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.

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The City of Norfolk started off their year-round cruises with a ribbon cutting at the newly renovated Half Moone Cruise Center Tuesday morning.

The Carnival Sunshine, which holds up to 3,700 guests, will be the first cruise of the year. Carnival said they expect to sail a total of 150,000 guests annually from Norfolk — a feat only possible due to recent renovations to help with customer flow.

Drone photo taken by WAVY viewer: Richard K

Renovations almost complete to enhance cruise operations in Norfolk

The $12 million renovation includes a new walkway to allow for more passengers to debark at one time and an improved space for customers to pick up their luggage before going through new customs checkpoints.

Due to all of the renovations, Carnival will now offer six-to-eight-day itineraries to The Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada and the Eastern Caribbean out of Norfolk.

Carnival announces new cruises out of Norfolk for 2026-27

Work will continue throughout the season, however, to continue to improve access for traffic dropping off passengers. All of the improvements are expected to bring over $19 million to the city annually, according to officials.

10 On Your Side spoke to a Carnival Cruise employee off camera, asking if they think the cruises coming in will be good. They agreed, saying it will be good for hotels, restaurants, and businesses. 

D’Egg in Downtown Norfolk agrees and is ready to go. 

“One of the first things I noticed is that we have the cruise schedule posted on the wall so that we are, you know, we know that it's going to have an impact on our business,” said Karen Randall, a server at D’Egg. 

Randall says they want to be able to staff appropriately and take care of people that come to the restaurant. 

And other places in Downtown Norfolk, like Selden Market, are excited to see more tourists. 

The ribbon cutting took place at 10 a.m. at the Half Moone Cruise Center. Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Alexander, Nauticus Executive Director Stephen Kirkland and Carnival Vice President of Port Operations David Candib were in attendance.

10 On Your Side's Nick Broadway will be at the event and will provide updates throughout the day.

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - A former US Postal Service worker has recently been charged with felony theft of mail while on her route in Norfolk.

According to court documents, the defendant, 32-year-old Kiesha Brown, knowingly committed mail theft and check fraud on several occasions between June of 2023 and February of 2024 in an attempt to "support her daughter and her drug habit."

In June of 2023, a victim, referred to as "M.W." in the court documents, reported that around 16 checks for their business had been stolen from the mail. M.W.'s businesses was found to be along Brown's postal route at the time.

On one such occasion, M.W. reported that a check written in the amount of $146.64, which never reached the intended recipient, ended up being deposited into a bank in the amount of $4,890.02. M.W. claimed the check was altered in an attempt to defraud the business.

Several other customers along Brown's postal route reported similar check frauds, leading to an investigation from the Office of Inspector General (OIG).

In February of 2024, agents used undercover cameras in Brown's postal vehicle, where they then caught her using drugs and rummaging through and stealing mail. When agents interviewed Brown, they said she pulled out 29 pieces of mail from her jacket.

As a result, Brown was charged with three counts of felony theft of mail matter. On Dec. 17, 2024 Brown pleaded guilty to her charges.

Brown is scheduled to be sentenced on April 23, 2025.

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A judge ruled Wednesday that a lawsuit about Norfolk’s use of license plate readers, known as Flock cameras, will go forward.

With more than 172 cameras in Norfolk, the city tried to get the lawsuit dismissed. 

The Flock cameras don’t just read and capture your car’s license plate. They also take details of your car’s make, model and color, including if your car has a roof rack, bumper sticker or any damage. These images are then stored for 30 days.

The lawsuit was filed last October by a Norfolk resident. Lee Schmidt and Portsmouth resident Crystal Arrington both are represented by the Institute for Justice. The two say these cameras violate their privacy. 

| Federal lawsuit filed against use of Flock cameras in Norfolk

“Our lawsuit alleges that that violates people's Fourth Amendment right to be secure in their persons against unreasonable searches. You have an expectation of privacy in the whole of your movements,” said Institute for Justice attorney Michael Soyfer.

The judge rejected the city’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit, citing the United States Supreme Court case Carpenter v. United States, a case that states that using cell phone location to track someone’s movement is a search that requires a warrant under the Fourth Amendment. 

These cameras do not take video or get drivers for speeding or traffic violations. But in 2023, Norfolk Police Chief Mark Talbot stated it has been used to help crime, as previously reported by 10 On Your Side. 

This also comes as 24-year-old Andrew Sharrold Williams was sentenced to a year-and-a-half for stealing an SUV that police found using flock cameras in Norfolk. 

Soyfer said each camera should be thought of as a police officer. 

“When you think about it, under current Supreme Court precedent, the court asks, 'What is society's expectation of privacy?' And we can look at history to try to evaluate that,” Soyfer said. “Historically, no one thought that police would be posted at 172 locations to write down everyone who went by for 30 days at a time.”

10 On Your Side reached out to Norfolk for a statement. It reads:

In ruling not to dismiss this case on the pleadings, the court did not address the merits of the plaintiffs’ claims. The court’s decision affords the opportunity to establish through discovery that the plaintiffs’ challenge to the city’s use of Flock cameras is not grounded in the facts or the law.

In Virginia, Flock cameras are not regulated. The House of Delegates passed HB2724 in hopes of changing that in its 2025 regular session.

Virginia lawmakers looking to put guardrails on use of automatic license plate readers

HB2724 limits the use of Flock cameras by law enforcement agencies to the following:

• Part of a criminal investigation where there is a reasonable suspicion that a crime was committed
• Part of an active investigation that relates to a missing or endangered person, human trafficking, receiving notifications related to a missing person, a person with an outstanding warrant, a person associated with human trafficking, a stolen vehicle or a stolen license plate.

But Soyfer said that is still not enough.

“The ultimate goal is to stop the operation of this unconstitutional dragnet surveillance system,” Soyfer said. 

Soyfer said they are now in the discovery phase to get all their facts. They have a pretrial conference set for Feb. 20, which will set the case schedule. 

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Norfolk Fire-Rescue was at the scene of a commercial structure fire at a strip mall on West 21st Street Wednesday morning.

According to officials, crews were dispatched just before 10:30 a.m. to the 700 block of W. 21st St. in reference to a fire.

Fire Chief Glen Williams told 10 On Your Side that heavy smoke damage could be found in the entire block of buildings. Williams said the fire appeared to have originated from the rear of the Crudo Nudo restaurant.

The fire forced the temporary closure of five businesses in a strip mall in Ghent, leaving heavy smoke damage at Crudo Nudo, a local restaurant known for its Spanish and Asian influences.

The fire, which was said to have been internal, caused five businesses along the strip mall, including Pho 79, Mr. Shawarma, Crudo Nudo, The Vitamin Shoppe and Kotobuki Japanese Restaurant, to have to temporarily close.

The blaze erupted about 30 minutes before Crudo Nudo was set to open. Fire crews were forced to enter several locked buildings during the response, which was upgraded to a second alarm.

W. 21st Street fire (WAVY photo)

W. 21st Street fire (Courtesy: Norfolk Fire-Rescue)

W. 21st Street fire (Courtesy: Norfolk Fire-Rescue)

W. 21st Street fire (Courtesy: Norfolk Fire-Rescue)

W. 21st Street fire (Courtesy: Norfolk Fire-Rescue)

The fire was said to have been put out in about 10 minutes.

Crudo Nudo owner Eric Nelson described the scene as “pretty bad.”

“I mean, it's the first-time fire, but it's a lot of damage, you know," he said, "and it's about this time seven years ago ... when I opened up [and] signed a lease for Crudo. So this is a little a little disturbing.”

Nelson said that while the damage is significant, he remains hopeful that insurance will cover most of the losses. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — It was far from a low-key burglary at the Lowkey apparel store on Granby Street in Norfolk last week.

Video from the store's surveillance cameras show a person who entered the business through the roof early last Friday and then stole items worth close to $10,000 — a big loss for a small business. The store's owner, June Velez, noted how the break-in took place.

"This guy came in from the roof," Velez said. "Everybody that wants to harm or take something away, or whatever the word might be, they're going to find a way. They're going to do the impossible. And they quite literally did the mission impossible."

Around 6:05 a.m., officers were dispatched for an alarm call at a business located at 765 Granby Street. When officers arrived, it was determined that the Lowkey store had been broken into and items had been taken.

The store posted the video of the break-in on Instagram. Velez believes the person was familiar with the business.

"I guess the person might have taken pictures, maybe, and kind of like came in here a couple of times and studied the depths of, like, the distance between the roof and the wall and that sort of stuff," Velez said. "And in a sense took a gamble, too, and it worked out for him clearly. You know, fortunately so.

Detectives are continuing to investigate this commercial burglary.

"It's pretty much like a mom and pop shop," Velez said. "You know, it's family-owned. And it's heartbreaking, again, because it's like you're taking from the small businesses. And the community really likes us and really respects what we're doing. It seemed like he knew exactly what he was coming for."

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Right as the $12 million renovation to the Norfolk cruise terminals are nearing completion, year-round cruises are expected to come to Norfolk.

Norfolk has designs on $12M cruise terminal renovation project

Starting in the summer of 2024, crews got to work. The overall goal of the renovation is to improve customer flow, allowing more passengers to debark at one time. During WAVY 10's visit on Tuesday, crews were putting the final touches on the massive new walkway, going from the gangway to the bottom floor.

Norfolk votes to enhance Carnival Cruise operations

"So, on Cruise Day, it's bustling," said Rehn Saunders, Director of Development and Marketing. "So, on any given Saturday, Sunday, especially when the Carnival Sunshine is in port, we'll have 3000 guests exiting or D barking the ship. They're then coming down this new ramp system and they're collecting their luggage right here."

The renovation also includes an improved space for customers to pick up their luggage before going through to the new customs checkpoint. It is all wrapping up as the Norfolk Cruise Terminal prepares to take on year-round Carnival cruises for the first time — to places like the Bahamas, Bermuda and Canada.

Carnival announces new cruises out of Norfolk for 2026-27

"We've really gotten this down to a science and it's seamless for our visitors," Saunders said. "You know, we'll have porters out front to collect the luggage. We'll have shuttles coming into the front loop and everyone's flow. And by getting on taxis, your Ubers to head out of Norfolk, or they're going to head downtown and hopefully enjoy some breakfast at one of the local restaurants or stay at a hotel to visit the attractions."

With the gangway, passenger walkway, customs checkpoint done, the rest of the renovations are expected to be complete by fall of 2025.

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Several flights at the Norfolk International Airport (ORF) were canceled Thursday morning after an American Airlines flight and U.S. Army Black Hawk Helicopter collided mid-air near Reagan Washington National Airport.

Passenger jet with 64 aboard collides with Army helicopter while landing at Reagan Airport near DC

According to ORF's website, two departure flights to Washington D.C. have been canceled and two arrival flights to Washington D.C. have been canceled as a result of the crash. Officials with the Reagan Washington National Airport said they plan to reopen around 11 a.m.

In addition to the flight cancelations, ORF canceled their ribbon cutting for the return of its moving walkways, which was scheduled to take place Thursday morning.

Here locally, at Norfolk International Airport, one traveler spoke to 10 On Your Side. Ronnie Oliver traveling out of Suffolk said he had to pause when he saw the news.

"Well it was horrible, you couldn't help -- but your heart goes out to the families and everything," said Oliver. "You heard and of course I was traveling this morning, so you pay a little more attention to it than you normally do, it's not the way it should be, but that's how it is. It's horrible and I listened to a little bit of the clips this morning. And it sounded like its pretty complicated."

During a press briefing early Thursday morning, officials stated they do not expect any survivors after the crash. As of 8 a.m., 27 bodies have been recovered from the plane and one body from the helicopter.

President Donald Trump spoke at a new conference at 11 a.m. on the incident. Trump said that the investigation is underway and that the two aircraft should've never been at the same elevation.

During the conference, Trump began with a moment of silence for the victims. Shortly thereafter, he came up with a series of potential causes for the crash, including coming down on former President Joe Biden's policies, the air traffic controllers, the helicopter pilot and what he called "DEI hires."

The claim was focus point of many follow up questions, but wasn't backed up by hard evidence. Trump cited "common sense" as reasoning for his conclusion. The president assured the public that they should not be fearful of traveling.

See the full press conference below:

Senator Mark Warner spoke during the briefing, giving his condolences to the victims and thanks to first responders.

"For folks who don't live in the DMV, we are made up of a lot of jurisdictions," Warner said. "Reagan airport is in Virginia, across the river we have Maryland, and obviously the District. But as has been indicated by the chief, when tragedy happens, all those distinctions between the various jurisdictions and our federal partners, all disappear."

A portion of the briefing can be viewed below:

The plane, which departed from Kansas, was said to be carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. Three military members were onboard the helicopter, according to officials. The crash occurred just before 9 p.m. on Wednesday.

What to know about the collision between a passenger jet and Army helicopter near DC

Gov. Glenn Youngkin posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, late Wednesday night, saying that first responders from across northern Virginia, D.C. and Maryland are working together to assist with the search and rescue efforts.

I have been briefed by our Emergency Management team and Virginia State Police about the tragic crash at Reagan National Airport tonight. Extensive resources are fully supporting the search and rescue efforts. First responders from across Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland mobilized quickly. I ask everyone to pray for the passengers, crews, their families, and brave first responders.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin

Rep. Bobby Scott also responded to the tragic collision, saying he is thankful for our first responders on the scene.

"I'm closely monitoring the situation at DCA that occurred this evening involving a collision between a passenger airplane and a military helicopter," Scott said. "I'm thankful for our first responders on the scene. My thoughts and prayers are with all those involved in this horrible tragedy."

Sen. Louise Lucas and Rep. Jen Kiggans have also posted their condolences as well as gratitude to the first responders who were on the scene.

Multiple fatalities have been reported as a result of the collision, but it is currently unclear just how many victims there are as rescue efforts continued into early Thursday morning.

"Over the course of the night, and we hope to have more news as it develops, but for right now, it's a very difficult situation out there with the cold," Jack Potter, president of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority said. "It's very dark, but there are numerous boats out there. There are dive teams out there."

In 1982, an Air Florida flight also crashed into the Potomac, ultimately killing 70 passengers and four crew members.

10 On Your Side's Andy Fox will be in DC and are expected to give updates on the incident throughout the day.

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — City leaders are looking for input on the plans to build an all new Maury High School to replace its current, historic structure that was built more than 100 years ago — in 1911.

A wide rendering provided by Norfolk Public Schools shows the basics of their master plan. They want to preserve the historic building and repurpose it for something else, with a new four-story school to be built to its north. Things like a new baseball field and tennis court will be set up on the eastern end.

Previously: Norfolk City Council OKs design work for new Maury High

School leaders are highlighting features such as outdoor learning spaces, new athletic facilities and a constructed wetland for flood resistance. The city considers input from Norfolk residents to be an important part of the process.

"The city wants to hear from the residents and the students who are going to be using the school," said Kelly Straub with the city of Norfolk. "So we want to make sure that we're hitting their needs and providing for them."

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. Thursday inside the Maury High School cafeteria.

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The two parents accused in the death of their 9-day-old daughter had their charges certified to a grand jury on Wednesday.

NPD: 9-day-old infant death a homicide, parents charged

Hilary D. Johnson and Z'ibreyea S. Parker were charged with second-degree murder and child abuse in May 2024 in connection with the death of their infant, I’ijayah Johnson. Police said the investigation began at the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters with a child protection call.

Court documents revealed that when the infant was brought to the hospital, she was cold to the touch and showed signs of abuse, including lacerations, burns to the feet, bruises and signs of shaken baby syndrome. I’ijayah was later pronounced dead by medical staff. 

Court documents reveal extent of injuries to murdered 9-day-old

During Wednesday’s court hearing, a CHKD nurse testified that Johnson and Parker walked into the hospital with a covered stroller. The pair claimed the infant had only been unresponsive for “a few hours.” The nurse also said the couple was acting weird and seemed as if they were not taking the situation seriously.

She also testified that the parents initially could not get the date of birth and spelling of their baby’s name correct.

‘I told them I fear for her life’: Grandfather of murdered infant says he warned hospital staff

The detective in the case told the court that the parents were living in a tent near Brambleton Avenue and Interstate 264 when the child was born.  

He recounted that Johnson told him, when interviewed, that he had gotten home from work and taken the baby out for a walk in the stroller. She was unsecured, and it overturned, sending her tumbling. That, according to the couple, was how she got hurt.

The parents said they treated the infant’s wounds with witch hazel, peroxide and gauze. 

The following day, on May 4, after noting that the infant was unresponsive, the couple took I’ijayah to CHKD via the light rail.

Z’ibreyea’s attorney tried to get her murder charged dismissed, saying that she was not present for the stroller incident. Ultimately, however, all of the charges were certified.  

Hilary and Z’ibreyea’s next court appearance will be in Circuit Court. The date has yet to be determined.