CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) -- A Chesapeake woman has been arrested after a police pursuit that injured one Virginia State Police trooper on Saturday afternoon.

The Chesapeake Police Department was notified of a pursuit involving a 2011 Lexus RX 350 that initiated in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, at approximately 2:35 p.m. The driver of the Lexus, 52-year-old Heather Lee Barrington, was believed to be under the influence and had sideswiped a deputy.

Chesapeake Police became involved in the pursuit when the suspect entered I-64 westbound from Dominion Boulevard and they deployed spike strips.

As the pursuit continued onto Greenbrier Parkway, Virginia State Police troopers assisted in stopping the vehicle. Barrington struck three state police vehicles as she approached I-64 near the Indian River Road exit, causing one trooper to crash.

Barrington was stopped and found to have a baby girl restrained in a safety seat inside the vehicle. The infant was taken to Children of the King's Daughters Hospital to be evaluated.

The trooper who crashed was taken to Sentara Virginia Beach Hospital with injuries that weren't life-threatening. No other troopers were injured during the incident.

Barrington was taken to Chesapeake City Jail.

There are no additional details at this time.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) -- It was a night like any other for Jason Petrie and his family. Everyone was ready to call it a night until the family got an unexpected visitor.

Meet Sweetie, a black bear whose recently been seen near Butts station and Elbow Road in Chesapeake.

“We had been having a bear sighting in the neighborhood quite frequently recently. And before I went to bed, I started just checking my cameras around the house. And when I checked the front door camera, that's when I noticed that the bear had come up right up to the front door and was sniffing the door handle.”

Jason and Lochlyn Petrie told 10 On Your Side what it was like having Sweetie come up to their front door.

“I'm not even used to seeing deer, but when I do see deer, I think that's crazy, let alone a bear walking up to our front door. I think that's really crazy,” said Lochlyn.

Jason and his family weren’t the only ones Sweetie paid a visit to last night. One couple says they’re down two bird feeders thanks to the hungry bear. 

“My wife came into the shower as I was drying off and she said that there was a bear in the backyard. And so, I ran out dripping wet with a towel wrapped around me and we looked at this bear dismantling her bird feeders and tore them all up and everything,” said John Williams, a witness.

While some may be nervous about a bear coming so close to their home, Jason and Lochlyn say they’re not worried about Sweetie.

“I'm not worried about it. He doesn't seem to be an aggressive type of bear, and he's come in pretty late at night.”

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources says if you spot a black bear near your home, the best way to make the bear go away is to remove any sources of food it may be after, such as garbage, bird feed and pet food. You can learn more by clicking here.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) -- A family of four has been displaced and three dogs have died following a house fire in Chesapeake on Saturday afternoon.

Dispatchers received reports of a house on fire in the 3300 block of Country Mill Run at approximately 12:10 p.m.

Upon arrival, crews reported heavy fire showing. The Virginia Beach Fire Department, Moyock Fire Department and Navy Regional additionally responded to assist with water supply and fire extinguishment.

Courtesy: Chesapeake Fire Department

Courtesy: Chesapeake Fire Department

Courtesy: Chesapeake Fire Department

Courtesy: Chesapeake Fire Department

Courtesy: Chesapeake Fire Department

Courtesy: Chesapeake Fire Department

Courtesy: Chesapeake Fire Department

Firefighters brought the blaze under control around 1:40 p.m.

The family was away at the time of the fire, but three dogs remained inside the house. Three of the family pets were found safe in a detached garage while the three dogs found inside the residence did not survive.

The house sustained major damage. The Red Cross will provide assistance to the family with lodging arrangements.

Fire investigators have ruled the fire accidental.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Investigators with the Portsmouth Police Department are searching for a 15-year-old girl who went missing last month.

Tinaya Pope was last seen on Monday, March 24 in the 600 block of Lanier Crescent around 4:15 p.m.

She is described as 5 feet, 6 inches tall and 123 pounds. She was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and grey or white Nike high-tops.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact the Portsmouth Police Special Victims Unit at (757) 393-8536. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact the Crime Line at 1–888-LOCK-U-UP.

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) -- Advocates and survivors of sexual assault gathered in Hampton's Peninsula Town Center for 'Walk in Their Shoes' on Saturday.

The event was organized by The Center for Sexual Assault Survivors and offers resources and communities to those seeking help following an assault.

"This year is actually our 19th year I'm doing this walk," said Stacey Moran, victim services program manager with The Center. "We're just trying to recognize survivors and victims of sexual violence."

Advocates like Stacey Moran and Xiomara Harris with The Center for Sexual Assault Survivors were there as people of all ages walked to support those impacted. They said events like this help those who may not know what step to take, if any, following an assault.

"It feels empowering. For me, it feels like we are a community that sticks together. We join together, we come together," Harris explained.

10 On Your Side's Kiahnna Patterson emceed the event supporting survivors. Resources from Sentara, Riverside Hospital and local commonwealth attorney's offices were there as well. Funds raised by the walk and raffle go towards keeping The Center's resources free for those who need it.

"Sexual assault is very prevalent and we want to get the word out," said The Center representative. "It happens to men, women and children, and we want them to know that we are here for them. All of our services are free."

Those free services can make it easier for survivors to come forward, offering a sense of community.

"I know it's hard to sometimes just come out and say that you've been a victim of a crime, you know, especially a crime like for sexual assault," said The Center representative.

If you're looking to give back, the non-profit is in constant need of support in the form of funding in order to keep their services free.

"These are hard times for nonprofits. We are federally funded. So we need the community's help to keep our services free," said Harris.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) -- The High Street Ferry Dock in Portsmouth will be closed until further notice due to construction.

Since Tuesday, April 8, customers have had to board and disembark the Elizabeth River Ferry at the North Landing Ferry Dock.

Customers can also use the Route 45 at Crawford and County.

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — Two fatal crashes on West Mercury Boulevard in Hampton just under two weeks has residents demanding police do more to slow down speeders.

This comes after the busy Hampton street claimed the life of 73-year old Lucille McPherson Tuesday.

Police: 1 dead, 1 injured in Hampton crash

"It was all over Facebook, and when I got on Facebook, I seen it and I was devastated by it too," said McPherson's niece, Syniah Holliday. "People need to slow down when they are driving."

McPherson's death comes just nearly two weeks after a pedestrian was struck and killed on West Mercury Boulevard.

Hampton resident and Wana Play Childcare owner Tawana Wilson agrees. She lives off of West Mercury Boulevard and said speeding has been a problem for some time.

"Now it's in the day time," Wilson said. "It's getting ridiculous."

Wilson said the fear of getting hit remains at the top of her mind as she runs a daycare business at her home.

"I just ordered a sign that said, 'Children are playing,' this week, because of that accident, and now we're scared to even take the kids out now," Wilson said.

She and other neighbors hope police will hear their concerns, adding that speed bumps and more police patrols in the area could help save lives.

"Everything, try something, everything," Wilson said. "Put them all together. We have kids. Our lives are in danger."

In a statement, Hampton police said:

"We encourage those citizens to contact us directly with their concerns so that we can work to identify the issues and deploy the resources to address those concerns. we are committed to staying focused on our efforts to mitigate these situations and enhance our traffic safety throughout the city."

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — A grand jury has indicted a sailor for animal torture, one year after a dog starved to death in Virginia Beach. 

When Enonge Stovall was getting deployed, she said the last thing on her mind coming back was that her dog would be dead. 

Melo was a four-year-old English bulldog. Stovall, his owner, said she never got to say goodbye because she was in the middle of her deployment.

“It was horrible," Stovall said. "He was a family dog. He was my baby. He was like a baby."

In late October 2023, Stovall had been gone for nine months. She said she trusted DeCarlos Gray from working with him at her last duty station in the military. He agreed to watch her dog. 

“As military people, we take care of each other," Stovall said. "So I'm thinking it's like a safe person."

According to documents, Melo stayed at Gray’s home on Counselor Square for six months. With only three months left of Stovall’s deployment, Gray took Melo back to his owner's house. 

Why? Stovall said it’s still unclear. 

“He said something along the lines of he had to get his floors cleaned," Stovall said. "But at the time, I was on deployment, so I didn't pay any mind. But then when I got back, I was like, 'Well, he has a dog.' You know what I mean? So why would my dog be here with all his food? So it was just a weird situation.”

According to documents, it states Melo was in good physical condition when he went into Gray’s care. In April 2024, video footage shown from inside the home showed Melo was alive in this crate, as stated in documents. 

In Virginia Beach court documents, six days after Melo was dropped off at the empty home, he was found dead in his wire crate by the house sitter. 

“I got a call saying there was a dog in my house, and I thought somebody broke in, and so I found out it was Melo,” Stovall said. 

Court documents state when police got to Stovall’s house, officers found the puppy pad inside the crate soaked with urine and fecal matter. The bulldog was emaciated and had several wounds on his body, each wound showing exposed bone, according to documents. 

“I would never get another dog," Stovall said. "Yeah, that's over. It's just — I don't know. I don't even like to think about it. It's sick. Honestly. It's really sad."

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) -- Virginia Beach Police are asking residents to be aware of a growing trend of car break-ins and thefts.

According to officials, just between April 8-9, the city reported 34 incidents of destruction of property and 14 thefts from motor vehicles. This all occurred in the 3rd Precinct of the city near Bonney Road.

As a result, law enforcement are reminding the community to always lock your doors, keep valuables in your vehicle out of plain sight or to not leave valuables in your vehicle, at all. This will reduce your likelihood of becoming a victim. 

Police said that, while car break-ins typically involve individuals checking to see which vehicles are unlocked, the recent thefts have involved smashing car windows in order to get the items inside.

Other areas of the city have reported similar trends, however, not as prevalent as in the 3rd Precinct.

A resident living on one of the streets with multiple break ins said he has seen incidents like this before and knows how to avoid them.

“Coming from Orlando, Florida, it’s just the younger crowd breaking into cars and trying to get whatever they can get," one resident said. "The more excessive ones where they’re breaking the glass, using tools, usually there’s something in your car that they know or have heard of that they want, or they see something expensive through the windows. That’s why I avoid leaving anything expensive in my car.” 

The man explained his process to make sure his car isn’t broken into.

“Double lock it — sometimes I even do a little look back, make sure I didn’t leave anything in there," he said. "Like I said, if you’ve got something expensive sitting out on the front seat, it’s gonna catch someone eye.” 

Due to the rise in thefts, police are asking residents to keep valuables out of vehicles, or just out of sight. People are also asked to consider investing in car alarms or added lighting to your home or driveway. They're also asking neighbors in the Bonney Road area to help them ID suspects and review security camera footage to see if they've captured anything.

Individuals who may have captured video of thefts from security cameras are asked to contact the VBPD Detective Bureau at 757-385-4101 with the potential evidence. People can also register and integrate their security cameras with VBPD using the link here.

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — Karma Restaurant and Lounge on Lincoln Street is open for business again after a deadly early morning shooting Friday in the parking lot.

A security guard pats down everyone going in — that is standard at the front door — but what happened has shaken the immediate downtown Hampton community, and a family grieves after DeAngelo Osborne, 25, of Hampton, was shot and killed.

Police said the call came in at 1:37 a.m. in reference to a shooting at the Karma Restaurant and Lounge, which had closed around 1:20 a.m., according to management.

When officers arrived, they found a man, identified as Osborne, in the parking lot suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Osborne was gunned down after celebrating his girlfriend's birthday with her family.

One neighbor told 10 On Your Side that he saw the aftermath of the shooting.

"It was the tape, from here to all the way over there, and I saw the forensic team and I already knew what that was," Kevin Davis said. "Somebody died. I don't know who."

Davis said the area isn't the safest.

"I guess the club was kicking off because it's not the safest area in town," Davis said.

Davis also said he'd like to see his community put down the guns.

"I feel sorry for— because it's too much going on anyway with all the guns and people getting shot everyday," Davis said. "Pretty much, I always have concerns. Stop killing each other, I don't know what it was about, but I'm going to find out sooner or later. I don't know who died, but somebody died."

Osborne's mother did not want to speak on camera, but she is broken-hearted, grieving the loss of her son. She knows what happened, but she has been advised not to talk about it during the investigation.

Charles Ralph, who has worked for 22 years in the social services community, knows the family is grieving.

"It is a shame," Ralph said. "I hope they're comforting people in the neighborhood, because people tend to unify when these things happen. They talk about it, trying to lift people up saddened by loss, and [provide] comfort to the families."

Detectives from Hampton Police Division's Major Crimes Unit are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Outside Karma, you could see Hampton Police detectives collecting evidence, and there were evidence markers on the ground covering spent shell casings.

Police said they are looking for help in identifying the suspect in connection to what they are classifying as a homicide.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hampton Police Division at 757-727-6111 or the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. People can also send tips at P3Tips.com.

Ralph, from experience, shared what he thinks needs to be done to improve the community.

"Well, probably, with the families, the children should be shown a better way to build unity," he said, "and families need to work on making the community safe."

Check with WAVY.com for updates.

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — On April 2, Japanese video game developer Nintendo announced the upcoming console Nintendo Switch 2 would be priced at $450, a $150 increase from the first Nintendo Switch released in 2017.

“Immediately after that, a lot of the discussion started to go towards, 'Oh, well, we know that a lot of tariffs are being put in place and we're essentially seeing a lot of companies or countries that Nintendo was working with are getting hit with those," said video game fan Wayne Larkin, "and that's going to lead to us having to pay more for this hardware."

Larkin said many thought the $450 price tag had tariffs baked in. Then, President Donald Trump upped the ante with sweeping tariffs following the system's announcement.

Switch 2 pre-orders were postponed, with Nintendo announcing it would "assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions."

With Trump announcing a pause on tariffs Wednesday and preorders not re-opened, the final price is in limbo.

Trump announces 90-day pause of tariffs

“I do not anticipate that Nintendo of America will raise the price if tariffs are not a factor," Larkin said. "Personally, I think we'll see that the preorders open back up. They did establish that the release date of the system is not changed, so it would release before the tariffs procedures would be revisited. There has been a lot of 'these will be implemented,' there has been a lot of 'here's this, this and this will happen' and immediately backpedaled not that long after."

The release date of the Nintendo Switch 2 is slated for June 5, a month before the end of the announced 90-day pause on tariffs.

Additionally, the pricing for Nintendo Switch 2 games have increased in comparison to previous systems, from the traditional $60 to $70, and in the case of the upcoming Mario Kart World, up to $80. 

Andrew Foster, owner of OldSkool Video Games and More, said the increase, in this case, is not a result of tariffs.

“Nintendo games have been $60 for about 20 years now," said Foster. "So, I think that that's expected at this point. We've been fortunate to not have a price hike there as long as we've had.”

To offset costs for any potential price increases, Foster said people should take advantage of trade-in systems that OldSkool offers and to purchase pre-owned games or consoles.

“It's really important that people come in and do trade-ins and buy pre-owned," Foster said. "It's always going to be cheaper than a new item in most cases. So, stick to pre-owned if you can, if you don't have a problem with that. Just because it's not wrapped, it doesn't mean it doesn't work.”

“Personally, it's everything I would have wanted out of a successor to the Switch,” Larkin said.

As for the Nintendo Switch 2 system itself, both Larkin and Foster are excited for its release.

“I think it's going to be awesome," Foster said. "I am excited to see it."

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) -- Drivers experienced delays on I-64 in Virginia Beach Friday afternoon near the Providence Road Overpass due to police activity.

According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, all west lanes were closed near mile marker 286.9, which is near the Indian River Road West exit, while police investigated. A separate traffic alert from VDOT said eastbound lanes near mile marker 286.2 were closed. The eastbound and westbound I-64 express lanes were closed between I-264 and Battlefield Boulevard.

VDOT first posted about the special police activity just after 1 p.m. and said a westbound detour was in place at the Indian River Road exit 286A.

At 2:30 p.m., VDOT said one lane had reopened on I-64 Westbound.

Just before 3:30 p.m. VDOT said two general purpose lanes on I-64 west and the eastbound Express Lanes had reopened.

Shortly before 4 p.m., VDOT said all general purpose lanes on I-64 west and the westbound Express Lanes had reopened.

Courtesy: Virginia Department of Transportation

The screenshot above taken from live traffic cameras shows the stoppage and traffic backup, which was three miles at the height of the activity.

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Eighteen puppies and their mother were left behind at a shelter in Staunton and, to keep them from being euthanized, they were sent to the Norfolk SPCA, where they have been getting the love they deserve as they await their forever homes.

Kevin and Lilly, and all nine of their Anatolian Shepard siblings, are available for adoption.

“So these guys will be available today, they start at 12:30," said Jesika Streeter, deputy director for the Norfolk SPCA. "We’re gonna start hanging out buzzers for them. We do ask that you do your research — there’s a post up on our Facebook page, specific to this breed. They’re not for everyone. They can be a little stubborn sometimes, our Anatolian friends, but they are available."

In addition to the 11 Anatolian pups that were rescued, a mom and her seven puppies were also rescued.

“The mom is very, very sweet," Streeter said. "She’s a little pitty mix. She super, super sweet, and all of her puppies are very loud, yes. They’re a little too young for adoption just yet, but I’m sure once they get of age, their personalities they will definitely grow into."

With limited space, and a lot of new mouths to feed, the Norfolk SPCA is always looking for more help.

“We are always looking for donations, cash donations are the best way," Streeter said. "You can also donate right on our website as well. The more donations that we’re able to get in, we’re not undercut the city, by the state, or federal funding. So, all of the donations that we rely on come from our community directly."

If you’d like to adopt any of the puppies or make a donation to help the Norfolk SPCA continue their work, click here.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled that separating children in public schools based on race is unconstitutional.

VB board adopts resolution to suspend DEI initiatives

Virginia Beach NAACP president Dr. Eric Majette, 62, remembers that era where the schools and the books used for instruction where in poor shape.

"They were in terrible condition, terrible conditions," Majette said. "You could see where kids had written notes in those books. So that was a period of life where there was very interesting stuff that you would never forget."

Sixty-nine years later, the high court ruled race-based college admissions were unconstitutional. Then, two years later, the high court backed the Trump Administration's order to freeze funds for school divisions that fail to drop diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in school division programs and curriculums.

That led to the action taken by the Virginia Beach School Board Tuesday to suspend its DEI initiatives, lest it risk losing more than $74 million in federal funding, making some in the community upset by the board's actions, and how they did it.

"I think it's a tremendous threat to the schools," Majette said. "I think is going to impact the school themselves, not only the schools, but also is definitely impacting the programs and impacting the kids, the students as well as the parents."

In a statement, the Virginia Beach NAACP said "the move to eliminate DEI policies — without identifying which programs, clubs or initiatives would be affected, and without allowing for public comment — represents a troubling disregard for the values of inclusion, equity and democratic process."

"Basically trying to hide it from public view, steamroll it even through other members of the board," said Elizabeth Schur, who is a former teacher for Virginia Beach Public Schools.

Del. Michael Feggans also condemned the board's vote. In a joint letter with State Sen. Aaron Rouse (Dist. 22), Del. Alex Askew (Dist. 95) and Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler (Dist. 96), he called the board's adoption of the resolution "a deeply troubling step backward for students and families across the city."

"This decision is not about compliance — it's about capitulation," Feggans said. "It's an alarming move that disregards the lived experiences of Black and Brown students, LGBTQ+ youth and immigrant families. The message it sends is that their voices don't matter."

Feggans said the board's decision is a harmful precedent for school divisions statewide.

"Virginia Beach has long served as a leader in public education," Feggans said. "This reversal not only hurts our local students, but threatens decades of progress in creating inclusive and equitable learning environments."

He called for the board to reverse its decision and fully reinstate DEI initiatives.

10 On Your Side earlier this week reached out to the entire School Board; not one member responded to the email.

The Virginia Beach NAACP will host a town hall meeting at The Hive, located at 140 Independence Boulevard. The meeting starts at 7 p.m.

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A senior at Nansemond River High School in Suffolk found an insect inside a frozen, pre-packaged strawberry fruit cup that she had purchased at the school, and she said others told her they had also found insects in their fruit cups.

And while 10 On Your Side was not able to confirm the type of insect found in the fruit cup, the student said it was a nasty sight.

“I opened it, and I started eating," the student said. "I wasn't even looking down at my food as I was eating, but [when] I go to look down. I saw it in there, and I wasn't sure if it was there at first, but I realized it definitely was."

Suffolk Public Schools told 10 On Your Side in a statement that the product is a USDA prepackaged frozen strawberry cup, and it was delivered to the school Tuesday. 

In the picture you can see the small insect in her fruit cup. The student said her first thought was disbelief. 

“As I was leaving the class, a girl stopped me, and she showed me a screenshot of a maggot in another one, and she told me, 'I wouldn't eat those because there are maggots in this,'” said the senior. 

Her fruit cup only had one insect in it, but she told 10 On Your Side that was not the case for other classmates. 

“Today I actually found out before my lunchtime that one of the hall monitors was telling me how a boy had ate his almost down to the bottom," the student said. "And then when he lifted it up, it was a whole bunch on the bottom, and they were alive."

Suffolk Public Schools notified USDA representatives and pulled all the items. It said the manufacturer and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will be investigating the matter. 

Her father said it is gross, and concerning, for his daughter. 

“More than anything, it impacts her psychologically because it will make you not want to eat anything," the student's father said. "She told me she wasn't going to eat today; she did not have an appetite at all."

CURRITUCK COUNTY, N.C. (WAVY) -- A Suffolk man is facing several drug-related charges following a traffic stop in Currituck County Thursday.

Currituck County deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a white Elantra speeding on Caratoke Highway Thursday when the vehicle failed to yield, resulting in a pursuit.

After successfully bringing the vehicle to a stop, a K9 unit was requested to conduct an exterior sniff of the vehicle, and the K9 gave a positive indication for the presence of narcotics. Deputies then conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle.

The driver, identified as Eugene Boone, 21, was taken into custody and taken before a magistrate. He was charged with the following: felony flee to elude arrest, felony possession of marijuana, felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell, and deliver marijuana, felony maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place for controlled substances, failure to heed emergency lights and sirens, reckless driving, no operator’s license, expired vehicle registration and no insurance.

Boone was issued a $25,000 secured bond and booked into the Currituck County Detention Center.

The passenger, identified as Deyandre Smith, was found to have three active extraditable warrants from Virginia for the following offenses: felony probation violation, failure to appear and failure to obey a child support order.

In accordance with North Carolina's "Run and Done" law, the vehicle was seized.

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A Norfolk Navy veteran will attempt to climb Mount Everest next week to raise money for a national nonprofit.  

Brian O’Malley may be in his 60s, but he told 10 On Your Side his age isn’t going to stop him from taking on the challenge of a lifetime.  

He’s been busy preparing for the journey by working out and sleeping in a special tent to help him acclimate to the change in altitude once he starts.  

“I feel very strong physically," O'Malley said. "I feel very strong mentally. I'm ready."

O’Malley got the inspiration to attempt this journey in 2023 when he was recovering from a back surgery.  

"I found myself watching a lot of documentaries on Mount Everest,” O’Malley said. “I made a pact with myself that if my back gets back to 100% that I wanted to do something significant.” 

He’s using the challenge as a chance to fundraiser for Tunnels to Towers, a nonprofit that supports military members and first responders. 

So far, he has raised more than $16,000.  

"The reason we love Tunnel to Towers is because not only does it support all of our military service members and stuff, it also supports first responders," O’Malley said.  

He added that he understands the risks that can come with attempting to climb Everest, so that’s why he took a trip recently to prepare.  

"My brother-in-law and myself went out to the Nepal area, to the Himalayas just about a month ago, and we tracked about 100 miles through the Himalayas and about 10,000 feet or so [of] an elevation change," O'Malley said. "I acclimated well with the elevation change." 

If he succeeds, he'll be one of the oldest Americans to have summited. O’Malley also plans to document his journey, one he hopes will make a difference and inspire others.  

"I really believe that God has given me this one more opportunity," O'Malley said, "by giving me a good back that will allow me to do this."

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.  

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — The black binder, the bold felt tip pen and a captive audience has been the scene of late as President Donald Trump follows through on some campaign promises, including one that would eliminate the U.S. Department of Education through an executive order.

Congress founded the department, and President Jimmy Carter signed it into law in October 1979.

In his inaugural speech, Trump parroted some of the same complaints about critical race theory that Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin banned from Virginia schools, although CRT was not taught in Virginia K-12 schools.

"And we have an education system that teaches our children to be ashamed of themselves — in many cases, to hate our country despite the love that we try so desperately to provide to them. All of this will change starting today, and it will change very quickly," Trump said at the Capitol building.

In Portsmouth, 18 of its 19 public schools are Title 1 schools.

That means the children need special attention and they need it right away. Fourth grade, says Portsmouth Public Schools School Board Chairman Dr. Cardell Patillo, is the unofficial academic deadline to have children's reading and math skills up to par in order to be adequately prepared for learning success throughout their time in school.

So far, funding for public schools has not been touched, but Patillo is still waiting to exhale.

In addition to presiding over school board meetings, Patillo owns two Head Start schools outside the city of Portsmouth.

"Well, it was complete panic amongst Head Start programs when the freeze was announced," Patillo said. "Head Start programs are totally dependent on federal funding."

Regina Mobley: What would you advise people to do if they're hearing your plea today and they're concerned that funding could be cut for public education and Head Start?

Dr. Cardell Patillo: Utilize your rights as citizens. Contact your local legislators and representatives. Tell them how important this funding is to you, your family, to those around you, and your community.

National Public Radio reports that a research arm of the Education Department has been all but shut down, and several contracts have been canceled.

It takes an order from Congress to abolish the Education Department, so it is unclear how the president would use an executive order to shutter an agency that employs more than 4000 employees.

The video above is Meteorologist Don Slater's Midday forecast on Tuesday.

JAMES CITY COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) - In response to multiple crashes Tuesday that temporarily closed News and Centerville roads, James City County Police issued a traffic advisory urging drives to reduce speed, increase following distance and allow extra time to get to where they are going.

It comes as a winter storm has arrived in Virginia and is expected to linger over the state through Wednesday morning, bringing snow, freezing rain and hazardous road conditions, officials said.

The Virginia Department of Transportation cautions that roads may be slick, and conditions can change rapidly. If possible, it advises to avoid travel until conditions improve.

VDOT crews are working to plow and treat roads as needed, it said in a statement Tuesday. Snow has been affecting much of the state, while a wintry mix with freezing rain is expected to fall across central and southern Virginia throughout the afternoon and evening. The most significant impacts from freezing rain could occur in areas along and west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including Bristol, Salem, Staunton and Lynchburg, officials said.

Virginia State Police are monitoring the forecast, which included accumulating snow, ice and rain over much of Virginia beginning Tuesday.

If you have to travel, State Police reminds drivers to do the following:

• Use headlights. Increasing your visibility helps you to avoid slick and dangerous spots on the road, as well as helps other drivers see you better. 
• Slow your speed. Though state police works closely with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to identify problem areas on Virginia’s highways during a winter storm, drivers still must drive for conditions. Slowing your speed gives you more time to safely react and avoid a crash. Drive your vehicle based on your ability to properly maintain control of your vehicle. 
• Don’t tailgate. You need increased stopping distance on slick road surfaces. Give yourself more space between vehicles traveling ahead of you to avoid rear end collisions. 
• Buckle Up. Most crashes that occur during winter weather are caused by vehicles sliding into guardrails, off the road or other vehicles. Wearing your seat belt protects you from being thrown around the inside of your vehicle and suffering serious injury in a crash. 
• Check Your Vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order for the conditions. Fill up the tank in advance. Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire tread, battery life, etc. 
• Don’t leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and flashlight.  

VDOT said people can report fallen trees to its 24-hour customer service center at my.vdot.virginia.gov, or by calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).

Snow removal priorities are as follows:

• Interstates and limited-access highways are cleared first.
• Primary roads (routes numbered 1 to 599) and major secondary roads (routes 600 and higher) serving emergency and public facilities are treated next.
• Low-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets are treated after higher-priority routes are cleared.

For the latest in road conditions and updates, you can call 511 on a cell phone or go online to the VDOT Virginia Traffic Information Website at www.511virginia.org

(WAVY) — Millions of pets are microchipped in case they go missing, giving a veterinarian or shelter the ability to scan for the chip and find the owner's information. However, one company that has serviced animals nationwide has reportedly gone out of business.

Zeke is a rambunctious and rowdy four-month-old boxer mix. He's also been microchipped at the Norfolk SPCA. It's an easy way for shelters or vets to find a pet's owner's information if they get lost.

There are numerous chip companies out there, and one — Save This Life — recently seemed to go out of business. 10 On Your Side tried calling the number, only to get a recording saying our call could not be completed. What does this mean for those using the chip?

"It would just ring as there is a chip in them, but it doesn't have the data, so it doesn't tell us anything about the ownership of the animal," said Jesika Streeter, deputy director at the Norfolk SPCA. "So, it doesn't give a phone number, it doesn't give us an email."

Streeter believes the company was popular with breeders. But if you don't know what company tracks your pet's chip — the shelter, or a vet will scan them for free.

The chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is placed between the animal’s shoulder blades. When scanned, it registers a 15-digit ID number. If your pet is tracked by “Save This Life,” you’ll need that number to re-register your pet’s chip with another company.

Companies usually charge around $20 to register, but certain ones do it for free:

And if you want to double down, Streeter suggests having a QR code added to your pet's collar.

"I'm using a QR code on their tag," Streeter said. "So yes, they are chipped, but now I'm a little leery. So, it's a QR code that anyone can scan with their phone and it gives them all of my information."

You can find QR code tags for your pet on Amazon, at PetSmart or by searching Google for “QR codes pet tags.”

Overall, it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

"Microchips save lives," Streeter said. "We had a story of a cat that ... came in for surgery, actually, and they were chipped and they ended up being missing from Ohio for about seven months."