🌱 Patch AM: How a staged marijuana deal led to a Portsmouth teen’s murder plea

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

In today's newsletter:

• How a staged marijuana deal led to a Portsmouth teen’s murder plea
• Why Portsmouth pulled Bar 9’s bar permit after a deadly shooting
• How one Portsmouth dad is starting over after a devastating duplex fire

Also on today's calendar: Portsmouth Olde Towne Farmers Market & Classic Cars & Coffee!! and 5 more events.

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

Weather forecast:

• Friday: Some sun, then clouds; chilly, with a high of 41 and low of 31 degrees.
• Saturday: Sunny to partly cloudy, temps: high: 53, low: 33.
• Sunday: Rain and drizzle in the a.m., with a high of 40 and low of 20 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Man pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in death of 17-year-old: Portsmouth CA (wavy.com) — A Portsmouth teenager has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and related firearm charges in the 2022 killing of 17-year-old Jesse Hogg, following a staged marijuana buy that turned deadly. Prosecutors say the defendant admitted shooting Hogg and hiding the guns on Griffin Street. The Commonwealth’s Attorney emphasized the toll of youth gun violence, with sentencing set for April 27, 2026.
   

2. Portsmouth revokes bar's permit; owner says she's being unfairly targeted (pilotonline.com) — Portsmouth City Council has revoked Bar 9’s permit to operate as a bar after a nearby fatal shooting and alleged zoning and security-plan violations, though it may remain open as a restaurant. City officials cite unmet safety conditions, while the owner insists she’s being singled out and is weighing an appeal or reapplication under the city’s new entertainment rules.
   

3. Dad rebuilds after fire allegedly set by partner (wtkr.com) — A Portsmouth father is trying to rebuild after a duplex fire destroyed most of his belongings and led to his partner’s arrest on multiple arson charges. With a 3‑month‑old son to care for, he’s relying on help from his employer, the Red Cross, and a GoFundMe while he focuses on staying strong for his child. The case remains under investigation as he works to recover during the holiday season.
   

4. Here's how every public school in the Seven Cities ranked in Virginia's new performance framework (13newsnow.com) — Portsmouth parents can now see exactly how every city public school scored in Virginia’s new performance framework, including which campuses need intensive support. The state’s report details accreditation status and rankings for each Portsmouth elementary, middle, and high school, helping families understand strengths, challenges, and where extra state help is being directed across Hampton Roads.
   

5. North Carolina man sentenced for trafficking cocaine in package to Portsmouth (wavy.com) — Federal prosecutors say a North Carolina man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for conspiring to ship 10 kilograms of cocaine from San Diego to Portsmouth, where investigators intercepted the package. Authorities describe a dangerous attempted getaway in which he fled with his child in the car before being arrested weeks later. Officials say the case reflects ongoing efforts to keep large-scale drug trafficking out of Hampton Roads communities.
   

📸 Around Portsmouth

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Portsmouth

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Saturday December 13

• Snow Wonders at Childrens Museum of Virginia (Portsmouth)
  Children's Museum of Virginia, 221 High St, Portsmouth
  9:00 am

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Saturday December 13

• Portsmouth Olde Towne Farmers Market & Classic Cars & Coffee!!
  Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center , 400 High St , Portsmouth
  9:00 am
• Holidays on High Street II at Portsmouth Main Library (Portsmouth)
  Portsmouth Public Library (Main Library) , 601 Court St , Portsmouth
  11:00 am
• Computer Classes @ Main - Every other Saturday
  Meeting Room - Main Library , 601 Court Street , Portsmouth
  11:00 am
• Artful Afternoon
  Meeting Room - Main Library , 601 Court Street , Portsmouth
  2:00 pm
• Roll For Discussion: TTRPG Club
  The Muse Writers Center , 2200 Colonial Avenue, #3 , Norfolk
  4:00 pm
• Holiday Nights at the Park
  Portsmouth City Park , Cpl J M Williams Ave , Portsmouth
  5:00 pm

Sunday December 14

• Port Norfolk Holiday Homes Tour
  Port Norfolk Civic League , 432 Broad St , Portsmouth
  3:00 pm

📣 Portsmouth Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Friday December 12

• Muse Holiday Party!
  The Muse Writers Center , 2200 Colonial Avenue, #3 , Norfolk
  5:00 pm
• The Muse Neighborhood Jam
  The Muse Writers Center , 2200 Colonial Avenue, #3 , Norfolk
  7:00 pm
• Killers of Kill Tony
  Chrysler Hall , 215 St Pauls Blvd , Norfolk
  7:00 pm
• The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!
  Norfolk, VA Calendar , 112 W Wilson Ave , Norfolk
  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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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Join us on Saturday, December 13th, for the Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival along High Street.
  Enjoy live performances, carolers, kids’ activities, and festive fun from 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, with additional music until 5:00 PM. Bring your family… (Nextdoor )
• Marsh Litter Cleanup at Paradise Creek Nature Park - December 12 - 9 a.
  m. - 11 a.m. - 1141 Victory Boulevard Seasonal north winds blow trash into the marsh at Paradise Creek Nature Park—and our local wildlife needs your… (Nextdoor )

• CTR Corporation posted a job opening for Forklift Operator - Yellow Badge in Portsmouth. Apply here.
• Fairlead posted a job opening for CNC Machinist II in Portsmouth. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Portsmouth here.

Ok Portsmouth! 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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