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Good morning, Newport News! One of those up-and-down weather weeks, plus a few updates you’ll want to catch.

In today’s Newport Newser:

🏫 New Trades Center

⛵ CNU Ends Sailing

👷 City Academy Opens

Here’s what’s up.

Which Hollywood director of Hustle & Flow was born in Newport News?

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.

Learn more at Downing-Gross.org

If you’ve been hearing about more trade jobs around here, this connects. Virginia Peninsula Community College just opened a new Trades Center in Newport News.

It’s a 16,000 square foot space on 21st Street, set up to train over 400 students a year. We’re talking welding, HVAC, plumbing, marine electrical, the kind of work tied straight to jobs nearby.

The location matters too, it’s close to the shipyard, so that pipeline gets stronger.

It came together with city support and industry funding.

Feels like one of those things where you can actually see the path from learning to a real job.

If you’ve been around the water here, this one’s tough. Christopher Newport University will end its sailing program after the 2024 to 2025 season.

The school points to rising costs, needed boat upgrades, and fewer students joining.

This team’s had a real run, competing with bigger schools, making national appearances, and even landing spots on the All-Academic Team.

They’ll finish things out at the Admirals Cup in New York on April 27.

Feels like the end of a quiet but strong part of the local scene.

If you’ve ever been curious how the city actually works, this is a good one. Public Works is opening up its 2026 Citizen Public Works Academy.

It runs September 10 through November 12. You’ll get tours, see equipment up close, and meet the crews who keep things moving day to day.

It’s open to Newport News residents 18 and up.

Applications run April 14 through August 31, and spots are limited.

Kind of one of those things you don’t think about, until you see it up close.

Apply by August 31 at nnva.gov/2390 or call 757-933-2311.

Your Newport News Forecast

 🚑 Main Event: CPR & First Aid Classes

You never think you’ll need CPR… until you do.

Second Breath, LLC is offering Adult & Pediatric First Aid, AED, and CPR training skills that could save a life.

📅 Sat, April 4 | 9 AM – 1 PM

📅 Mon, April 13 | 3 PM – 7 PM

💲 $110 | ⚠️ Limited spots

Here’s what’s happening this weekend 👇

If you’re looking for a Mexican spot that feels a little different from your usual go-to, Catrin Cantina is a solid pick in Newport News. It has a stylish vibe and brings a more modern feel compared to the typical spots around the area.

Expect bold flavors, solid tacos, and a place where you can actually sit, talk, and enjoy the night without feeling rushed.

Why it’s a great date spot: A step up from your typical Mexican restaurant with a nicer atmosphere and good energy. 🌮🍹

What I love about it: It feels different from the usual spots around here. The vibe alone makes it worth checking out.

Local tip: Go in the evening when it starts to fill up. The energy is better for a date.

🏙️ City News: 6 Quick Updates!

Photo By Flickr: Newport News City Hall 

🛣️ Better Roads: New rules for construction fees will help make sure streets and sidewalks get fixed after repairs.

🎖️ New Memorial: An Iraq War Memorial is coming to Huntington Park to honor local veterans.

👮 Safer Neighborhoods: The city got over $500,000 in grants to help prevent crime.

🚶 Walking & Trains: Over $1.6 million is going toward better walking paths and train track upgrades.

🚰 Fresh Water: A $12 million project is starting to upgrade the pipes that bring clean water to homes.

🗳️ Early Voting: Early voting is still open across Newport News, with locations at City Hall, City Center, and Denbigh. Key dates are coming up, April 10 for absentee requests, April 14 to register, and April 18 is the last day to vote early.

Craig Brewer

😊Thanks!

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