Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How a new electric aircraft could boost Newport News’ airport and economy
Also check out 2026 Supernova International Ska Festival - Multiday Pass on the Newport News Patch calendar
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:
- How a new electric aircraft could boost Newport News' airport and economy
- What Newport News' job losses reveal about Virginia's slowing economy
- How Warwick's Terius Brown plans to dominate his senior season
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!)
- Friday: An afternoon t-storm or two, with a high of 96 and low of 74 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Saturday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm, temps: high: 87, low: 70.
- Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high of 82 and low of 67 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
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.
📸 Around Newport News
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Newport News
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- 2026 Supernova International Ska Festival - Multiday Pass →
Fort Monroe National Monument, Fort Monroe
11:00 am
Saturday September 12
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- 2nd Annual Wildflower Music & Arts Festival →
Tradition Brewing Company, 700 Thimble Shoals Blvd, Newport News
12:00 pm - Plants & Pints Fall Popup →
Tradition Brewing Company, 700 Thimble Shoals Blvd, Newport News
12:00 pm - Labor Day →
Newport News, VA Calendar Newport News, VA 23607
8:00 am - Neighborhood Recreation & Parks Council Committee Meeting →
Newport News, VA Calendar, 700 Towne Center Dr., Newport News
9:00 am - City Council Regular Meeting →
Newport News, VA Calendar, Behind City Hall 2400 Washington Ave, Newport News
7:00 pm - 9/11 Never Forgotten: 25th Anniversary Honor & Remembrance Ceremony
Newport News Community Gardens Christopher Newport University - Gaines Theater - 1 University Pla
10:00 am - The Andrew Shannon Southeast Community Day Parade and Festival
Newport News Community Gardens - 2016 Jefferson Ave Newport News VA 23607
9:30 am - Andrew Shannon Gospel Music Weekend Celebration
Newport News Community Gardens New Beech Grove Baptist Church - Newport News VA 23607
4:00 pm - Stormwater Education Series: Stormwater Management →
Newport News, VA Calendar, 2510 Wickham Ave., Newport News
1:30 pm - Oktoberfest at Tradition Brewing →
Tradition Brewing Company, 700 Thimble Shoals Blvd, Newport News
12:00 pm
Saturday September 5
Sunday September 6
Monday September 7
Tuesday September 8
Friday September 11
Saturday September 12
Sunday September 13
Monday September 14
Saturday September 19
📣 Newport News Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Cheeseburgers & Classic Car Cruise-In (Smithfield) →
Farmer's Table, 13416 Benns Church Blvd, Smithfield
2:00 pm - Labor Day; All Schools/Offices Closed
Isle of Wight County Smithfield, VA 23430 - Labor Day - No School
Poquoson , VA 23662 - Architectural Review Board Meeting →
Poquoson, VA Calendar
5:00 pm
Sunday September 6
Monday September 7
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Newport News PatchAM possible:
- AARP Virginia — (866) 542-8164
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- **LOST DOG‼️ PLEASE HELP‼️** My daughters dog name is 🐾Lyle Jacob🐾.
He is an American Stafforshire Terrier. Some people call him a Pitbull. He is about 65-70lbs. Caramel/Brown Fur, Golden Caramel/Light Brown eyes. He… (Nextdoor Hidenwood / Lake Corbin) - Posting for my friend
My babys name is Lyle Jacob. He is an American Stafforshire Terrier. Some people call him a Pitbull. He is about 65-70lbs. Caramel/Brown Fur, Golden… (Nextdoor Hilton/Briarfield)
- Molly Maid posted a job opening for Residential House Cleaning Professional in Newport News. Apply here.
- Aramark Corporation posted a job opening for Custodial Services Worker - High Liner Foods 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: He was working on his pecks (pecs). (Thank you W F C. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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