Community.
City of Norfolk staff have proposed amendments to stormwater requirements for housing construction projects that may increase the cost of development across the city. Rip it.
Antonio Respass jumps into the Republican primary for the 94th House of Delegates district. There are already three republicans, and two democrats announced. Rip it.
A Norfolk judge has dismissed a request for a special grand jury to determine whether Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi is a “public nuisance.” Rip it.
The City of Norfolk secured $3 million in federal funds for LED streetlight upgrades. Rip it.
The City of Norfolk had to pause new applications to the eviction prevention center after an uptick in need. Norfolk saw over 900 eviction cases in December, more than 6,000 hotline calls in January and currently has over 200 applications awaiting review. Rip it.
The first round of feedback on Norfolk Public Schools’ $400 million budget is in, with teacher pay getting a lot of attention. Rip it.
Norfolk School Board approved a calendar with school starting before Labor Day for the upcoming year. Rip it.
Public feedback on the HRTPO’s plan for a third cross largely focused on doing it sooner. Rip it.
A Sentara program that has opened satellite clinics and proactively canvassed has seen success, including reducing the number of unhoused neighbors who resort to emergency room care by 80%. Rip it.
Around 100 people gathered at a mosque in Norfolk to box up and donate supplies for earthquake victims in Turkey. Rip it.
Nauticus launched a campaign to raise funds for two new interactive exhibits and a redesigned exhibit space. Rip it.
CHKD was awarded $1 million in funds to expand mental health programming. Rip it.
A bill to study the Chesapeake Bay’s menhaden population was significantly weakened to a ‘study of a study’ despite depleted menhaden stock hurting the bay’s recreational economy. Rip it.
A Republican-controlled House of Delegates subcommittee voted 5-3 along party lines Tuesday to kill legislation that would have paved the way for recreational marijuana sales in 2024. Rip it.
FBI Director Christopher Wray visited Norfolk this week, highlighting two regional task forces focused on violent crime. Rip it.
Culture.
Kendall Street Company is crisscrossing the Commonwealth for a 20+ show Virginia-only tour. (NFK Currents Original) Rip it.
A $10,000 open call to artists for a mural and performance event project in Norfolk closes on Feb 22 (NFK Currents Original Video). Rip it.
Dozens of bands are set to play at YES FEST, a collaboration between ODU and LAVA Presents. Rip it.
Local artist Aimee Bruce completed a mural at Booker T. Washington High School. Rip it.
Marty Miller of Norfolk has been inducted into nine Halls of Fames for his success as both a baseball player for Norfolk State and as a coach. Rip it.
The “Crowns of Glory” art exhibit at Norfolk State University is using art as a voice for change in the way society treats natural hairstyles. Rip it.
Feign Kin and Zac Plastic are coming to Korbros this Monday for “Tapestries Live.” Rip it.
ODU is hosting its first-ever Short-Film Fest on Friday. Rip it.
The Rep Theatre at ODU is hard at work preparing “Artemis, I” for the grand opening in March. Rip it.
Coming this summer to the Hermitage: Claudia Beno’s incredible artwork. Rip it.
Currently on Display:
Facing Ourselves: Mike Disfarmer and the American Portrait at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Sam Bartlett: Low Stakes, Plywood Cutouts & Everyday Comix at Gordon Art Galleries. Rip it.
The Great Exhibition: Bébés at the Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
Elated Staff Art Showcase at The Gallery At Elation. Rip it.
Timeless Art in a Changing World at Gallery 21. Rip it.
Kelsey Witt at Kobro’s. Rip it.
Commerce.
Health insurance costs in Virginia are up more than 30% in the 6 years. Rip it.
Cargo volume at the Port of Virginia was 5% higher in 2022 than in 2021 and earned the title of “best-performing port in North America.” Rip it.
The region’s maritime industry is facing a shortage of 10,000 workers. The shortage could be 40,000 workers by 2030. Rip it.
Sentara has invested in a 3D Mammography van to bring cancer screenings directly to the community. Rip it.
Breeze Airways added Raliegh-Durham, NC, Portland, ME, Syracuse, NY, and Akron-Canton, Ohio, as new destinations for ORF. Rip it.
Norfolk International saw a nearly 25% increase in January passengers compared with 2022. Rip it.
Carafello’s Auto Sales was blacklisted for ‘bird-dogging’ sailors and selling cars to sailors without driver’s licenses. Rip it.
Norfolk Naval Shipyard broke ground on the renovation of Dry Dock 8, which will allow the shipyard to service Ford class carriers. Rip it.
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia approved ODU’s application for a School of Data Science. Rip it.
The Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center, which sits on land partially owned by the City of Norfolk, will likely not be moved anytime soon as the price tag changes. Rip it.
Local Initiatives Support Cooperation (LISC) Hampton Roads has invested over $4 million in the region, including several small business and workforce initiatives. Rip it.
Norfolk could be getting a new seafood market in Military Circle, as leases were inked this week. Rip it.
After Governor Youngkin stopped a deal for a new Ford battery plant in Virginia, the state of Michigan is getting the project. Rip it.
The region’s real estate market recorded the lowest number of monthly settled sales since February 2017 and a 35% decline compared to January of last year. Rip it.
Regional Economic Stats. Port Stats. Labor Stats.
Naughty By Norfolk Champion Hoodie
Naughty By Norfolk Paper Bag Koozie
Crowds.
Strong Ales are making their return at Reaver Beach’s Bleak and Brewtal collaborative beer fest. Rip it.
Over 120 video games are on deck at Nauticus for the competitive, the nostalgic, and the curious. Rip it.
Commonwealth Comedy brings improv to OV later this month. Rip it.
Beer & Cheese, a curated pairing event, comes to The Veil next month. Rip it.
FRIDAY:
Norfolk Run Club Friday Meetup at Yorgo’s Bageldashery. 6:00 am. Rip it.
Great Backyard Bird Count at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Hooks & Hops meetup at Elation Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Zen Mojo performs live at Benchtop Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
James Ford performs live at Cova Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Cicerone-Guided Beer Dinner, featuring Wasserhund Brewery at Grain. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
Middle Eastern Music Ensemble at Diehn Center for the Performing Arts. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Great Guinness Toast 2023 at Grace O’Malley’s Irish Pub & Restaurant. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Soil Series Part II: Limestone Vineyards at Vino Culture. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Black Girl Magic at Hugh R. Copeland Center. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Monarch Short-Film Festival at ODU University Theater. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
NFTW Record Shop Fundraiser- Reckoning Force, Downfall, Red Vision at Taphouse. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Kendall Street Company performs live at Chicho’s Pizza Backstage. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
RedWolves / FireHawks Meetup at Hilton Main. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
The Hurrah Players present Black Girl Magic at Copeland Center. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Weekly TBMA Bluegrass Jam at Roosevelt Area Civic League. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Admirals v Worcester Railers at Scope Arena. 7:05 pm. Rip it.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Episode 8 Viewing Party at The Wave. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Friday Night Magic: Draft – Norfolk at Atlantis Games & Comics. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
The JAM! at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Iola’s Letter performed live at the Little Theater of Norfolk. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
MYTHM w/ Rafeeki performing live at Broadway Nightclub. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Seán Heely and Friends perform live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
Shrek Rave at The NorVA. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Friday Night Karaoke at TNT Sports Tavern. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Request Station performs live at Grain. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Back 2 The 80’s at Ultra Lounge. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Harold Night: Improv Comedy at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it.
SATURDAY:
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.
Weyanoke Monthly Nature Walk. 9:00 am. Rip it.
What’s Loves Got to do with it DRAG BRUNCH at The Granby Theater. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Mardi Gras Drag Brunch at The OV Beach Tavern. 10:00 am. Rip it.
City Girls Walk Meetup departing Stockley Gardens. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Live Life Fresh Boom Box Bike Ride at Freshtopia. 10:30 am. Rip it.
Black Business Brunch Expo at Richard A. Tucker Memorial Library. 11:00 am. Rip it.
BigForestFire performs live at Grain. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Lunch Lady Land at Smartmouth Beer. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Carnival COVA: Mardi Gras Celebration. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
African American Genealogy Workshop at Jordan-Newby Library at Broad Creek. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Floral Arrangements with Love Petals at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
CORE Offroad Meetup at Northside Skate Park. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Bloomhouse Cultivation Popup at Benchtop Brewing. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Art in Motion: Free Art Demos at d’Art Center. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Bhav Brigade Yoga at Slover Library. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th & Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
KickDive performs live at at Cova Brewing. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Community Talks at Coalescence Coffe Co. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Black Artists Tour at The Plot. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
Sheila Nash’s Art Demo at Gallery 21. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
Wizard Cocktail Experience at Martin Mansion. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
Sneaker Ball with Parks & Rec at Crossroads Center. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
Partner Yoga at Sky’s The Limit Yoga Co. 4:30 pm. Rip it.
Crazy DJ Music Bingo at Hank’s Filling Station. 4:30 pm. Rip it.
OVBT Mardi Gras Celebration at The OV Beach Tavern. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Pink & Red Open House Tasting at Vino Culture. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Mardi Gras at The Banque. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Sound Advice performs live at Sunset Grill. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Matt Holloman performs live at Benchtop Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Mardi Gras Party at Town Point Club. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Admirals v Worcester Railers at Norfolk Scope. 6:05 pm. Rip it.
Saturday Night Yugioh at Atlantis Games & Comics. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
The Hurrah Players present Black Girl Magic at Copeland Center. 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Dry Land performs live at Cafe Stella. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Mardi Gras Norfolk at Waterside District. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Virginia Symphony at Chrysler Hall. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Pushing Dragons: An Improvised Dungeons and Dragons Adventure at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Iola’s Letter performed live at Little Theater of Norfolk. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Seán Heely and Friends perform live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
Saturday Karaoke! at Pizza Chef. 9:00 pm. Rip it
Lights Out, Barks Out at 37th & Zen. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Pushing Dragons After Party and Cosplay Contest at Push Comedy Theater. 10:30 pm. Rip it.
Legally Stoned Fxck Love Party at 767 Granby. Midnight. Rip it.
SUNDAY:
American Cornhole Tournament at Harbor Club. 9:00 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.
GamerBus Sundays At Nauticus. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Get Out The Dog House Elated Craft Market at Elation Brewing. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Privateer Press Game Night at Atlantis Games & Comics. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Sunday Salute at The Bold Mariner Brewing Company. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
MTG Modern Sunday at Atlantis Games & Comics. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Pokemon Open Play at Atlantis Games & Comics. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th & Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
World Street Soccer at The Veil Brewing. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Poetry Open Mic: Melodic Movement at Cafe Mudita. 1:30 pm. Rip it.
Hampton Roads Pride Film Screening at The Chrysler Museum. 2:00 pm. Rip it
The Hurrah Players present Black Girl Magic at Copeland Center. 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Iola’s Letter performed live at Little Theater of Norfolk. 2:30 pm. Rip it.
Art Rowe performs live at Sunset Grill. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
New Moon Ritual at Aries Apothecary. 5:30 pm. Rip it.
Warren Zeiders -Pretty Little Poison Tour at The NorVA. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Je’Caryous Johnson Presents “NEW JACK CITY” at Chrysler Hall. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Joe Grundmeyer performs live at Grain. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
The Nascar Jones Show at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Chow.
Gogi Guys have landed in Norfolk, with this new shop on 21st Street getting rave reviews. Rip it.
Yes, the “Lady and the Tramp” was the cutest Valentine’s special, and no one can tell us otherwise. Rip it.
Peanut Soup is worth of a Seinfeld soup bit, so try it at Yendidi. Rip it.
AWOG, the international street food shop, is open once again in Ocean View. Rip it.
Limited draft only: PB&J Gose at Lunch Landy Land on Saturday. Rip it.
Purple Ketchup, Crunchwraps, and more from Moontide will be popping up at Smartmouth’s Lunch Lady Land. Rip it.
Some classics never grow old. I’m looking at you Egg-O-Doumar. Rip it.
Chia seeds are the secret ingredient to the raspberry lemon fig cake at Empowered Plant Cakes. Rip it.
Looking for a Mardi Gras King Cake? The Stockpot is ready to help you out. Rip it.
Four Eleven has elevated the humble hand pie. Oaxacan spice, mushrooms, and Calabrian chili aioli. Rip it.
Hamachi, the smoothest fish you’ve never heard of, now at Crudo Nudo. Rip it.
Early Grey Orange Soda drops at Vessel this weekend. Rip it.
Food Truck Sightings:
Friday:
Ghost Kitchen & American Taco at Cova Brewing. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Brewing. Rip it.
Hades Wood Fired at Reaver Beach NFK. Rip it.
Bakehouse Pizza at Elation Brewing. Rip it.
Saturday:
Southern Provisions & Nawlins Xscape at Cova Brewing. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen, Moontide, Toast, & more at Smartmouth Brewing. Rip it.
Bakehouse Pizza at Elation Brewing. Rip it.
Bar-Q at Bold Mariner Brewing. Rip it.
NFK Dad Hat
Norfolk Snapback
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.