Newport News elementary school teacher shot by student wins $10 million jury verdict
On Thursday, Nov. 6, the jury voted in favor of former Richneck Elementary School teacher Abby Zwerner who was shot by a 6-year-old student in January 2023. Later, Zwerner accused former assistant principal Ebony Parker for ignoring repeated warnings that the child had a gun.
Zwerner spent two weeks in the hospital and required six surgeries, according to NPR. She does not have the full use of her left hand and the bullet, which still remains in her chest, narrowly missed her heart.
Zwerner testified that she heard about the gun prior to class recess from a reading specialist who had been told by other students.
The shooting occurred after the student returned from a suspension for slamming Zwerner’s phone two days before. The student told authorities he got his mother’s gun by climbing onto a drawer and taking the firearm from where it was located in his mother’s purse.
Parker faces a separate criminal trial later this month on eight counts of felony child neglect.
The student’s mother was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for felony child neglect and federal weapons charges.
Norfolk opens its first ever casino and donates opening proceeds to local foodbank amidst SNAP shutdown
On Friday, Nov.7, the first casino gaming hall opened in Norfolk off Park Avenue, marking a historic milestone for the city.
All proceeds from the opening went to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and Eastern Shore. The foodbank already provides about 10,000 meals an hour, but during the government shutdown, that demand has jumped more than 30%, according to WTKR.
“People need food,” said Michael Graves, one of the first customers, about his reason for going. “If this is some way I can give back, then that’s why I’m here.”
Christopher Tan, the president and CEO of the foodbank said that for every dollar, two meals are able to be provided.
“The shutdown has added a whole wealth of people that are in need,” Tan said. “We’re seeing our neighbors go to multiple distribution centers instead of just one for the first time in a long time.”
The Interim Gaming Hall is estimated to be completed in 2027. The temporary tent casino will operate from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. The permanent casino resort will include a 65,000-square-foot casino, a 200-room hotel, eight food and beverage outlets, live entertainment and an outdoor amenity deck, according to WAVY.
