🌱 41 Detained At Marijuana Pop-Up + PPD Officer Released On Bond

Hi, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your weekend weather:

• Saturday: A morning shower; some sun. High: 52 Low: 38.
• Sunday: A couple of afternoon showers. High: 51 Low: 43.
• Monday: A couple of morning showers. High: 52 Low: 34.
• Tuesday: Sunny to partly cloudy. High: 50 Low: 31.

🏘️ Looking to differentiate yourself from other real estate agents in Portsmouth? Partner with the Portsmouth Patch and gain access to a targeted, engaged audience through our premium newsletter sponsorships. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Portsmouth today:

1. Police in Portsmouth detained dozens of people at a marijuana "pop-up" market on Wednesday evening, seizing 13 firearms, 100 pounds of marijuana, and various THC-containing products. Responding to a report of suspicious activity, officers found the unlicensed shop operating out of a storefront in the 600 block of High Street. All 41 adults detained have been released pending the outcome of the investigation, with no charges placed as of Friday. (13newsnow.com WVEC)
2. Portsmouth-based Marine Specialty Painting is renovating the gun barrel of the USS Iowa — a project that holds special significance for Alfred "AJ" Marchigiani, the company's CEO. Marchigiani served on the USS Iowa decades ago and was on board when a training incident went awry, taking the lives of 47 of his fellow sailors. "This is something I had to do. My personal connection to this battleship and the lives lost, inspired me to volunteer for this restoration project," said Marcigiani. "The USS Iowa is a critical part of American military history, and it’s my duty as a veteran of the U.S. Navy that it gets the recognition and visibility it deserves." (News 3 WTKR Norfolk)
3. A retired Portsmouth police officer charged with voluntary manslaughter for failing to render aid to a man shot by police in 2018 has been released on bond. Prosecutors allege that former Officer Vincent McClean showed "deliberate indifference" to the injuries of Willie Marable, who suffered gunshot injuries during an armed robbery investigation. McClean's attorney argued he was not a danger to the community or a flight risk, and the judge agreed, scheduling the next court date in April. (News 3 WTKR Norfolk)

This weekend in Portsmouth:

Saturday, March 11

• Portsmouth Olde Towne Farmers Market At 400 High Street (10:00 AM)
• St. Patrick's Day Celebration At 467 Court Street and 500 High Street (11:00 AM)

Sunday, March 12

• WAVS&VBRZ At Art House Noir (5:00 PM)

Monday, March 13

• AARP Tax Prep At Portsmouth Public Library - Churchland Branch (10:00 AM)

Tuesday, March 14

• Free Small Business Owner Meet Up At Peace & Grind Wellness And Business Center (12:00 PM)

Wednesday, March 15

• Yoga At Portsmouth Public Library - Main Library (11:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for a new friend with four paws? These adorable, adoptable pets are awaiting their fur-ever homes in Portsmouth area shelters. (Portsmouth Patch)
• A milling and paving project is underway in Portsmouth, the Department of Public Works reports. Milling and paving have already begun on Bob White Street, with work continuing on Hodges Ferry Road, Horne Avenue, and Mt. Vernon Avenue throughout this month. (Portsmouth, VA)
• Emo band Hot Mulligan has announced a new album, "Why Would I Watch," and is headed on tour! The band will be stopping by Portsmouth's Sad Summer Fest on Jul. 11. (Brooklyn Vegan)

You're officially in the loop for today! See you all next week for another update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.