Good morning, Newport News.

38-year-old Donte Hampton from Suffolk pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute drugs and possession of a firearm and was sentenced on April 1 to 35 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W.

Hanes—he is the final member of the conspiracy that sold methamphetamine and marijuana across Hampton Roads.

Drive Safe Hampton Roads is offering free or reduced-fare Lyft rides on Cinco de Mayo for people over 21, with rides available from 6 p.m. on May 5 until 3 a.m. on May 6 — a promo code will give up to $15 off rides within Hampton Roads— to help curb drunk driving.

Federal layoffs have affected veterans and government employees in Hampton Roads as cuts at the Veterans Affairs hospital left one veteran feeling her firing was random — she was allowed to return about a month later yet still faces uncertainty amid warnings that more cuts could hurt local services.

The Virginia Department of Transportation said long-term lane closures on I-64 will begin Monday and run 24/7 until early 2026 as part of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes project—local drivers worry about increased traffic delays in work zones.

VDOT advises caution while crews complete the needed construction.

Patients at Bon Secours’ Liver Institute in Newport News are upset after learning the facility will close on June 30 as its services consolidate with the Richmond location—Bon Secours said it will help patients transfer records and arrange future care.

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.

The Peninsula Amateur Golf Tournament

Tournament duration: 36 holes — Kiln Creek Golf Club and Resort — Registration details available for members — Compete in this exciting amateur golf event.