Newport

Newport VFD Under Fire: Township Trustees Initiate Civil Lawsuit Sparking Controversy

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PORTSMOUTH, Ohio – Trustees in Green Township have filed a civil lawsuit against the Newport Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) over alleged financial misconduct. The lawsuit claims that the township has suffered significant financial losses due to misappropriation of funds by the fire department. According to the lawsuit, the trustees accuse the VFD of using township funds for personal expenses, including travel, meals, and clothing. They contend that these purchases were not authorized and were made without proper documentation. The lawsuit also alleges that the fire department failed to provide the township with accurate financial records … Read more

Former Teacher Shot by 6-Year-Old Student Moves Forward with $40 Million Lawsuit Against Newport News Public Schools

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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Abby Zwerner, a former school teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, is now heading to trial in her lawsuit following a tragic incident. Zwerner was shot by her own 6-year-old student in her classroom. The judge has ruled that her $40 million lawsuit against Newport News Public Schools can proceed. Attorneys Diane Toscano, Kevin Biniazan, and Jeffrey Breit, representing Zwerner, expressed their satisfaction with the decision. They stated that this victory brings them closer to holding the Newport News School Board accountable for their actions. In November, Circuit Court … Read more

Lawsuits Demand Justice for Students and Accountability from School Officials Following Newport News Elementary School Shooting

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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP) — Six students and a grandmother have filed lawsuits against the Newport News School Board and former school administrators after a six-year-old shot his teacher at Richneck Elementary School. The plaintiffs are seeking $3 million in damages each and are demanding trials to hold those responsible accountable. According to attorney Emily Brannon, there was widespread chaos following the incident. Many people, including students and staff, believed it was an active-shooter situation because there was no unified communication from the front office. Brannon stated that when parents arrived at the scene, they … Read more

Newport News Jury Deliver Verdict for Demari Batten in Retrial for Fatal Menchville High School Shooting

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Newport News, Virginia – A jury in Newport News delivered its verdict in the re-trial of Demari Batten, finding him guilty of the deadly shooting of 17-year-old Justice Dunham. The verdict was reached just one day after the re-trial began, and Batten had previously entered a plea of not guilty. The incident took place in the parking lot of Menchville High School following a basketball game. Batten stood accused of taking Dunham’s life in this tragic event. This case had previously gone to trial in October 2022, but the jury at that time was unable … Read more