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🌱 Patch AM: How a $3M festival could reshape downtown Newport News in 2026

Spotted on the Newport News calendar: YARN at Tradition Brewing

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Hello Newport News! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a $3M festival could reshape downtown Newport News in 2026
  • How the new I-64 lane shift could change your Newport News commute
  • What led to an arrest in Newport News teen’s fatal shooting?

Also on today's calendar: YARN at Tradition Brewing and 6 more events.

Find out what's happening in Newport Newsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Newport News? Post it to Newport News photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Newport Newsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny and not as cold, with a high of 44 and low of 32 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 53, low: 36.
  • Thursday: Breezy in the afternoon, with a high of 59 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Newport News Announces Partnership to Launch Music Festival (hamptonroadsmessenger.com) — Newport News has approved a $3.03 million grant to launch a major downtown music and culture festival over Memorial Day weekend 2026, aiming to boost tourism and economic impact. Partnering with the Port Warwick Foundation and Global Music Touring, the city plans big-name performers, tech experiences, and community programming designed to spotlight Newport News’ future and attract regional visitors.
   

2. I-64's next major traffic shift will stick around deep into 2026 (dailypress.com) — Drivers from Newport News should prepare for a long-term traffic shift on I-64 in Hampton tied to the Hampton Roads Express Lanes project, which will ultimately run from west of Denbigh Boulevard to Chesapeake. Lanes between exits 267 and 268 will move right as early as Tuesday night, with temporary ramp closures and suggested detours via I-664.
   

3. Newport News Police make arrest in killing of 15-year-old boy (wtkr.com) — Police in Newport News have arrested a 21-year-old local man in connection with the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old boy on Lance Drive late last month. Investigators, assisted by the U.S. Marshals Service, took the suspect into custody Monday and say he faces multiple charges. Detectives are still working the case and are asking anyone with information to contact Newport News Police or the Crime Line.
   

4. Newport News mayor calls drug busts at three vape shops a 'big win' for the city (13newsnow.com) — Newport News police recently shut down three vape and smoke shops on Jefferson Avenue and Warwick Boulevard after finding illegal drugs for sale, a move the mayor calls a major win for the city. The raids follow a new ordinance tightening where vape shops can operate, their hours, and drive-thru sales, with officials stressing compliant businesses should have nothing to fear.
   

5. Virginia man killed in Bedford crash (altoonamirror.com) — A 61-year-old passenger from Newport News was killed in a three-vehicle crash on Route 30 in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, according to state police. The victim, 61-year-old Tracy V. Sabb, was riding in a Chevrolet Tahoe that collided with two other vehicles, leaving the driver seriously injured and others with minor injuries.
   

📸 Around Newport News

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • This is a friend’s Facebook post.
    All my Poquoson friends - please share and keep an eye out. It ran towards Firth Ln. and then someon said they saw it cross Wythe Creek and go… (Nextdoor Port Warwick/Jefferson Estates)
  • It is very frigid outside if you love animals and want to keep them warm there are simple ways you can buy Styrofoam coolers YouTube how to make cat shelters from Styrofoam coolers and then fill them with straw.
    Always make two holes one for an escape. Fill it with straw not hay or cloth hay does not hold warmth and holds moisture and makes the animal cold… (Nextdoor Chesapeake Village)
  • Taco Bell posted a job opening for Late Night Team Member - Service Champion in Newport News. Apply here.
  • Walmart posted a job opening for Cart Attendant in Newport News. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Newport News here.

Ok Newport News! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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