🌱 Why is Petersburg among Virginia’s hardest-hit cities for gun violence?

Good day Petersburg! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Why is Petersburg among Virginia’s hardest-hit cities for gun violence?
• How a new $80M courthouse will change justice in Petersburg
• How did Petersburg stack up in this year’s football power rankings?

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Petersburg? Post it to Petersburg photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: The doctor told me to drink carrot juice after a hot bath. - Did it help? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

• Wednesday: Increasing clouds, with a high of 53 and low of 30 degrees.
• Thursday: A little afternoon rain, temps: high: 56, low: 49.
• Friday: Mostly sunny and breezy, with a high of 60 and low of 23 degrees.

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📰 News we're reading

• Nine localities account for more than half of Virginia's gun-related homicides: report (wric.com) — Petersburg is one of nine Virginia localities that together account for more than half of the state’s gun-related homicides, according to a new JLARC report. Analysts say this violence is hurting local business activity, property values, and especially schools, where students report feeling unsafe and chronic absenteeism is higher.
   

• Petersburg breaks ground on new $80M court complex (wric.com) — Petersburg has officially broken ground on an $80.2 million courthouse complex on East Tabb Street that will handle more than 30,000 cases a year and replace aging, unsafe facilities. Judges and city leaders say the new building will improve security, comfort, and technology for jurors and residents, with construction starting January 2026 and completion expected by late 2027.
   

• Varina claims #1 spot on final 2025 CBS 6/910 The Fan high school football poll (wtvr.com) — Petersburg High’s football team earned votes in the final 2025 CBS 6/910 The Fan coaches poll, signaling growing respect for the Crimson Wave across Central Virginia. Varina claimed the top spot after a dominant state championship win, with several other Richmond-area powers rounding out the rankings.
   

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📸 Around Petersburg

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Petersburg

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Thursday December 25

• Moose International Offices Closed
  Loyal Order of Moose - Virginia Association , 7212 Boydton and Petersburg Plank Rd , Petersburg

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📣 Petersburg Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Wednesday December 17

• Workforce Wednesday Workshops – Interviewing Skills
  Virginia Career Works - Crater Region , 4300 Crossings Blvd , Prince George
  1:00 pm
• Pictures with Santa
  Ettrick-Matoaca Library - Chesterfield Public Library , 4501 River Rd , Petersburg
  5:00 pm
• Prince George Royals vs Dinwiddie Middle School
  JEJ Moore Middle School , 11455 Prince George Dr , Disputanta
  5:00 pm

Thursday December 18

• Baby and Me
  Appomattox Regional Library- Prince George Branch , 6605 Courts Dr , Prince George
  10:00 am
• Holiday Guitar Concert
  Ettrick-Matoaca Library - Chesterfield Public Library , 4501 River Rd , Petersburg
  5:30 pm
• Band Concert
  Carver Middle School , 3800 Cougar Trail , Chester
  6:30 pm
• Guitar Concert
  Elizabeth Davis Middle Chester, VA 23836
  6:30 pm
• Basketball: Girls Varsity (Rescheduled from 12-09-25) vs. Hopewell (Home)
  Thomas Dale High School
  7:15 pm

Friday December 19

• HOPEWELL'S HOPE for HOLIDAYS RAFFLE
  Hopewell, VA Calendar , Facebook Live , Hopewell
  3:00 pm
• Gingerbread House Competition
  Ettrick Park , 20400 Laurel Rd , Petersburg
  4:30 pm
• Twelfth Night
  Henricus Historical Park , 251 Henricus Park Rd , Chester
  7:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Petersburg's BLEACHTECH Celebrates One Year Anniversary with Employees —Jessica Travis Read on Patch

• Found dog!
  I don’t have it but it is staying around where I live. It is very scared of me so I haven’t been able to catch it. It’s a small under 15 pounds… (Nextdoor Tanglewood)
• Lesa Presents is on the move!
  Looking for Amateur Comedians in The Petersburg, Tri-Cities Area Please reference the flyer for details and feel free to contact Lesa or Tony if you… (Nextdoor Battlefield Park)

• US Government Jobs posted a job opening for Recreation Aid (Facility Aid) NF-01 in Petersburg. Apply here.
• City of Colonial Heights VA posted a job opening for Recreation Assistant I (Part Time) in Colonial Heights. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Petersburg here.

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🗞 Nearby News

Colonial Heights

• Officer saves man being attacked by dogs in Colonial Heights (wric.com)

Prince George

• PHOTOS: Concession stand at Scott Memorial Park catches fire in Prince George, resulting in $140K in losses (wric.com)
• Analysts spot rare opportunity in IREN's 47% collapse (rollingout.com)

Hopewell

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Ok Petersburg! 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 can never finish drinking the hot bath!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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