Christopher Collette
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Articles by Christopher Collette
Former Virginia 2nd District Congressman Bill Whitehurst dies at 101 Original
NORFOLK, Va. — Dr. G. William “Bill” Whitehurst, a longtime Virginia congressman, educator, and World War II Navy veteran, died Saturday in Norfolk, his family announced. He was 101 years old. Born in Norfolk in 1925, Whitehurst graduated from Maury High School in 1942 before serving in the Navy during World War II. He flew combat missions over Japan as a radioman-machine gunner. Whitehurst began teaching history at the Norfolk Division of William and Mary -- now Old Dominion University -- in 1950.
Final voyage of the 'Big E' | Former USS Enterprise leaves Newport News for dismantling Original
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The former USS Enterprise (CVN 65), the U.S. Navy’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, began its final voyage Monday, departing Newport News Shipbuilding for Mobile, Alabama, where it will be dismantled. Commissioned in 1961, the historic carrier served for more than 50 years, participating in naval operations during the Cold War, Vietnam War, and post-Sept. 11 conflicts, including Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Shannon Taylor declares victory in Virginia's 1st Congressional District
Follow Shannon Taylor declares victory in Virginia's 1st Congressional District Brianna Fallon, Christopher Collette Tue, November 3, 2026 at 11:34 PM EST Shannon Taylor declares victory in Virginia's 1st Congressional District Democrat Shannon Taylor declared herself the winner in Virginia's 1st Congressional District on Tuesday night, holding a narrow lead over incumbent Republican Rob Wittman.
North Carolina voters pass voter ID amendment Original
NORTH CAROLINA, USA — North Carolina voters were presented with three constitutional amendments in this year's midterm elections. One of the amendments asked if all voters needed to show their photo identification ion order to cast their ballot. This measure states: “Constitutional amendment to require all voters, not just those presenting to vote in person, to present photo identification before voting.” This story continues below.
Virginia voters approve marriage equality amendment Original
RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia voters were presented with three constitutional amendments in this year's midterm elections. One of the amendments asked if the state's ban on same-sex marriage should be removed from the Virginia Constitution.
Meet in the Middle: Virginia Beach students come together for Special Olympics competition
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — More than 300 Virginia Beach middle school students took part in the annual “Meet in the Middle” Special Olympics competition at Corporate Landing Middle School on Tuesday. The event brought together students with intellectual disabilities from across Virginia Beach City Public Schools and general education peer buddies who encouraged them through athletic events, hands-on activities, and dancing.
What time does trick-or-treating start in Hampton Roads, and how old can you be? Original
NORFOLK, Va. — A night of ghouls, goblins, and hundreds of other alter egos in pursuit of candy is almost here! While Halloween can be fun for all ages, your locality might have restrictions on who's actually allowed to go door-to-door requesting candy. Here's a look at the law across Hampton Roads localities: This story continues below.
Chesapeake man sentenced to 2 1/2 years for illegal firearm possession Original
NORFOLK, Va. — A Chesapeake man was sentenced to 2.5 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The sentence will run consecutively with a six-year sentence for a separate fraud conviction. 42-year-old Adrian Thomas Knight Jr. received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Jamar K. Walker on Thursday, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. This story continues below.
ECSU opens $8.1 million flight training center in Currituck County Original
MAPLE, N.C. — Elizabeth City State University celebrated the opening of its new $8.1 million Currituck Flight Training Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday morning. The North Carolina General Assembly funded the facility, while Currituck County donated the land. The center includes about 4,800 square feet of classroom and office space and two aircraft hangars connected to Currituck Regional Airport by a taxiway. This story continues below.
Man dead after shooting on East Onley Road in Norfolk
A 20-year-old man has died after being shot in Norfolk's Calvert Square area Thursday night, police said. Officers were in the area around 10:15 p.m. when they heard gunfire. They found a man, identified as Elijah A. Steet, suffering from a gunshot wound in the 900 block of East Olney Road. Steet was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died. Police have not released information about what led to the shooting or whether any suspects have been identified.
Four adults displaced by Suffolk house fire Original
SUFFOLK, Va. — Four adults were displaced by a house fire Thursday afternoon in Suffolk, according to Suffolk Fire & Rescue. Crews were dispatched to the 200 block of Spruce Street at 4:37 p.m. and arrived minutes later to find heavy flames coming from the rear of a two-story home. One occupant had gotten out of the building before firefighters arrived. Crews searched the residence but found no additional occupants.
Police investigate shooting in Calvert Square area of Norfolk
Follow Police investigate shooting in Calvert Square area of Norfolk Thu, October 22, 2026 at 11:17 PM EDT Norfolk police say a man is in the hospital after he was shot on Thursday night. Officers were in the Calvert Square area of the city around 10:15 p.m. when they reportedly heard gunshots. They arrived in the 900 block of East Olney Road, where they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Sentara Obici Hospital opens 'Butterfly Room' for families experiencing infant loss Original
SUFFOLK, Va. — Sentara Obici Hospital dedicated a new Butterfly Room in its Family Maternity Unit on Tuesday, to support families grieving the loss of an infant through stillbirth or shortly after birth. The private space was created with a $35,000 donation to the Sentara Foundation from Kennedy’s Angel Gowns, a local nonprofit founded by Heather and Demitri Wilson after the loss of their daughter, Kennedy, more than a decade ago.
2 adults charged after handgun found in James City County elementary school student's backpack
Follow 2 adults charged after handgun found in James City County elementary school student's backpack Taylor Brokesh, Christopher Collette Thu, October 22, 2026 at 5:40 PM EDT Two adults have been charged after a child brought a gun to school in James City County last week. According to police, an elementary school student allegedly showed another student a concealed firearm at Williamsburg Christian Academy.
Louise Lucas' daughter and Portsmouth city council candidate Lisa Lucas-Burke among indicted defendants Original
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — While Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas has been the top name in the Justice Department's drug trafficking and money laundering case, six other people are facing charges, including a Portsmouth city council candidate. Lisa Lucas-Burke is one of two of Lucas' daughters who were charged in the case. Lucas-Burke served on City Council from 2017 to 2025, being selected as vice mayor from 2019 to 2020 and again from 2022 to 2024.
Suspect identified following deadly weekend shooting in Norfolk Original
NORFOLK, Va. — Police are asking the public's help to find a man allegedly involved in a deadly shooting in Norfolk over the weekend. According to Norfolk police, officers were called to the 200 block of West 30th Street around 8:15 a.m. on Sunday for a report of a gunshot victim. Police found 23-year-old Daquan Pope with multiple gunshot wounds inside a residence. He was pronounced dead at the scene. On Tuesday, police identified the suspect as 24-year-old Ishaun T. Riddick of Norfolk.
SCC staff recommend rejecting Dominion-NextEra merger, unless changes are made
RICHMOND, Va. — Staff with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) are urging its commissioners to reject the proposed $67 billion merger between Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy unless the two companies accept 57 binding conditions designed to protect Virginia customers. In an executive summary filed Monday, staff said the utilities have not demonstrated that the merger would preserve adequate service at just and reasonable rates.
Norfolk man sentenced to more than 46 years for fatal 2025 robbery Original
NORFOLK, Va. — A 20-year-old man was sentenced to 46 years and five months in prison on Friday for fatally shooting a man during a marijuana robbery in Norfolk in January 2025. Back in July, a jury convicted Gary Zephir Jr. of first-degree murder and using a firearm in the killing of 20-year-old Isaiah Tyrell Dukes. Prosecutors said Zephir arranged a marijuana transaction through a 16-year-old accomplice, intending to rob the seller. On Jan.
FBI intercepts suspicious mail sent to U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott Original
NORFOLK, Va. — Lawmakers across the U.S. have reported suspicious packages at their offices over the last week, and that now includes Congressman Bobby Scott (D, VA-03). On Saturday, Scott said the FBI contacted his office to say it had intercepted mail with a suspicious substance inside, addressed to his district office. This story continues below. More in Crime “I am grateful to law enforcement for their efforts to keep my staff safe.
Juvenile charged in shooting at Edenton McDonald's
A man was seriously injured after being shot at an Edenton McDonald's on Sunday, and a boy is in custody in connection with the shooting, police said. According to the Edenton Police Department, Chowan County 911 received multiple reports of gunfire at the McDonald's on Virginia Road around 5:15 p.m. Officers learned the victim had been shot multiple times and was taken by private vehicle to ECU Chowan Hospital.
HRBT eastbound lanes reopen early; all tunnel repaving finished
It took two weekends to fully repave the westbound Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, but work on the eastbound side finished much more quickly, with officials saying a second weekend of closures is not needed. Officials reopened the eastbound HRBT tunnel ahead of schedule on Sunday night, saying repaving work on both eastbound travel lanes had been completed. Interstate 64 had been closed at the eastbound tunnel since Friday night for the repaving.
Firefighters work to contain fuel leaking from tractor-trailer on I-64 in Norfolk
Norfolk Fire-Rescue crews responded to a fuel leak involving a tractor-trailer on Interstate 64 west near Exit 277 at Tidewater Drive at about 8:41 p.m. Sunday. Crews found approximately 100 gallons of fuel leaking from the truck's saddle tank, according to Norfolk Fire-Rescue. Firefighters remained at the scene working to contain the leak and prevent the fuel from spreading. No injuries were reported, and officials said there were no known environmental or public health concerns.
Firefighters work to contain fuel leaking from tractor-trailer on I-64 in Norfolk
NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Fire-Rescue crews responded to a fuel leak involving a tractor-trailer on Interstate 64 west near Exit 277 at Tidewater Drive at about 8:41 p.m. Sunday. Crews found approximately 100 gallons of fuel leaking from the truck’s saddle tank, according to Norfolk Fire-Rescue. Firefighters remained at the scene working to contain the leak and prevent the fuel from spreading. No injuries were reported, and officials said there were no known environmental or public health concerns.
Firefighters work to contain fuel leaking from tractor-trailer on I-64 in Norfolk
Follow Firefighters work to contain fuel leaking from tractor-trailer on I-64 in Norfolk Sun, October 18, 2026 at 11:03 PM EDT Norfolk Fire-Rescue crews responded to a fuel leak involving a tractor-trailer on Interstate 64 west near Exit 277 at Tidewater Drive at about 8:41 p.m. Sunday. Crews found approximately 100 gallons of fuel leaking from the truck's saddle tank, according to Norfolk Fire-Rescue.
HRBT eastbound lanes reopen early; all tunnel repaving finished
HAMPTON, Va. — It took two weekends to fully repave the westbound Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, but work on the eastbound side finished much more quickly, with officials saying a second weekend of closures is not needed. Officials reopened the eastbound HRBT tunnel ahead of schedule on Sunday night, saying repaving work on both eastbound travel lanes had been completed. Interstate 64 had been closed at the eastbound tunnel since Friday night for the repaving.
HRBT eastbound lanes reopen early; all tunnel repaving finished
Follow HRBT eastbound lanes reopen early; all tunnel repaving finished Sun, October 18, 2026 at 10:04 PM EDT It took two weekends to fully repave the westbound Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, but work on the eastbound side finished much more quickly, with officials saying a second weekend of closures is not needed. Officials reopened the eastbound HRBT tunnel ahead of schedule on Sunday night, saying repaving work on both eastbound travel lanes had been completed.
Juvenile charged in shooting at Edenton McDonald’s
EDENTON, N.C. — A man was seriously injured after being shot at an Edenton McDonald's on Sunday, and a boy is in custody in connection with the shooting, police said. According to the Edenton Police Department, Chowan County 911 received multiple reports of gunfire at the McDonald's on Virginia Road around 5:15 p.m. Officers learned the victim had been shot multiple times and was taken by private vehicle to ECU Chowan Hospital.
Juvenile charged in shooting at Edenton McDonald’s
Follow Juvenile charged in shooting at Edenton McDonald’s Sun, October 18, 2026 at 9:45 PM EDT A man was seriously injured after being shot at an Edenton McDonald's on Sunday, and a boy is in custody in connection with the shooting, police said.
Missy Elliott hosts HBCU Battle of the Bands at Norfolk State
NORFOLK, Va. — Portsmouth native Missy Elliott brought four Historically Black Colleges and Universities’ marching bands together for the HBCU Band Battle at Norfolk State University. The event was held Sunday afternoon at William "Dick" Price Stadium and featured marching bands from NSU, Virginia State University, Elizabeth City State University, and Hampton University. This story continues below.
Norfolk SPCA closes after repeated security incidents involving disruptive person
NORFOLK, Va. — The Norfolk SPCA closed to the public Sunday after an individual repeatedly returned to its property and displayed threatening and disruptive behavior toward staff, according to a statement from the organization. According to a post on Facebook, the SPCA said the individual initially looked into vehicles, banged on windows and doors, and attempted to enter the building before leaving. The person returned shortly afterward, yelling and acting aggressively. This story continues below.
Norfolk SPCA closes after repeated security incidents involving disruptive person
Follow Norfolk SPCA closes after repeated security incidents involving disruptive person Sun, October 18, 2026 at 5:15 PM EDT The Norfolk SPCA closed to the public Sunday after an individual repeatedly returned to its property and displayed threatening and disruptive behavior toward staff, according to a statement from the organization.
Norfolk firefighters contain crawl space fire on Ashland Avenue
Norfolk firefighters extinguished a fire found inside the crawl space of a home in the 1700 block of Ashland Avenue on Saturday afternoon. Crews responded at approximately 2:16 p.m. and found a fire in the crawl space of the Cape Cod-style house. Firefighters began suppression efforts while additional crews checked the interior for signs of fire spreading to other areas.
Norfolk man killed in shooting near VCU campus in Richmond
A shooting earlier this week left a 26-year-old Norfolk man dead, and his family desperate to see whoever pulled the trigger arrested. Richmond police say the shooting happened just before 4:30 p.m. on Monday, October 12, on Kinney Street, near Virginia Commonwealth University. Officers arrived to find Matthew Gutterman unresponsive in the street, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Handgun found in James City County elementary school student's backpack
Authorities are investigating after an elementary school student allegedly showed another student a concealed firearm at Williamsburg Christian Academy in James City County. Police received a report on Friday afternoon that a student had shown a gun hidden in a backpack. By the time the incident was reported to school staff, the student carrying the weapon had been transported to BaePlex, an after-school care facility in York County.
One woman dead, another injured following crash on I-264 in Portsmouth
A 95-year-old woman has died following a single-vehicle crash in Portsmouth on Saturday afternoon. Virginia State Police say a white minivan ran off Interstate 264 west near the Victory Boulevard exit ramp, struck a light pole, and overturned shortly after 2:30 p.m. Officials say the driver was unhurt, but two passengers were taken to the hospital, including 95-year-old Yvonne Cowart of North Chesterfield, who later died from her injuries. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Norfolk townhome fire displaces one adult and seven children
Eight people and a dog were displaced following a townhome fire on Saturday morning, Norfolk Fire Rescue said. Officials said that firefighters were called to the 6400 block of Wellington Street around 6:30 a.m. for a report of a residential structure fire. Crews arrived to find a fire in a first-floor bedroom of a two-story townhome, with flames spreading into the attic.
Norfolk man killed in shooting near VCU campus in Richmond
RICHMOND, Va. — A shooting earlier this week left a 26-year-old Norfolk man dead, and his family desperate to see whoever pulled the trigger arrested. Richmond police say the shooting happened just before 4:30 p.m. on Monday, October 12, on Kinney Street, near Virginia Commonwealth University. Officers arrived to find Matthew Gutterman unresponsive in the street, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Norfolk man killed in shooting near VCU campus in Richmond
Follow Norfolk man killed in shooting near VCU campus in Richmond Sat, October 17, 2026 at 7:48 PM EDT A shooting earlier this week left a 26-year-old Norfolk man dead, and his family desperate to see whoever pulled the trigger arrested. Richmond police say the shooting happened just before 4:30 p.m. on Monday, October 12, on Kinney Street, near Virginia Commonwealth University. Officers arrived to find Matthew Gutterman unresponsive in the street, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Handgun found in James City County elementary school student's backpack
JAMES CITY COUNTY, Va. — Authorities are investigating after an elementary school student allegedly showed another student a concealed firearm at Williamsburg Christian Academy in James City County. Police received a report on Friday afternoon that a student had shown a gun hidden in a backpack. By the time the incident was reported to school staff, the student carrying the weapon had been transported to BaePlex, an after-school care facility in York County.
Handgun found in James City County elementary school student's backpack
Follow Handgun found in James City County elementary school student's backpack Updated Sat, October 17, 2026 at 7:35 PM EDT Authorities are investigating after an elementary school student allegedly showed another student a concealed firearm at Williamsburg Christian Academy in James City County. Police received a report on Friday afternoon that a student had shown a gun hidden in a backpack.
One woman dead, another injured following crash on I-264 in Portsmouth
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A 95-year-old woman has died following a single-vehicle crash in Portsmouth on Saturday afternoon. Virginia State Police say a white minivan ran off Interstate 264 west near the Victory Boulevard exit ramp, struck a light pole, and overturned shortly after 2:30 p.m. Officials say the driver was unhurt, but two passengers were taken to the hospital, including 95-year-old Yvonne Cowart of North Chesterfield, who later died from her injuries.
One woman dead, another injured following crash on I-264 in Portsmouth
Follow One woman dead, another injured following crash on I-264 in Portsmouth Sat, October 17, 2026 at 7:10 PM EDT A 95-year-old woman has died following a single-vehicle crash in Portsmouth on Saturday afternoon.
Norfolk firefighters contain crawl space fire on Ashland Avenue
NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk firefighters extinguished a fire found inside the crawl space of a home in the 1700 block of Ashland Avenue on Saturday afternoon. Crews responded at approximately 2:16 p.m. and found a fire in the crawl space of the Cape Cod-style house. Firefighters began suppression efforts while additional crews checked the interior for signs of fire spreading to other areas.
Norfolk townhome fire displaces one adult and seven children
NORFOLK, Va. — Eight people and a dog were displaced following a townhome fire on Saturday morning, Norfolk Fire Rescue said. Officials said that firefighters were called to the 6400 block of Wellington Street around 6:30 a.m. for a report of a residential structure fire. Crews arrived to find a fire in a first-floor bedroom of a two-story townhome, with flames spreading into the attic.
Norfolk firefighters contain crawl space fire on Ashland Avenue
Follow Norfolk firefighters contain crawl space fire on Ashland Avenue Sat, October 17, 2026 at 5:24 PM EDT Norfolk firefighters extinguished a fire found inside the crawl space of a home in the 1700 block of Ashland Avenue on Saturday afternoon. Crews responded at approximately 2:16 p.m. and found a fire in the crawl space of the Cape Cod-style house. Firefighters began suppression efforts while additional crews checked the interior for signs of fire spreading to other areas.
Norfolk townhome fire displaces one adult and seven children
Follow Norfolk townhome fire displaces one adult and seven children Sat, October 17, 2026 at 5:10 PM EDT Eight people and a dog were displaced following a townhome fire on Saturday morning, Norfolk Fire Rescue said. Officials said that firefighters were called to the 6400 block of Wellington Street around 6:30 a.m. for a report of a residential structure fire. Crews arrived to find a fire in a first-floor bedroom of a two-story townhome, with flames spreading into the attic.
Man injured, shooting under investigation in Portsmouth
A man is in the hospital following a shooting in Portsmouth on Friday night, police said. According to the Portsmouth Police Department, officers were called to the 2300 block of Victory Boulevard for a report of a shooting around 9:22 p.m. When they arrived, they found an adult man suffering from a gunshot wound. The man was taken to a local hospital for treatment, but police have not given an update on his condition.
Virginia allows dyed diesel on roads through end of year to ease fuel costs
Gov. Abigail Spanberger has authorized the temporary use of dyed diesel fuel in on-road vehicles to help farmers, loggers, and other businesses manage rising fuel costs. Executive Directive 5 allows the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to waive penalties for using dyed diesel on public roads through Dec. 31, unless extended or rescinded. The measure aims to lower operating costs for industries that depend on diesel to transport crops, timber, livestock, and other goods.
Man injured, shooting under investigation in Portsmouth
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A man is in the hospital following a shooting in Portsmouth on Friday night, police said. According to the Portsmouth Police Department, officers were called to the 2300 block of Victory Boulevard for a report of a shooting around 9:22 p.m. When they arrived, they found an adult man suffering from a gunshot wound. The man was taken to a local hospital for treatment, but police have not given an update on his condition.
Man injured, shooting under investigation in Portsmouth
Follow Man injured, shooting under investigation in Portsmouth Fri, October 16, 2026 at 10:56 PM EDT A man is in the hospital following a shooting in Portsmouth on Friday night, police said. According to the Portsmouth Police Department, officers were called to the 2300 block of Victory Boulevard for a report of a shooting around 9:22 p.m. When they arrived, they found an adult man suffering from a gunshot wound.
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