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Community.
What’s the deal with homelessness policies in Norfolk? (NFK Currents Original). Rip it.
Sentara hospitals in the region had the lowest number of COVID-19 cases seen since the start of the pandemic this week. Rip it.
Shurl Montgomery, the former CEO of the NRHA, announced his candidacy for City Council in Ward 3. He challenges incumbent Tommy Smigel. Rip it.
Norfolk’s former Police Chief will be paid a $300,000+ severance package after a sudden retirement amidst renewed conversation on the role and compensation of police officers in the city. Rip it.
The City of Norfolk added a handful of mobile camera units throughout downtown as the area sees some of its busiest weekends since the pandemic began. Rip it.
Norfolk’s real estate property tax rate isn’t slated to change this year, so why are homeowners likely to pay more? Rip it.
Lawmakers rejected amendments by Governor Youngkin that would have altered the control of hundreds of millions of dollars earmarked for flood protection projects. Rip it.
The House of Delegates failed to overrule several vetoes by Governor Youngkin including a bill that would have empowered local governments to enforce safer living conditions in rental properties. Rip it.
A National Education Association report indicates that Virginia teacher salaries are falling further behind the national average. Rip it.
The State Corporation Commission challenged the economic benefits of offshore wind projects in the region, making no note of the economic detriment posed by fossil-fuel-driven climate change. Rip it.
Rep. Elaine Luria presented a $5 million check of federal funding to Hampton Roads Transit for various services, repairs, and equipment. Rip it.
While anti-LGBT policies in other states make national headlines, the LGBT Life Center is hosting a Rainbow Prom so that LGBT+ youth in the region will have a safe space for classic high school traditions. Rip it.
Norfolk’s NATO Festival comes amid a backdrop of global headlines about the organization as the war in Ukraine continues. Here’s what local NATO leaders have to say. Rip it.
Norfolk Bike Month kicks off this coming Sunday and the calendar is chock full. Rip it.
You can access public data on bike and pedestrian trip counts via the Norfolk OpenData Portal. Rip it.
Two tigers are set to leave the Virginia Zoo for other zoos in order to “maximize the genetic diversity of the species.” Rip it.
Coaches at ODU and Virginia Tech are former colleagues, setting up a battle between friends this fall. Rip it.
Culture.
Azaleas abound! The story behind the beautiful blooming bushes found around Norfolk. (NFK Currents Original). Rip it.
Mystery Villians has taken Slowdive Gallery by storm and sticks around through June. Rip it.
Dialogue, a free-standing 23-foot-tall stainless-steel sculpture by Jonathan Russell and Saori Ide Russell of Ride Art Studio, is coming to Bay Oaks Park in Ocean View. Rip it.
The 2022-2023 season of Broadway shows coming to Norfolk, including acclaimed productions like Hamilton and Jesus Christ Superstar, were announced this week. Rip it.
Something in the Water has left the region, but you can still get there without driving. Rip it.
Grab the new release “Keep Your Head Up” by local artist Khi the Infinite. Rip it.
The Virginia International Tattoo runs all weekend at Scope Arena with thousands of performers from across the globe. Rip it.
Each day ahead of the Tattoo performances, Virginia Arts Fest hosts a free “Hullabaloo” festival. Rip it.
“How I Became a Pirate” by the Hurrah players is playing over Mother’s Day weekend. Rip it.
Grilled Out with Snake Mountain Revival, Shormey, and more comes to Toast on June 11th. Rip it.
Currently on Display:
FloodZone: Photographs by Anatasia Samoylova at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Water’s Rising: A View From Our Back Yard at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
The Totality of Time Lusters the Dusk at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Art from Guantánamo Bay at Gordon Art Galleries. Rip it.
Motion / Emotion at Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
Hirata Gōyō: The Birth of the Japanese Art Doll at Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
Mystery Villans at Slowdive Gallery. Rip it.
Flourish at d’Art Center. Rip it.
Commerce.
City Council removed a significant barrier to business in the Railroad District with a zoning change that removes mandated parking. (NFK Currents Original) Rip it.
A new cruise ship designed for ‘global exploration’ made an overnight call to Norfolk this week, the first of the season. Rip it.
Nauticus estimates Downtown Norfolk will see 180,000 passengers this season; a 3x increase from 2019. Rip it.
Legend Property Group’s Pilot Place project in the former Virginian-Pilot headquarters features an old printing press, lots of print media, and a coworking space. Rip it.
The Virginia Tourism Corporation launches a new Virginia is for Lovers campaign targeting major metros in the Eastern U.S. with a fun, funny, and upbeat tone. Rip it.
The Hampton Roads Sports Commission has merged with the Hampton Roads Chamber. Rip it.
CHKD’s new 14-story mental health hospital opened for some services this week, with more coming soon. Rip it.
Eggleston Garden Center, which recently opened an all-year indoor farmer’s market, helps provide employment and other resources for disabled members of the community. Rip it.
The Port of Virginia will become the deepest port on the East Coast by 2024. Rip it.
Texas de Brazil has announced its plans to leave MacArthur Center, citing safety concerns. Rip it.
A major regional project, the Virginia-class submarines by Huntington Ingalls Industries, reached a major milestone with the launch of the submarine New Jersey. Rip it.
The Norfolk Tourism Foundation has a new Director: Kelsey Backe. Rip it.
This week the City of Norfolk launches a program to virtually auction off City-owned vacant lots. Rip it.
ReInvent Hampton Roads named Nancy Grden, its new President and CEO. Rip it.
The ODU Board of Visitors approved a roughly 3% increase in the cost of tuition. Rip it.
With a newly approved ABC license, Mudita Coffeehouse in Ocean View is expanding hours and introducing new menus. Rip it.
Norfolk Sinking Since Tote
Arches National Snark – Granby Street NFK
Crowds.
An international spectacle without comparison returns: the Virginia International Tattoo charms the city. (NFK Currents Originals). Rip it.
NorFunk Fest brings Tauk, Delirious George, The Hookz, Paper Aliens, and Ben & Friends to Maker’s Craft Brewery on June 4th. Rip it.
NATO Fest brings the Parade of Nations and an International Village to downtown Norfolk this weekend. Rip it.
Wine Fest prepares to be uncorked on May 7th at Town Point Park. Rip it.
Virginia Arts Fest brings The Sound of Music to the Harrison Opera House in May. Rip it.
The 46th Annual Harborfest lands in Norfolk on June 10th. Rip it.
**Please note that listed times are start times, many events run several hours**
Friday:
Norfolk Run Club meetup at Yorgo’s. 6:00 am. Rip it.
Sunrise Yoga + Coffee with Sky’s The Limit at the Pagoda. 6:30 am. Rip it.
Tidewater African Violet Sale at Norfolk Botanical Gardens. 8:00 am. Rip it.
Norfolk Innovation Corridor Unfiltered with AK Schultz of SVT Robotics at Coalescence Coffee. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Happy Hour Wine Tasting with Vino Culture. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
VA International Tattoo Hullabaloo (Free) at Scope Plaza. 4:30 pm. Rip it.
DrumLine Battle at Scope Plaza. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
The Beauty in Death: Headstone Symbols tour at Elmwood Cemetery. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Dan Pellegrino performs live at Cova Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Marty Moore performs live at Benchtop Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Family Paint Night with FreeFormCanvas at 757 Makerspace. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
LGBT Life Center hosts Rainbow Prom for LGBT+ Youth at the Pagoda. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Dahna Rowe & Jonathan Friedman perform live at Varia. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Spring New Moon Market at Selden Market. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Festival of Praise at Chartway Arena. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Lesser-Known Grapes of Piedmont, Italy Tasting at Vino Culture. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
2022 Virginia International Tattoo at Norfolk Scope. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Va Stage Company presents Dreamgirls at Wells Theater. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Black Jacket Symphony presents The Police Synchronicity at Harrison Opera House. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Whitehall, Berries, and Obscure Son perform live at Slowdive Gallery. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
The Improv Riot: Short Form Improv Show at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
NoCap & Big Yavo perform live at the Norva. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Nacho Ordinary performs live at Fishin’ Pig. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Glasgow Kiss performs live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
Late Night Ladies’ Bike Ride departing Smartmouth Beer. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
The Outlaw Kings perform live at Grain. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
The Improv Riot After Dark: Short Form Improv at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it.
JonQuan, Jahboo, and Johnnygo Figure perform live at Thank You Thank You Bar. 10:00 pm. Rip it.
Saturday:
Downtown Norfolk Community Garden Grand Opening. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Painting The Rainbow at MJ’s Tavern. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Tidewater African Violet Sale at Norfolk Botanical Gardens. 9:00 am. Rip it.
East Beach Farmers Market at 9680 Shore Drive. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Azalea Pruning workshop at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 9:30 am. Rip it.
69th Annual Parade of Nations in Downtown Norfolk. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Free Dance Open House at Mambo Room. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Macrame Plant Hanger Workshop with BoHOme Style at d’Art Center. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Body Positivity On + Off The Mat at Sky’s The Limit. 11:00 am. Rip it.
BigForestFire performs live at Grain. 11:00 am. Rip it.
New Moon Sound Bath at Slowdive Gallery. 11:00 am. Rip it.
NATO Festival International Village at Town Point Park. 11:30 am. Rip it.
11th Annual Pugapalooza at Ballentine Bark Park. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Virginia International Tattoo American Pipe Band Championship at Scope Plaza. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Plant Swap at 757 Creative ReUse Center. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Helles Yes Beer Festival at Elation Brewing. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
NEON District Art Tour with Norfolk Tour Co. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
Broadway Through Time with the Hurrah Players at Copeland Center. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
Va Stage Company presents Dreamgirls at Wells Theater. 3:00 pm & 7:30 pm. Rip it.
S’mores Amore Pop Up at Cova Brewing. 4:30 pm. Rip it.
VA International Tattoo Hullabaloo (Free) at Scope Plaza. 4:30 pm. Rip it.
DrumLine Battle at Scope Plaza. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Lesser-Known Grapes of Piedmont, Italy Tasting at Vino Culture. 5:30 pm. Rip it.
Travis Morrison performed live at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
The Sounds of Trashy Art at Play Norfolk in MacArthur Mall. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Travis Colby performs live at Varia. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Haunted Norfolk Tour departing Moses Myers House. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
2022 Virginia International Tattoo at Norfolk Scope. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Cova Sunset Cinema: Empire Strikes Back at Cova Brewing Co. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Girl-Prov Improv Show at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Yngwie Malmsteen performs live at the Norva. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Cody Browning performs live at Fishin’ Pig. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Screaming Females, Catbite, and Ghosh perform live at Norfolk Taphouse. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Glasgow Kiss performs live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
DJ SDOT performs live at Grain. 9:30 pm. Rip it.
Sunday:
Tidewater African Violet Sale at Norfolk Botanical Gardens. 9:00 am. Rip it.
MacArthur Center Pickleball Meetup at MacArthur Center. 9:30 am. Rip it.
Slow-Mo Sunday Ride with Local Bike Shop. 10:00 am.Rip it.
Creative Writing Workshop at Cafe Mudita. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Yoga on Tap with Sky’s The Limit at Reaver Beach NFK. 10:45 am. Rip it.
Dustin Furlow performs live at Grain. 11:00 am. Rip it.
VA International Tattoo Hullabaloo (Free) at Scope Plaza. 11:30 pm. Rip it.
Bhav Brigade Yoga at Sky’s The Limit. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Bumbling Beetz Urban Market at Benchtop Brewing. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Pups and a Pint with SitMofoSit at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
May Day Celebration with DJ Ryan Thomas at Hermitage Museum and Gardens. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
YIMBY Hampton Roads Meetup at Elation Brewing. Rip it.
Black & Gold perform live at Benchtop Brewing. 12:30 pm. Rip it.
DrumLine Battle at Scope Plaza. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Lil Za Popup with DJ Co-Pilot and Micky Slicks at the Veil. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Survival to Thrival Workshop at Free Rein Studios. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Va Stage Company presents Dreamgirls at Wells Theater. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
2022 Virginia International Tattoo at Norfolk Scope. 2:30 pm. Rip it.
Tour de ORF Casual Bike Ride departing Smartmouth Beer. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
Artist Talk with Lauren Fensterstock at Chrysler Museum. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
The Lost Affair performs live at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
Get a daily rundown of events on our Daily Instagram Story.
Chow.
Portland’s Highroller Lobster Co takes over the kitchen at the Veil on Friday night for a buttery budget breaker. Rip it.
Get ready for celebrity chef Tiffani Ortiz from Chopped and Guys Grocery Games to join the Crop Foundation and Commune Provisions for a special one-night event. Rip it.
Tell your friends they can go to Helles … Fest at Elation Brewing if they’re into the lagers. Rip it.
Smores Amore teams up with Cova Brewing as they release a smores stout and screen Star Wars for a sunset cinema night titled “May the Smores Be With You.” Rip it.
Lil’ Za, a petite pizza pop-up, rolls up at The Veil this Sunday. Rip it.
Pucker up for the pickle platter at The Birch Bar featuring curried cauli, hot crunchy okra, and more. Rip it.
I promise this isn’t fake: Pig ear salad with endive and deviled egg aioli, now at Legrand Kitchen. Rip it.
You know them for their waffles, but Mea Culpa is dropping magical corn pancakes. Rip it.
Kyusi Bakery is rocking the local farmer’s markets with their naturally leavened loaves of love. Rip it.
Soiree Bistro opened its doors in the NEON featuring swanky lighting and jerk lamb chops. Rip it.
Grab “Summer Dusk” from Kobro’s; a sage, lemon zest, and brown sugar craft latte. Rip it.
Catch the best plant-based sweets in town from Empowered Plant Cakes at East Beach Farmers Market this weekend. Rip it.
Yendidi is rolling out the Ghananian fried goods with puffpuffs and meat pies.
Food Truck Sightings:
Friday:
Cups Up at Reaver NFK. Rip it.
Sour Street Pizza at Cova Brewing. Rip it.
Shawna’s Rich Eats at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.
Rio Good Food at Benchtop Brewing. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Brewing. Rip it.
Saturday:
Weng’s Kitchen at Cova Brewing. Rip it.
Miami Fusion at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.
Vang’s Sushi at Reaver NFK. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Brewing. Rip it.
Sunday:
Bumbling Beetz Vegan Vendors at Benchtop Brewing. Rip it.
Shawna’s Rich Eats at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.
Southern Provisions at Cova Brewing. Rip it.
Deutscher Imbiss at Reaver NFK. 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.