Good morning, Newport News!

If you live near the water, please take care today. Tides are running high and some streets may flood. Leave a little early, drive safely, and check on neighbors who might need a hand. Be Safe Newport News!

In today’s Newport Newser:

• New traffic pattern on I-64 East at J. Clyde Morris Boulevard  

• $400 million redevelopment project to bring new housing and retail to the city’s downtown.

• Newport News Schools Gear Up for Back-to-School Season

Let’s get to it.

What’s the name of the U.S. Army Post in Newport News that dates back to World War I?

This Week's Sponsor

Viking Burger

Motorists  on I-64 East at J. Clyde Morris Boulevard in Newport News will see a new traffic pattern starting August 18 due to ongoing bridge rehabilitation.

VDOT is closing the center lane, cutting eastbound lanes from four to three to facilitate construction.

Drivers can use two inside left lanes or the outside right lane, but those heading for Exits 258A or 258B must use that right lane.

Overnight ramp closures from J. Clyde Morris Boulevard to I-64 East will run from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. with detours available, supporting this long-term shift, which lasts through fall 2025.

This work is part of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes project, aiming to ease congestion along 11.5 miles of I-64, ultimately connecting to a larger 45-mile network.

Drivers are urged to stay alert, follow posted speed limits, and use VDOT’s 511 Virginia tools or Waze for updates.

Newport News, in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, is launching a $400 million redevelopment project to bring new housing and retail to the city’s downtown.

The plan features two 17-story towers, offering 750 modern apartments tailored for sailors from Newport News Shipbuilding, along with 10,000 square feet of retail space to boost downtown vibrancy.

The build will transform sites like Huntington Hall and Julius Conn Gym, with Phase 1 delivering 555 apartments, retail shops, and a 1,050-space garage.

Phase 2 adds nearly 200 more apartments and amenities for Navy life.

Florence Kingston, the city’s development director, called the project a milestone for revitalization efforts, while Mayor Phillip Jones emphasized its potential to reshape Newport News’ skyline.

The city is supporting the initiative with a $40 million state loan and $5.5 million for additional upgrades, signaling a strong commitment to downtown renewal and improved sailor living.

Newport News Public Schools are launching new safety measures as students head back to class, including mandatory clear backpacks and school-issued ID badges for all students, which must be worn both on campus and during transportation or activities.

Parents like Sajada Lewis, who has six children in the district, are already focusing on routines, with a special emphasis on reducing screen time to help kids transition smoothly into the academic year.

Experts at Riverside Hospital recommend cutting back on screens 30–60 minutes before bed for better sleep and concentration, while ensuring children get ample rest: 10–12 hours for younger kids and 8–10 hours for older students.

Staying up-to-date on mandatory immunizations, including TDAP, Hepatitis, MMR, and more, remains crucial to keeping classrooms healthy.

Simple steps to recognize and manage back-to-school anxiety can help families set a positive tone for a successful year.

News in a Nutshell

🚔Crime Keeps Falling, Safety Rising

Newport News has seen continued momentum in public safety. Reports show a significant drop in homicides and non-fatal shootings, the most significant progress in over a decade. Police and community partners are being credited for this welcome turnaround. 

🏠Grants for Smarter City

Building Mayor Jones can add “grant magnet” to his resume. The city landed $929,000 in state funding to help residents assess their homes’ flood resilience—a timely boost for anyone living near local waterways.

🏈CNU Captains Hit the Field

The Christopher Newport Captains are back on the practice field, opening training camp with one goal in mind: a strong start and a playoff run. Coaches say the energy is high, and players are hungry to build on last season.

Head Coach Paul Crowley summed it up best: “We’ve got the talent, now it’s about focus and finishing strong.” All eyes are on September as the Captains gear up for kickoff.

💡COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

New EMTs on the Job

A big Congratulations to S. Lambert, J. Bowers, E. Martin, J. Willis, and C. Juarez. In the photo, they’re joined by Chief Stafford and Dr. Lawson, who couldn’t be prouder. 

Way to go, team! Your hard work and dedication keep our community stronger and safer every day.

💨Thursday 80° 67°  Windy with some sunshine

⛅Friday 80° 64°       Mostly cloudy and less humid

☀️Saturday 82° 66°   Abundant sunshine

⛅Sunday 85° 67°      Mostly cloudy

🌦️Monday 85° 63°  Mostly cloudy with occasional rain in the afternoon

Weather at a Glance

Thursday, August 21 Expect some sunshine mixed with winds—temperatures around 80°F (27°C). Great day for something outdoors if you don’t mind a breeze.

Friday & Saturday (Aug 22–23) Friday cools down a touch with less humidity and highs near 80°F (26°C). Saturday looks even nicer—plenty of sun and a high around 82°F (28°C). Perfect for park strolls or a casual weekend outing.

Sunday, August 24 Mostly cloudy and warmer, topping out near 85°F (29°C). Still dry, but don’t forget the sunblock if you're out and about.

Monday, August 25 Expect more clouds and a chance of afternoon rain. Warm and humid, with highs in the mid-80s (around 85°F/30°C).

WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE NEWS 

Lil’ Mariners’ Wonder Wednesdays – Mariners’ Museum & Park

📅Date: Wednesday, August 27 

🕒Time: All day 

📍Location: Mariners’ Museum & Park 

🔖Admission: Museum admission applies

Enjoy hands-on activities and interactive exhibits at the popular Lil’ Mariners’ Wonder Wednesdays—one of the museum’s final summer offerings.

Dinosaur Quest – Virginia Living Museum

📅Date: Through Monday, September 7

🕒Time: Museum hours

📍Location: Virginia Living Museum 

🔖Admission: Museum admission applies

Discover life‑sized dinosaur exhibits and interactive displays in the Dinosaur Quest, perfect for families and running through Labor Day weekend.

34th Annual Southeast Community Day Parade & Festival

📅Date: Saturday, September 6

🕒Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

📍Location: Southeast Community, Newport News, VA

🔖Admission: Free

Join the 34th Annual Southeast Community Day Parade & Festival, celebrating neighborhood pride and the theme “Building A Stronger Community.” Participants line up at 9:00 AM on the 3700 block of Chestnut Avenue, with the parade officially beginning at 10:00 AM. Enjoy floats, cultural music, performances, and a sense of community spirit!

65th Annual Denbigh Day Parade & Festival

📅Date: Saturday, September 20

🕒Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍Location: Courthouse Way Community Center, 14302 Old Courthouse Way, Newport News, VA

🔖Admission: Free

Celebrate the 65th Annual Denbigh Day Parade & Festival with a fun-filled community event featuring a lively parade, live music, games, inflatables, arts & crafts vendors, food, photo ops, and more family-friendly amusements.

🌻Seasonal Tips for Your Garden and Home🍂

🌿 Gardening Tips Pollinator Boost:

Plant sunflowers or zinnias to attract bees and butterflies through late summer. 

🌻Container Rescue: Refresh tired potted plants with new soil and a shot of liquid fertilizer. 

🍂Fall Bulbs: Mark sunny spots now where you’ll plant daffodils and tulips in October.

🛢Rainwater Saver: Use a rain barrel to collect water for dry spells — great for gardens and eco-friendly.

🏡 Home Tips

🏕 Outdoor Seating: Add washable slipcovers or cushions in seasonal colors to refresh patio furniture. 

 🌿Natural Air Freshener: Simmer lemon slices, rosemary, and vanilla on the stove for a clean scent.

🧹Declutter Day: Pick one drawer, closet, or shelf each week to lighten the load before the holidays.

🐜Bug-Free Porch: Plant citronella, lavender, or basil near seating areas to help keep mosquitoes away.

Fort Eustis — established in 1918, now part of Joint Base Langley-Eustis.

Thanks!

Thanks for reading The Newport Newser today. If you smiled once, share it with the neighbor who still forgets trash day.