Newport News and Hampton are being added to a state program designed to help address gun violence.
State lawmakers approved their budget Monday, which includes adding the two Peninsula cities to the Safer Communities program. The program helps support community-based strategies, including credible messengers and violence interrupters — people who go directly into communities to engage with young people.
LaTonya “Abys” Denson has spent 20 years working to prevent gun violence in Newport News through her organization, Abu Unity Incorporated…