| November 5, 2026|Issue #67|Newport News, VA |
Good morning, Newport News!
Let’s start the morning with some good news from one of our local schools. 🎷💜 Ella Fitzgerald Middle School is beginning a new chapter with Ms. Williams stepping into the role of Head Principal. She previously served as the school’s 7th Grade Assistant Principal, so she already knows the students, staff and JAZZ family well. Congratulations, Ms. Williams! Here’s to a strong second marking period and plenty more JAZZ Pride ahead. 🎶
In today’s newsletter:
☀️ Weather
🗳️ What Phillip Jones’ Second Term Could Mean for Newport News
⚓ Why the “Big E” Just Left Newport News for the Last Time
🏘️ What’s Behind the Nearly $100M Going Into Stuart Gardens
📅 Events
Here’s what’s up. |
Trivia Question❓How many acres does City Center at Oyster Point's famous fountain area cover? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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🗳️ Phillip Jones Wins a Second Term as Newport News Mayor |
The Gist: Incumbent Mayor Phillip Jones won reelection Tuesday, taking about 69.5% of the vote with 39,392 votes, according to the latest unofficial results reported by 13News Now. Former Delegate Phillip Hamilton received 11,471 votes, while former Councilwoman Sharon Scott received 5,815. The results remain unofficial until they are certified later this month. Why It Matters: Jones says his first term brought lower crime, more investment in public schools and nearly $1 billion in economic development. Looking ahead, he has identified renovating and modernizing Newport News schools as a major priority for his second term, an issue voters also weighed through the city’s 1% school-construction sales tax referendum.
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⚓ The “Big E” Just Left Newport News for the Last Time |
The Gist: The former USS Enterprise (CVN-65) departed Newport News Shipbuilding on Nov. 2, beginning its final trip to Mobile, Alabama, where the historic carrier will be dismantled. Enterprise was built right here at Newport News Shipbuilding, christened in 1960 and commissioned in 1961 as the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Why It Matters: Newport News shipbuilders helped build, maintain and eventually deactivate one of the most famous carriers in Navy history. Enterprise served for more than 50 years, and its departure closes another chapter in the city’s long shipbuilding story. The massive carrier is especially challenging to dismantle because it was built with eight nuclear reactors, compared with two aboard newer nuclear carriers.
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🏘️ Nearly $100M Is Going Into Stuart Gardens |
The Gist: Merchants Capital has secured $97.8 million in financing to help renovate Stuart Gardens, the 491-unit affordable housing community spread across 109 buildings in Newport News. The work includes new roofs, siding, windows and exterior doors, plus upgrades to kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, appliances and a new playground. Why It Matters: Stuart Gardens has been part of Newport News for more than 80 years, and this project represents one of the biggest investments in the neighborhood in decades. Construction is expected to wrap up in January 2028.
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Here’s what’s happening this weekend 👇 |
Saturday, November 7
🍂 Autumn Days Market Tradition Brewing Company | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
🌱 Sustainable Landscaping Festival Newport News City Hall Annex | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
⛵ The Mariners' Park Fall Festival The Mariners' Museum and Park (Lions Bridge) | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
🎨 French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850–1950 Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center | Opening Day.
🖼️ Joseph Lupo: Recent Work Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center (Academic Gallery) | Opening Day.
🎤 Corey Alexander Live at Cozzy's Comedy Club Cozzy's Comedy Club | 8:00 PM (Doors at 6:00 PM).
🎸 Dirty Lix Live Music Craft 60 Taphouse & Grill | 9:00 PM.
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🫘 BBQ Baked Beans Are Back at Tastefully Philly Café! |
November 3–7 | While Supplies Last A local favorite is back! Tastefully Philly Café is bringing back its popular BBQ baked beans for $7 per pound, plus tax. Holiday catering sizes are available, too! 📍 Where: Inside Paperback Ink Bookstore, 9716 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News 📱 Order: Text BBQ to 757-300-7888 for holiday pricing and ordering details. Don't wait too long. These beans are only around while supplies last! |
🐾 Free Drive-Through Rabies Vaccination Clinic |
✅ Where: Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter, 5843 Jefferson Ave., Newport News ✅ When: Saturday, Nov. 7 | 8–11 a.m. ✅ Cost: Free ✅ Who: Dogs and cats 12 weeks or older ✅ Registration: Pre-registration preferred, walk-ups accepted as time and supplies allow Dogs must be on a leash and cats must be in carriers. The clinic is offering one-year rabies vaccinations only. |
🏃 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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🌹 Newport News Woman Named Among Hampton Roads' Top 40 Under 40 |
Newport News resident Tamika Benson is getting some well-deserved recognition! She's been named one of Inside Business's 2026 Top Forty Under 40 honorees. Benson leads The Still She Rose Foundation VA, helping domestic violence survivors rebuild their lives while mentoring young women on self-worth and confidence. Between raising two children, running programs, and planning to expand the foundation's reach, she's keeping busy making a difference.
Her mission is simple: help women recognize their worth and build stronger futures.
A big congratulations to Tamika for representing Newport News and lifting others along the way! . |
🩺 Newport News Gastroenterologist Named Among Hampton Roads' Top 40 Under 40 |
Newport News resident Dr. Jamila Wynter, a gastroenterologist at Riverside Health, has earned a spot on Inside Business's 2026 Top Forty Under 40 list. Dr. Wynter specializes in treating digestive diseases, but her work goes beyond patient care. She's active with the Newport News (VA) Chapter of The Links and serves on the board of the Volunteer Youth Corps of Hampton Roads, helping young people explore opportunities in science and medicine. She's also passionate about mentoring future doctors and keeping young professionals in Hampton Roads. Her advice? Build resilience, learn from setbacks, and keep moving forward. For Dr. Wynter, making a difference means caring for patients today while helping the next generation succeed tomorrow. Congratulations, Dr. Wynter! 👏
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🏆 Newport News' Own Gee Eley Earns Top 40 Under 40 Honors |
Gee Eley is making Newport News proud. The 37-year-old, who works in the city’s Clerk’s Office, was named one of Inside Business’s 2026 Top Forty Under 40. In his role, he’s the direct link between City Hall and residents, helping people navigate services, get answers, and feel heard. “It’s more than customer service,” he says. “It’s public service.” A lifelong Newport News resident and son of Melvia Eley and the late Gee Eley Sr., Gee stays busy giving back. He supports back-to-school giveaways, career fairs, workforce programs through the What’s Next Initiative, holiday distributions, and neighborhood outreach. His motivation is simple: family and the community that raised him. His advice to young people? “Never allow where you start determine where you finish.” In five years, he hopes to lead programs that open more doors to jobs, training, and economic stability across the region. Congrats, Gee! Newport News is lucky to have you. 👏
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Meme of the Day |
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COMMUNITY
🎓 CNU Takes a Walk to Meet Its Youngest Neighbors
More than 100 CNU faculty, staff and students walked over to nearby Riverside Elementary to spend time with students and strengthen the connection between the university and the neighborhood. The message was simple: CNU is right down the road, and those young students could be future Captains.
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SCHOOLS
💜 Two Newport News Schools Earn Purple Star Honors
Discovery STEM Academy and Greenwood Elementary have earned Virginia’s Purple Star 1st Award for their support of military-connected students and families. Newport News now has five schools holding Purple Star recognition.
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COMMUNITY
🏅 Local Heroes Get a Flag-Filled Salute
The Rotary Club of Warwick honored NNPS Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell, Mayor Phillip Jones and Army veteran James Probsdorfer through its Flags for Heroes program. Warwick High School NJROTC students helped install the flags along Warwick Boulevard, where they’ll remain through Veterans Day.
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✨ New Newport News Med Spa Celebrates Its Grand Opening |
MD Esthetics Newport News is celebrating its grand opening today from 4–7 p.m. at 12515 Jefferson Ave., Suite 500. The celebration includes giveaways, refreshments, live treatment demonstrations and event-only promotions. If you’re curious about the new spot, today’s a good chance to stop in, meet the team and take a look around. |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: 5-acre |
😊Thanks! |
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