair growth, ingrown hairs and other unwanted hair concerns.

Clear Roots is a Black-owned, family-operated small business with a simple goal: helping people feel seen, cared for and confident again.

🔦 Know a Newport News business we should feature?

We’re looking for local restaurants, shops, service providers, nonprofits, and community groups to spotlight in upcoming editions of The Newport Newser.

Own a business? Know a good one? Send it our way.

We love finding the people and places that make Newport News feel like Newport News.

PUBLIC SAFETY

🎯 City Council Approves $415,000 for Police Gear and Victim Services

Newport News City Council just approved $415,000 in new spending, and here's the kicker, none of it is your tax dollars. It's all seized criminal assets. The bigger piece, $400,000, upgrades NNPD's service firearms with red dot sights and new holsters. The other $15,000 supports victim services and outreach through the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. Money taken from criminals, now working to keep the rest of us safer.

ENVIRONMENT

💰 CNU Lands in Top 10 for College Affordability Nationwide

Christopher Newport University just landed in the top 10 on SmartAsset's list of Best Value Small Colleges nationwide, one of only three Virginia schools to make the cut. Almost 94 percent of CNU grads are working or in grad school within a year of finishing. Read More...

SPORTS

🏀 CNU Hires One of Its Own as New Basketball Coach

Christopher Newport just brought a familiar face home. Jarren Dyson, a Yorktown native and Tabb High grad, is taking over as head coach after three seasons at Army West Point. He's already part of CNU history too, having helped lead the Captains to their first ever national championship during an earlier stint on staff. He becomes just the fifth head coach in program history, replacing John Krikorian after 15 seasons. Dyson says his family is thrilled to be back home, and Hampton Roads is thrilled to have him. Learn More...

🏖️ Newport News Model Trinity Tatum Is Still Heating Up Love Island USA

Trinity Tatum traded in her old hardware store job for a shot at love on national TV, and Newport News is watching every episode. The 22-year-old model is one of 12 islanders on Season 8 of Love Island USA, now airing on Peacock. She's comfortable in front of the camera and confident in her own skin, and isn't shy about what she wants. Trinity says she's from a small town where dating a second cousin could be a real possibility, so she came in looking for a fresh start and a respectful man. She's made it past several eliminations already while other islanders have been sent home, including one contestant dropped from the cast entirely before the show even aired. Tune in on Peacock and root for our girl from the 757, she's still standing in the villa. Read More...

Meet Holly! 🐾

Holly is a sweet 1-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier in foster care and ready for her forever home. She’s spayed, housebroken, playful, and loves other dogs, maybe a little too much in the cutest way.

Holly would do best with a family ready to give her love, structure, and maybe a dog buddy to play with. She’s also likely to do well with children.

Could Holly be the newest member of your family? Contact Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter to learn more about this happy-go-lucky girl.

Three. The current submarine is the third, following a Des Moines-class heavy cruiser that served from 1948 to 1978, and before that, a converted German cargo ship the Navy seized during World War I.

😊Thanks!

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