🌱 Former Norfolk Mail Carrier Sentenced + Navy Ship Vax Standoff

Good day, neighbors! Sean Peek here with the Saturday copy of the Norfolk Daily.

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First, today's weather:

Heavy rain and a thunderstorm. High: 59 Low: 25.

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Here are the top three stories in Norfolk today:

1. A former Norfolk mail carrier has been sentenced to a year in federal prison for accepting bribes from a drug dealer. Gary Kent Turner Junior, 42-years-old, diverted packages containing marijuana. The maximum sentence for Turner's charges was 15 years in prison but U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen took mercy on him after he took responsibility for the crime. (The Virginian-Pilot)
2. A Navy destroyer ship stationed in Norfolk is unable to deploy due to a vaccine mandate "standoff" between its unnamed captain and the U.S. Navy. According to CBS, the captain allegedly refused direct orders to get the COVID-19 vaccine and lied to his commanding officers about travel during the pandemic. However, under a judge's order, the Navy cannot discipline the officer. Additionally, the captain is among the dozens of service members who are plaintiffs in two lawsuits challenging the Defense Department's vaccine mandate. (CBS 17)
3. Norfolk Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred Friday morning in a parking lot near N. Military Highway and Norview Avenue. The gunshot victim reportedly walked into Sentara Leigh Hospital with non-life-threatening wounds. No additional information has been released by the department. (WAVY.com)

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Today in Norfolk:

• Softball Field Clean Up Day At Churchland Little League (9:00 AM)
• Knight Hawks Of VA At The LGBT Life Center (8:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Nearly 300 people participated in the Naval Station Norfolk's St. Patrick's Day 5K. Click to see the photos. (Facebook)
• Norfolk animal shelters have lots of adoptable pets looking for a forever home. Check out Patch's roundup to find your new best friend. (Norfolk Patch)
• Earn your Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification with Nauticus Norfolk. Click to earn the certificate while warm weather returns to the area. (Twitter)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.