Community.
Over $2 million was spent on the special election for SD7, showing how much may be on the line in the race. Rip it.
Norfolk was awarded $24 million in state funds for the downtown floodwall project. Rip it.
A local animal control company says that coyotes are becoming more frequent sites across Norfolk. Rip it.
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s State of the Bay report card indicates that the health of the bay remains largely unchanged, grading its health as a D+. Rip it.
The Virginia Board of Education has still not endorsed revised social studies standards amid rewrites, competing drafts, and ongoing dissent. Rip it.
Republican lawmakers are expected to revive a push for school choice policies that threaten public school funding. Rip it.
Senate and House Democrats laid out priorities for the 2023 General Assembly session this week. Rip it.
Some lawmakers from the Richmond area have proposed legislation that would legalize medicinal mushrooms in Virginia. Rip it.
757 Creative Reuse Center, a local nonprofit emphasizing reduced waste, is seeking community help in its expansion. Rip it.
Governor Youngkin is pressing for additional funding to increase enforcement of businesses selling legal Delta-8 and Delta-10 cannabis products. 7% of inspected establishments in Virginia have been found to carry them. Rip it.
Former U.S. Representative Luria has landed a job as a lecturer at Georgetown University. Rip it.
The Virginia Poverty Law Center is advocating for a suite of bills in the upcoming legislative session to reform the apartment rental industry. Rip it.
An unsolicited proposal for Maury High School may allow the preservation of historic architecture while fulfilling the school’s needs. Rip it.`
Advocates and local unions are working to set maximum train lengths and require at least two conductors. Rip it.
Culture.
Mekenzy Linder, a Norfolk State University Fine Arts student, won the 2022 Target’s HBCU Design challenge. Rip it.
Festevents announced their 2023 season schedule this week. Rip it.
Walt Taylor has been sketching Cafe Stella patrons for years. Rip it.
757 Headspace presents Open Floor, a choreographer’s showcase and photography market. Rip it.
Gemz is bringing some of the region’s biggest hip-hop names to Smartmouth. Rip it.
Coming soon to Barry Art Museum: The Great Exhibition: Bébés at the Barry. Rip it.
Coming soon to ODU’s Gordon Art Galleries: Sam Bartlett: Low Stakes, Plywood Cutouts & Everyday Comix. Rip it.
Phond Music and Mo Woods debut the short film “Phases” at Chrysler Museum next month. Rip it.
Calling all crafters, carpenters, and wood-workers! Norfolk has a new wood shop in North Colley. Rip it.
Locals can check out the whole universe without leaving land at the ODU PlanetariumShows every Wednesday. Rip it.
3SideGoof is kicking off a tour with some of our favorite local acts, including Tyler Donavan and Artel Carter. Rip it.
To See a World in a Grain of Sand at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Commerce.
Brothers, a downtown jazz and fine dining spot announced their relocation to the former Texas De Brazil location in MacArthur Mall. Rip it.
Urban Outfitters plans to close in Downtown Norfolk as brick-and-mortar retailers struggle to compete against e-commerce. Rip it.
Two bills filed in the General Assembly could change the way that Virginians are billed for their electricity use. Rip it.
Norfolk International Airport hit 4 million passengers in 2022, a record for the facility. Rip it.
The Virginia Employment Commission announced that the number of initial claims significantly increased in the latest filing week to 1,958 but remained at levels typically seen over the last twelve months. Rip it.
The median days on the market for a home in the region increased from 7 in April to 24 in December, a historically dramatic upturn as the market cools. Rip it.
Crowds.
Spongebob fans get hype; a Bikini Bottom rave is coming to The Norva on Saturday. Rip it.
Social Cycling NFK is hosting a bike swap at the Veil on January 28th. Rip it.
Just announced: YES FEST: a 20+ band festival hosted by LAVA Presents and ODU Arts. Rip it.
FRIDAY:
Norfolk Run Club Friday Meetup at Yorgo’s Bageldashery. 6:00 am. Rip it
Yoga at Vessel Craft Coffee. 6:15 am. Rip it
Treasure Hunt Liquidators Grand Opening. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Art Class with Sean Cunningham at Park Place Branch Library. 11:00 am. Rip it
Into The Zoo Friday at Republic NFK. 3:30 pm. Rip it.
Friday The 13th Superstition at Aries Apothecary. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Nate Sacks performs live at Benchtop Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
The Bay Rats perform live at Cova Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
The Muse Neighborhood Jam at The Muse Writers Center. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Taught by Tawana: Wines of Tuscany at Vino Culture. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Norfolk Admirals v Maine Mariners at Norfolk Scope. 7:05 pm. Rip it
Friday Night Magic: Draft at Atlantis Games & Comics. 7:30 pm. Rip it
Tales from the Campfire at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Friday Night Magic: Commander at Atlantis Games & Comics. 8:00 pm. Rip it
VLU January Bar Night at Public House. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
JAG Duo performs live at OV Beach Tavern. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
James “JJ” Smith performs live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
Request Station Duo at Grain. 9:00 pm. Rip it
Teacher’s Pet – Improv Comedy Show at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it
Weekend Long Run at Ocean View Run Club. 7:15 am. Rip it
Send It Saturday Morning Group Ride at East Coast Bicycles. 8:00 am. Rip it
Yoga + Coffee with Sky’s The Limit at Coalescence. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Volunteer Litter Cleanup with the Elizabeth River Project. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Pre-Teen Improv at the Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 am. Rip it
Having Fun With Improvisational Speaking With Ryan Clemens at Wells Theater. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Chess Club at Slover Library. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Mini Vintage Market with Hank’s Vintage at Cova Brewing. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Free Dance Open House at Mambo Room. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Live Life Fresh Boom Box Bike Ride at Freshtopia. 10:30 am. Rip it
Fabric Wrap Bowl Class at Fabric Hut. 10:45 am. Rip it.
BigForestFire performs live at Grain. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Ocean View Little League Signups at Guads on Granby. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Winter Farmer’s Market in the Railroad District. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Nick Franzitta performs live at Cova Brewing. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Adult Tabletop Gaming at Slover Library. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Improv for Teens at the Push Comedy Theater. 12:30 pm. Rip it.
STOMP performed live at Chrysler Hall. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th & Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Psychic Fair at Memorial Spiritualist Church. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Coppelia Auditions at Ballet Virginia. 1:30 pm. Rip it.
Fun Time Trivia at Hank’s Filling Station. 4:30 pm. Rip it.
Opening Reception for Timeless Art in a Changing World Featuring Sheila Nash. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Gemz 757: Renewal at Smartmouth Brewing. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Siren City Pipe Band Presents a Burns Supper at Norfolk’s Lake Wright Hotel. 5:30 pm. Rip it.
Kumihimo Basics at Aries Apothecary. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Art Rowe performs live at Sunset Grill. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Admirals v Maine Mariners at Norfolk Scope. 6:05 pm. Rip it.
Karl Werne & Michael Lille perform live at Elation. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
MOER Dueling Pianos perform live at Boss Queens Soul Cafe. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
The Unusual Suspects: An Improvised Murder Mystery at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Black Jacket Symphony Presents Fleetwood Mac at Harrison Opera House. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Fat Chance Annie performs live at 37th and Zen. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
James “JJ” Smith performs live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
Saturday Night Karaoke at Pizza Chef. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Bikini Bottom Rave at The NorVA. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Vince Kornegay performs live at Grain. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Onesie PJ Party at MJ’s Tavern. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Second Saturday Stand-Up at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it
Yogi Winter School at Sky’s The Limit Yoga Co. 10:15 am. Rip it.
Slow-Mo Sunday Group Ride at Local Bike Shop NFK. 10:30 am. Rip it.
Yoga on Tap – Reaver NFK. 10:45 am. Rip it.
Dustin Furlow performs live at Grain. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Mimosas & Heels Drag Brunch at Public House. 11:00 am. Rip it.
MLK Day of Service at Slover Library. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Privateer Press Game Night at Atlantis Games & Comics. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
The Music Improv Refresher 3 Day Workshop at Push Comedy Theater. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Sunday Salute at The Bold Mariner Brewing Company. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
DIY Jewelry Workshop at Alodeuri Jewelry. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Casting Call for “Make A Wish” Film at Slover Library. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Pokémon TCG: Weekly Casual Play at Atlantis Games & Comics. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th & Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Pokemon Open Play at Atlantis Games & Comics. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
MTG Modern Sunday at Atlantis Games & Comics. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Poetry Open Mic: Melodic Movement at Mudita Cafe. 1:30 pm. Rip it.
Plant Swap and Vendor Event at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
Reiki Level 1 at Aries Apothecary. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Calvary Revival Church. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Johnny Smallwood performs live at Grain. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Chow.
Restaurant week at Omar’s Carriage House includes Ossobucco, duck confit, and halloumi. Rip it.
Win free ice cream for life at the Lolly’s Ice Cream grand opening this weekend. Rip it.
You can get macarons delivered monthly from Cafe Genevieve. Rip it.
Vessel Craft Coffee is kicking off lunch service with a gnarly farro bowl. Rip it.
New drafts launching at the Veil: Painkiller Fizzee, Caskets Caskets, and New Mirage. Rip it.
Breakfast biscuits going bougie down at Three Ships Coffee. Rip it.
Local hot sauce slingers Nuland Hot Sauce has collab-ed to put custom sauces at Sanctuary. Rip it.
My Mama’s Kitchen upgrades the smash burger with bacon and gouda for an addictively good burger. Rip it.
Shrimp and grits have landed at Ocean View’s charcoal grill, Swell OV. Rip it.
In case you didn’t know, Yorgo’s bagels are organic, vegan, non-GMO, and kosher. Rip it.
Taste wine with the city’s best somms at Press 626’s Sunday supper. Rip it.
New at Chelsea Bakehouse: arrabbiata pizza sauce with fresh Calabrian peppers. Rip it.
Food Truck Sightings:
Friday:
Big Belly at Cova Brewing. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Brewing. Rip it.
Bar-Q at Bold Mariner Brewing. Rip it.
Flippin Hangry at Reaver Beach NFK. Rip it.
Bakehouse Pizza at Elation Brewing. Rip it.
Saturday:
Weng’s Kitchen & Ghost Kitchen at Cova Brewing. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Brewing. Rip it.
Bakehouse Pizza at Elation Brewing. Rip it.
Bar-Q at Bold Mariner Brewing. Rip it.
Sunday:
Sour Street Pizza at Benchtop Brewing. Rip it.
Paul Stetson Rice
Chelsea, NFK
Paul is the creator of NFKVA.com. He was born and raised in Norfolk, graduated from Virginia Tech, and narrowly avoided law school. Chat with him about economics, entrepreneurship, hip-hop, and hiking. When he's not working on five different projects, you'll catch him sharing a beer with friends at a local brewery.