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🌱 Patch AM: How a Norfolk-based carrier’s mission near Venezuela could hit local families

And on the Norfolk Patch calendar - Killers of Kill Tony

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Friday December 12th Patch AM
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Hi Norfolk! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a Norfolk-based carrier’s mission near Venezuela could hit local families
  • How ODU’s new Norfolk institute could change your doctor’s advice
  • How a fast-moving Barre Street fire upended two Norfolk residents’ lives

Also on today's calendar: Holiday Carolers at Owl Creek Landing and 9 more events.

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

Today's riddle: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Turning cloudy; chilly, with a high of 41 and low of 31 degrees.
  • Saturday: Sunny to partly cloudy, temps: high: 53, low: 34.
  • Sunday: Rain and drizzle in the a.m., with a high of 40 and low of 21 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Senator, professor weigh in after tanker seizure reportedly involving Hampton Roads-based military personnel (wtkr.com) — Norfolk-based sailors and airmen from the USS Gerald R. Ford reportedly helped seize an oil tanker near Venezuela, raising real deployment and safety questions for Hampton Roads families. Sen. Mark Warner and a Hampton University professor warn about unclear war aims, potential long-term costs, and how an expanded mission against cartels and Venezuela could impact local taxpayers and military households.
   

2. ODU establishes new institute to combat chronic illnesses (wavy.com) — Old Dominion University in Norfolk is launching the Joan P. Brock Institute for Nutrition Science and Health, aiming to train future doctors and nurses to prevent chronic disease through better nutrition. Backed by a $15 million gift, the institute will reshape medical education locally as Virginia also prepares to pilot new SNAP rules that remove sugary drinks starting in 2026.
   

3. Fire displaces 2 from Norfolk home (13newsnow.com) — Two adults were displaced Thursday evening after a fire damaged their two-story home on Barre Street in Norfolk, though no injuries were reported. Norfolk Fire-Rescue quickly brought the blaze under control and limited damage to a neighboring house’s exterior. The Red Cross is assisting the residents while investigators work to determine the fire’s cause.
   

4. The Geminid meteor shower peaks this weekend! (13newsnow.com) — Norfolk skywatchers can catch the Geminid meteor shower at its peak late Saturday night into early Sunday, with mostly clear skies expected across Hampton Roads. You won’t need a telescope—just find a dark spot away from city lights, let your eyes adjust, and look up for potentially over 100 meteors an hour.
   

5. Maury set to battle fellow power program for third consecutive state title (wtkr.com) — Maury High’s powerhouse football program in Norfolk is heading back to the Class 5 state championship game, chasing a rare third straight title. After an early-season loss snapped their long winning streak, the Commodores say that setback refocused them for Saturday’s showdown with Highland Springs at James Madison University.
   

📸 Around Norfolk

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Please help us get Chaos back home.
    He belongs to a friend. He has been missing since 2 pm on Monday Dec. 8th from the Lake Edwards Baker Road area of Virginia Beach. If you have seen… (Nextdoor Norvella Heights)
  • Great Wednesday morning!
    That middle of the week where you're not sure if you can make it the rest of the week or not. Sometimes that's when we have to do a little reset… (Nextdoor Greater Broad Creek)
  • Oak View Group posted a job opening for Housekeeping Crew|Part-time| Chartway Arena @ Old Dominion University in Norfolk. Apply here.
  • Hut American Group, LLC posted a job opening for Team Member in Norfolk. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Norfolk here.

Ok Norfolk! 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 couldn’t put it down.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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