Rising tides flooded low-lying Norfolk streets Thursday, closing NPS and leaving commuter routes including Hampton Boulevard impassable after the city shut its downtown floodgates near Nauticus and opened the York Street and Constant Center garages for free resident parking. Rip it.
Ten candidates, including four incumbents, are running for five open seats on the Norfolk School Board as early voting gets underway. Rip it.
Wards Corner’s Scott Guirlinger is running unopposed for Norfolk's Ward 1 City Council seat as Vice Mayor Martin Thomas steps down after 10 years. Rip it.
Norfolk voters decide in November whether to raise the local sales tax by 1% to fund a projected $750 million backlog of school construction and renovation, one of several Hampton Roads localities putting the question on the ballot. Rip it.
Norfolk voters can cast early ballots on Sundays for the first time this election season, with locations open October 18 & 25. Rip it.
Virginia voters decide in November on two constitutional amendments, one protecting access to reproductive health care and one repealing the state's ban on same-sex marriage. Rip it.
ForKids reports that flat funding and added bureaucracy are fracturing the regional housing safety net, leaving vulnerable residents facing displacement. Rip it.
Norfolk's Commonwealth's Attorney's Office is working with Harvard researchers to test an AI triage score that estimates how plea deals affect a defendant's likelihood of reoffending. Rip it.
Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney Ramin Fatehi defended Flock license plate readers as constitutional and central to solving crimes as local privacy objections grow. Rip it.
ODU spent over $200K to turn the Constant Hall classroom where a fatal March shooting occurred into a new student lounge called The Loft. Rip it.
VDOT plans to close the HRBT in one direction during four October weekends for repaving, forcing Norfolk drivers to detour to the Monitor-Merrimac. Rip it.
A first report from the Virginia Boys and Men Advisory Commission finds 48% of the state's fourth-grade boys read at a below-basic level, the largest gender literacy gap in the country. Rip it.
Officials broke ground on the final $389 million segment of the Hampton Roads Express Lanes, which converts seven miles of I-64 shoulders between the I-264 interchange and Tidewater Drive into part-time toll lanes by 2029. Rip it.
Norfolk pets can get free rabies vaccines and enter a costume contest at the health department's Howloween event on Southampton Avenue on October 2. Rip it.
Norfolk's Barraud Park reopens September 26 after a $4.5 million renovation, resident complaints and construction delays kept the gates locked since October 2023. Rip it.
Navy leadership told local sailors and families to prepare for sea duty lasting up to 11 months as the destroyer USS Stout left Norfolk on an independent deployment. Rip it.
A red tide algae bloom is spreading through the Chesapeake Bay, the York River, and the James River, threatening fish populations and lighting up the water at night. Rip it.
The President repealed a 2009 executive order coordinating Chesapeake Bay cleanup, taking aim at local stormwater fees that environmental experts say the repeal does not touch. Rip it.
Seven Virginia Native American tribes withdrew from the Chesapeake Bay Program after being denied formal signatory status, ending a year-long bid for equal voting power in the bay restoration partnership. Rip it.
Norfolk Public Schools requires spectators at all athletic events to carry clear bags starting October 1, banning traditional purses, backpacks, and duffel bags. Rip it.
A statewide survey finds 51% of Virginia families with children face food insecurity, driven by inflation and recent cuts to federal food benefits. Rip it.
The 2027 U.S. News & World Report college rankings place Old Dominion University at No. 328 among national universities and No. 175 among top public schools. Rip it.
Virginia lawmakers directed the General Assembly's research agency to study artificial intelligence policy in higher education and draft a model policy for colleges across the commonwealth. Rip it.
A Ghent resident is pressing Pembroke Towers management for answers after active water leaks left her apartment walls wet for 19 days. Rip it.
A national conference marking 100 years of Black history commemorations ran this week at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott, with voting rights panels and the first-day release of a new USPS Kwanzaa stamp. Rip it.
A constitutional amendment on the November ballot would automatically restore voting rights to Norfolk residents and other Virginians who have completed felony sentences, replacing the current system of gubernatorial approval. Rip it.
Old Dominion introduced 41-year-old Tim House as its new athletic director at S.B. Ballard Stadium, succeeding Wood Selig, who is retiring after 17 years. Rip it.
Jason Wonodi's two punt return touchdowns and Marco Peery's five field goals carried Norfolk State past Hampton 42-21 at Dick Price Stadium in the 61st Battle of the Bay, doubling the Spartans' win total from last season and giving head coach Michael Vick his first Division I victory. Rip it.
The Norfolk Tides finished 58-89, the worst record in the International League and a franchise record for losses, but counted the season a success after sending 38 players to Baltimore and drawing 400,000 fans to Harbor Park. Rip it.
After a mistake-filled loss to East Carolina, Old Dominion hosts undefeated rival JMU at S.B. Ballard Stadium on Saturday, chasing its first Sun Belt win over the Dukes with coach Ricky Rahne backing quarterback Quinn Henicle. Rip it.
Norfolk State travels to Chicago State on Saturday looking for its first road win under head coach Michael Vick. Rip it.
Local musicians are mixing up their usual bands, donning costumes, and covering famous acts for the 10th Annual LAVA Halloween Extravaganza on October 24th. Rip it.
Norfolk singer-songwriter Roberta Lea is mentoring high school musicians as the first artist in Soundscapes' new Luminary program, which debuted with a joint performance opening for Patti LaBelle at Harborfest. Rip it.
Norfolk Botanical Garden added four names to its registry of the 220 Black WPA workers who cleared the swampy land in 1938, bringing the total identified to fewer than 80. Rip it.
The Virginia Arts Festival's monthly Attucks Jazz Club series returns to the theater's top-floor ballroom Saturday with Grammy-winning trumpeter Mike Rodriguez and the John Toomey Trio. Rip it.
Feign Kin performs live at the Music Room at the Hermitage Museum and Gardens on Oct 30th. Rip it.
NEON Nights, where NEON District comes alive with artist activations lands on October 16th. Rip it.
Currently on Display:
Shrines of Democracy: People and Power in America at the Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Ilse Bing Between Paris and New York at the Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Rafael Soldi: Soft Boy at the Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Constellations: Contemporary Jewelry from the Dallas Museum of Art at the Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Handwork at the Hermitage: A National Collaboration with Craft in America at the Hermitage Museum & Gardens. Rip it.
The Sloane Collection at the Hermitage Museum & Gardens. Rip it.
Perry Glass Art Collection at Glass Light. Rip it.
Garden of Tomorrow at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Rip it.
Fibrous: A Juried National Exhibition of Paper & Textile Artworks at the d'Art Center. Rip it.
Mythus: A National Exhibit of Folklore Inspired Artworks at the d'Art Center. Rip it.
Norfolk visitor spending reached $1.6 billion last year, a 35% jump from 2019 that outpaced the statewide average, generating $87.5 million in local tax revenue and supporting more than 8,000 hospitality jobs. Rip it.
Norfolk's free eight-week Bon Appetit program gives local food entrepreneurs business training, access to city catering contracts, and a $7,500 grant at the finish. Rip it.
Clean Virginia is asking state regulators to examine NextEra Energy's past political scandals and failed utility buyouts before approving its proposed $67 billion merger with Dominion Energy. Rip it.
Governor Abigail Spanberger introduced a regulatory framework to rein in Virginia's data center industry by banning developer nondisclosure agreements and shifting rising energy and water infrastructure costs onto tech companies. Rip it.
Virginia faces a $1.7 billion highway maintenance shortfall that could cut state construction funding by 51% as officials prioritize deteriorating roads and bridges. Rip it.
A new consumer advocacy report flags Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for posting pricing formulas so confusing that patients cannot calculate what care will actually cost. Rip it.
Fri September 25
Norfolk Run Club Meetup at Yorgo's Bageldashery. 6:00 am. Rip it.
Sunrise Yoga + Coffee On The River at The Pagoda. 6:30 am. Rip it.
2026 Trail Beautification Days on the ERT at Elizabeth River Trail. 8:30 am. Rip it.
25 on the 25th at The Virginia Zoo. 9:30 am. Rip it.
Tap Into Virginia Opera at Harrison Opera House. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Anthony Bourdain Tribute Wine Dinner at Todd Jurich's Bistro. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Flea After Dark at The Veil Brewing Co. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Monthly Wine Tasting at The Green Onion. 5:30 pm. Rip it.
Dolly Night at Smartmouth Pilot House. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
NEW! Family Garden Overnight at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Volleyball vs. Morgan State at Gill Gymnasium. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
9to5 for national dolly day at The Banque. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Lawn Boys (Phish Tribute) at The Annex. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Seinfeld vs Friends Night Trivia at Maker's Craft Brewery. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Volcanic Wines with Maegan at Vino Culture. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Jordan Jensen at Attucks Theatre. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Alec Lomami, Durag Daf, and J'Koure' at Only You Lounge. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Goth Night at 37th & Zen. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Music Bingo with Nick Taylor at The OV Beach Tavern. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Between the Lines at Little Theatre of Norfolk. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
The Improv Riot All-Star Comedy Show-Sept at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
DJ Saint James Performing Live at Baxter's. 9:30 pm. Rip it.
Plot Party! High Octane Comedy at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it.
Sat September 26
Attucks Jazz Club Series at Attucks Theatre. 12:00 am. Rip it.
Morning Group Bicycle Ride at East Coast Bicycles. 7:00 am. Rip it.
Ocean View Run Club Weekend Long Run at Sandfiddler Cafe. 7:00 am. Rip it.
East Beach Farmers Market at Bay Oaks Park. 8:00 am. Rip it.
Master Class Series: Dance, Act, Sing, and More! at Little Theatre of Norfolk. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Coffee Tasting at Coalescence Coffee Company. 9:30 am. Rip it.
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR Training) with The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation at The Slover Library. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Live Life Fresh Boom Box Bike Ride at ERT HQ. 10:30 am. Rip it.
Toddler Yoga NFK at Sky's The Limit Yoga Co. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Grand Reopening of Barraud Park. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Fall into Floss: An Embroidery Session at d'Art Center. 11:00 am. Rip it.
CATVIDEOFest 2026 at Naro Cinema. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Annual Saint Day of Saint Horton and Saint Champ at Jack Brown's. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Who Cares About Abraham Lincoln Anyway?: Creative Process Discussion on How Performers Care at The Slover-Downtown Branch Library. 1:30 pm. Rip it.
Apothecary Mosaics Workshop with itoti Crafts at d'Art Center. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
Blood and Bootleg: A Hunter House Mystery at Hunter House Victorian Museum. Tours 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Crazy DJ Music Bingo at Hank's Filling Station. 4:30 pm. Rip it.
Fall Fest at Virginia Zoo. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
The Second Layer Collective Night Market at Building G. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Stephanie Stewart artist meet and greet at Zeke's. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Audiostrobelight 21st Birthday Show at The Annex. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
A Night of Poe: Presented by Midnight Creative at The NorVA. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Huey P. Newton: I Am We, Author Talk with Delio Vasquez at Eleanor's Norfolk. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
Vitreous Theater: Bohyun Yoon at The Chrysler Museum of Art. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Earl Dress Shirt at Only You Lounge. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Clue 40th Anniversary Screening at Naro Cinema. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Between the Lines at Little Theatre of Norfolk. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
DJ Grizzly Performing Live at Baxter's. 9:30 pm. Rip it.
IMPROVAGEDDON: !!! at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it.
No Sections Allowed at Baxter's. 10:00 pm. Rip it.
Sun September 27
Slow and Steady Group Ride at Slow & Steady Bike Goods. 10:30 am. Rip it.
Auditions for The Murder of Roger Ackroyd at Wells Theatre. 12:30 pm. Rip it.
DJ Aone Performing Live at Baxter's. 12:30 pm. Rip it.
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th and Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Walk & Talk - What the Research Says About Exercise at Neptune's Fury Cafe. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
NSU Volleyball vs. Coppin State at Gill Gymnasium. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Between the Lines at Little Theatre of Norfolk. 2:30 pm. Rip it.
Basque Country, Spain with Betty at Vino Culture. 3:30 pm. Rip it.
Merci Football Pickup at Lakewood Park. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
High Wire Act: Comedy without a Net! at Push Comedy Theater. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Karaoke Night at Public House. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Lomo Pizzeria just dropped their fall menu, starring a potato pie loaded with Yukon golds, Calabrian chile, and rosemary. Rip it.
Spoon through layers of pear gel, cardamom-ginger sponge, and brown butter ice cream with the gorgeous pear entremet at Glasslight Hotel. Rip it.
Warm up your Saturday morning with a cup of spiced orange peel cinnamon cider from the East Beach Farmers Market. Rip it.
Gourmet Gang stretches its special menu to a two-week window, giving you extra time to grab a classic Corned Beef Reuben. Rip it.
Pair a charred brat burger with a pour of crisp Deathless Märzen at The Veil’s Lager World Invitational on October 3. Rip it.
Pair Glasco’s beefy sliders with a crisp Primo 12 Czech Pale Lager during Benchtop Brewing’s packed weekly lineup. Rip it.
Omar’s Carriage House pairs crispy potato rösti, kohlrouladen, and black forest cheesecake with four German pours for a sixty-nine dollar five-course feast on September 30. Rip it.
The Grilled Cheese Bistro stacks crispy pork belly and sesame teriyaki honey onto sourdough for their gooey, sweet-and-savory Sticky Piggy. Rip it.
Handsome Biscuit now stocks Rookies ice cream sandwiches in OG and Shortcake flavors at both locations to rescue your sweltering afternoon. Rip it.
The Birch tops their new flatbread with sweet onion ricotta, fontina, bacon, and a drizzle of apple balsamic. Rip it.
Thursday nights at Codex mean three courses of pasta for $35, best paired with a $25 bottle of wine or a bitter Campari Spritz. Rip it.
S'mores Amore wedges their signature toasted-marshmallow goodness between two giant cookies for a campfire-scented ice cream sandwich now chilling at Selden Market. Rip it.
Neptune's Fury Coffee Co. revives The Phil, letting you choose between shaved steak or chicken for your morning sandwich fix. Rip it.
Maker’s Craft Brewery just refreshed the can art for their cult-favorite Murder Hornet Double IPA, so grab a freshly illustrated four-pack in the taproom. Rip it.