| Thursday, October 15, 2026|Issue #64|Newport news, VA |
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Good morning, Newport News!
Let’s start the morning with a big win for our firefighters. The Newport News Fire Department was recognized by Mayor Phillip Jones after receiving the 2026 Virginia Municipal League President’s Award for Innovation, the highest honor in the statewide program. The award went to NNFD’s “Care Where You Are” Community Health Bus, which brings essential health services directly to residents. Congratulations to Chief Rogers, the Community Health Bus team and everyone who helped make it happen. That is some hometown work worth celebrating. ❤️
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❓What long-running Newport News tradition celebrates the Denbigh community each year? 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 Non-Emergency Calls Get a New Upgrade |
The Gist: Newport News is now using Amazon Connect for its non-emergency line. Instead of working through a phone menu, callers can simply explain what they need, and the system can answer common questions or route them to the right city department. If it cannot understand the request or the situation sounds urgent, the call goes to the Emergency Communications Center. Why It Matters: The goal is to keep routine questions from tying up specialists who also handle 911 calls, giving them more time to focus on real emergencies. And the big reminder still stands: if it is an emergency, call 911. Read More...
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⚓ Newport News Shipbuilding Lands $56M AUKUS Contract |
The Gist: The U.S. Navy awarded HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding a $56 million contract for engineering and design work supporting the AUKUS partnership between the U.S., United Kingdom and Australia. An option could raise the total value to $91 million. Newport News engineers will help support the design of the SSN-AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine, along with technology, supply chain, workforce development and digital transformation work. Why It Matters: Newport News Shipbuilding’s nuclear expertise is now playing a direct role in an international submarine program, bringing another major Navy contract and advanced engineering work to the city’s shipyard. Read More...
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🌬️ $12M Wind Fence Could Cut Newport News Coal Dust by Up to 89% |
The Gist: A new city-backed study found that an 80-foot porous wind fence around coal stockpiles near I-664 could reduce some dust particles escaping the terminals by as much as 89%. The estimated cost is $12 million to $22 million, but neither terminal operator, Kinder Morgan nor Dominion Terminal Associates, has committed to paying for it, and Kinder Morgan says it is not currently pursuing the project. Why It Matters: East End residents have complained about coal dust on homes, cars and in the air for decades. The study gives Newport News a possible solution, but the big question now is who would pay for it and whether it ever gets built. Read More... |
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Here’s what’s happening this weekend 👇 |
Saturday, October 17
🗣️ Unbreakable Voices Summit 2026 Holiday Inn Newport News - Hampton by IHG | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
🎃 Hidenwood Fall Festival Hidenwood Presbyterian Church | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
👨🚒 NNFD Family Picnic City of Newport News Riverview Farm Park | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
🎨 Fantastic Beasts: Alebrije Art Grissom Library | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
🪦 Graveyard Tours Lebanon Christian Church | 4:30 PM – 5:45 PM.
🎵 Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers Ferguson Center for the Arts | 8:00 PM.
🎙️ Stand-Up Comedy Show Cozzy's Comedy Club & Tavern | 8:00 PM.
Sunday, October 18
🏆 2026 Tidewater Classic Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center | 10:00 AM.
🎭 That Golden Girls Show! A Puppet Parody Ferguson Center for the Arts | 3:00 PM.
🎶 Concert For Hope & Health Peebles Theatre at Ferguson Center for the Arts | 4:00 PM.
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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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🎬 From Newport News to Tyler Perry Studios, Jasmine Sargent Is Getting Her Big Break |
Newport News native Jasmine Sargent is building a name for herself in film and television after making the leap to Atlanta. She appears as Lisa in Tyler Perry’s Doing Life and has also landed roles in ALLBLK’s G.R.I.T.S., Beauty in Black and House of Payne. Sargent says visiting Tyler Perry Studios helped convince her that bigger opportunities were possible and inspired her move from Newport News to Atlanta. Her goals go beyond acting too. She hopes to eventually create her own sitcom inspired by shows like Moesha and The Parkers. From Newport News to one of the biggest studios in the country, she is turning a local dream into something much bigger.
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Meme of the Day |
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SCHOOLS
🎻 120 NNPS Students Got a Master Class From a World-Class Violinist
About 120 string students from Menchville, Warwick, and Woodside High Schools packed Warwick High School on Oct. 12 for a master class with internationally known violinist Rachel Barton Pine. She performed everything from classical and Scottish fiddle music to heavy metal, then played alongside students and coached them through technique, articulation and difficult passages. Pine has performed with major orchestras around the world and also leads a foundation that expands access to classical music and promotes works by Black composers. For NNPS students, this was a rare chance to learn directly from someone who performs on the world stage. Learn More...
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FOOD & DRINK
🍦 16 Handles Opens Its First Virginia Shop in Newport News
Newport News just got a new spot for frozen treats. 16 Handles is now open at Jefferson Commons, 12551 Jefferson Ave., offering 16 rotating flavors of frozen yogurt, soft serve and sorbet, plus 50+ toppings and sauces. Vegan and dairy-free options are available too. The shop is owned by York County resident Arun Acharya and his son Atharv, who chose the franchise because of its mix-and-match setup and family-friendly feel. It is also the first 16 Handles location in Virginia. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
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FOOD & DRINK
🍽️ This New York County Restaurant Is Worth the Short Drive
Lantern opened in September at 1215 George Washington Memorial Highway, just a few minutes from the Newport News line, and it is already getting attention for its elevated seasonal menu. Owner and chef Micah French is serving dishes like caviar fries, duck wings with Fresno hot honey and thick crab cakes inspired by a Lowcountry boil, while the restaurant also operates a weekday coffee lounge. Lantern is alcohol free, with a full zero-proof drink program, and focuses on locally sourced ingredients when possible. If you are looking for a new Peninsula dinner spot without driving far, this one may be worth putting on the list.
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SPORTS
🏈 CNU’s Jordin Lennon Runs Wild and Earns NJAC Honor
CNU senior running back Jordin Lennon was named the NJAC Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for 201 yards and two touchdowns in the Captains’ 31-20 win over Kean. Lennon averaged 7.4 yards per carry and helped CNU control the second half without attempting a single pass. The Captains are now 5-0, have won 20 straight regular-season games, and remain ranked among the top teams in Division III.
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🐾 Meet Peanut, a High-Energy Pup Looking for the Right Home |
Peanut first came to PRAS as a stray at about 6 months old and is now thriving in foster care after being returned by a previous adopter. He’s playful, energetic and still learning how to manage all that excitement, so he’ll do best with a patient home that can provide structure, training and consistency. Peanut has lived with a cat, has done well meeting other dogs and is currently living with two female dogs in foster. Because of his energy and rough play style, everyone in the household will need to meet him before adoption. 🐾 Visit Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter at 5843 Jefferson Ave., Newport News to learn more. |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Denbigh Day Parade and Festival |
😊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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