Good morning, Newport News.

Work at Fort Monroe has improved the batteries with a fresh coat of paint and removed lead paint from the Old Point Comport lighthouse as the Coast Guard prepares to turn control over to the Fort Monroe Authority by the end of 2025 — restoration on the lighthouse will then take about a year. The new First Landing Plaza, which marks where enslaved Africans first arrived, is set to open in late summer and will see additional development when its initial phase is complete.

Newport News Public Schools held the Secondary STAR Awards Banquet on April 29 at the Newport News Marriott to honor middle and high school students and clubs for their leadership and volunteer work.

Amarion Lucas hosted the event and local leaders like School Board member Maritsa Alger, Delegate Chad Green, and City Councilman Rob Coleman attended — awardees including Cameron Clark, Erin MacLuskie, Chaniya Painter, and Aniya Agron were recognized for their efforts — as the Youth Development Department celebrated outstanding student development.

Over 2100 high school seniors were celebrated at Old Dominion University on Tuesday during the eighth annual College Commitment Day (nearly $80,000 in scholarships were awarded) as ACCESS College Foundation recognized their achievements and college readiness.

The Music of Star Wars

8 PM – 10 PM — Ferguson Center for the Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic music of Star Wars performed by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

Driver Improvement Course

9 AM - 5 PM — Hampton Inn & Suites Newport News (Oyster Point) — Cost info not provided — Enhance driving skills and knowledge at this local improvement course.

Mahler Symphony No. 9

7:30-9 p.m. — Ferguson Center for the Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the sublime and lush sounds of Mahler’s Ninth Symphony under the direction of Eric Jacobsen.

Relay For Life Peninsula VA

5-9 p.m. — Port Warwick — Donations encouraged — Celebrate and honor cancer survivors and those lost through this community-focused event by raising funds for cancer research.

Tidewater Chapter HOW Kayak Fishing Event

8 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Beaverdam Park — Free for veterans and first responders — Experience a day of kayak fishing with family-friendly activities and lunch included.

2025 Small Business Symposium

8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. — Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center — Free entry — Explore financing options and network with local entrepreneurs and supply chain professionals.

Driver Improvement Course

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Hampton Inn & Suites Newport News — $68 cash or money order only — Complete your Driving Improvement Class and get certified the same day.

Newport News Greek Festival

9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Hellenic Community Center — Free entry — Celebrate Greek culture with traditional music, food, and dance performances over three fun-filled days.