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🌱 Patch AM: Why a fired pathologist could shake up Newport News murder cases

Coming up: 2026 Supernova International Ska Festival - Multiday Pass on the Newport News Patch calendar

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Coffee in hand, Newport News? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a fired pathologist could shake up Newport News murder cases
  • How propane buses are saving Newport News schools nearly half a million.
  • Police found the truck—can you help find the Newport News driver?

Also on today's calendar: Blind Date with a Book - Speed Dating and 4 more events.

Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., with a high of 93 and low of 73 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, temps: high: 83, low: 73.
  • Saturday: Humid with a thunderstorm, with a high of 83 and low of 71 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Assistant state medical examiner fired over false certification letter; some murders she testified in being questioned (pilotonline.com) — Newport News residents should know that an assistant state medical examiner was fired over a falsified board-certification letter, and her work is now being scrutinized in several local murder cases. She testified in three Newport News homicides and performed autopsies in others, prompting defense challenges, appeals, and questions about how prosecutors will handle her findings going forward.
   

2. Newport News Schools save hundreds of thousands of dollars with propane bus fleet (wtkr.com subscription) — Newport News Public Schools now runs most of its buses on propane, saving about $439,000 last year that can be redirected to classroom needs. With 189 of 294 buses converted since 2017, officials say the cleaner, lower-maintenance fleet improves safety and air quality on the city's crowded roads while reducing exposure to volatile diesel prices.
   

3. Moped driver severely injured in hit and run: NNPD (wtkr.com) — A moped rider was severely injured Wednesday afternoon in a hit-and-run at Dresden Drive and Kendall Drive in Newport News, and police have located the truck but not the driver. Investigators believe the suspect is a man and are asking anyone with information to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
   

4. Sailor charged with murder aboard USS John F. Kennedy: Navy officials (newsnationnow.com) — Newport News' shipyard is again in the spotlight after a sailor assigned to the under-construction USS John F. Kennedy was charged with murdering another sailor aboard the carrier. The article outlines the charges, notes the ship's recent sea trials from Newport News, and explains its delayed schedule and future homeports once it's commissioned.
   

5. Virginia sees record train ridership as passenger rail expands (wavy.com) — Passenger rail ridership is surging across Virginia, including the state-supported route that links Newport News to Washington, D.C. and points north. Expanded service, renovated stations, and major state investment have helped push annual trips past one million, with Newport News trains sharing key Richmond stops and playing a growing role in statewide travel options.
   

📸 Around Newport News

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • In search of recommendations for plumber to replace waterline.
    We have a fairly serious leak somewhere along our waterline. We can't tell where, so we are girding ourselves to replace the entire waterline, if… (Nextdoor Loraine Dr)
  • Good evening.
    Has anyone seen this sweet cat in Ivy Farms? His name is Rocky. Thank you so much. God bless. (Nextdoor South Morrison)
  • The ECPI University posted a job opening for Assistant Director of Admissions in Newport News. Apply here.
  • Chick-fil-A posted a job opening for Nighttime Front of House Team Member in Newport News. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Newport News here.

Ok Newport News! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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