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🌱 Patch AM: How secure is Newport News’ water from rising cyber threats?

Coming up on the Newport News Patch calendar: 2026 Supernova International Ska Festival - Multiday Pass

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Hey there, Newport News! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How secure is Newport News' water from rising cyber threats?
  • When Newport News students return—and why clear backpacks still matter
  • What the new I-64 express lanes mean for Newport News commuters

Also on today's calendar: August 19: Roberta Lea Performing at VHS and Port Warwick Foundation's Summer Concert Series and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do the letter "t" and island have in common? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., with a high of 89 and low of 78 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Monday: A shower and thunderstorm, temps: high: 95, low: 76.
  • Tuesday: Partly sunny, a stray t-storm, with a high of 90 and low of 73 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 'We always keep an eye out': NN officials working to protect water supply amid recent nationwide cyber attacks (wavy.com) — Newport News officials say they're on high alert to protect the city's water system from the kind of cyber attacks recently seen at utilities in other states. Mayor Philip Jones and Newport News Waterworks describe new investments, offline safeguards, and staff training designed to keep drinking water and service reliable for homes, schools, and businesses across the Peninsula.
   

2. Hampton Roads Back-to-School Guide (wavy.com) — Newport News families should mark August 24 as the first day of school and remember that clear backpacks are still required for all students this year. The broader guide also lists start dates and resources for other Hampton Roads and Northeast North Carolina districts, helping households coordinate calendars across multiple school systems.
   

3. HRBT, express lanes expansion projects approaching milestones on I-64 (dailypress.com) — Major I-64 changes are coming that will directly affect Newport News drivers, including converting HOV lanes to express toll lanes between LaSalle Avenue and Denbigh Boulevard. As HRBT expansion and other segments finish, residents will see new lane configurations, toll options, and added capacity aimed at easing Peninsula–Southside congestion over the next several years.
   

4. White House Demands Steam, Hydraulics for Future Carrier (seapowermagazine.org) — Newport News Shipbuilding is highlighted as the construction site for the future carrier John F. Kennedy while Washington debates whether to abandon high-tech electromagnetic launch systems on a later Ford-class ship. The White House directive has sparked pushback from defense contractors, analysts, and some lawmakers, who warn that reverting to steam and hydraulics could raise costs, delay schedules, and affect U.S. naval capabilities.
   

📸 Around Newport News

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hello all!
    Today my sisters boyfriend found a (estimated age) 5 week old kitten, we've gotten some of the necessities but wondering if anyone is giving away any… (Nextdoor Riverside)
  • My baby girl Mindy was always welcomed with lots of love.
    Her grooming was always how we asked and if it wasn't quite perfect and I mentioned anything it was taken care of right then. I brought my baby girl… (Nextdoor Reservoir)
  • Home Depot (Retail) posted a job opening for Freight/Receiving in Newport News. Apply here.
  • ServiceMaster posted a job opening for Part-Time Morning Cleaner 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: They're both in the middle of water (Thank you Dianna S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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