🌞Good morning, Newport News! This is Newport Newser – the newsletter where you’ll never see political ads. We can’t stand them either.

In today’s Newport Newser:

🛑 SNAP benefits on hold

🏭 Big news in Oakland Industrial Park

🔥 Heating help available

🏫Menchville’s Makeover

🍲 Virginia Peanut Soup love

Let’s see what’s up.

There is only one city in the U.S. with the exact name “Newport News.” True or false?

🔥 A Little Fall Check Goes a Long Way

Your HVAC worked hard this summer. Give it a quick tune-up before cold mornings roll in. A few minutes of maintenance now can prevent costly surprises later.

Dran’s Heating & Air Conditioning keeps homes across Hampton Roads cozy, quiet, and running right through the fall and winter.

📞 Call 757-975-8355 or visit dranshvac.com  to schedule your seasonal check today.

The USDA has notified Virginia that November SNAP benefits can’t be issued right now due to the Federal Government Shutdown that began on October 1.

If you already have funds on your EBT card, you can still use them for groceries. But new November benefits are paused nationwide until Washington gives the go-ahead. This isn’t a local or state decision, and it can’t be appealed.

Officials say they’ll share updates as soon as new information comes in. If you need food assistance, contact 211 Virginia, THRIVE Peninsula or the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank for help.

🏭 Big Moves in Oakland Industrial Park 

Something exciting just happened over in Oakland Industrial Park. Innovated Machine & Tool Co., one of our longtime local success stories, just wrapped up a major expansion. They added 30,000 square feet, bringing their facility to a total of 90,000.

That means 25 new jobs and more equipment to meet growing demand for power distribution enclosures. (In other words, the stuff that keeps the lights on.)

It is always great to see a homegrown company investing right where it all began. Progress like this keeps our city building, growing, and moving forward.

Read More...

🔥 Need Help Keeping the Heat On?

The cold’s creeping in, and if your house feels more “brrr” than “cozy,” the Virginia Energy Assistance Program is here to help. The program covers heating costs, repairs, and even utility bills for eligible households.

There are two ways they can help. Fuel Assistance covers your regular bills, while Crisis Assistance kicks in if your heat’s out or you’re close to a shutoff.

Apply online at commonhelp.virginia.gov, call 855-635-4370, or stop by 6060 Jefferson Ave.

Deadlines are coming fast. General help ends Nov. 14, and crisis aid runs Nov. 1 to March 15. Funds run out quickly, so if you need it, now’s the time to apply.

🏫 Menchville’s Courtyard Just Got a Makeover

Big news from Menchville High School. The school just unveiled its revamped courtyard, and it’s a total upgrade. Thanks to donations and teamwork from Ulliman Schutte Alberici Joint Venture and Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc., the space now includes an outdoor auditorium, new landscaping, fencing, and furniture.

Principal Jason Hollar said the courtyard will spark creativity, connection, and a little extra Monarch pride. The Menchville Marching Monarchs even performed at the ribbon cutting, joined by city leaders, staff, and students who helped make it happen.

Now the space is ready for outdoor classes, performances, and lunch breaks under the open sky. A perfect blend of community effort and school spirit.

Read More...

For years, local physical therapist Sarah Tucker saw the same problem. Her patients would finish therapy with nowhere to keep moving safely. So she started Uncharted Adaptive Fitness, a program built for folks with disabilities or complex medical needs who want to stay active without guessing their way through a gym.

She works with people managing Parkinson’s, MS, spinal cord injuries, stroke recovery, amputations, and more. Whether it’s one-on-one sessions or small group workouts, every plan is tailored to fit the person, not the other way around.

Sessions happen inside CrossFit Liquid and Guerrilla Athletics. Some clients like the energy of a buzzing gym. Others prefer things quiet and low-key. Both are welcome.

Uncharted isn’t just about getting stronger. It’s about having a place that actually gets you.

☀️Thursday  67° 43°  Sunshine

☀️Friday       62° 44°  Sunshine

⛅Saturday  62° 49°  Cloudy

⛅Sunday     59° 49°  Cloudy

Newport News Greek Festival

📅Date: October 23-25, 2025

🕒Time: Thur 4:00-9:00 PM, Fri & Sat 11:00 AM–9:00 PM

📍Location: Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 60 Traverse Road

🎟️Admission: Free

📄Details: Celebrate Greek culture with authentic cuisine, live Greek music & dance, arts & crafts, and more.

World Arts Celebration

📅Date: October 25, 2025

🕒Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📍Location: Christopher Newport University,1 Avenue of the Arts

🎟️Admission: Free

📄Details: This cultural festival features performances, cultural exhibits, and interactive experiences

Fall Festival & First Responder Celebration

📅Date: October 25, 2025

🕒Time: 11:00 AM

📍Location: The Potter's House of Newport News, 7812 Warwick Blvd.

🎟️Admission: Free

📄Details: A family‑friendly festival including bounce houses, games & prizes, face painting, trunk‑or‑treat, and more

Historic Hilton Village Fall Festival

📅Date: October 25, 2025

🕒Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

📍Location: Warwick Blvd & Main Street, Hilton Village

🎟️Admission: Free

📄Details: Community celebration with local artisans, crafters, food trucks, live music, games, and family-friendly activities

Vintage Vendor Market

📅Date: October 25, 2025

🕒Time:10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📍Location: Eclectic Treasures, 10234 Warwick Blvd.

🎟️Admission: Free

📄Details: Outdoor market featuring vintage‑style vendors and artisan booths

Pumpkin Pals

📅Date: October 25, 2025

🕒Time:11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

📍Location: Discovery Center at Newport News Park

🎟️Admission: Free

📄Details: Drop in any time during the event window to decorate a small pumpkin provided by the park or bring your own

SCREAMFest

📅Date: October 25, 2025

🕒Time:1:00 PM – 11:00 PM

📍Location: Tradition Brewing Company, 700 Thimble Shoals Blvd.

🎟️Admission: Free

📄Details: Full-day of Halloween celebration

The Monster's Ball

📅Date: October 25, 2025

🕒Time:8:00 PM – 1:00 AM

📍Location: Holiday Inn, 980 Omni Blvd.

🎟️Admission: VIP $75, General Admission $40 21+ Only

📄Details: A massive Halloween costume party hosted by Mixxstar DJs.

.Haunted Trail at Historic Endview

📅Date: October 10, 2025 - October 31, 2025

🕒Time:7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

📍Location: Historic Endview, 362 Yorktown Road.

🎟️Admission: $10 in advance (through Eventbrite) | $15 at the door (Recurring weekly on Friday, Saturday)

📄Details: Walk the haunted woods of Historic Endview on this spooky evening experience. 

Yo‑Yo Ma & Kayhan Kalhor: One Night Only

📅Date: October 25, 2025

🕒Time:7:30 PM

📍Location: Diamonstein Concert Hall,1 Avenue of the Arts

🎟️Admission: $80 to $254

📄Details: Yo‑Yo Ma on cello, Kayhan Kalhor on the kamancheh (Persian spike fiddle), and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra conducted by Eric Jacobsen.

Kiln Creek Halloween & Harvest Fest

📅Date: October 26, 2025

🕒Time:3:30 PM

📍Location: Kiln Creek Golf Club & Resort, 1003 Brick Kiln Blvd.

🎟️Admission: Free for residents; parking limited

📄Details: fun‑filled fall festival features hay rides, pony rides, freshly carved pumpkins and crafts, a massive “trunk or treat."

Virginia Peanut Soup

Peanuts in soup? Sounds odd, right? I thought so too until I finally tried it. And it was good. Really good.

The recipe dates back to the 1700s, when enslaved African cooks used peanuts brought from West Africa to create rich stews and soups. Over time, it became a regional favorite and found its way into Colonial Williamsburg kitchens.

If you’ve never tried it, you’re missing a spoonful of Virginia history.

Get the Full Recipe for Virginia Peanut Soup

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