PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) —The Norfolk-based USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) was involved in a collision with another vessel while in the Mediterranean Sea on Wednesday, according to U.S. Navy Cmdr. Timothy Gorman, U.S. Sixth Fleet spokesperson.

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was reported to be involved in a collision with the merchant vessel Besiktas-M while operating in the vicinity of Port Said, Egypt.

The ships collided near Port Said around 11:46 p.m. local time, Gorman said.

No injuries or flooding was reported. The propulsion plants were unaffected and remain in a safe and stable condition. The incident is under investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available.

The Truman deployed to the Mediterranean and Middle East in September and just finished a port call in Souda Bay, Greece, according to the Associated Press.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Wednesday removed a key legal hurdle stalling President Donald Trump ’s plan to downsize the federal workforce with a deferred resignation program.

The Boston-based judge's order in the challenge filed by a group of labor unions was a significant legal victory for the Republican president after a string of courtroom setbacks.

“This goes to show that lawfare will not ultimately prevail over the will of 77 million Americans who supported President Trump and his priorities,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Another group of unions filed a lawsuit in Washington, D.C. late Wednesday, though its potential impacts were not immediately clear.

About 75,000 federal workers accepted the offer to quit in return for being paid until Sept. 30, according to McLaurine Pinover, a spokesperson for the Office of Personnel Management. She said the deferred resignation program “provides generous benefits so federal workers can plan for their futures," and it was now closed to additional workers.

American Federation of Government Employees National President Everett Kelley said in a statement that the union's lawyers are assessing the next steps.

“Today’s ruling is a setback in the fight for dignity and fairness for public servants," Kelley said. “But it’s not the end of that fight. Importantly, this decision did not address the underlying lawfulness of the program.”

The union continues to maintain that it's illegal to force American citizens to make a decision, in a few short days, without adequate information, about “whether to uproot their families and leave their careers for what amounts to an unfunded IOU from Elon Musk,” the statement said.

U.S. District Judge George O’Toole Jr. in Boston found that the unions weren’t directly affected, so they didn't have legal standing to challenge the program, commonly described as a buyout. O'Toole was nominated by former President Bill Clinton, a Democrat.

The deferred resignation program has been spearheaded by Elon Musk, who is serving as Trump’s top adviser for reducing federal spending. Under the plan, employees can stop working and get paid until Sept. 30.

Labor unions argued the plan is illegal and asked for O’Toole to keep it on hold and prevent the Office of Personnel Management, or OPM, from soliciting more workers to sign up.

A Justice Department lawyer has called the plan a “humane off ramp” for federal employees who may have structured their lives around working remotely and have been ordered to return to government offices.

___

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) -- A single mother and her two children are left without a home after their camper was stolen in a church parking lot.

On the morning of Jan. 20, the family's Coleman 17B camper was stolen in the 1500 block of S. Battlefield Boulevard. The suspect entered the church parking lot in a pickup truck, hitched the camper and drove away with it.

Courtesy: CPD

Courtesy: CPD

The camper was being lived in by a mother and her children who now don't have a place to stay. The photos above show pictures of the camper and the suspect's truck.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) -- Search warrants provided more insight into the devastating deaths of a mother and her three children in Chesapeake in an apparent murder-suicide on Feb. 7.

CPD: 3 children, 1 woman dead after apparent murder-suicide on Welcome Rd.

Cymone King-Roberson was reportedly on a Facebook Live when her girlfriend, while watching, noticed three dead bodies in the home. The girlfriend called 911, leading to Chesapeake police responding to King-Roberson's home.

After King-Roberson made "concerning statements," the Chesapeake Police SWAT and Crisis Negotiation Team was called, according to the search warrant. However, while officers were on scene, they heard the sound of gunshots from inside the residence.

SWAT entered the home to find four dead individuals, including King-Roberson and her three children — a 14-year-old daughter and 5-year-old twins, a boy and a girl. The woman was said to have died due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

During the search, officials confiscated a Bersa Thunder 380 handgun, ammunition, five shell casings, a USB drive, a wash cloth and paper towel with a red stain and two cellular devices.

10 On Your Side's Andy Fox had previous coverage speaking with the woman's brother shortly after the incident, who was in shock from the news.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – Inflation numbers show consumer prices have ticked up again. President Trump said he’s committed to improving everyday life for Americans. 

According to AP, U.S. inflation got worse with rising prices of groceries and gasoline. 

In the latest report from Wednesday, Feb. 12, from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics about the consumer price index report, inflation jumped 3% for January. Prices rose half a percent just a month earlier.

It is the largest month-to-month increase in over a year. 

When you go to the grocery store, your wallet might feel the pain. Grocery prices have climbed half a percent in January and pushed higher due to egg prices that have jumped to 53% higher when compared to prices a year ago; these prices are also due to the effects of the Bird Flu, AP states.

Hunt Club Farm in Virginia Beach confirms bird flu cases, announces temporary closure

Although many might be feeling the pain of inflation, one person told 10 On Your Side they make every dollar count. 

Another said inflation is not hitting them too hard. 

“Just about the same,” said Michael Smiley. “You just gotta be careful.”

AP states inflation often jumps in January due to companies raising their prices at the beginning of the year, but the government season adjustment process is supposed to balance the effects. 

Now, the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not cover President Trump's first couple of weeks in office. But AP's data still shows it could be more difficult than President Trump and many economists had hoped. 

VIRGINIA BEACH (WAVY) — High school students in the environmental studies program in Virginia Beach City Public Schools have combined a lot of math with their science in recent weeks, in the form of counting — marking and providing an inventory all of the more-than-5,000 trees on Pleasure House Point, where it's transforming from woods to wetlands.

Trees are on the move as Virginia Beach site turns from woods to wetlands

The trees they counted ended up as a map on the city's website. It gave these environmental studies students a chance to leave the classroom and branch out.

"This project has really differed from all the other projects that we've done," said Riley Brown, a senior at Ocean Lakes High School, "because we've gotten to partner with public works and the city arborists."

A tree would be relocated if the trunk was two inches or smaller in diameter. Ocean Lakes senior Caylin Szilagi now uses that new measuring skill whenever she sees any trees.

"If we're out walking, it's kind of like a fun guessing game to see how our skills have improved, and I'm actually pretty good at guessing," she said.

These students see beyond the trees to the greater impact of environmental issues.

"So while we might focus on issues here at Pleasure House Point, me and my classmates also like to look from a world-focused view of issues around us, and I feel like that's really meaningful," said Reese Longwater, an Ocean Lakes junior.

They worked in partnership with the city, and with conservation groups such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Lynnhaven River Now and Friends of Live Oaks.

"We're giving a benefit to the city, and the city, by honoring this youthful voice, is helping the students," said Chris Freeman, environmental studies coordinator. "They'll have a legacy project right here in Virginia Beach to become the next environmental leaders."

Students also learned the skill of advocacy — getting someone to see the value in their mission.

Ocean Lakes junior Kaydyn Ismail said it was rewarding to see the students' work leverage a real-life cause-and-effect.

"The city responded really well, seeing, for example, with our data, they were able to change the construction entrance to preserve the oldest and largest trees in the area," she said. "Seeing their direct response [to] our advocacy has been really special to me."

And for some, this project is another step in their career path.

"Environmental policy or environmental management," said Salem High School senior Gavin Wehr, when asked what he'd like to pursue in college. "It really depends on where I go to college and what I decide to do. It's a great passion of mine. I love science."

Editor's Note: Initially deputies reported Jesse Scott as the subject who fled from the traffic stop. They have since confirmed the subject is actually Raymond Scott who fraudulently identified himself as his brother.

CAMDEN COUNTY, N.C. (WAVY) -- Camden County deputies are concerned for a man's safety after he jumped into a river to avoid law enforcement just before midnight on Wednesday.

During a routine traffic stop on US 158 near Havenwood, 33-year-old Raymond Scott fled deputies and jumped into the river, officials said. He was then seen swimming to the marsh.

Scott originally identified himself to police as his brother, Jesse.

Attempts to capture Scott soon shifted as time passed and deputies became concerned with his health and well-being.

Cold temperatures and wet conditions posed a credible risk. Deputies said they have been in communication with his family.

Scott was last seen wearing a black shirt, grey sweatpants and one shoe.

Units and rescue personnel continue to look along the Camden Causeway, so please use caution as you transit the area.

If you have any information or see Jesse Scott, please call 252-338-5046.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Shaquana Jordan was five weeks pregnant when she was killed a week ago in Portsmouth, with the father of her other two children accused of pulling the trigger.

Portsmouth man charged with killing pregnant woman in presence of child, police say

Now, Jordan's family is speaking to 10 On Your Side about this devastating loss as they are focused on getting swift justice and holding her sister's accused killer accountable.

Shaquana Jordan's older sister, Jasmine Jordan, says this past week has been extremely hard on the family.

"I will always remember Shaquana as a loving caring person, she would give the shirt off her back," Jasmine Jordan said. "She always wanted to laugh and have fun, never negative, never mean, never nasty."

Police say Shaquana Jordan was gunned down last week by Hasheed Mills. Her sister says Shaquana Jordan was married to Mills, but had been trying to leave.

"I've always heard rumors, hearsay, I've never been around it or seen it with my own eyes," Jasmine Jordan said. "I have always told my sister that she should love herself and not let anyone manipulate her clearly what has been done, my sister has caught charges, and she was scared."

Docs: Child’s voice heard on 911 call after pregnant mother fatally shot, father accused of murder

Now, Shaquana Jordan's family is looking for justice. Mills has a lengthy criminal record, and according to her sister, he has made deals with Portsmouth prosecutors in the past to get reduced sentences for his charges, something the family fears could happen again.

"My sister deserves a prosecutor that will be determined and dedicated to serving her justice," Jasmine Jordan said.

For now, she has this to say to anyone who finds themselves in a violent relationship.

"I'm always going to give encouraging words and that's get away if you can."

Mills is still in jail facing several charges, including aggravated murder of a pregnant woman, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, abuse of a child causing serious injury, shooting in the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a felon. Shaquana Jordan's family says funeral services are pending.

RALEIGH, N.C. (WAVY) -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported the first pediatric flu-related deaths this season.

One child in the Eastern region and another in the Central region of the state died recently died due to complications of influenza. Additional information will not be released about these cases.

"We at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services extend our deepest sympathies to the families of these children," said State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D, MPH. "This is a sad reminder that seasonal influenza can be serious and, in some cases, even fatal. If you or your loved ones have not received the flu vaccine this season, please consider doing so to help protect your family and those around you."

North Carolina has seen a recent increase in flu cases in combination with continued COVID-19 activity. 171 adult flu-related deaths have been reported in the state this season.

The NCDHHS recommends the following preventive actions to protect themselves and their loved ones against respiratory viruses:

• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based cleaner or sanitizer to prevent the spread of viruses to others
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects that may be contaminated
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discard the tissue promptly
• Stay home when sick, except to seek medical care or testing, and take steps to avoid spreading infection to others in your home, including:
  • Staying in a separate room from other household members, if possible
  • Using a separate bathroom, if possible
  • Avoiding contact with other members of the household and pets
  • Not sharing personal household items, like cups, towels and utensils
  • Wearing a mask when around other people

The CDC urges vaccination for children ages six months and older.

CHESAPEAKE, Va.(WAVY) -- Victims from two generations were recently killed in gun violence in the Campostella Section of the city. Six days after Cymone King-Roberson shot her three children and then herself, police are investigating a shooting death, just blocks away, that claimed the life of 20-year Gabrielle Leigh Kelly.

Former classmates at Chesapeake High Schools, who did not want to be identified, called the victim Gabby.

Regina Mobley: How does it make you feel when you know that one of your high school classmates has now died?
Well, I mean, bad. I guess, it does get bad though you know cause we've been losing people out here too much.

The Crime scene encompassed nearly a square block. Residents heard several rounds just before 8 p.m. Monday.

It's tough. She was a nice person. She didn't deserve to go out like that. Yeah, she was. I mean, that's tough for anybody to go out like that.

Last year ten on your side introduced you to Jackie Drewitt the founder of Redeemed Women ministries. She calls on the people of Hampton Roads to wrap their arms around neighbors in need before it's too late.

We're all in this community together. So we need to come together and stand together. If your neighbor is hurting, you reach out to them. It's no time to gossip about what someone else is going through. We need to help each other. Help each other? If your sister or your brother is going through this, you will be there to help them. It should be the same way with your neighbor.

Chesapeake Police are asking for information on the death of Gabrielle Kelly.
If you know anything about the case, call the crime line at 1-888-lock- U-up.
Jackie Drewitt of Redeemed Ministries is on Facebook.

Longtime vaccine critic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is now the nation’s top health official, after the Senate on Thursday voted almost entirely on party lines to confirm him atop a department of nearly 100,000 employees that runs 13 agencies.

The 52-48 confirmation vote for the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services brings to a close a contentious three-month confirmation fight that served as a significant test of the Republican Party’s loyalty to President Trump.  

Only Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) cast a GOP vote against Kennedy's confirmation, after previously bucking his party on Trump's Defense secretary and national intelligence director.

The founder of one of the country’s most prominent anti-vaccine groups will now run the nation’s vaccine policy, which is just one part of the nearly $2 trillion federal health portfolio.   

The final vote was essentially a formality after the Senate Finance Committee last week sent Kennedy’s nomination to the floor on a party-line vote. The full chamber on Wednesday voted 53 to 47 along party lines to end debate and advance the nomination.

Four Republicans would have needed to break with their party and vote with every Democrat for Kennedy’s nomination to fail. Instead, only one did. Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who opposed Pete Hegseth’s nomination to lead the Pentagon, this week said they would support Kennedy despite their lingering concerns over his stance on vaccines.

McConnell, a polio survivor, did not meet with Kennedy ahead of his confirmation hearings. Late last year, he broadly criticized efforts to revoke approval of the polio vaccine.   

Without mentioning Kennedy by name, McConnell said “anyone seeking the Senate’s consent to serve in the incoming administration would do well to steer clear of even the appearance of association with such efforts.”   

Kennedy is a former Democrat, but he has support of essentially all Republican lawmakers in Congress. They’ve brushed aside concerns over his anti-vaccine activism and past abortion-rights comments, instead praising him for being a disruptor to the health care industry.   

They’ve embraced Kennedy's Make America Healthy Again agenda, including eliminating food additives and his pledge to refocus health agencies on chronic conditions instead of infectious diseases.   

During the confirmation fight, liberal groups spent more than $1 million on a campaign targeting key GOP senators thought to be potential swing votes. Kennedy was also opposed by a group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence that attacked him for his abortion-rights stance.  

Yet Kennedy’s alliance with Trump coincided with Republicans deciding to go all-in on the president’s Cabinet nominees, no matter how controversial. How the process played out underscores how wary Republicans are of incurring Trump’s wrath only weeks into his administration. 

Major anti-abortion groups remained relatively quiet, and some even gave him tentative backing. Many in the health industry also stayed on the sidelines, depriving Democrats of powerful — and deep-pocketed — allies. Kennedy has promised to target drugmakers and doctors’ groups, but they largely remained silent. 

During a pair of contentious confirmation hearings, Kennedy denied he was anti-vaccine, despite refusing to disavow his promotion of a link between vaccines and autism. Instead, Kennedy painted himself as pro-vaccine safety, contending that vaccines aren’t tested enough, something experts say is not true. 

He also displayed a lack of awareness on some basic health policy issues; for instance, he stumbled on explanations about core health programs, like Medicaid and Medicare, and the difference between the two.

His vaccine comments troubled some lawmakers, including Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.). Cassidy is an ardently pro-vaccine doctor who had expressed serious doubts about whether Kennedy was qualified to lead the agency, primarily over his stance on autism and vaccines. 

Cassidy openly questioned whether the 71-year-old Kennedy "who spent decades criticizing vaccines, and who’s financially vested in finding fault with vaccines" can change his attitudes and approach "now that he’ll have the most important position influencing vaccine policy in the United States?”

But after spending a weekend talking to Kennedy and Vice President Vance, the politically vulnerable Cassidy ultimately voted with his other GOP colleagues after saying he received last-minute assurances over vaccine safety.

Up until the final vote, Democrats excoriated Republicans, sounding the alarm about what Kennedy’s agenda will mean for the nation’s health. 

“A vote for RFK Jr. is a vote for a sicker America,” said Sen. Ron Wyden (Ore.), as part of a series of coordinated floor remarks by Democrats in opposition. “In my view this is the least qualified nominee to ever be nominated for a position of this importance.” 

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) said Republicans “should know better. They do know better.” 

But, she said, “they are looking the other way. They are choosing to pretend like it is in any way believable that RFK Jr. won’t use his new power to do exactly the thing he has been trying to do for decades — undermine vaccines.” 

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) — Health experts estimate that nearly 14,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cervical cancer, with more than 4,000 dying from the fourth-most common cancer in women worldwide.

Cervical cancer is most devastating in middle- and low-income countries, but in the U.S., efforts to get ahead of the diagnosis have been successful. But that's the key — getting ahead of it.

"Unfortunately when diagnosed in late stages, [cervical cancer] can cause quite a detriment to quality of life and can be challenging to cure,” said Dr. Danielle Chau, a gynecological oncologist with Virginia Oncology Associates at Sentara.

Nearly all cervical cancer cases are caused by the huma papillomavirus, or HPV, with 80% to 85% of everyone in the U.S. exposed to HPV.

For most, it's a temporary virus, but for a small group, their bodies are unable to clear it. It's something Chau feels strongly about.

"Because it's something that I feel like, if we have enough advocacy for, we can actually prevent this in the pre-cancerous stages," Chau said.

She stresses the importance of screening, such as a simple pelvic exam or pap smear. A vaccine that guards against HPV was introduced in 2006. Doctors recommend getting it at age 11 or 12. 

"Depending on their age, it's either two vaccines or three vaccines that they'll get," Chau said.

And studies show it's been able to be 97% to 99% effective in preventing HPV. And it's been proven effective — even if you've already had a history of cervical pre-cancer.

"If they get vaccinated after that point, that we can actually reduce their risk of recurrence by 65%," Chau said.

Symptoms of cervical cancer can include abnormal spotting after intercourse, heavy discharge, a sensation of “pelvic fullness” and changes in bowel or bladder habits.

A test you can take at home for cervical cancer is currently being studied and awaiting approval by the FDA.

MATHEWS COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) -- A man has been arrested in Mathews County in connection toa series of home and boat burglaries.

Beginning in October 2024, Mathews County deputies responded to Gwynns Island for reports of thefts involving boats. The incidents continued through January with burglaries reported in the 100 block of Mallard Lane in Gwynn and the 1800 block of Point Breeze Rd in Hudgins.

Forced entry was made at multiple homes and numerous items were stolen to include tools, silverware, ammunition, a riding lawnmower and other assorted collectibles.

An investigation has led to the execution of multiple residential and electronic search warrants, and investigators have recovered thousands of dollars in stolen valuables.

On Feb. 12, the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office was informed of a possible suspect in the case within their area. Deputies initiated a traffic stop and arrested 23-year-old Tanner Schaller without incident.

Mathews County Sheriff’s Office has charged him with

• Break and enter a dwelling house with intent to commit larceny (3 counts)
• Grand larceny with intent to sell (2 counts)
• Grand larceny of a firearm (1 count)
• Conspiracy to commit grand larceny with intent to sell (1 count)

Schaller is being held without bond. This investigation remains active.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) -- The former Assistant Director of James River Residential Reentry Facility (James River RRC) pled guilty Thursday to taking bribes as a public official.

According to court documents, Marlon R. Jones, Jr., 44, of Portsmouth had supervisory authority over an inmate, identified as L.C., who was released to home confinement in January 2021. Jones had a direct relationship with L.C. from at least April 2021 through September 2022 that involved having sexual contact and exchanging sexual messages via telephone and text.

L.C. additionally paid Jones on several occasions for assistance with making violations disappear. Another supervisor had taken over James River RRC and found that L.C. had at least fourteen incidents, but only three had been properly recorded.

Jones received both physical currency and electronic transfers from L.C. through his Cash App account. Between Sept. 24, 2021, and March 29, 2022, L.C. paid Jones a total of $650 over five Cash App transactions. L.C. also referred other individuals to Jones, including his cousin.

Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 7 and faces up to 15 years in prison.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — A man facing six felony charges in connection with shots fired at a police car in Chesapeake denies all the charges.

Dominique Vaughan, 33, who was arrested in December after police alleged he fired at an occupied police car two weeks earlier, said in an exclusive interview from jail Tuesday morning that the car involved is, indeed, his, but he wasn't driving it.

"I was in the car earlier that day," he said when asked to explain his prints on the Charger. "I rent it out. I run an illegitimate car rental service. It's not documented. All my cars, I rent out to a lot of people, but I don't have a business for it."

Previously: Chesapeake man arrested in connection to shooting at officer

On Nov. 24, an officer was responding to a shots fired call in the Holly Point neighborhood when he alleged three shots came from a passing Dodge Charger — striking the hood, windshield and a side door, according to court documents.

Police arrested Vaughan Dec. 6 based on car, fingerprint and video evidence that they say implicates him.

When asked if the two men in the car that day were renters, Vaughan said, "absolutely."

Vaughan refused to identify them Tuesday, and said his refusal to name names is the reason why he's being held responsible.

Vaughan has been charged with attempted aggravated murder of a law enforcement officer and other felonies relating to guns, shooting and eluding police.

Vaughan denies the charges, denies even having a gun, and founded a community program in 2019 known as Gloves Up Guns Down that teaches teens to resolve disputes in the boxing ring instead of shooting people.

"Firearms will never be a part of who I am," Vaughan said.

Regardless of the outcome of the charges he currently faces, 10 On Your Side asked whether they will affect his community activism.

"The community engagement is only getting more influence because my community knows me," Vaughan said. "The organization is going to gain more momentum."

Vaughan had a hearing scheduled for Feb. 12, but said it would be continued to give his attorney a chance to review nearly 60 clips of police video.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Violent crimes in Virginia Beach fell by more than 20% last year as shooting incidents and the homicide rate each fell by more than 40%, according to newly-released crime statistics.

Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate outlined the declines in violent crime and other statistics to City Council Tuesday.

Neudigate said the city’s 22% reduction in violent crime in 2024 was the result of several factors, including a targeted focus on individuals engaging in gun violence, increased use of technology, such as expanded closed-circuit and license plate reader cameras and strong investigative work by the department’s Detective Bureau, leading to quick arrests. He also praised the Virginia Beach Commonwealth Attorney’s Office for its dedication to prosecuting violent crimes, as well as the courts for ensuring sentencing is appropriate for the offenses committed.

The reduction in Part I crimes — which include violent crimes such as homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, and property crimes such as burglary, motor vehicle theft, theft from a motor vehicle and all other larceny — is a credit to the work of the department, its use of technology and its real-time crime center and collaboration with other regional partners, he said.

“In addition to the great police work and community assistance, technology aids those efforts, with an expanded citywide camera network and regional license plate readers playing a key role,” Neudigate said. “By providing real-time data and capturing essential details like vehicle license plates, we can quickly identify suspect vehicles to aid our investigations. These technologies routinely enhance our ability to keep the community safe and ensure we use all available resources to protect our community.”

Here are highlights from Neudigate's presentation.

• Just 5.5% of the 7,977 Part I crimes last year were violent, with violent crimes down 22.3% compared to 2023 and down 21% compared to the previous three-year average (2021-2023). It makes 2024 the lowest year for violent crimes in the city in the past five years.
• Property crime is down 4.3% compared to 2023 (7,882 in 2023 and 7,541 in 2024), with larcenies from motor vehicles down 17% and thefts of motor vehicles down 27%. Those numbers are the lowest they have been in five years.
• There were 37 shooting incidents in the city last year, down 49% from the previous year's 73. The number of shooting victims went down 56%, from 88 to 39, and Virginia Beach Police seized or got possession of 1,221 illegally possessed firearms last year.
• The city saw a 46% drop in the homicide rate, with the number of homicides going down from 24 to 13, and of those, the city's police department has positively cleared all of them, making its 100% rate nearly twice as high as the national average of 52%, as reported by the FBI in 2022.
• Vehicle crashes in the city are down 4% since 2023 and 7% since 2022, with fatal crashes down 31% since 2023. Its statistics state that, when compared to neighboring Hampton Roads cities, it has the lowest rate of crash fatalities per 100,000 residents at 4.8.

"If you decide to engage in violent crime in the city of Virginia Beach, rest assured that there is a high probability that you will be arrested, convicted, and sentenced to a substantial prison term,” Neudigate said.

To read Virginia Beach's 2024 crime statistics review, see below:

While the forecast for yesterday was tricky and frustrating, I'd say that it went generally as planned. As you know we started off with a wintry mix in the morning with some pockets of snow over the area. As we went into midday the rain snow line did start to creep north. There was some brief snow showers north of that line over parts of the Peninsula and other areas north of the metro. However, there was also a lot of melting near the line and south of it.

The rain/snow line kept creeping north through the day. By the time the evening came around the majority of the viewing area was covered by rain.

Before it melted there were about 3-4 inches over northern Accomack county, about 5" in Reedville, and about 5" over parts of northern Gloucester and Middlesex counties.

The highest amounts were up towards the Northern Neck and west of there. Since then we have had rainfall all night and all morning long. That has caused a lot of the snow to melt.

However, there were some big issues with freezing rain over towards the Richmond area. Luckily it was just rain here. Over the last 48 hours we have had about a half of an inch to an inch and a half of rainfall.

The pattern hasn't changed much since yesterday. We still have a stationary front to our south with a weak area of low pressure just to our southeast.

There is a lot of overunning precipitation again today. The front is turning into a warm front, but we'll stay on the colder side of the boundary all day. So expect a cold rain to continue all day.

Rain will be on and off all the way into this evening. We'll have a northeast breeze at 8-12mph. High temps will only rise to the mid 40s.

As we go into tonight and tomorrow the weak offshore low will actually drift back to the west a bit. The front will move up from the south as a warm front. We'll have lots of rain in the morning and midday.

However, during the afternoon the rain showers should taper off. Some models have that happening sooner than others. So we'll see. If we're lucky then we might even have a little late-day clearing. Regardless, through that time we'll probably pick up another half inch to an inch of rainfall.

The models show a little less to the south.

We will dry out on Friday as the front sinks back to the south as a cold front. We'll have lots of sun, but high temps will only rise to the low 40s.

As you can see we'll warm up by the weekend. High temps will be in the 50s and 60s. However, it looks like rain will move back into the region from Saturday afternoon into Sunday.

Down the road it looks like we'll be dry and cool next Monday and Tuesday. Highs will probably be in the 40s. However, the long-range models are showing a potentially big system next Wednesday. It's way out there, but let's just say that snow (and possibly a good amount of it) could return to the region. If not Wednesday, then maybe more between Wednesday and Thursday. I'll talk a little more about it in tomorrow's weather blog, but even then it will be too far out for any good details. Stay tuned.

Meteorologist: Jeremy Wheeler

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) -- Hampton Division of Fire & Rescue responded for the report of a two-story apartment fire on Wednesday.

The incident occurred around 8:45 a.m., in the 600 block of Willow Oaks Boulevard. The fire affected at least six units in the Willow Oaks townhomes community.

It was under control in less than half an hour, according to 10 On Your Side's Chris Horne, who is on the scene. Fifteen people were displaced. One sustained serious injuries and was taken to a burn unit.

WAVY has reached out for details.

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) -- It's a little bit of a fixer upper, but it's getting there! The new Fire Station 11 in Suffolk is getting closer to completion.

The Suffolk Department of Fire & Rescue posted on social media an update to the buildings progress.

So far, the installation of the apparatus bay doors has begun, concrete has been poured and the drywall is finished. The ceiling grid is also finished and being painted and light fixtures are now installed. Lastly, the low voltage wiring is being installed and the pipe bollards are being set.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — A Virginia Beach Navy veteran said she is disappointed with the Department of Defense's decision to end the recognition of cultural awareness months.  

The guidance was first announced Jan. 31. Servicemembers must celebrate cultural awareness month celebrations and events while off-duty.  

Retired Navy Commander Caroline Tetschner was troubled by the recent news.  

"I was stunned to hear that, and I was disappointed,” Tetschner said.  

Tetschner served for 27 years and said that the Military’s strength lies in its diversity.  

"We are not all going to be the same, nor should we," Tetschner said. “So, celebrating that, whether it's, you know, a Latin cultural club or a Women's History Month, you know, that says you're important.” 

According to the DoD, it will not use official resources to host celebrations or events related to cultural awareness months going forward.  

That includes Black History Month, Women's History Month, Pride Month and more.  

Part of the guidance read, “efforts to divide the force — to put one group ahead of another — erode camaraderie and threaten mission execution." 

"That's where the problem lies, you know, not recognizing that, that our backgrounds will be different, and that's what we bring, you know, and celebrating that,” Tetschner said. 

The Department of Defense Education Activity also released a message to military families on Monday, stating they are planning to fully comply with the guidance as well.