| Nov. 8, 2025 |
| Good morning, Historic Triangle!
Mild temperatures are on tap for us this weekend, but a blast of frigid weather will sweep across our region early next week.
Saturday will be partly to mostly cloudy with highs around 70 degrees, according to Meteorologist Tony Nargi of WTKR News 3. Isolated showers are possible this afternoon, and additional rain and thunderstorms are possible later tonight.
Sunday's highs will reach the mid-50s, but showers and thunderstorms are likely, with up to 1" of rain expected. Temperatures will dip into the 40s overnight, with more showers possible Monday morning.
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| Bitterly cold wind chills are projected for Tuesday morning. (Photo by Meteorologist Myles Henderson) |
| Tuesday morning will feel like winter, with temperatures in the low 30s and windchills in the 20s across the Peninsula.
Below normal temperatures will persist for the remainder of the week.
Now to the news.
-Christin |
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Veterans Day is Nov. 11. Here's how the Historic Triangle is commemorating the holiday |
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| A color guard participates in Veterans Day commemorations held in the Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg. (Photo by David M. Doody, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation) |
| Special ceremonies and events are planned across the Historic Triangle as the nation honors Americans that have served in the armed forces.
Veterans Day is always observed on Nov. 11, which this year falls on a Tuesday. Originally established as Armistice Day, the federal holiday was created by Congress in 1938 to mark the end of World War I and pay tribute to its veterans.
The name changed in 1954 to Veterans Day to recognize all veterans in the nation.
Here are some of the ways you can honor veterans this year in the Historic Triangle. |
Colonial Williamsburg |
| Free admission for veterans
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation will continue its tradition of honoring the military this Veterans Day by offering free admission to all active-duty military, reservists, veterans, retirees, National Guard members and their dependents, Nov. 7-11.
Complimentary tickets for eligible guests are available through Colonial Williamsburg's "Honoring Service to America" program, which is funded through a $150,000 grant provided by the Home Depot Foundation as part of the company's efforts to improve the homes and lives of U.S. military veterans and their families.
Military guests and their families are also invited to stop by the Liberty Lounge for complimentary refreshments and the company of fellow service members. More than 370,000 service members and their families have visited the lounge since it opened in 2016.
Free, single day "Honoring Service to America" are available at all onsite ticket locations with proper ID.
Veterans Day Proclamation
A ceremony honoring the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces will be held at the Palace Green at Colonial Williamsburg on Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The program, which is free and open to the public, is presented in partnership with the Williamsburg Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.
A Veterans Day Salute & Procession
Colonial Williamsburg's Fifes and Drums and Military Programs staff will march in celebration of America's veterans in a procession that will begin at the Capitol Circle at 3:30 p.m. The march will continue down Duke of Gloucester Street and conclude with a commemoration ceremony behind the Market Square Courthouse. All veterans of the armed forces are welcome and invited to participate.
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Yorktown |
| Veterans Day Ceremony
Yorktown will host its annual Veterans Day ceremony at York Hall on Nov. 11 at 12 p.m. Sponsored by the York County Historical Committee, the program honors the members of the armed forces.
This year's theme is "Virginia's Medal of Honor Recipients," which pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Virginians who have received the highest military honor in the nation. The ceremony will highlight several of these remarkable individuals through stories and photographs.
The event will feature a presentation of colors, tolling of the bell and the playing of "taps."
Historic Grace Church Veterans Day Service
Historic Grace Church, founded in 1697, will hold its annual Veterans Day prayer service on Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. A brief ceremony will follow in the courtyard, to include the playing of "taps" and a salute to the 113 known veterans buried in the Grace Cemetery, as well as all veterans who are no longer with us.
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| American Revolution Museum at Yorktown: Artillery salute and free admission
A program of music and an artillery salute will be held at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown on Nov. 11 in honor of those who have served our country in uniform. All active duty, reserve and retired military personnel, plus up to three direct family members, will receive free admission at both Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown that day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Virginia War Museum |
| Remembering Their Service: A Veterans Day Program
The Virginia War Museum in Newport News will host a special program on Nov. 8 from noon to 3 p.m. to honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who served throughout American military history. The event will feature a showcase of artifacts from various periods of service. Guests will receive free admission all day during the museum's operating hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Veterans Day Ceremony
The Virginia War Museum will also host a Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. The program will be led by American Legion Braxton-Perkins Post 25. Guests will receive free admission during the museum's normal operating hours on Veterans Day.
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Data center power manufacturer to bring 250 jobs to James City County with new U.S. facility |
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| Gov. Glenn Youngkin and James City County Board of Supervisors Chair Jim Icenhour participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of a new CEL plant in James City County. (Photo courtesy of the Office of the Governor) |
| An Irish energy infrastructure manufacturer that specializes in data centers has opened its first U.S. facility in James City County amid a $5.2 million investment expected to create 250 jobs within the coming year.
CEL Critical Power hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday attended by Gov. Glenn Youngkin alongside state and local officials. The company's 400,000-square foot facility will focus on building power systems for data centers throughout the United States. |
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| Gov. Glenn Youngkin said he was "thrilled to welcome" CEL to Virginia, noting that James City County is an ideal location for the new plant. |
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"Virginia has great jobs, and as CEL works to fill these 250 new positions, they are in the best location possible to attract and retain the talent they need," Youngkin said. "CEL's growth into James City County reflects that the future of American manufacturing is right here in the Commonwealth." |
| Jim Icenhour, chair of the James City County Board of Supervisors, praised the facility for bringing high-wage jobs to the county. |
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| The county collaborated with the Hampton Roads Alliance and The Virginia Economic Development Partnership to bring the project to life. |
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| Juan Pablo Segura, Secretary of Commerce and Trade, pointed to the site as an example of the positive impacts data center growth can have in the Commonwealth. He said that Virginia is "uniquely positioned" to provide fast and reliable transportation of data center products to centers throughout the U.S. |
| Senator Danny Diggs added that he recently toured the new facility and was "extremely impressed" with their operation. |
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"The jobs that they will create will have a positive impact on our local citizens," Diggs said. "Investments like this are vital to strengthening Virginia's economy and ensuring that our state remains a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family." |
| Context: CEL was founded in Dublin, Ireland, in 1982 and manufactures power solutions for the global cloud and AI industry, such as low-voltage power distribution systems, switchgear equipment and remote power panels. The company's products have been used in microchips designed by companies such as Nvidia. The opening of the new site comes amid growing debate surrounding the possibility of future data center construction in James City County. |
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How Election Day played out in the Historic Triangle |
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| Delegates-elect Mark Downey of the 69th District and Jessica Anderson of the 71st District pose together at a victory party. (Photo by Dr. Mark Downey for Virginia) |
| It was a tough night for Republicans across the Historic Triangle on Tuesday as local results mirrored the statewide trends.
Tracy Wainwright, a James City County Board of Supervisors candidate from the Powhatan district, was the sole Republican victor among the races held in James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg.
In the House of Delegates, District 71's Amanda Batten, District 69's Chad Green and District 86's A.C. Cordoza - all incumbent Republicans - lost their bids to newcomers.
A total of 13 House seats were gained by the Democrats statewide. None of the seats that flipped in the House were won by Republicans.
House District 71, which includes parts of James City County and New Kent County, as well as the City of Williamsburg, is considered "competitive," as is House District 86, which consists of all of Poquoson, part of Hampton and a section of York County.
House District 69, which is made up of portions of York, James City and Gloucester counties, as well as part of Newport News, leans Republican, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.
A James City County School Board race between current Board Chair Sarah Ortego and newcomer Ty Hodges has Hodges in the lead - but only by 15 votes. A recount may follow.
Here's a rundown of the full results: |
| House District 69: Several local outlets had the 69th district race "too close to call" through Thursday morning, but current Del. Chad Green (R) has conceded to his opponent, Mark Downey (D). Downey, a Williamsburg-area pediatrician, won 49.61% of the vote to Green's 46.73%, with all 18 precincts reporting.
In a Facebook post Wednesday evening, Green expressed disappointment in the results but said he looks forward to spending more time with his family in the coming months.
"These results were not what we wanted. We fought hard this election and worked to make Virginia safer and more affordable," Green said. "I do not know what this next chapter will bring, but I do hope and pray for Virginia's future." |
| House District 71: Two years ago, Jessica Anderson (D) lost to incumbent Del. Amanda Batten (R) by less than 700 votes. In this year's rematch, Anderson won, pulling in 53.68% to Batten's 47.19%.
"I cannot say how grateful and humbled I feel with this win! The number of people who have made this possible and dedicated their time and energy to this campaign are overwhelming," Anderson said in a statement. |
| House District 86: Virgil Gene Thornton, Sr. (D) defeated incumbent Del. A.C. Cordoza (R), receiving 53.39% of the vote to Cordoza's 46.38%.
"I am deeply honored to earn the trust of the people of 86th District. From the beginning, this campaign has always been about putting community over chaos," Thornton said in a Facebook post. |
| JCC Board of Supervisors: In James City County, Tracy Wainwright (R) defeated opponent Ti'Juana Gholson (D) for the Board of Supervisors seat that will soon be vacated by Michael Hipple (R) in the Powhatan District. Wainwright earned 58.46% of the vote to Gholson's 40.95%.
"I am so very honored and grateful to be elected to JCC's Board of Supervisors," Wainright said in a Facebook post Tuesday night. "I'm so saddened by the statewide election results... But we will keep fighting for all things good and right."
In the Jamestown District, longtime supervisor Jim Icenhour (D) - who has held a seat on the board since 2005 - defeated newcomer John Slokovitz (R), winning 58.55% of the vote to Slokovitz's 40.9%.
Icenhour thanked his supporters, while Slokovitz said he hoped his campaign spurred a movement that will continue to have local impacts.
"This campaign was always about more than winning an election—it was about raising important issues for our community: transparency, increasing citizen awareness, and aligning fiscal management with the wishes of the community," Slokovitz said in a statement. "I'm proud of the conversations we started and believe the momentum we built will continue to serve JCC for years to come." |
| WJCC School Board: Newcomer Ty Hodges eked out 15 more votes than Sarah Ortego, the current chair of the James City County School Board. Hodges won 49.74%, or 3,814 votes, compared to Ortego's 3,799, or 49.54%. The razor-thin margin may trigger a recount, but it is not yet clear if Ortego will pursue one. In a social media post on Nov. 6, Ortego said the race was "too close to call." |
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| EVENTS THIS WEEKEND |
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Williamsburg Farmers Market | Merchants Square | Shop for the finest Virginia-grown and Virginia-made produce, plants and specialty goods while enjoying live music and children's programs. More than 40 vendors attend this weekly market. Free. Saturday, Nov. 8, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. |
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Yorktown Market Days: Maritime Festival | Riverwalk Landing | Sample some of the area's best seafood, including clam chowder, during this special themed-farmers market. Pirates will invade the area and talk to kids about seafaring life, and artisans will sell nautical-inspired jewelry and art. There will be kids' crafts, live music and a history presentation. Free. Saturday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
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Colonial Tea Ball | American Revolution Museum at Yorktown | Step back into the 18th century - with your dancing shoes - and attend the Colonial Tea Ball. John Millar, a dance master, author and historian, will lead the dances, with music performed by the Itinerant Band. Attendees are encouraged to dress in 18th-century clothing or otherwise dress up for this occasion. $25 per person. Saturday, Nov. 8, from 7 p.m. to 10 pm. |
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Lighting of the Cressets | Colonial Williamsburg | Head to historic Duke of Gloucester Street for this fan-favorite tradition that brings CW's 18th-century streets to life at night with strolling musicians. Free and open to the public. Saturday, Nov. 8, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. |
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Chowderfest | Legacy Hall | Scrumptious Weekend, featuring Chowderfest 2025, will be held under a big tent behind Legacy Hall in New Town this year. Guests will have the opportunity to sample a variety of chowders created by local chefs and restaurants - and then cast their vote for the People's Choice Award. Live music will be presented by Skinner Box. Saturday, Nov. 8, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are available here. |
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Flute, Bassoon & Organ Recital | Bruton Parish Church | Attend an evening of music featuring Suzanne Daniel on flute and bassoon accompanied by Rebecca Davy on organ. Free; donations gratefully accepted. Saturday, Nov. 8, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. |
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Opera in Williamsburg: Orfeo Ed Euridice | Kimball Theatre | Attend a live, fully staged opera with a world-class cast. This opera tells the story of the mythological poet Orpheus, who transcends to the underworld to rescue his deceased wife by charming its inhabitants with his music. The story focuses on the themes of grief, love and the power of music. In the original Italian with English supertitles. Sunday, Nov. 9, at 2:30 pm. |
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2nd Sundays Art & Music Festival | Downtown Williamsburg | This monthly street fair features 190 unique artisans, musicians and performers, along with food and desert trucks and a beer/beverage garden. Free admission. Sunday, Nov. 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
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Maritime Heritage and Sea Shanty Festival | Watermen's Museum | Celebrate Yorktown's rich maritime history with two days of music, pirate encampments, kids' crafts and local seafood. Saturday, Nov. 8 & Sunday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
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| This newsletter was written by Christin Nielsen. Thanks for reading! |
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📧 Want to reach out? Email christin@thetriangle.news or reply to this email. |
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