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Newport News Is BOOMING โ€” But Who Really Controls the City's Future?
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Newport News Is BOOMING โ€” But Who Really Controls the City's Future?
$1M noodles, $2M sports haven, mayor race heats up & a big weekend ahead in Newport News! ๐Ÿ”ฅ
EJ Harris

EJ Harris

Jul 10, 2026

Together With:

Good morning, Newport NewsYou’re reading The Newport Newser, your friendly local guide to what’s happening, changing, and worth knowing around Newport News. Every issue brings you local stories, upcoming events, business spotlights, and community gems that make our city feel like home.

 

In today’s newsletter:

 

โ˜€๏ธ Weather

 

๐Ÿœ NOODLE’s $1M Impact

 

๐Ÿ”ฌ Jefferson Lab Project

 

๐Ÿ—ณ๏ธ Mayor’s Race

 

๐ŸŠ SafeHaven Gets $2M

 

๐Ÿ“… Events

 

Here’s what’s up.

Trivia Questionโ“

What historic train station is the last remaining C&O Railroad depot on the Virginia Peninsula?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Reed’s Lawn Care, LLC is a family-owned business serving Newport News with more than fresh-cut lawns. The team handles mowing, mulching, flower bed installation, leaf cleanups and more, but their real calling card is how they treat people.

 

They talk with customers before each job so everyone is clear from the start, and they offer discounts for military, police and EMS. When one client recently went through a family loss, Reed’s stepped in and provided lawn care at no charge. As they put it, “At the end of the day, we’re all human beings. Kindness can go such a long way.” For reliable lawn care with a personal touch, Reed’s is a local name worth knowing.

 

Visit Reed's Lawn Care

๐Ÿœ NOODLE Brought More Than $1 Million Into Newport News

The numbers are in, and NOODLE: The Thinkers Convention gave Newport News a real Memorial Day weekend boost. An independent study found the event generated between $1.01 million and $1.14 million in local economic activity. About 4,000 people attended, and nearly 70 percent came from outside the city, filling hotel rooms, restaurants and local businesses along the way. The city used $3 million in surplus funds to bring the event downtown and see whether Newport News could support more conventions like it. About 85 percent of attendees said they would come back. Now the big question is whether NOODLE returns in 2027. Read More...

๐Ÿ”ฌ Jefferson Lab’s New Project Has Newport News Talking

Photo by Toby Cox

 

A new building is going up at Jefferson Lab, and the words “data center” on the construction sign have plenty of people curious. Officials say this is not a commercial data center like the ones popping up in other parts of Virginia. It will be the High Performance Data Facility, a national research center linking scientists with advanced computers and artificial intelligence. Congressman Rob Wittman said calling it a data center does not tell the full story because the project is focused on research. Residents can ask questions at a town hall July 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Denbigh Community Center. It is a major project in our backyard, and neighbors are ready to learn more. Read More...

๐Ÿ—ณ๏ธ Three Familiar Names Are Running for Newport News Mayor

Newport News voters will choose their next mayor on November 3, and three familiar faces are on the ballot. Mayor Phillip Jones is seeking a second term, pointing to lower crime, new development and the city’s All-America City award. Former City Councilwoman Sharon Scott is running on financial oversight, transparency and accountability. Former Virginia Delegate Phil Hamilton is focusing on economic growth, public safety and his experience in education. Early in-person voting begins September 18. There is plenty of time to learn where each candidate stands before election day. Read More...

๐ŸŠ Antoine Bethea’s SafeHaven Center Gets $2 Million Boost

Former NFL safety Antoine Bethea grew up in Newport News and had to travel 20 minutes just to reach a pool. Now he is helping make sure local kids have more opportunities close to home. His SafeHaven Empowerment Center received $2 million in federal funding to continue renovations, including repairs to a swimming pool that is currently closed. About 50 children are attending summer camp at the center this summer. Congressman Bobby Scott helped secure the funding. Bethea said giving back to the community that raised him was a no-brainer, and this project is giving Newport News kids more room to learn, play, and grow. Read More...

Here’s what’s happening this weekend ๐Ÿ‘‡

 

Friday, July 10
๐ŸŠ‍โ™‚๏ธ Outdoor Luau JBLE Aquatic Center | 3:00 PM.
๐Ÿ•๏ธ Girl Scouts Outdoor Adventure Camp Newport Ruritan Park | 5:00 PM (Runs through Sunday).
๐ŸŽธ Halfway Decent VA Live Cove Tavern | 6:00 PM.
๐ŸŽ‰ Catalyst Church’s 3rd Annual Block Party Catalyst Church | 6:00 PM.
๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Mike Stankiewicz Live Cozzy's Comedy Club | 8:00 PM.
๐ŸŽธ Shannon and The Reunion Live Chef Life Brewery & Distillery | 8:00 PM.
๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Comedy Game Night Craft 60 Taphouse & Grill | 9:00 PM.
Saturday, July 11
โค๏ธ Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED and First Aid Course Second Breath LLC | 9:00 AM.
๐Ÿฑ National Kitten Day at Lee Hall Depot Lee Hall Depot | 10:00 AM.
๐Ÿฆถ Free Foot Check Day The Good Feet Store | 10:00 AM.
๐Ÿช By Reid Legacy Storefront Grand Opening By Reid Legacy | 10:00 AM.
๐Ÿƒ Card and Collectibles Event Blackout Sports Cards and Collectibles | 11:00 AM.
๐ŸŽธ Mac Express Band & 250th Anniversary Picnic Warwick Moose Lodge and Family Center 1711 | 5:00 PM.
๐ŸŠ‍โ™‚๏ธ Adult Swim: Float. Sip. Relax. Windsor Great Park Pool | 7:00 PM.
๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Mike Stankiewicz Live Cozzy's Comedy Club | 8:00 PM.
๐ŸŽธ Jacob Vanko Live Craft 60 Taphouse & Grill | 8:00 PM.
๐ŸŽธ Vinyl Headlights Live The Sandbar Grill and Pub | 8:00 PM.
Sunday, July 12
๐Ÿง˜ Yoga in the Taproom Coastal Fermentory Uptown | 12:00 PM.
๐Ÿ“š Brunch Pop-Up & Mobile Bookshop Tradition Brewing Company | 12:00 PM.

 

 

๐Ÿพ Empty The Shelters Adoption Event — July 5 To July 26

Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter, 5843 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News. Adoption fees for dogs and cats will be reduced to $70 or less during this summer adoption event. Pets go home spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. If your home has room for a new best friend, this is a good time to meet one. Read more...

๐Ÿฅ Free Sports Physicals And School Vaccines

Newport News Fire Department, Love The Tree of Life Free Clinic and the Virginia Department of Health are bringing free sports physicals and required school vaccines to students this summer. No appointment is needed, and students will be seen from 3 to 7 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

Vaccines are available at no cost with the right consent forms. The Fire Department’s CAREs Team will also be there to connect students and families with mental health resources and community support.

 

๐Ÿ“ Ella Fitzgerald Middle School, 432 Industrial Park Dr., June 30 and July 14

 

๐Ÿ“ Warwick High School, 51 Copeland Lane, July 7

 

A parent must be present, and forms must be completed before the exam.

 

Meme of the Day

CONSTRUCTION

๐Ÿšง Hilton Area Project Reaches 68 Percent

The Hilton Area construction project is now 68 percent complete. Utility conflicts near Rivermont Drive slowed work, but the sewer issue has been fixed. Crews hope to restart stormwater pipe installation during the week of July 13. The project is still expected to finish by December 26, 2026.

EDUCATION 

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Woodside Teacher Wins $24,000 Fellowship

Woodside High School government teacher Matthew Costello earned a $24,000 James Madison Graduate Fellowship. He plans to use the award to earn a master’s degree in teaching American government. Only 45 teachers were selected nationwide. Costello hopes to help bring dual enrollment government classes to Newport News students. Read More...

HEALTH & COMMUNITY 

๐Ÿพ Newport News Shelter Needs Adopters

The Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter is filling up fast. Through July 26, dogs and cats can be adopted for $70 or less during the Empty the Shelters event. Pets included are already spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Every adoption opens space for another animal in need. Read More...

SPORTS 

๐Ÿ† Denbigh Welcomes New Athletic Director

Denbigh High School has named Terence Crawley as its new athletic director. He brings more than 10 years of experience leading athletic programs and supporting student athletes. Crawley plans to focus on teamwork, sportsmanship and success across Denbigh’s sports programs. Welcome to the Patriots, Coach Crawley. Read More...

๐Ÿ™๏ธ Joshua Blount Makes Serving Newport News Personal

Joshua Blount manages the Newport News Real Estate Assessor’s Office and has earned several city honors along the way. He and his wife, Tina, also recently welcomed an 11-year-old foster daughter they hope to adopt. Blount says giving back is one of the best ways to thank a community that invested in you. Read More...

๐Ÿพ Cassie Is Ready for Her Second Chance at a Forever Home

Cassie has been thriving in foster care and her foster family says one thing is clear, this girl absolutely loves people. She does great with kids, gets along with other dogs and knows how to settle in for couch time once she gets her energy out. She is crate-trained, smart, and working hard on her manners. Cassie would love a playful canine companion but would also do great as an only pet with plenty of walks and adventure. Could this be her lucky break? Go meet her and make this her last Foster Feature Friday. Learn More...
๐Ÿ’ก Answer to Trivia Question:

Lee Hall Depot

๐Ÿ˜ŠThanks!

Thanks for reading Newport Newser today! Know someone always asking ‘what’s going on this weekend?’ Send this to them.

 

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The Newport Newser is your fresh daily read for everything happening in Newport News. From local news and community updates to small business features, events, and hometown shoutouts, we bring the stories that matter delivered with heart and a little Hampton Roads charm. Stay in the know, every day.

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