Construction headaches persist for businesses and residents near the Hilton Shopping Center, as delays on the Warwick Boulevard drainage project continue to disrupt the area.

 

City officials have confirmed the stalled stormwater upgrade, which started in March 2024, is now expected to resume in November and continue into late 2025.

 

The project aims to reduce neighborhood flooding by connecting local drains to the city’s main line feeding the James River.

 

However, a conflict with Dominion Energy’s underground power lines caused major setbacks and unexpected cost increases, pushing back road resurfacing and other local improvements.

 

Small businesses like Tastefully Philly Café, owned by Danielle Prince, are feeling the financial strain as traffic barriers and torn pavement drive customers away.

 

With at least another year of disruption ahead, many shop owners are questioning how they’ll survive these ongoing construction woes.

Newport News is officially celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, marking a vibrant moment for the city’s fast-growing Hispanic community, now nearly 10% of the population.

 

The proclamation, made by Mayor Philip Jones, launches a month filled with bilingual events, youth programs, resource fairs, and the much-anticipated Hispanic Heritage Month Restaurant Week from Sept. 19–30.

 

This year’s theme, “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” celebrates families whose roots stretch from Spain and Mexico to all corners of Central and South America, honoring their lasting impact and present-day contributions.

 

Locals are encouraged to enjoy authentic food, dazzling art, and lively performances at neighborhood festivals.

 

It’s a perfect opportunity to savor new flavors, meet neighbors, and experience the rich diversity that defines our city.

Spring chicks have matured, and many revealed themselves to be roosters — leaving the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter with more feathered fellows than they can handle.

 

Roosters are now available for free adoption to anyone ready to welcome one into their flock.

 

Prospective adopters should have ample space, plenty of sunlight, and a secure coop to keep these birds safe and happy.

 

If you’re unable to keep a rooster, consider connecting at a weekend chicken swap at local feed stores, where people are searching for birds.

 

Never abandon roosters at the shelter, as the facility isn’t equipped for them — and it stresses the birds.

 

Roosters often end up at shelters when families unknowingly purchase straight-run chicks, only to run into neighborhood restrictions after the crowing begins.

 

Spread the word and help these roosters find a home, where they can thrive and serve as both protectors and unique characters in their new flocks.

Newport News is home to exceptional thrifting, led by the DAV Thrift Store and the Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

 

At the DAV Thrift Store, shoppers discover a vast array of clothing, décor, electronics, and kitchenware—often scoring name-brand finds and unique vintage pieces at prices that make a little money go far.

 

The inventory changes daily, inviting regulars to hunt for new treasures, while every purchase supports Disabled American Veterans and gives back to local heroes.

 

Meanwhile, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Warwick Boulevard focuses on larger essentials like furniture, appliances, and building materials.

 

First-time homeowners and DIYers browse for affordable upgrades, knowing their purchases help create affordable housing for local families.

 

These two thrift shops prove that Newport News offers both great deals and a deeper sense of community support.

Newport News takes center stage this season on 'The Great Food Truck Race', hosted by Tyler Florence on Food Network.

 

Viewers can catch the action at Victory Landing Park on Sunday, September 7, as food trucks compete in a high-energy challenge.

 

Chosen as a highlight location for the 18th season, 'Truckin' Awesome', Newport News welcomes contestants bringing unique flavors and fierce competition.

 

The episode, titled 'Bad News in Newport News', pushes food truck teams to demonstrate creativity and business savvy.

 

Mayor Phillip Jones expressed pride in the city’s vibrant culinary and community scene.

 

Featured trucks include Nishaan with Pakistani-American fusion, Memphis’ Good Fortune Co. serving Chinese noodles and dumplings, and Detroit’s Cooking with Que dishing out vegan comfort food.

 

Catch the premiere at 9 p.m. on Food Network, with streaming available on HBO Max the next day.

The Virginia Department of Transportation has ended toll collection on the George P. Coleman Bridge as of August 8, 2025, nearly five months earlier than expected.

 

Governor Glenn Youngkin underscored this move as a major step in supporting families, commuters, and local businesses.

 

The bridge, essential for connecting York County and Gloucester, has been a toll facility since 1996, raising about $6 million annually to pay off expansion bonds.

 

With those debts settled, the state chose to eliminate tolls and avoid an estimated $5 million in required updates to the outdated tolling system.

 

Transportation Secretary W. Sheppard Miller III noted that dropping the tolls spares residents and local government extra costs while providing immediate relief.

 

The Coleman Bridge, handling 30,000 vehicles each day, will remain maintained by VDOT.

 

The aging tollbooths will soon be removed, opening new opportunities for economic growth across the Middle Peninsula and Peninsula regions.

Toll collection on the George P. Coleman Bridge over the York River has ended as of August 8, 2025—five months earlier than scheduled.

 

The Virginia Department of Transportation expects to save about $5 million by scrapping costly infrastructure upgrades that continued tolling would have required.

 

Transportation Secretary W. Sheppard Miller III and Governor Glenn Youngkin both praised the early end of tolls, citing lasting benefits for commuters and local businesses alike.

 

This historic double-swing-span bridge, opened in 1952, stretches 3,750 feet and links Newport News with Gloucester Point, carrying roughly 33,000 vehicles every day.

 

Residents and business owners are welcoming the extra savings and improved access, hopeful for economic growth and a better quality of life.

 

The bridge’s tollbooths are set to be demolished in spring 2026, closing one chapter in regional travel and opening another.

City officials are weighing new rules to restrict vape shops from opening within 2,000 feet of schools and daycare centers.

 

If approved, the regulations would also ban drive-through services at these stores and require clear storefront windows for better visibility.

 

Current vape shops could stay open unless they close for two years or more.

 

The goal is to protect public health, curb illegal activities, and keep vape products away from local youth.

 

Public input is sought at the upcoming Planning Commission meeting on September 3 and the City Council hearing on September 23, both at City Council Chambers, 2400 Washington Avenue.

 

Similar efforts are underway in cities like San Antonio and Cleveland, reflecting a broader move to safeguard communities by regulating where vape shops can be located.

The Newport News Public Library has launched the Reading Dragons challenge, inviting children in grades K-5 to discover the magic of reading while earning imaginative trading cards.

 

Kids receive a special card for every 30 minutes they read, with up to 16 collectible cards monthly, tracing each creature from egg to adult form.

 

Each month introduces fresh mythical creatures, keeping the excitement alive and motivating young readers.

 

Families can pick up reading logs and starter cards at any local library branch.

 

Newport News also offers lively community events, including the 34th Annual Southeast Community Day Parade on September 6, featuring the Hampton University Marching Force Band and a festive celebration at Zion Baptist Church.

 

The 64th Annual Denbigh Day Parade follows on September 21, offering music, games, and crafts.

 

These initiatives bring families together, fostering both literacy and community pride in Newport News.

Virginia’s public school students are showing gradual gains in their Standards of Learning (SOL) test scores, but districts like Newport News are still striving to reach pre-pandemic achievement levels.

 

Statewide progress is evident, with 70% of school divisions improving in reading and 75% advancing in math for grades 3 through 8 during the 2023-2024 school year. Governor Glenn Youngkin emphasized this positive trend, underscoring the state’s commitment to ongoing recovery.

 

Newport News mirrors nearby cities, posting an average SOL pass rate of 53%. This marks steady improvement, yet highlights the work ahead to fully close learning gaps from the pandemic.

 

Chronic absenteeism has dropped across Virginia, falling to 16.1%, which means more students are actively attending classes.

 

To boost outcomes, reforms now count SOL scores as 10% of final grades and place tests at the end of the school year for maximum impact. Superintendent Emily Anne Gullickson praised these steps as a modern approach to assessment.

 

Focused initiatives in Newport News, like the “All in VA” recovery program and high-intensity tutoring, are key for accelerating student progress as the school community looks ahead.

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) will run a modified schedule on Monday, September 1, 2025, to observe Labor Day, impacting service across Newport News and nearby communities.

 

All bus routes, light rail, the Naval Station Norfolk Base Express, paratransit, and ridesharing will follow a Saturday schedule.

 

Ferry service shifts to its winter timetable the same day.

 

Labor Day is also the last full day for the VB Wave trolley’s summer schedule, with a reduced timetable starting September 2 through September 28.

 

All transit center information booths, administrative offices, and ID badge services will close for the holiday, but Customer Service will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Residents and visitors should check updated schedules, especially if attending events like the Southeast Community Day Parade and Festival on September 6, to ensure hassle-free transportation.

 

Newport News Public Schools are set to reduce bus stops across the city, a move aimed at boosting transportation efficiency but raising worries among families ahead of the new school year.

 

Beginning August 25, the district will increase students’ maximum walking distances to their bus stops — up to 0.5 miles for younger children and 0.7 miles for middle and high schoolers.

 

Officials say this change, developed by reviewing other districts and current staffing levels, should shorten bus routes and help address a persistent shortage of bus drivers.

 

Several schools, including Hidenwood, Kiln Creek, and Sanford Elementary, will also see shifts in start and end times.

 

Concerns remain over student safety, especially following recent bus stop incidents. Parents are urged to collaborate and supervise students on their way to school.

 

Community members can share feedback at the August 19 school board meeting.

After a hurricane, Newport News, Virginia residents face daunting cleanup and safety risks as they begin recovery.

 

Protective gear like hard hats, gloves, and waterproof boots is essential to guard against debris and contaminants.

 

Be especially mindful of electrical hazards—turn off power at the main breaker if any flooding occurred, and wait for an electrician before restoring it.

 

Avoid all floodwaters due to the dangers of hidden debris, sewage, or downed power lines.

 

Discard contaminated food and remove water-soaked porous items like mattresses to prevent health hazards.

 

Ventilate enclosed spaces to limit mold growth, and disinfect exposed belongings.

 

Thoroughly document storm damage by taking photos, listing losses, and saving receipts for insurance claims.

 

Quickly contact your insurance agent for guidance.

 

Following these steps helps ensure a safer, more efficient recovery for the Newport News community.

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.

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.

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 Public Schools will introduce major changes to bus routes and school schedules starting Monday, August 25, 2025.

 

This initiative targets improved transportation efficiency in light of persistent bus driver shortages.

 

Bus stops across the city will be reduced, and walking distances for students will increase — preschool and elementary students may walk up to 0.5 miles, while middle and high school students could walk as far as 0.7 miles to reach their assigned stops.

 

Several schools will also see new start and dismissal times, with Hidenwood, Kiln Creek, and Sanford Elementary shifting to 9:20 a.m. to 3:55 p.m., Huntington Middle to 7:10 a.m. to 1:55 p.m., and Passage Middle to 8:10 a.m. to 2:55 p.m.

 

These adjustments should optimize routes, minimize student wait times, and support safer, more reliable service.

 

Families are urged to review and practice new routes and promptly report safety concerns to school officials.

Virginia Peninsula Community College has begun building the Newport News Trades Center, a new 16,000-square-foot facility at 520 21st Street designed to boost local workforce training.

 

The center, expected to train over 400 students each year, will focus on hands-on programs like welding, marine electrical work, HVAC, plumbing, and facilities maintenance.

 

VPCC Vice President Todd Estes highlighted how this strategic site will connect residents with career opportunities and help support national defense.

 

This $9 million project, backed by the Maritime Industrial Base and City of Newport News, is funded partly by a $457,000 grant for advanced manufacturing and state workforce funds aimed at creating realistic maritime labs.

 

Construction, led by WM Jordan and designed by RRMM Architects, is expected to finish by January 2026.

 

Meanwhile, Newport News continues citywide revitalization with public planning workshops and the launch of Legacy Landing, a significant mixed-income housing development.

 

These efforts highlight Newport News’ strong focus on economic growth and community renewal.

Newport News officials have unveiled a transformative $4 million investment to develop the Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport into a cutting-edge air commerce park.

 

Mayor Phillip Jones highlighted the project as a bold step, aligning the city’s strengths in shipbuilding with emerging aviation trends in the southeast.

 

The proposed park will feature services in cargo logistics, advanced air mobility, and aircraft manufacturing, expanding the airport’s capabilities beyond passenger flights.

 

Officials emphasized economic growth as a driving force, addressing new demands spurred by airline consolidation and rapid technology changes.

 

In tandem, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine secured $6 million in federal funding to reconstruct 6,500 feet of airport taxiways, further supporting the expansion.

 

This combined investment signals a strong commitment to revitalizing local infrastructure and positioning the airport as a regional hub for innovation and job creation.

Newport News, Va. has marked a significant milestone as the Virginia-class submarine Arkansas (SSN 800) was launched into the James River by HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding.

 

Meticulous efforts saw the submarine moved from its construction site to a floating dry dock, then submerged and guided by tugboats for final outfitting and testing.

 

Bryan Caccavale of Newport News Shipbuilding highlighted the importance of nuclear-powered submarines for U.S. security and expressed pride in the Arkansas’s progress.

 

The vessel is officially sponsored by the six women of the historic Little Rock Nine, symbolizing the enduring impact of desegregation in America.

 

This marks the 27th Virginia-class submarine—and the 13th delivered locally—featuring advanced capabilities in firepower and stealth.

 

Recent city initiatives include the Strategic Housing Initiatives Plan (SHIP) and a $710 million capital improvement plan, both reflecting Newport News’s focus on community growth, infrastructure, and innovation.