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🌱 Patch AM: What we know about the deadly shooting at a Newport News Wendy’s

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Greetings Newport News! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What we know about the deadly shooting at a Newport News Wendy’s
  • How a Newport News soccer league is keeping more students in class
  • Not sure if you need the ER or urgent care this winter?

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: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: A couple of morning showers, with a high of 66 and low of 30 degrees.
  • Saturday: Cooler with plenty of sun, temps: high: 51, low: 39.
  • Sunday: Sunshine, with a high of 58 and low of 27 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Shock and sadness: Newport News police investigating homicide at Wendy's (wtkr.com) — Newport News police are investigating a homicide at the Wendy’s near Warwick and Denbigh boulevards, where a 31-year-old employee was found shot and died at the scene Tuesday night. The restaurant remained closed as shocked customers and nearby workers reacted, and police say no arrests have been made but believe the shooting was an isolated incident.
   

2. Newport News Schools see 16% drop in absenteeism (wtkr.com) — Newport News Public Schools have cut chronic absenteeism by 16%, meaning about 2,700 more students are now in class consistently compared to a few years ago. District leaders credit new strategies like a soccer league at Menchville High that rewards strong attendance, while stressing that transportation, mental health, and ongoing outreach to families remain major focus areas.
   

3. ER or Urgent Care? Doctors explain how to choose as winter illnesses circulate (13newsnow.com) — Doctors in Newport News are urging residents to think carefully about whether winter illness symptoms warrant an ER visit or can be handled at urgent care or with a primary care doctor. They explain which sudden or severe symptoms demand emergency attention, why ER waits can be long, and how families—especially seniors and high‑risk patients—can plan ahead and help keep local emergency rooms available for true crises.
   

4. James City County bank robbery suspect found dead in North Carolina (pilotonline.com) — A Newport News man suspected in a James City County bank robbery died by suicide in North Carolina the day after the holdup, according to authorities. Police say the 50-year-old was identified after an armed robbery at a Wells Fargo on Monticello Avenue, and took his own life following a brief encounter with deputies. No bank employees or customers were injured.
   

5. Local Angel Tree fundraiser in last push for toy donations (wavy.com) — A Newport News-based nonprofit is making a final push for toy donations to its virtual Angel Tree, aiming to deliver gifts directly to hundreds of Hampton Roads children’s homes. With sign-ups still open and demand rising close to Christmas, organizers are leaning on community support and a weekend fundraiser to cover the remaining costs.
   

📸 Around Newport News

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • *** LOST DOG***
    Hi everyone I found this pup off of lucas creek. She’s an older female, she was crying at my back door at 5 this morning. I brought her inside got… (Nextdoor Menchville)
  • There is one thing for sure...
    This page is real and better than A I could ever be. People helping people and keeping our fur babies stay safe! Everyone keep making this page a… (Nextdoor Sedgefield)
  • Costco Wholesale Corporation posted a job opening for Bakery Wrapper / Clean Up in Newport News. Apply here.
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Cart Attendant 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 think you know the gravity of this situation.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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