🌱 Newport News One City Marathon + Fine Doubled For Illegal Dumping

Good morning, friends. Miranda Fraraccio here with your Thursday edition of the Newport News Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the things you need to know about what's going on locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: A couple of morning showers. High: 69 Low: 48.
• Friday: Cooler with periods of rain. High: 60 Low: 54.
• Saturday: Breezy in the morning. High: 68 Low: 41.
• Sunday: Partly sunny. High: 60 Low: 40.

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Here are the top three stories today in Newport News:

1. Newport News will be filled with runners as the ninth annual Newport News One City Marathon kicks off on Saturday. Runners from the United States and Canada will participate in races all weekend long. In-person registration will be available on Mar. 3 from 12:00-7:00 p.m., or Mar. 4 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., at the Holiday Inn for the marathon, half marathon, and fun run. (WAVY.com)
2. Newport News officials are cracking down on illegal dumping in the city. Those who illegally dump waste in Newport News will now face a minimum fine of $500. The City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to double the fine from the original $250 in hopes it would help deter those who are dumping. (Daily Press)
3. Newport News Public Schools now have security officers in each Pre-K to elementary school. The added security officers to the division came after a 6-year-old student shot his teacher last month at Richneck Elementary School. By Mar. 14, each school will have two security officers according to the division. (WAVY.com)

Coming up in Newport News:

Friday, March 3

• Jazz Friday At The Train Station Restuarant (6:00 PM)

Saturday, March 4

• Music Feeds Your Hunger And Soul At Smoke BBQ (1:00 PM)

Sunday, March 5

• CommUnity Yoga At Fountain Plaza Two (9:15 AM)

From my notebook:

• In nearby Hampton, the city's 103-year-old carousel is in danger of the rising sea level. Read more about the carousel's history and proposed plans to keep it safe at the link. (News 3 WTKR Norfolk)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Newport News area! Get all the property details at the link. (Newport News Patch)
• Are you longing for Spring? Maybe this photo will help hold you over until we have green, luscious landscapes again. (Newport News, VA Tourism via Instagram)

That's it for today. I'll be in your inbox soon with another update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.