Good morning Portsmouth! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Higher Purpose Consulting LLC presents Health & Well-Being Conference & Expo and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What did one wall say to the other? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. 'Trash is still sitting': Portsmouth bulk trash complaints build as issue heads back to City Council (wtkr.com) — Portsmouth residents are reporting bulk trash piles sitting for weeks despite following the city's new request-only pickup rules, just days before citations can begin Oct. 1. City leaders and Waste Management acknowledge the process isn't working as intended, and a bulk waste update is scheduled for Tuesday's City Council meeting that could shape enforcement and any grace-period changes.
2. Jay Pharoah brings scholarship fundraiser to Portsmouth to help Hampton Roads students (wtkr.com) — Jay Pharoah's scholarship gala is coming to Rivers Casino in Portsmouth this Saturday, raising money to help Hampton Roads high school seniors afford arts degrees. The Pharoah Phamily Foundation has already awarded $95,000 in scholarships, and this year's Phall Ball promises music, comedy, and a special appearance by Teddy Riley to support local creative students.
3. Majority of Virginia families with kids struggle with food insecurity, statewide study finds (wavy.com) — Portsmouth readers are at the center of a new statewide study showing more than half of Virginia families with children struggled with food insecurity between May 2025 and May 2026. Local food banks serving Portsmouth and the Peninsula are using the data to push for stronger support, while also inviting residents to a Sept. 30 discussion and encouraging year-round donations to keep families fed.
4. PLAYBILLDER Spotlight: Cool Kids and Outcasts Come Together in Once Upon a Mattress: Youth Edition (playbill.com) — Portsmouth Christian School is being highlighted nationally for its student production of Once Upon a Mattress: Youth Edition, showcasing local kids' comedic and musical talents. Longtime music and drama teacher Heather Collins says the show brings together all types of students, giving them a family-like space to grow, build confidence, and share their gifts onstage.
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Ok Portsmouth! 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: I'll meet you at the corner! (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
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