REAL ID Requirements Take Effect May 7

As we move closer to the federal REAL ID deadline, it’s important to be aware of new identification requirements that may affect your travel and access to certain federal facilities.

You’ll need a REAL ID (or another federally accepted form of identification, such as a U.S. passport or military ID) to:

  • Board a domestic flight
  • Enter a secure federal facility
  • Enter a military base (some may already require this)

If you choose to keep a standard license or ID, it will be marked with “Federal Limits Apply” at your next renewal. While it’s still valid for driving and general identification purposes, it will not be accepted for federally regulated purposes listed above after May 7.

For more details, including a list of acceptable documents and frequently asked questions, visit the Virginia DMV’s REAL ID webpage.

Get Ready to Celebrate: Cinco de Mayo Block Party

City Center’s Cinco de Mayo Block Party is back! The event returns Saturday, May 3 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. held at City Center at Oyster Point, 704 Mariners Row. Come celebrate with friends and family as the spirit of Cinco de Mayo comes to life.

This event is free to the public and welcomes all ages. There is something for everyone to enjoy, even leashed dogs.

Highlights Include:

  • Music from DJ Rocky and DJ Macky Pro
  • Sip & Stroll: Guests can order beverages from participating restaurants then sip drinks while taking a stroll down Mariners Row, dance, play games, and shop from local craft vendors
  • Bachata Vida Salsa Dance Lessons – From 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Take in the art at Contemporary Art Network’s latest exhibition
  • Board Games
  • Free face painting for the kids

 

Mark your calendars and bring your friends and family an experience you won’t want to miss.

For more information, visit the City Center website.

Long-Term I-64 Lane Closures Scheduled to Begin in Newport News

Beginning as early as May 5, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will implement long-term lane closures on I-64 in Newport News as part of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes (HREL) Newport News Segment project. These closures are expected to continue through early 2026.

Key Details:

  • Locations Affected: I-64 at the J. Clyde Morris Boulevard (Exit 258) overpass and near Hampton Roads Center Parkway (Exit 261).​
  • Lane Closures: One inside lane in each direction will be closed, reducing travel lanes from four to three. Traffic will be shifted toward the outside of the roadway.​
  • Ramp Closures: Overnight closures of the I-64 east and west on-ramps from J. Clyde Morris Boulevard and Hampton Roads Center Parkway are scheduled during the implementation of the new traffic pattern, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling near work zones, obey posted speed limits, follow lane markings and barrier guides, be alert to digital message signs, and drive distraction-free.

Click here to learn more about construction updates, traffic impacts, and to sign up to receive project updates.

757 Sober Rides for Cinco de Mayo

Drive Safe Hampton Roads Offering 757 Sober Rides for Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is a time of celebration but it’s also a time to make smart choices. To help keep our roads safe, Drive Safe Hampton Roads (DSHR) is once again sponsoring the 757 Sober Ride program for Cinco de Mayo.

How It Works

  • Download the Lyft app to your smartphone.
  • Access the special promo code starting at 6 p.m. on May 5 to access the special promo code.
  • In the Lyft app, go to the “Payment” section, then select “Add Lyft Pass.”
  • Enter the promo code provided to claim your free ride home (up to $15).

The offer is only valid for rides that begin or end in the Hampton Roads area and only while promo code supplies last. Standard Lyft Terms of Service apply. Whether you’re heading out to a party, a restaurant, or a local event, be sure to plan ahead and avoid impaired driving.

Newport News Election 2025

In-person, early voting, and ballot drop-off stations will be available at the following locations for the Tuesday, June 17 Primaries:

  • City Hall, 2400 Washington Ave. 6th floor.
  • City Center, Fountain Plaza II, 700 Town Center Dr. 1st floor conference room.
  • Denbigh Community Center, 15198 Warwick Blvd. Room 152

City Hall in-person early voting begins Friday, May 2 and will continue Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

City Center, Fountain Plaza II in-person early voting will begin Tuesday, May 6 and will continue Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Denbigh Community Center in-person early voting will begin Monday, June 2, and continues Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

All three locations will be open on Saturday, June 7, and Saturday, June 14 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Important Dates

  • May 27 – Last day to register to vote for the June 17 Primary by 5 p.m.
  • June 6 – Last day to apply for an absentee ballot by 5 p.m.
  • June 14 – Last day of in-person early voting.
  • June 17 – Election Day polls open 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Outdoor Enthusiast Event

Get Ready for Adventure at Newport News Park’s Outdoor Enthusiast Event

The City of Newport News invites residents and visitors alike to the 4th Annual Outdoor Enthusiast Event, held at Newport News Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 19 – and best of all, admission is free.

This signature event by Newport News Special Events is a celebration of everything outdoors. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking to enjoy a beautiful day with your family, there’s something for everyone. Highlights include:

  • The Ultimate Ninja Warrior Course – complete with a ninja-warped wall
  • BMX stunt shows, a zip line, a rock-climbing wall, and a giant fun slide
  • Flight simulator, boating (canoes and paddle boats), and even real alligators!
  • World Chase Tag course, skill games, and contests with chances to win Spartan and Tough Mudder race tickets
  • Thrilling motorcycle stunt globe shows
  • Interactive exhibits and challenges for all ages and skill levels

Live Show Schedule:

Timberworks Lumberjack Shows

11:00 a.m. | 1:00 p.m. | 4:00 p.m.

Flippenout Extreme Trampoline Stunt Shows

10:30 a.m. | 12:30 p.m. | 2:00 p.m.

Freestyle Connection BMX Bike Shows

11:30 a.m. | 1:30 p.m. | 3:00 p.m.

Motorcycle Stunt Globe Shows

11:30 a.m. | 1:30 p.m. | 3:00 p.m.

Food & Parking:

Enjoy a delicious selection of meals, desserts, and drinks from a variety of food vendors on-site. Parking is available for $10 per vehicle, and all event activities are free.

Whether you’re climbing a wall, paddling a boat, or cheering on daredevil athletes, the Outdoor Enthusiast Event offers unforgettable experiences in the heart of Newport News Park.

Visit the Outdoor Enthusiast Event page for more details or call 757-926-1400.

Follow @nnspecialevents on Instagram and “Newport News VA” on Facebook for updates and sneak peeks.

The Great Food Truck Race visits NN

Big Flavors. Big Cameras. Food Network is Rolling into Newport News.

Get your appetites ready Newport News—The Great Food Truck Race is pulling up to our city, and you’re invited to be part of the action.

The Food Network fan-favorite is bringing its high-energy, flavor-packed competition right to our streets. join us for two days of delicious fun as talented food truck chefs from across the country face off in tasty challenges, serving up incredible eats and battling for food truck glory.

Where & When to Be Part of the Action:

  • Monday, April 7 | 11 AM – 5 PM |Port Warwick
  • Tuesday, April 8 | 11 AM – 5 PM | Victory Landing Park

Whether you’re a foodie on the hunt for your next favorite bite or just love the thrill of a good competition, this event is for you. It’s free to attend, and each truck will be serving up their signature dishes for purchase—so come hungry.

What to Expect:

  • Live action as chefs compete in real-time challenges
  • Be apart of the competition by trying some of the dishes that are a part of the show’s challenge
  • Be camera ready as you taste these delicious eats
  • A great day to mix and mingle with other foodies right here in Newport News

Mark your calendars, grab your foodie friends, and get ready to taste your way through one of the most exciting culinary events to hit Newport News. Let’s show the world how our city does food.

James River Bridge Closure 7-10 Mar

The James River Bridge (JRB) will close to northbound traffic from Isle of Wight County to Newport News on Friday, March 7 at 9 p.m. to Monday, March 10 at 5 a.m. The closure is necessary for contractor crews to make repairs to the bridge’s grid deck.

Backup inclement weather dates: This work is weather-dependent. If unable to implement the closures during the scheduled dates above, VDOT will provide advance notice to the public should the contractor need to utilize the following approved backup dates instead: March 14-17, with March 21-24 as a secondary backup if weather impacts continue.

Motorist and Maritime traffic impacts:

Vehicular Traffic: The northbound lanes on the JRB from Isle of Wight to Newport News will be closed. The JRB will remain open to southbound traffic traveling from Newport News to Isle of Wight County.

Maritime Traffic: Maritime traffic will not be affected by the closure.

Primary detour: Traffic on Route 17 from Isle of Wight County headed toward Newport News will be detoured through Suffolk across the Godwin Bridge to the I-664 interchange and the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (MMMBT). Alternate routes include Route 460 and the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry.

Sign up for updates:

Please sign up for closure schedule text and/or email updates.

  • Email updates: Sign Up
  • Text “JRB” to 833-748-0519 for updates

By subscribing, you agree to receive automated James River Bridge closure messages. This agreement is not a condition of purchase. Messaging frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Message & data rates apply.

What to expect during closure:

Commuter

  • Expect increased traffic congestion on detour and alternate routes.
  • Plan ahead and allow for extra travel time.
  • Avoid non-essential trips when possible.

Maritime Traffic

  • Vessels will still be able to use the channel, and bridge lift operations will continue as usual.

For more information, visit www.VDOT.Virginia.gov/JRBClosures.

Newport News Resumes Automated Trash Cart and Recycling Cart Collection

Automated Trash (green) cart: Tuesday and Wednesday collection routes, unfinished due to this week’s winter weather, will resume on Saturday, Feb.22. Please set your cart out for collection on Saturday morning by 7 a.m. Any Wednesday routes not completed on Saturday will carry over to the next business day, on Monday, Feb. 24. Wednesday and Thursday routes will be collected on Monday, Feb. 24. Any unfinished route will continue to carry over to the next day until returning to your normal day of collection.

Recycling (blue) cart: Red Wednesday and Red Thursday recycling collection routes will resume on Saturday, Feb 22. Please set your cart out for collection on Saturday morning at 7 a.m. Any routes not completed on Saturday will carry over to Monday, Feb. 24.

Bulk: Yellow Week bulk collection will begin, as scheduled, on Monday, Feb. 24.

Recovery Operations Center (ROC):

Saturday, Feb. 22 – Normal hours of operation: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Please visit nnva.gov for trash and recycling collection updates, as we work towards restoring your scheduled collection services, as quickly as possible.

Newport News Snow Removal Ordinance

Did you know Newport News has a snow removal ordinance?