🌱 Airport Executive Director Terminated + Library Offers Free Books

Good morning, Newport News! I'm Miranda Fraraccio and I'll be your new source for all the events, news, and general happenings in your town. Here is everything you need to know today in five minutes or less, including updates on:

• Peninsula Airport Commission executive director terminated
• Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program at Newport News Public Library
• Former Hampton mayor died

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Cloudy; breezy in the p.m. High: 75 Low: 62.
• Friday: Winds subsiding with showers. High: 65 Low: 31.
• Saturday: Cooler with sunshine. High: 46 Low: 37.
• Sunday: Times of clouds and sun. High: 55 Low: 46.

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Here are the top five stories in Newport News today:

1. The Peninsula Airport Commission (PAC) voted four to one to terminate the employment of the Newport News/Williamsburg Airport executive director. Michael Giardino's termination went into effect immediately after the vote. PAC Chairwoman Lindsey Carney Smith said, "It wasn’t a decision that we took lightly. It was discussed over the course of several meetings. And we just ultimately came to the conclusion that the change in management was necessary." (WYDaily)
2. The Newport News Public Library, in partnership with The DeGood Foundation, will now offer Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program at the location. The program delivers age-appropriate books – for free– to children aged 0-5 at their homes. Registration is required to take part in this program. More information about how to register is available at the link. (WAVY.com)
3. The former mayor of nearby Hampton has died after 30 years in public service. Jimmy Eason, who held a 16-year tenure as mayor until 1998, was also the city's economic development director from 2004-2012. He was honored as a "Hampton Hero" for his work in civil rights and social justice in 2020. (13newsnow.com WVEC)
4. Onelife Fitness will open a new location at a former Farm Fresh supermarket spot in nearby Hampton. The new gym will be the first Onelife Fitness in Hampton and will create more than 200 jobs for the city. The 60,000-square-foot building in Coliseum Marketplace will be the ninth Hampton Roads area location. (Subscription: The Virginian-Pilot)
5. A crash on Feb. 15 caused a road closure in the eastbound lanes of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel in Hampton. The crash resulted in significant traffic for morning commuters on I-64. As of 8:25 a.m. that morning, the road was reopened, and traffic is moving again. (13newsnow.com WVEC)

Coming up in and around Newport News:

Saturday, February 18

• Lane Rice At Coastal Fermentory (5:00 PM)
• VA Shellphish Coalition At Smoke BBQ Patio (6:00 PM)

Sunday, February 19

• Goats In A Boat At The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery, Hampton (2:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Open houses are taking place this weekend in the area if you are in the market for a new home. Check out the listings at the link to get the details of the where, when, and how big of a house! (Newport News Patch)
• The Hampton Sheriff’s Office will host a recruitment-to-hire fair on Feb. 25. The event will take place at the Old Circuit Building from 8-9 a.m. See how you can be prepared at the link. (WAVY.com)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Newport News area! Get all the property details at the link. (Newport News Patch)

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Featured announcements:

• University Startups Partners with Broadwater Academy to Prepare Eastern Shore High School Students (Details)
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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all soon for another update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.