🌱 Rivers Casino Brings In $9M In First Week + Dunedin Road Homicide

Hey, friends! I'm Sean Peek and I'll be your new source for everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days. Today you'll find news about:

• The early success of the new Rivers Casino Portsmouth.
• A homicide investigation at Hodges Manor Apartments on Dunedin Road.
• Two new apartment complexes on the former Churchland Kroger site.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Sunny and cooler. High: 49 Low: 32.
• Sunday: Not as cool with some sun. High: 60 Low: 51.
• Monday: Mild with clouds and sun. High: 67 Low: 43.
• Tuesday: Showers around in the p.m.. High: 64 Low: 46.

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Here are the top stories today in Portsmouth:

1. Rivers Casino in Portsmouth generated over $9 million in revenue during its first eight days of operation, with slot machines accounting for the majority of earnings. The casino also generated more than $1.6 million in tax revenue, with over $542,000 going to the city of Portsmouth. (WKTR)
2. Portsmouth police are investigating the ninth murder of the year after a man was found dead on Dunedin Road. The police did not have any updates or suspect information to share as of the time of the report. The investigation resulted in roadblocks in parts of the neighborhood for several hours.(13News Now)
3. Portsmouth City Council approved two new apartment projects, a $55 million upscale complex at the former Kroger site and a $14.5 million affordable housing building at the corner of High Street and Elm Avenue. The latter will be named after Eliza Bains, a significant figure in the Underground Railroad. (WAVY)
4. A 17-year-old boy was shot and killed on Cedar Lane, with police responding to a call on Feb. 11. The boy was taken to the hospital, but ultimately died from his injuries. The Portsmouth Police Department hosted a R.E.S.E.T. walk in response to the homicide. (WKTR)
5. Ronald A. Beasley II, a pharmacist from Portsmouth, was convicted for his role in a scheme that defrauded Medicare of over $1 million in prescription drug benefits. Beasley and his co-conspirators fraudulently billed Medicare for expensive compound drug creams they never purchased or dispensed, instead providing patients with inexpensive alternatives not covered by Medicare. Beasley faces up to 10 years in prison. (WTOP)

Coming up in Portsmouth:

Saturday, February 18

• Portsmouth Olde Towne Farmers Market At 400 High Street (10:00 AM)
• Porte Towne Magic Black History Expo At Portsmouth Public Library (2:00 PM)

Sunday, February 19

• Chris Brydge Jazz Series At Gosport Tavern (6:00 PM)

Monday, February 20

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

Tuesday, February 21

• Main COVID Vaccine Clinic At Portsmouth Public Library (11:00 AM)
• Membership Experience - Fayequita Maycock (5:00 PM)

Wednesday, February 22

• Adult Yoga At Portsmouth Public Library (11:30 AM)
• Healthy Hearts Blood Pressure Screening At Portsmouth Public Library (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• As a reminder, the City of Portsmouth’s municipal offices, libraries, museums, and some recreation centers will be closed on Monday, Feb. 20 in observance of Presidents Day. Regular Monday trash collection will be moved to Wednesday, Feb. 22. The city’s website has the full schedule of closures. (Portsmouth Virginia)
• In case you missed it, funding is still available for Portsmouth’s Low Income Household Water Assistance Program. The program, which provides financial assistance to local residents struggling to pay utility bills, will remain open until Sep. 30, 2023, or until funding runs out. Learn more on the city’s website. ( Portsmouth Virginia )
• Just a few more opportunities to explore the Children’s Museum of Virginia’s STEAM Studio series celebrating the contributions of Black scientists and artists! This special program will run this weekend and next, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through Feb. 26. Learn more on the museum’s website. ( Children’s Museum of Virginia)

That's it for today. I'll see you around!

— 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.