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🌱 Patch AM: How surveillance footage is shaping this Newport News parking-lot death investigation.

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Hello Newport News! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How surveillance footage is shaping this Newport News parking-lot death investigation.
  • How a D.C. rail project will upend Newport News train commutes
  • How a Warwick High assistant principal’s conviction is shaking students’ trust

Also on today's calendar: YARN at Tradition Brewing and 6 more events.

Find out what's happening in Newport Newsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Newport Newsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Breezy in the afternoon, with a high of 59 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Friday: Windy; a morning shower, temps: high: 66, low: 28.
  • Saturday: Sunshine and cooler, with a high of 48 and low of 41 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Man investigated for possible hit-and-run in Newport News parking lot (pilotonline.com) — Newport News police are investigating whether a pickup driver committed hit-and-run after a 66-year-old local man fell in a Denbigh church parking lot and was fatally struck near the Wawa on Warwick Boulevard. The story details the timeline, surveillance evidence, and the victim’s life, while noting that no charges had been filed as of Tuesday.
   

2. Amtrak service changes coming to Hampton Roads in 2026 (wtkr.com) — Regular Amtrak riders in Newport News face major schedule changes starting January 12, including the early train shifting to a 4:08 a.m. departure and added bus service around 7:15 a.m. These adjustments, tied to a big rail construction project near D.C., will also affect Norfolk service and could significantly disrupt daily commutes for Peninsula travelers.
   

3. Sentencing for NN assistant principal facing 26 child sex crime charges (wavy.com) — A Newport News high school assistant principal has been sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted on numerous child sex crime charges tied to his earlier work as a band director in Chesapeake. Warwick High School students describe shock and anxiety in the wake of his arrest and suspension, while school staff and former students reflect on his role in the community and concerns about student safety.
   

4. 12 fun & original ways to ring in the New Year in Virginia (vadogwood.com) — Families in Newport News can ring in 2026 at the Virginia Living Museum’s Glowing Noon Year’s Eve, featuring dancing, games, science demos, and multiple kid-friendly countdowns. The guide also highlights 11 other New Year’s celebrations around Virginia, from zoo parties to museum galas, if you’re up for a short drive.
   

5. Captains Men Win Double Overtime Thriller over Virginia Wesleyan, 97-95, for Seventh Straight Victory (wydaily.com) — Christopher Newport University men’s basketball edged Virginia Wesleyan 97-95 in a double-overtime thriller at the Freeman Center in Newport News, extending the Captains’ winning streak to seven. Five CNU starters hit double figures, with big late performances from Toa Hollenbeck, Collin Hines, and Ethan Ward as the Captains tightened their grip on a long-running regional rivalry.
   

📸 Around Newport News

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • A crash has been cleared on the southbound US-17 James River Bridge in Newport News.
    3:25PM on Dec 16: One southbound travel lane is closed on US-17 James River Bridge in Newport News due to a crash. (Nextdoor )
  • So last week there was a bike it seemed someone just abandoned behind the guardrail up the road from me on Lucas creek.
    It really confused me, because it wasn’t by anyone’s house or even locked up or anything. It was a nice mountain bike, so I kept an eye on it and… (Nextdoor Millers Cove/Hertzler)
  • Wal-Mart posted a job opening for Cart Attendant in Newport News. Apply here.
  • Merry Maids posted a job opening for Residential House 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: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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