Cheers Newport News! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: 2nd Annual Wildflower Music & Arts Festival and 8 more events.
Today's riddle: Why did the chicken go to the gym? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Hybrid electric 'ultra short' aircraft tested at Newport News airport (wavy.com) — A new hybrid-electric "ultra short" aircraft was tested at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, where Electra is partnering with the airport to gather data and explore future commercial service. Local leaders say Newport News could become a manufacturing or operations hub, potentially boosting jobs and tax revenue, with passenger flights possibly available by around 2030.
2. Hiring sluggish in Va., with Fairfax employment down 2.1% since Trump's return to office (ffxnow.com) — Newport News employment slipped 0.7% to 101,900 jobs between early 2025 and March 2026, part of a broader statewide hiring slowdown. A new University of Virginia forecast warns Virginia may lose about 18,000 jobs this year, with weak hiring and a shrinking labor force masking deeper economic softness even as inflation and housing pressures persist.
3. Warwick's Terius Brown enters his final season looking to lead the Raiders to even greater success (13newsnow.com) — Warwick High School senior running back and linebacker Terius Brown is gearing up in Newport News for his final season after a breakout year that included a huge win over rival Phoebus. Coaches and teammates see him as the Raiders' offensive centerpiece and emerging leader, as he aims to push the team to more dominant performances this fall.
4. Chris Tomlin To Celebrate The Holiday Season On 'Good News Of Great Joy Tour' (musicrow.com) — Chris Tomlin's Christmas tour will stop at the Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News on Dec. 9, giving local fans a chance to see his holiday worship show close to home. Tickets go on presale Sept. 2 and general sale Sept. 4, with the tour highlighting songs from his latest album and seasonal favorites.
5. Short-staffed shipyards are bringing in high-tech helpers (workboat.com) — Newport News–based shipbuilder HII is partnering with Path Robotics to test AI-powered welding robots that could eventually work alongside local shipyard crews. The collaboration is part of a broader push across U.S. shipyards to use mobile and cobot welding systems to ease a growing shortage of skilled welders and boost production capacity.
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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: He was working on his pecks (pecs). (Thank you W F C. for sending it in!)
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