PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - As flu rates continue to rise across the country, Virginia and North Carolina find themselves in the "very high" category for flu rates.

COVID-19, flu rates rising in Virginia

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report, Virginia continues to be trending upward. However, it remains in the lower tier of the very high category. North Carolina is reported to have higher flu rates than Virginia, with rates also continuing to rise.

Courtesy: CDC

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) found that, for the week of Jan. 25, 2025, the flu accounted for 7% of all emergency department visits. Overall respiratory illness continues to rise throughout the Commonwealth, with the central and eastern region feeling the brunt of the increase.

Courtesy: VDH

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) found that, for the week of Jan. 25, 2025, over 4,000 influenza positive tests were reported throughout hospitals in the state. The highest region of flu increase was region 3 , which includes Cumberland, Wayne, Lee and Moore.

According to the CDC, with February historically as the highest peak for flu activity, the rates are expected to continue to rise.

The CDC encourages people throughout the country to do their part in preventing the spread of the flu. Some tips for prevention can be found below:

• Avoid close contact with those who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick when possible
• Cover your mouth and nose
• Wash your hands regularly
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth
• Practice good hygiene habits
• Get vaccinated each year for the season flu

For more information on how to reduce the spread of the flu, click here.

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) -- U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) released a statement in reference to President Donald Trump signing an order to impose new tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada and China.

Trump kept his tariffs pledge. Is he ready for the fallout? Are Americans? What to know

“Virginians want lower prices, not higher ones, and the last thing we need are new, senseless taxes on imports from America’s three largest trading partners," said Kaine. "During President Trump’s first term, his trade wars hit Virginia hard. Our farmers and foresters were especially affected, but everyone suffered. Everyone, that is, except for Trump’s cronies—billionaires, bitcoin bros, and offshore bandits. Here we go again.”

Goods from China would be subjected to a 10% tariff, compared with 25% for Mexico and Canada — which will cause an increase in cost on basic goods such as cheap apparel, gas and food.

Tariffs: What do Trump’s executive orders say and how would they work?

The White House said in a statement that the tariffs were being implemented in order to pressure the three countries into stopping the flow of fentanyl and immigrants. In response to the order, Mexico and Canada stated they plan to retaliate, with Canada ordering a 25% tariff on American imports. Mexico has yet to announce a number.

On Friday, Kaine, along with Senator Chris Coons, introduced the Stopping Tariffs on Allies and Bolstering Legislative Exercise of Trade Policy Act. This comes after he introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act to shield American families and businesses from increased costs by limiting the president's authority to impose unlimited tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

"Virginians want costs to go down, not up," Kaine said. "But President Trump's plans to impose broad-based tariffs would raise the price of everyday goods and hurt our economy. It's time for Congress to make it clear that no president should abuse existing tariff authorities designed to protect America's national security from threats posed by our adversaries to slap tariffs on our allies and closest trading partners. I'm proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Coons to take that step to protect Americans' pocketbooks from sharp price hikes and safeguard our relationships with our allies."

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) - A suspect wanted for federal firearm indictments out of Hampton was arrested on Thursday, according to Virginia State Police.

According to officials, just before 5 p.m., officers conducted a routine traffic stop on a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro for improper registration. Police were able to determine the driver, 28-year-old Evan Devon Boyd Jr., was wanted out of Hampton for federal firearm indictments and felony eluding charges.

Boyd refused to stop, resulting in a pursuit on the westbound lanes of I-64 at the 262 mile marker. While taking exit 261A, Boyd struck the guardrail, but continued on to the intersection of Hampton Roads Center Parkway and Big Bethel Road, where he crashed into a 2015 Ford Explorer, police said.

After striking the vehicle, Boyd exited the Camaro and attempted to flee the scene on foot, during which police said he "ate and swallowed an unknown substance." Boyd was caught a short time later, and taken to a local hospital for evaluation.

The driver of the Ford was said to have non life-threatening injuries.

Boyd was served with the outstanding warrants, and charged with the following:

• Felony eluding
• Felony destruction of property
• Possession of ammunition by a felon
• Possession of schedule I/II narcotics
• Felony hit-and-run

This arrest was in partnership between Virginia State Police and the Hampton Police Department and part of the Operation Bold Blue Line initiative which partners state and local law enforcement agencies to get illegal drugs and weapons off the streets.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - Traffic was diverted near Portsmouth Boulevard on I-264 due to a concrete truck spill, police said.

Police said the incident occurred just after 10 a.m. Friday, when a concrete mix truck "lost its load."

According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), all west lanes were closed on I-264 at the Portsmouth Boulevard exit. At 1 p.m., Virginia State Police said all lanes had reopened.

Traffic cam near the scene showed traffic being diverted while crews work to clear the road.

Courtesy: VDOT

10 On Your Side has reached out for more information on the incident.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - An inmate at the Virginia Beach Correctional Center is facing additional charges after deputies said he committed fraud behind bars.

According to officials, Kareem Walter Ryer — who was booked on Nov. 12, 2024, for five counts of forgery, five counts of identity fraud-financial loss, four counts of obtaining money by false pretenses and one count of conspiring to commit fraud — is accused of stealing credit card information from the internet in order to place orders from the canteen, or prison commissary.

Deputies said the total amount stolen was valued at more than $1,000.

A report from the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office's Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU) states that Ryer, along with an accomplice, Khalil Brown, who assisted in placing orders in the names of other inmates, would specifically target inmates who do not typically receive Canteen to ensure his account wouldn't get flagged.

Ryer would then resell some of the ordered items for a higher price using CashApp, the report said. Ryer was also heard on a monitored phone conversation that he wanted to use the money to post his $100,000 bond.

"Just because an inmate is locked up on other charges doesn't mean they can't find a way to keep committing crimes behind bars," Virginia Beach Sheriff Rocky Holcomb said. "This case highlights that sometimes criminals aren't turning over a new leaf in our jail and that they continue to victimize and pull scams from the jail housing units. It also highlights the vigilance of the sworn deputies of the Criminal Intelligence Unit to investigate and shut this type of illegal activity down."

A release states that various tactics were used to investigate the case, including voice recognition, internet address searches, jailhouse interviews and reverse-telephone number software.

"Following an extensive investigation, it was determined that an inmate in Virginia Beach Correctional Center collaborated with an out-of-state civilian to commit fraud using stolen credit information obtained from the dark web," Sgt. J. Cameron said. "The Criminal Intelligence Unit successfully secured 16 felony warrants in connection with this incident."

As a result of the investigation, Ryer was charged with six counts of felony conspiracy to commit credit card fraud, two counts of felony identity theft and one count of inmate violation.

In addition, Khalil Brown, of Bronx, New York, was also charged with six counts of felony conspiracy to commit credit card fraud and two counts of felony identity theft.

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Several flights at the Norfolk International Airport (ORF) were canceled Thursday morning after an American Airlines flight and U.S. Army Black Hawk Helicopter collided mid-air near Reagan Washington National Airport.

Passenger jet with 64 aboard collides with Army helicopter while landing at Reagan Airport near DC

According to ORF's website, two departure flights to Washington D.C. have been canceled and two arrival flights to Washington D.C. have been canceled as a result of the crash. Officials with the Reagan Washington National Airport said they plan to reopen around 11 a.m.

In addition to the flight cancelations, ORF canceled their ribbon cutting for the return of its moving walkways, which was scheduled to take place Thursday morning.

Here locally, at Norfolk International Airport, one traveler spoke to 10 On Your Side. Ronnie Oliver traveling out of Suffolk said he had to pause when he saw the news.

"Well it was horrible, you couldn't help -- but your heart goes out to the families and everything," said Oliver. "You heard and of course I was traveling this morning, so you pay a little more attention to it than you normally do, it's not the way it should be, but that's how it is. It's horrible and I listened to a little bit of the clips this morning. And it sounded like its pretty complicated."

During a press briefing early Thursday morning, officials stated they do not expect any survivors after the crash. As of 8 a.m., 27 bodies have been recovered from the plane and one body from the helicopter.

President Donald Trump spoke at a new conference at 11 a.m. on the incident. Trump said that the investigation is underway and that the two aircraft should've never been at the same elevation.

During the conference, Trump began with a moment of silence for the victims. Shortly thereafter, he came up with a series of potential causes for the crash, including coming down on former President Joe Biden's policies, the air traffic controllers, the helicopter pilot and what he called "DEI hires."

The claim was focus point of many follow up questions, but wasn't backed up by hard evidence. Trump cited "common sense" as reasoning for his conclusion. The president assured the public that they should not be fearful of traveling.

See the full press conference below:

Senator Mark Warner spoke during the briefing, giving his condolences to the victims and thanks to first responders.

"For folks who don't live in the DMV, we are made up of a lot of jurisdictions," Warner said. "Reagan airport is in Virginia, across the river we have Maryland, and obviously the District. But as has been indicated by the chief, when tragedy happens, all those distinctions between the various jurisdictions and our federal partners, all disappear."

A portion of the briefing can be viewed below:

The plane, which departed from Kansas, was said to be carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. Three military members were onboard the helicopter, according to officials. The crash occurred just before 9 p.m. on Wednesday.

What to know about the collision between a passenger jet and Army helicopter near DC

Gov. Glenn Youngkin posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, late Wednesday night, saying that first responders from across northern Virginia, D.C. and Maryland are working together to assist with the search and rescue efforts.

I have been briefed by our Emergency Management team and Virginia State Police about the tragic crash at Reagan National Airport tonight. Extensive resources are fully supporting the search and rescue efforts. First responders from across Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland mobilized quickly. I ask everyone to pray for the passengers, crews, their families, and brave first responders.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin

Rep. Bobby Scott also responded to the tragic collision, saying he is thankful for our first responders on the scene.

"I'm closely monitoring the situation at DCA that occurred this evening involving a collision between a passenger airplane and a military helicopter," Scott said. "I'm thankful for our first responders on the scene. My thoughts and prayers are with all those involved in this horrible tragedy."

Sen. Louise Lucas and Rep. Jen Kiggans have also posted their condolences as well as gratitude to the first responders who were on the scene.

Multiple fatalities have been reported as a result of the collision, but it is currently unclear just how many victims there are as rescue efforts continued into early Thursday morning.

"Over the course of the night, and we hope to have more news as it develops, but for right now, it's a very difficult situation out there with the cold," Jack Potter, president of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority said. "It's very dark, but there are numerous boats out there. There are dive teams out there."

In 1982, an Air Florida flight also crashed into the Potomac, ultimately killing 70 passengers and four crew members.

10 On Your Side's Andy Fox will be in DC and are expected to give updates on the incident throughout the day.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Eight people were injured as the result of a nine-vehicle crash at the intersection of Princess Anne Road and Lynnhaven Parkway Wednesday afternoon, officials said.

Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital received eight patients from the crash, with four listed as trauma patients. Sentara, in a statement, said care is ongoing and "most are expected to be treated and released from the emergency department."

Princess Anne Rd multi-vehicle crash (WAVY photo)

The multi-vehicle crash, which happened just before 12:30 p.m. at the intersection of Princess Anne Road and Lynnhaven Parkway, caused parts of Princess Anne Road to close Wednesday afternoon, with a 10 On Your Side crew at the scene reporting nine cars to be involved, with eight taken to the hospital.

According to officials, all lanes of Princess Anne Road from Salem Road to South Independence Boulevard were closed due to the crash. Ferrell Parkway from Pleasant Valley Road to Salem Road was also shut down.

The crash remains under investigation.

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The two parents accused in the death of their 9-day-old daughter had their charges certified to a grand jury on Wednesday.

NPD: 9-day-old infant death a homicide, parents charged

Hilary D. Johnson and Z'ibreyea S. Parker were charged with second-degree murder and child abuse in May 2024 in connection with the death of their infant, I’ijayah Johnson. Police said the investigation began at the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters with a child protection call.

Court documents revealed that when the infant was brought to the hospital, she was cold to the touch and showed signs of abuse, including lacerations, burns to the feet, bruises and signs of shaken baby syndrome. I’ijayah was later pronounced dead by medical staff. 

Court documents reveal extent of injuries to murdered 9-day-old

During Wednesday’s court hearing, a CHKD nurse testified that Johnson and Parker walked into the hospital with a covered stroller. The pair claimed the infant had only been unresponsive for “a few hours.” The nurse also said the couple was acting weird and seemed as if they were not taking the situation seriously.

She also testified that the parents initially could not get the date of birth and spelling of their baby’s name correct.

‘I told them I fear for her life’: Grandfather of murdered infant says he warned hospital staff

The detective in the case told the court that the parents were living in a tent near Brambleton Avenue and Interstate 264 when the child was born.  

He recounted that Johnson told him, when interviewed, that he had gotten home from work and taken the baby out for a walk in the stroller. She was unsecured, and it overturned, sending her tumbling. That, according to the couple, was how she got hurt.

The parents said they treated the infant’s wounds with witch hazel, peroxide and gauze. 

The following day, on May 4, after noting that the infant was unresponsive, the couple took I’ijayah to CHKD via the light rail.

Z’ibreyea’s attorney tried to get her murder charged dismissed, saying that she was not present for the stroller incident. Ultimately, however, all of the charges were certified.  

Hilary and Z’ibreyea’s next court appearance will be in Circuit Court. The date has yet to be determined.