Newport News wants to bring AI experimentation closer to home while keeping sensitive city information out of commercial systems.

At its first AI Day, the city unveiled plans for a server room that could run locally managed large language models for public employees.

Led by Chief Information Officer Hassan Janjua, the project aims to give departments more control over privacy and costs as AI use grows.

The system would route requests according to the information involved, keeping sensitive criminal justice data within local infrastructure.

Nearby colleges and public institutions might eventually share the computing capacity and its costs.

The city also plans an AI lab where developers and staff could test practical applications together.

Officials are assessing solar power and recycled water for cooling, acknowledging that the equipment would draw on local resources.

For Hampton Roads, the test will be whether the investment delivers useful, affordable tools without compromising privacy or sustainability.

Newport News ranked 68th among 182 cities in WalletHub’s 2026 safest cities rankings, placing it in the safer half with a score of 60.72 out of 100.

Its standing falls between nearby Hampton Roads cities: Virginia Beach ranked sixth, Chesapeake 27th and Norfolk 145th.

The rankings measure more than crime, weighing home and community safety, natural-disaster risk and financial safety across 41 indicators.

Those factors include traffic fatalities, unemployment and identity theft, making the results a broad measure of risk rather than a verdict on any neighborhood.

Virginia Beach’s strong finish reflected, in part, the second-fewest assaults per capita among the cities studied.

For Newport News residents, the regional comparison may be most useful: the city trails Virginia Beach and Chesapeake but stands well ahead of Norfolk.

Kanama Bivins has been named associate laboratory director for business services at Jefferson Lab in Newport News, bringing decades of financial leadership experience to the research facility.

She will oversee finance, procurement, budgeting and government-owned property, helping align resources with the lab’s research priorities.

Bivins joins Jefferson Lab as it looks toward a broader mission under a new operating contract.

Most recently, she served as vice president and chief financial officer of the Norfolk Airport Authority, where she oversaw major capital financing efforts.

Her earlier roles include financial leadership at NASA’s Langley Research Center and senior positions with military transportation and Navy commands.

An Air Force veteran with more than 25 years of experience, Bivins will help manage the resources that support scientific work and safeguard public investment.

Construction is reshaping Newport News’ Southeast Community, bringing long-awaited gathering places and a pressing question for residents: Will they be able to benefit from them?

The Southeast Community Resource Area will bring together a new Huntington Middle School, recreation center and Pearl Bailey Library, along with green space, a football field, indoor pool and new Doris Miller Community Center.

Plans also call for preserving the original Huntington School building, keeping a piece of neighborhood history amid the new development.

Nearby, the Marshall-Ridley Choice Neighborhood Initiative is pursuing public housing redevelopment, home exterior improvements and commercial space.

For families, the promise of these investments rests partly on whether neighborhood children can attend the new school and residents can use the facilities.

Officials have not provided a firm opening schedule, leaving neighbors to watch the progress without knowing when the new spaces will be ready.

Access and follow-through will determine whether this revitalization truly serves the Southeast Community.

Newport News Shipbuilding has secured a $56 million U.S. Navy contract for engineering and design work connected to the AUKUS submarine program.

The HII shipyard will support work on SSN-AUKUS, a nuclear-powered submarine being developed through cooperation among the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.

An option could raise the contract’s value to $91 million.

For Newport News, the award brings a major international defense effort to the waterfront and highlights the specialized skills behind submarine design.

The contract does not specify new local jobs or a construction timeline.

HII is also helping train workers and qualify suppliers in Australia as the three countries work to expand their submarine-building capacity.

Turning those plans into operational submarines will take years of coordination, but the award gives Newport News a formal role in the effort.

For families near Newport News’ coal terminals, dust on windowsills raises a more troubling question: what is in the air they breathe?

Residents of the Southeast Community want answers, and a proposed wind fence could offer some protection.

The recommended design is 80 feet tall and partially open, shielding parts of the coal piles rather than surrounding them.

Under one wind condition, a computer model projected that its strongest half-wrap design could reduce certain particles crossing the terminal boundary by nearly 90%.

That result has not been proven on site.

Other wind directions were harder to manage, the finest particles remained difficult to contain, and the simulations did not account for gusts or every source of terminal dust.

Kinder Morgan says it is not pursuing a fence, leaving its cost and future uncertain.

For residents, the priority is measurable protection: air monitoring that shows what they breathe and whether any new controls work.

For Jasmine Sargent, a Newport News native, playing Lisa in Doing Life marked more than another acting credit.

The film follows a single mother and a former convict seeking hope and a fresh start.

As the youngest sibling in her family, Sargent had to imagine what it meant to be Lisa, a fiercely protective older sister, drawing on the compassion and loyalty she knew at home.

Filming took just four days, but the close bonds she formed with the cast have lasted.

Visiting Tyler Perry Studios for the first time carried special meaning for Sargent, who grew up watching Perry’s work before moving to Atlanta to pursue acting.

With roles in Beauty in Black and House of Payne also behind her, she hopes to keep growing in entertainment and one day create a family-centered sitcom of her own.

The Shear Designers hair salon in Newport News is relocating after more than 30 years in the Oyster Point business district, prompting mixed emotions among faithful clients and longtime neighbors.

Owner Vera Hall faced the difficult decision to move when redevelopment started at the intersection of Thimble Shoals Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue.

Many regulars feel unsettled, describing the change as personal and even painful, since for them the salon represented so much history.

The new location, now shared with The Clipper just a block away, highlights the rapid evolution of Oyster Point, with developers investing in fresh retail and office spaces.

Although her team has shrunk due to retirements, Hall is determined to keep Shear Designers operating under its own license for continuity’s sake.

Despite the smaller quarters and higher costs, Hall refuses to let nostalgia stop her, promising that clients will still find the warmth and familiarity they cherish.

A sudden fire at the Walmart Supercenter on Jefferson Avenue in Newport News created tense moments for local shoppers and staff.

On Friday morning, emergency teams raced to the scene after an electrical fire broke out in the produce section’s refrigeration unit.

Quick thinking by employees and rapid response from the Newport News Fire Department helped contain the blaze before it could cause any injuries.

Although the store’s doors were temporarily closed, staff and community members breathed a sigh of relief knowing everyone was safe.

The closure left many shoppers scrambling for essentials over the weekend, highlighting just how vital this Walmart is for daily needs.

By Sunday morning, operations resumed as walmart officials worked diligently to restore the store, prioritizing safety.

The rapid reopening reassured Newport News families, proving the community’s resilience in the face of unexpected challenges.

Grammy-nominated musician Masego made a heartfelt return to his hometown of Newport News, visiting Woodside High School for a special back-to-school event with Vice Mayor Curtis D. Bethany III, a fellow Woodside and Old Dominion University alumnus.

Together, they partnered with PlusNTrust and Sweetwater to donate over $3,500 in instruments and supplies, supporting Woodside’s Music Department and Soundscape, a local nonprofit dedicated to youth music education.

Masego went beyond a simple donation, joining students for lively Q&A sessions and making music with aspiring young talents — serving as living proof that a global music career can start right in Newport News.

The visit stirred fond memories for Masego, who described Virginia as always holding a special place in his heart before heading off to perform at The Dome in Virginia Beach.

His return inspired the next generation, showing hometown pride and generosity in action.

John Lovett, who grew up in northwest Pennsylvania with educator parents, didn’t originally set out to teach.

After exploring various college majors, he eventually found his calling in math, education, and coaching.

Now, with thirty-one years of experience, Lovett has been named Newport News Public Schools’ 2026-2027 High School and Division-wide Teacher of the Year.

Lovett’s path took him from Sussex County to Maryland, Germany, Heritage High, York County, and finally back to Newport News, where he currently teaches at Warwick High School.

Beyond math, he is a volunteer track coach and will help lead Warwick’s cross country team this fall.

He encourages students to get involved and persevere, while advising families and teachers to stay connected and supportive.

His enduring enthusiasm is the inspiration students remember.

Newport News is making autism awareness a visible priority, ensuring the message resonates throughout daily life.

The Newport News Sheriff’s Office has unveiled a striking new vehicle, designed not just for visibility but for meaningful community engagement.

This specially wrapped car promotes Autism Awareness and Alzheimer’s outreach, reinforcing messages of “Accept • Love • Understand” as it travels local neighborhoods.

The initiative marks a deepening commitment to inclusivity and connection for Newport News residents.

Families affected by autism or Alzheimer’s describe the effort as an emotional gesture of solidarity, providing reassurance and hope.

Law enforcement officers have recently upped their training, ensuring more effective support for people with neurodiverse needs.

Collaboration with local advocacy groups is enhancing support and resources for those impacted.

Residents widely applaud these visible changes, hoping Newport News inspires similar progress elsewhere.

Newport News is forging an unexpected connection to black cowboy history, thanks to a dynamic art exhibition at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center.

Usually known for shipbuilding, the city is seeing vibrant artwork and family stories revive legends of African American cowboys.

This spring’s exhibit was sparked by the Callis family’s discovery of their ancestral cowboy roots, drawing neighbors from all backgrounds to reflect on untold chapters of post-Civil War Virginia.

The gallery, filled with portraits, textiles, and historic patterns, has become a focal point for pride and curiosity about local heritage.

Interactive events, from quilting circles to horseback lessons, invite residents to experience and celebrate these living traditions.

Inspired by the show, local artists are creating murals, while some envision new rodeo events that embrace Hampton Roads’ evolving identity.

Christopher Diont’e and his family’s journey is helping Newport News rediscover its roots and inspiring new conversations about art, memory, and belonging.

The Hotel Warwick remains an enduring symbol in downtown Newport News, dating back to the late nineteenth century when it first stood out as a grand Victorian hotel in a fledgling city.

Brought to life by Collis Huntington’s Old Dominion Land Company and energized by the arrival of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway, the hotel quickly became more than a landmark—it was the city’s beating heart, hosting the first bank and post office.

In its heyday, railway executives, celebrities like Admiral George Dewey and Al Jolson, and ambitious entrepreneurs filled its elegant halls.

Expanded in 1928 with a seven-story tower, the hotel echoed Newport News’ rise.

Though a fire in the 1960s destroyed original sections, the surviving annex still serves the community.

Today, “The Listener” mural watches over a neighborhood alive with new dining, business, and arts—honoring the hotel’s lasting inspiration.

Strolling through Newport News, residents and visitors are greeted by a vibrant array of public art projects transforming the city’s streets.

Bold murals now brighten buildings, turning once-quiet corners into lively community spaces.

The Ella Fitzgerald mural on 2501 Jefferson Avenue stands out as a radiant homage to Newport News’ legendary jazz icon, drawing admiration and sparking local pride.

Driven by initiatives like the Street Museum, this surge in public art has brought creative energy from downtown to the neighborhoods.

Art is now visible and accessible citywide, not just confined to galleries.

New cafes and galleries are opening alongside these murals, weaving creativity into everyday life.

With each new piece, public art tells the city’s evolving story, making Newport News’ history and future visible for all.

Vinny's Vinyl, opened in 2024 at 1045 J. Clyde Morris Blvd in Newport News, brings back the magic of browsing record stores — a slice of nostalgia many locals missed.

Founded by lifelong Newporter Vinny, the shop welcomes everyone with shelves of classic albums, new releases, and rare finds.

It’s more than a retail spot; it’s a community hub where music lovers meet, share stories, and build connections, whether they’re collectors or newcomers discovering vinyl for the first time.

Vinny keeps prices reasonable, making collecting accessible to all ages, and encourages guests to enjoy the hunt, not just the purchase.

As vinyl experiences a revival, this retro shop stands out as a welcoming place to slow down, talk music, and rediscover the joy of holding a physical record — keeping Newport News’ music spirit alive.

Rosa Butcher is making a difference in Newport News’ Thimble Shoals area by empowering residents with essential life-saving skills.

As founder of Second Breath LLC, Rosa teaches CPR, First Aid, Basic Life Support, and mental health awareness to help people respond confidently when emergencies strike.

Beginning her career in 2002 as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Rosa’s dedication led her to earn multiple degrees and now serve as a 988 crisis responder, substitute teacher, and Mental Health First Aid instructor.

Second Breath LLC provides American Red Cross certifications, youth babysitting training, and suicide prevention programs like ACES and safeTALK, along with notary services.

Bringing training directly to businesses, healthcare teams, churches, and schools across the Peninsula, Second Breath ensures crucial professional instruction is accessible community-wide.

For Rosa, every lesson is about transforming bystanders into neighbors ready to act when it matters most.

Virginia’s ban on expanded polystyrene food containers, often called Styrofoam, takes full effect July 1.

All food vendors — including restaurants, food trucks, cafeterias, and schools — must switch to alternatives like paper, plastic, or compostable containers.

While some business owners are concerned about rising costs, supporters emphasize the environmental impact.

Foam containers linger for decades in landfills and neighborhoods, making the shift significant for local waste reduction.

Businesses facing financial difficulties can seek a hardship exemption from their city or county, but most will need to comply.

The familiar foam takeout box will soon be a thing of the past across Virginia as the state prioritizes sustainability.

Sarah Tucker, a veteran physical therapist on the Peninsula, saw a recurring problem: her patients with disabilities or complex medical needs lacked a safe, inclusive place to stay active after rehab.

Inspired by CrossFit Adaptive Training in 2019, she set out to fill this gap and launched Uncharted Adaptive Fitness in 2025.

Her program delivers personalized adaptive fitness for people of all ages, including those with Parkinson’s, MS, spinal injuries, developmental disabilities, and more.

Located inside CrossFit Liquid and Guerrilla Athletics, Uncharted Adaptive Fitness offers both one-on-one and small group sessions tailored for comfort, safety, and variety—accommodating everyone from those who enjoy a lively gym to those seeking quieter, sensory-friendly options.

Sarah continues to work as a physical therapist while building this essential program, giving Peninsula residents a welcoming place to move, build confidence, and belong.

Uncharted Adaptive Fitness is opening new doors for community health and inclusion.

Newport News is marking Juneteenth with a vibrant week of festivities honoring freedom and Black culture.  

Celebrated on June 19, Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas learned of their emancipation, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.  

Throughout the city, events will highlight community unity, historical reflection, and cultural pride.  

Festivals at Huntington Park and the park near Huntington Beach offer inclusive games, music, and family fun, with special attention to adults with disabilities.  

Harvest Church will host a lively evening with entertainment, children’s activities, and inspiring speakers, all free to the public.  

Saturday night brings the 20th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival at Victory Landing Park, featuring headlining musical acts, food vendors, and local performances.  

Newport News residents are invited to join in celebrating history, community, and the enduring legacy of emancipation.

The City of Newport News is launching its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, introducing a new era of public safety technology for the community.

Residents are encouraged to attend a live demonstration on Wednesday, June 17, at 2 p.m. at Police Headquarters, 9710 Jefferson Ave.

This event will showcase how drones deliver rapid aerial situational awareness during emergencies, allowing first responders to make faster and more informed decisions.

The program bolsters police and fire operations, aiming for better coordination and increased community safety.

With strict policies in place, drones are only deployed during specific incidents—never for routine surveillance—and every flight is carefully logged for accountability.

A public dashboard further ensures transparency by detailing deployments and policies.

Residents can learn more by visiting the official city website.

In Newport News, achieving a GED or passing the ASVAB often stands between residents and new opportunities.

At McGrath Educational Services, Jim McGrath offers a personalized, one-on-one approach to help students overcome these barriers.

Instead of a one-size-fits-all plan, McGrath tailors sessions to each student's unique needs, focusing on their weaknesses for maximum progress.

His methods get results: one local student boosted his ASVAB score from 29 to 52 in just 11 sessions, unlocking new military careers and financial incentives.

McGrath has guided over 100 students to GED success, paving the way for college admission and improved job prospects.

Welcoming learners aged 5 to 68 from all backgrounds—even in correctional settings—he adapts to meet students where they are.

For locals aiming for a better future, this flexible support is a proven game-changer.

The Career Arts and Wellness Fair in Newport News promises unique opportunities for young people to explore a wide range of professions and meet potential employers in person.

Newport News Shipbuilding will have a major presence, offering immediate hiring and direct access to shipbuilding careers – a key economic driver for the region.

Workforce Council’s Christina Brooks stressed the central role of shipbuilding in Hampton Roads and highlighted the importance of connecting youth with meaningful local jobs.

Attendees can also explore careers in security, welding, and music engineering, opening doors for high school juniors and seniors to find paths that suit their ambitions.

Panel discussions will champion alternative routes to success, showing that apprenticeships and trade training can lead to good jobs without college debt.

The fair will take place Thursday at the Brittingham-Midtown Community Center, with special sessions for students and the public.

Keena Adams transformed her personal struggle with gray hair into a thriving business, launching Clear Roots Electrolysis in Newport News.

Located at 703 Thimble Shoals Boulevard, Suite C-5, Clear Roots delivers the only FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal in the area.

Unlike laser treatments, which only reduce hair and miss gray or light hairs, electrolysis works on every hair color and all skin tones.

Adams welcomes clients facing challenges like PCOS, hormonal hair growth, and ingrown hairs, ensuring each treatment is inclusive and tailored.

Her passion is fueled by her own success—removing 80% of her gray facial hair and regaining her confidence.

As a Black-owned, family-run small business, Clear Roots Electrolysis combines expert care with a mission to help locals feel at their best, offering proven results other methods can’t match.

National Youth Violence Prevention Week returns with Momentum for Peace Week in Newport News, from April 27 to May 1, 2026.

This citywide initiative calls on youth, families, and neighbors to unite in building safer, more connected neighborhoods.

Monday’s Mindfulness Monday invites everyone to slow down and focus on mental well-being, offering free mindfulness kits at Newport News Public Libraries and Community Centers while supplies last.

On Tuesday, Taste of Peace: Taco Tuesday Edition at the Newport News Opportunity Center brings people together for tacos, creative art, and meaningful conversation.

Wednesday’s Peace Lot Party continues the momentum with outdoor festivities, music, food, and local resources, fostering stronger community bonds and supporting violence prevention.

Residents are encouraged to participate, celebrate peace, and help make Newport News a safer place for all.

Newport News is launching state-of-the-art drones as first responders in its emergency services, marking a major leap in local public safety technology.

Equipped to provide instant aerial views, these fire department drones will deliver critical information to teams before they arrive at the scene.

This advancement is poised to cut response times and sharpen the effectiveness of emergency crews, ultimately strengthening the city’s crisis management abilities.

Following the lead of other forward-thinking communities, Newport News is embracing this innovative approach to keep residents safer and more informed.

As these drones become part of the city’s response toolkit, locals can expect quicker, more accurate support during emergencies—reinforcing Newport News’s commitment to public safety.

Newport News City Council invites local residents to share their input at two upcoming public hearings on the Fiscal Year 2027 Recommended Operating Budget.

The first session will take place Tuesday, April 14, at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 2400 Washington Avenue.

For added convenience, a second hearing is set for Thursday, April 16, at 7 p.m., Denbigh Community Center, Room 113, 15198 Warwick Boulevard.

These meetings give residents the opportunity to speak directly with officials and shape local budget decisions.

Interactive online tools, including the Budget Simulation and Taxpayer Receipts, offer users a deeper understanding of city budget challenges and how their tax dollars support services.

All budget documents are available for public review at city libraries, the City Manager’s Office, and online.

Both hearings will also be broadcast live on NNTV to ensure wide access.

Resident involvement is vital to shaping Newport News' fiscal future and keeping the process transparent.

Wawa is bringing fresh excitement to Newport News with a grand opening at 12835 Jefferson Ave on Friday, April 10. Early risers can enjoy free coffee and score a limited-edition t-shirt as the doors open at 8:00 a.m.

The first 100 customers will receive complimentary Wawa t-shirts, while everyone can sip on Wawa’s signature brews throughout the day at no cost.

The celebration features an 8:30 a.m. ribbon-cutting and the lively 'Hoagies for Heroes' competition, where local first responders compete in hoagie-making with proceeds going to local charities.

This Newport News store marks one of the first in Virginia for Wawa’s major expansion campaign, aiming to open nearly 100 locations in 14 states by 2026.

Locals are invited to join the festivities, grab a giveaway, and welcome 24/7 Wawa convenience to the neighborhood.

The Newport News Fire Department’s Community Health Bus will offer vital support for residents affected by the upcoming halt in pharmacy services at Fishing Point.

To help the nearly 4,400 impacted patients, the Health Bus will be stationed at 2315 Jefferson Ave. on Friday, April 10, and Monday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Residents can stop by for guidance on finding new pharmacies, prescription transfers, and answers about ongoing care during this transition.

This response follows the announcement that Fishing Point Healthcare will pause services for Virginia Medicaid patients starting April 15, citing a federally mandated payment suspension.

The initiative’s main goal is to ensure patients stay on their medication routines smoothly as they shift to other pharmacy providers.

For further help, residents may call 757-586-5535.

Newport News is buzzing with excitement as Friday Night Nets makes its highly anticipated return.

This community-driven basketball program invites locals of all ages to the Denbigh Community Center and An Achievable Dream Tennis Center every Friday night, from May 16 through August 22.

Youth (17 and under) can shoot hoops and connect from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., while adults (18 and over) take the court from 8:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Alongside basketball, the evenings feature e-gaming, free food, and opportunities to connect with key community resources.

Mayor Phillip Jones underscores the program’s role in supporting Newport News youth and fostering unity.

The city encourages volunteers, mentors, and local partners to join and strengthen the initiative.

Get involved by contacting Newport News Parks and Recreation or visiting your local community center.