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🌱 Patch AM: How did a romance scam drain Norfolk’s city bank account?

You won't want to miss "Native: Richard Wright & Paul Green" Play by Ian Finley on the Norfolk Patch calendar

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Friday September 18th Patch AM
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Hi there, Norfolk! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How did a romance scam drain Norfolk's city bank account?
  • How much Norfolk really earned from its temporary casino in August.
  • Norfolk EBT users: when will your new chip card arrive?

Also on today's calendar: "Native: Richard Wright & Paul Green" Play by Ian Finley and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What day of the year is trucker's day? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Mostly sunny and very warm, with a high of 88 and low of 72 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Clouds and sun; not as warm, temps: high: 81, low: 69.
  • Sunday: Humid with sunny spells, with a high of 85 and low of 68 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Man fights extradition after allegedly using romance scheme to steal $1.2M from Norfolk (wtkr.com) — More than $1.2 million was siphoned from the City of Norfolk's corporate bank account through a yearlong romance-fraud scheme, and a Nigerian suspect is now fighting extradition from the U.K. Federal prosecutors say online relationships with U.S. women were used to move city funds into other accounts, gift cards, and cryptocurrency. Norfolk officials reported the fraud in 2020 and say procedures and a fraud hotline are in place, though they won't confirm if all money was recovered.
   

2. Virginia casinos' August take is $97.6M (virginiabusiness.com) — Norfolk's temporary Interim Gaming Hall brought in just over $1.13 million in August, sending about $68,000 in tax revenue back to the city as its permanent $750 million casino resort moves toward a 2027 opening. The report also compares Norfolk's take with other Virginia casinos and explains how state law directs casino taxes to localities and statewide funds.
   

3. New chip and tap EBT cards coming to Virginia this year (wtvr.com) — Norfolk residents using EBT benefits will be among the first in Virginia to receive new chip-and-tap cards designed to curb benefit theft. The state will mail the upgraded cards automatically, with all Virginia cardholders expected to have them by year's end, so locals should simply confirm their mailing address with social services.
   

4. ASALH: America's Oldest Black History Organization Convenes In Hampton Roads At Marriott (thenewjournalandguide.com) — Norfolk will host the Association for the Study of African American Life and History's national convention at the Marriott Waterside from September 23–27, bringing scholars, educators, and community leaders to town. The gathering highlights the organization that created Black History Month and continues shaping how African American history is preserved, taught, and celebrated nationwide.
   

5. Trump executive order shifts federal Chesapeake Bay policy, raising concerns in Hampton Roads (wtkr.com) — Norfolk-area residents could see long-term impacts from a new Trump executive order that shifts how the federal government supports Chesapeake Bay cleanup and local stormwater projects. Environmental advocates in Hampton Roads worry the focus on rolling back so‑called "rain taxes" could weaken funding for flood control, infrastructure, and water‑quality work that protects coastal communities.
   

📸 Around Norfolk

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Near Lafayette-Winona area
    i believe this is someone's missing Girl, She's very sweet but skidding. Has a red collar but no name tag. Never seen her in this area , she's… (Nextdoor Fairmount Park)
  • Hello!
    We've been missing our cat for 2 months now. Posting to see if anyone in the neighborhood has seen him recently. Mouse is a large gray cat with… (Nextdoor Bay View North)
  • Crocs, Inc. posted a job opening for Assistant Store Manager in Norfolk. Apply here.
  • Aramark posted a job opening for Food Service Worker - ODU Webb Center - ODU - Retail in Norfolk. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Norfolk here.

Ok Norfolk! 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: 10-4, good buddy! (Thank you Jean H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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