Norfolk plans to restore its downtown street grid by demolishing MacArthur Center starting in late 2027, paving the way for housing, hotels, and a grocery store. Rip it.
Norfolk City Council unanimously approved a new voting precinct at the Norfolk State University Student Center to boost student voter turnout starting with the November 2026 elections. Rip it.
Norfolk City Council approved a $25 million revenue bond to help fund a $50 million youth campus at the former DePaul Medical Center; construction starts this September. Rip it.
Bon Secours broke ground on Norfolk’s first freestanding emergency department on Kingsley Lane, bringing 24/7 urgent care back to the neighborhood by late 2027. Rip it.
Norfolk received 13 bids to demolish the vacant Military Circle Mall, clearing the way for a 15-month teardown scheduled to begin this fall. Rip it.
Norfolk officials pulled a vacant Llewellyn Avenue lot from auction to reevaluate saving its sprawling live oak tree, following a six-year campaign by a Park Place couple. Rip it.
The Norfolk Department of Public Health co-developed Front Door, a new online tool connecting uninsured adults with free and low-cost healthcare. Rip it.
Norfolk International Airport broke ground on a larger observation area featuring more parking, a children’s play area, a food truck pad, and restrooms, with completion slated for late fall 2027. Rip it.
Virginia's new heat illness prevention law, championed by Norfolk Delegate Phil Hernandez, makes the Commonwealth the first Southern state to mandate workplace heat safety standards by May 2028. Rip it.
Virginia SNAP enrollment dropped by 100,000 recipients following federal funding cuts, leaving local food pantries scrambling to meet increased demand. Rip it.
Naval Station Norfolk’s free Base Express bus service surpassed its three-year ridership goal of 26,000 passengers in under a year, carrying more than 188,000 riders since late 2022. Rip it.
The USS Fort Lauderdale returned to Naval Station Norfolk on Thursday following an 11-month deployment that included disaster relief in Jamaica and Venezuela. Rip it.
State officials approved an environmental assessment to build a 9.7-acre manmade island in the bay, providing a permanent nesting sanctuary for thousands of seabirds displaced by the HRBT expansion. Rip it.
Governor Abigail Spanberger’s administration is now using a state commission to fill 27 vacancies with skills-based, diverse, and non-partisan appointees. Rip it.
The Virginia Department of Education defended its failed proposal to delay new reading and math proficiency benchmarks, claiming the widely criticized plan stemmed from state legislative mandates. Rip it.
Virginia received about $845,500 from a $45 million multistate settlement with Cash App parent Block, Inc. over allegations it failed to protect users from fraud. Rip it.
Following a yearlong renovation, the Larchmont Branch Library reopens on August 17 with an all-day celebration featuring a petting zoo, free cold treats, and upgraded technology. Rip it.
Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi welcomes Virginia's legal marijuana market slated for next July, arguing legalization will reduce local violence and lighten his office's workload. Rip it.
Virginia Eye Consultants is offering free cataract surgeries to uninsured Norfolk residents through its 10-year-old Looking Forward, Giving Back program. Rip it.
A local non-profit launched a mobile cybersecurity bus to teach robotics and tech skills to underserved students, backed by a $200,000 state appropriation and $180,000 Google sponsorship. Rip it.
Threatened northeastern beach tiger beetle populations plummeted from 7,500 to fewer than 1,500 at a key Virginia preserve as Chesapeake Bay beaches erode. Rip it.
ODU football coach Ricky Rahne and the Monarchs dismiss their highest-ever Sun Belt preseason ranking of second ahead of their September kickoff. Rip it.
Recent Maury High School graduate Lee Garris bypassed college at JMU to sign with the New York Yankees following his 13th-round MLB draft selection. Rip it.
After nearly 50 years covering local sports, 73-year-old writer Harry Minium is trading Norfolk press rows for East Berlin to live with the German translator he met volunteering with Ukrainian refugees. Rip it.
Norfolk Tides third baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand, whose record-setting surname is too long to fit on his jersey, is powering the lineup at Harbor Park while eyeing a return to the majors. Rip it.
Luis Vazquez hit a 10th-inning walk-off single at Harbor Park to lift the Norfolk Tides past the Syracuse Mets 5-4, securing the team's first back-to-back wins since June. Rip it.
The annual Anthem LemonAid Challenge returns to Norfolk, inviting residents to host pop-up lemonade stands through August 9 to raise funds for CHKD’s Cancer and Blood Disorder Center. Rip it.
An anonymous donor gifted Norfolk’s American Legion Post 37 a former bank building near Military Circle, resolving steep-stair accessibility issues that previously forced the post to turn away disabled veterans. Rip it.
Former Norfolk City Councilman Paul Riddick, who represented Ward Four for 30 years, has died at age 78. Rip it.
Norfolk mourners recently celebrated the life of William Haywood Blanchard, a 106-year-old World War II veteran and longtime pastor who gifted a final property to his Chesapeake church. Rip it.
An anonymous stranger paid off the $1,155 debt sworn "on moms grave," prompting the owner of Ron Hess Guns & Tackle to take down his Tidewater Drive sign. Rip it.
Two 3-year-old cheetah brothers, Walnut and Cashew, arrived at the Virginia Zoo, though visitors might need patience as the shy, bonded pair adjusts to the public eye. Rip it.
Nauticus launched its inaugural Winterfest Great Light Sweepstakes, offering one local homeowner a professional $2,500 holiday light makeover and unlimited season passes to Winterfest on the Wisconsin. Rip it.
Two local teenagers launched a nonprofit to document and advocate for overlooked historic sites in the region, starting with the empty, 1920s Gothic Revival-style Christian Temple in Park Place. Rip it.
Baltimore-based artist and Green Run graduate Nai Turner installed a new vinyl mural on West Berkley Avenue through Norfolk's public art program to inspire the next generation of neighborhood creatives. Rip it.
USA Today readers voted Norfolk Botanical Garden’s Bristow Butterfly Garden the top butterfly house in the country for the second consecutive year. Rip it.
The Downtown Norfolk Council is accepting applications for the 40th anniversary Grand Illumination Parade, scheduled for November 21, 2026, under the theme "Ruby Radiance." Rip it.
Two new exhibitions are opening this weekend at d’Art Center. Rip it.
Currently on Display:
Imperial Colors: Chinese Glass at the Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Rafael Soldi: Soft Boy at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Constellations: Contemporary Jewelry from the Dallas Museum of Art at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Declare: A Civic Gospel at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Divulge: A National Exhibit Featuring the Use of Art for Therapy & Mental Health Awareness at d’Art Center. Rip it.
Word of Art: A National Exhibit of Artworks that Incorporate the Written Wordat d’Art Center. Rip it.
Handwork at the Hermitage at the Hermitage Museum & Gardens. Rip it.
The Sloane Collection at the Hermitage Museum & Gardens. Rip it.
The CAN Collection at Assembly. Rip it.
Perry Glass Art Collection at Glass Light. Rip it.
Mysterious Collection by eLLe at the Gallery at Elation. Rip it.
State regulators began a six-month review of Dominion Energy's proposed $67 billion merger with Florida-based NextEra, a deal drawing scrutiny from critics and lawmakers. Rip it.
Governor Abigail Spanberger’s administration is urging state regulators to make data centers pay for their own high-voltage transmission lines, shielding Norfolk Dominion Energy ratepayers from subsidizing the tech giants. Rip it.
Ranking second nationally, the Port of Virginia recovered 163 stolen vehicles valued at $8.8 million last fiscal year, including a $269,885 Lamborghini Urus bound for the United Arab Emirates. Rip it.
The ODU Real Estate Foundation plans to build a seven-story, 117-unit apartment complex on Hampton Boulevard, prompting longtime pet retailer Muddy Paws to relocate by 2027. Rip it.
Norfolk's second Target, a 129,000-square-foot store in Wards Corner, is hiring ahead of its scheduled fall opening. Rip it.
Carnival Cruise Line released its 2027 Norfolk schedule, featuring 21 sailings on the Carnival Sunshine before the Carnival Freedom takes over in late May for 33 additional departures. Rip it.
Norfolk-based startup Navaluxe, founded by Navy veteran Elenoir Kosgei, sells $46.99 bamboo sheets designed specifically to fit standard military racks. Rip it.
Virginia climbed to third in CNBC’s "Top States for Business" rankings, buoyed by a second-place infrastructure showing that highlights the Port of Virginia's recently completed $450 million dredging project. Rip it.
Former Navy sailor Michael Millard-Lowe traded his accounting degrees for French furniture, navigating customs snags and online auctions to stock his Ghent antique shop. Rip it.
Old Dominion University's Minus 9 to 5 program partnered with Accomack County to launch up to six home-based childcare businesses, aiming to alleviate the Eastern Shore's shortage. Rip it.
With Virginia facing a shortage of over 17,000 registered nurses, Old Dominion University educators warn that training the next generation requires solving faculty pay gaps and integrating rapid technological changes. Rip it.
Virginia recently hosted the inaugural flight of a federal pilot program testing electric aircraft, which will eventually transport transplant organs along a new corridor between Virginia and Maryland. Rip it.
ODU secures its largest capital investment in history with a state-funded, $250 million Engineering and Arts Building slated to open for its centennial in 2030. Rip it.
Former TV journalist Danya Bacchus Whipple and her husband Eric opened Beignets & Brew on 21st Street, bringing New Orleans-style fried pastries and breakfast sandwiches to Norfolk. Rip it.
Fri July 17
Norfolk Run Club Meetup at Yorgo's Bageldashery. 6:00 am. Rip it.
Field Trip Fridays on the Learning Barge at Grandy Village. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Ghent Farmers Market at Blair Middle School. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
TGIF at Westside Produce & Provisions. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Flea After Dark at Afterglow Brewing. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Dual Art Exhibit Opening (Free): Divulge & WORD of Art at d'Art Center. 5:30 pm. Rip it.
Tidewater United Weekly Disc Golf League at Lafayette Park. 5:45 pm. Rip it.
"Big Bands on the Bay" Concert Series at Ocean View Beach Park. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Desiree Jordan Performing Live at Varia. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
12th Annual Bastille Day Tour de France Wine Dinner at Todd Jurich's Bistro. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Friday Night Live Music at COVA Brewing Company. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Sunset Sessions w/ Cheat Codes, Animal Haus, and Alex Lambrino at Waterside District. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
Donation-Based Sound Bath Meditation with Carly at Norfolk Karate Academy. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Art Rowe - VFW POST 4809. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Idle's Citadel of Rock n Roll at RIFFHOUSE. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Stories on Stage: Life in the Making at Hermitage Museum and Gardens. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
IPWA Pro Wrestling Carnage at the Castle at The Pythian Castle. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Disco Nights at The Annex. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Jazz Night with Jimmy Masters, Joel Sanford, and Scott Mclemore at Cafe Stella. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
The Jam Presents The Diversity Jam Jam! at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Goth Night at 37th & Zen. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Glowdeo featuring VAVO at PBR Norfolk. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Jake Ryan Solo Performing Live at Tap It Local. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Unity Gain: Live Electronic feat. Trauma Mammal, CLKB8, Error Macro, Battikh, DJ Who? at The Taphouse Grill. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
DJ D Money Performing Live at Chicho's Backstage. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
DJ Grizzly Performing Live at Baxter's Sports Lounge. 9:30 pm. Rip it.
Teacher's Pet - Improv Comedy Show at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it.
Sat July 18
Morning Group Bicycle Ride at East Coast Bicycles. 7:00 am. Rip it.
Ocean View Run Club Weekend Long Run at Biscuit Belly. 7:15 am. Rip it.
East Beach/EOV Farmers Market at Bay Oaks Park. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Plastic Free July at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Downtown Norfolk Architectural Tour at Downtown Branch Library. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Veterans Workshop: Shakespeare 101 at The Wells Theatre. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Jr Garden Artists: Picnic Plates at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Building with Dirt Live Demonstration at Larchmont Library. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Once Upon a Garden at Fred Heutte Garden. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Sketchbook Morning at Equinox. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Live Life Fresh Boom Box Bike Ride at Freshtopia. 10:30 am. Rip it.
Upstage Yourself: Stage Presence and Facial Expression Workshop at 1611A Colley Avenue. 11:00 am. Rip it.
The Really Big Dinosaur Show! at The Slover. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Parable Studies Weekly Book Club at Eleanor's. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Enchanted Midsummer: Wands & Wizards Market at The Pagoda. 11:00 am. Rip it.
UbeLand + Palengke Norfolk at Captain Slade D. Cutter Athletic Park. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Cricut Heat Transfer Vinyl Workshop at The Slover. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Pop-Up Paint & Critique with Terry Wylie at d'Art Center. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Metalsmithing: Twisted Horseshoe Hoops with K. Courage Designs at d'Art Center. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
25th Annual Norfolk Latino Music Festival at Town Point Park. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Eats Street Food Market at Maker's Craft Brewery. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
Artistree Market at The NorVA. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
Sail Away Party with Cruise Norfolk at Waterside District. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
Crazy DJ Music Bingo at Hank's Filling Station. 4:30 pm. Rip it.
Heatwave Decades of Summer Dance Party with DJ Paul! at 37th and Zen. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
COVA's Coney Island Revival at COVA Brewing Company. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Adult Night: Summer Camp at The Virginia Zoo. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
A Kiss Before Burial, Doomhauer, Sotoksik, Fupa Goddess, I Regret Nothing at The Annex. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Jacoozy Summer Tour 2026 at Benchtop Brewing. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Anime Bazaar: DragonBallZ at Locals Marketplace. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Amateur Hot Dog Eating Contest at COVA Brewing Co.. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Grupo Ritmo Son Live! at Waterside District. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Pushing Dragons: An Improvised Dungeons and Dragons Adventure at Push Comedy Theater. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Rylo & Friends at Only You Lounge. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
DJ Gabrham Lincolnn Performing Live at Tap It Local. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
DJ Scot Free performs live at Baxters. 9:30 pm. Rip it.
GAIA.WAV at The Annex. 10:00 pm. Rip it.
Sun July 19
Yoga and Recovery at Flourish on Colley. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Sunday Tea Book Club: Nearly Roadkill at Eleanor's. 10:30 am. Rip it.
Slow and Steady Group Ride at Slow & Steady Bike Goods. 10:30 am. Rip it.
UbeLand + Palengke Norfolk at Captain Slade D. Cutter Athletic Park. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Plant Bingo at The Ghent rooftop. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Knot Your Average Macrame Plant Hanger at Torch Bistro. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th and Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Made In Open Mic at Selden Market. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
Craft Social at Eleanor's. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
Finals Watch Party at Waterside District. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
NFK Unplugged Club Beach Please! Meet Up at Ocean View Beach. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
Virginia Symphony Orchestra: Concert in the Park at Town Point Park. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Music Bingo! at Colley Cantina. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Ultimate Beach Leg Day at Ocean View Beach Park. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
LGBTQ+ Yoga at 301 Brooke Ave. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
The Nascar Jones Show - Live Talk Show Comedy Extravaganza at Push Comedy Theater. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Downtown Norfolk Restaurant Week returns July 20 to 26, offering multi-course fixed price meals at local spots like Codex, Todd Jurich’s Bistro, 219 Bistro, and Saffron. Rip it.
219 is featuring Santa Fe Chicken Penne, Veggie Lasagna, and Fish & Chips for a $35 Restaurant Week menu. Rip it.
Downtown dessert spot Blyss anchors Norfolk's National Ice Cream Month offerings with rotating weekly flavors and a towering strawberry cheesecake sundae on Granby Street. Rip it.
Sea Smoke, the gold medal-winning lager collab from Afterglow is 100% parasite free. Rip it.
Madeleines with Cardamom Sugar are on deck at Cafe Stella. Rip it.
Only in July can you get “The Jetty” at Chicho’s Backstage. Rip it.
Helluva lotta ube on the summer special menu at Coalescence. Rip it.
You gotta hit the Rosé Wine Dinner next to the giant pink bunny at Glass Light Hotel & Gallery. It’s just right. Rip it.
Esteban from Ilo Bistro is competing in the 2026 Virginia Cocktail Games with “Timepasser.” Rip it.
The Black truffle Buffalo cabbage is back at LeGrand. Rip it.