The “This Week in NFK” newsletter is a little light this week with holiday closings. Enjoy your time with loved ones and we’ll be back in full force next week.

Community. 

Norfolk Republicans chose Giovanni Dolmo as their nominee for the 89th House District special election. Rip it.

A for-profit subsidiary of NRHA has invested $250 million through 2019 but only $35 million was in Norfolk and a million dollars in profit never went back to NRHA. (Part 1) Rip it.

Journalist Jim Morrison provides evidence that the ‘missing funds’ may have ended up as second salaries to NRHA employees. (Part 2) Rip it.

A new flood map prepared by ODU shows the flood risk in the city predicted in 2080. Rip it.

The City of Norfolk is still collecting community input on ARPA funds, but you can see the results so far. The highest requested priority? “Other”. Rip it.

Community leaders are concerned that a federal distribution of a free covid-19 test will not reach medically underserved communities in the region. Rip it.

The Norfolk Urban Renewal Center was surprised with a grant from the TEGNA Foundation. TEGNA is the parent company of Channel 13 News. Rip it.

ODU was defeated 30-17 by Tulsa in the Myrtle Beach Bowl on Monday. Rip it.

The Monarchists raised $5,000 to ensure every ODU student got to experience Monday’s bowl game. Rip it.

CHKD is in desperate need of breast milk for babies in the NICU. Rip it.

The Norfolk Police Department dropped off food and toys for 70 families in public housing communities alongside Santa Claus this week. Rip it.

Norfolk’s Kelani Lawrence won silver, and gold with the U.S. team, in the racquetball world championships. Rip it.

Old Dominion was awarded the prestigious Carnegie Research 1 designation. Rip it.

Norfolk State awarded an honorary doctorate degree to Pharrell Williams this week. Rip it.

The hotel originally leased by the City of Norfolk to shelter unhoused people in the city was officially purchased this week for $4.4 million. Rip it.

Culture.

A Norfolk sixth-grader authored a children’s book about conquering pandemic fears. Rip it.

Charlotte Potter Kasic was named the Executive Director of the Barry Art Museum. Rip it.

757 Headspace’s first event “Open Floor” featuring over a dozen choreographers comes to ODU’s Univesity Theater on January 27th. Rip it.

The Chrysler hosts Waters Rising: A View From Our Backyard and FloodZone, two complementary exhibits on climate change. Rip it.

Currently on Display:Fence Street Gallery in the NEON District. Rip it.Pier Luigi Nervi: Art and Science of Building at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.Karen LaMonte: Théâtre de la Mode at Barry Art Museum. Rip it.Tuan Andrew Nguyen: The Boat People at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.Alpha / Beta at Offsite Gallery. Rip it.

Commerce.

VIP Lounge barbershop is providing free haircuts to those in need over the holidays – and all year round. Rip it.

Norfolk-based Harbor Group, a real estate investment firm, purchased an NYC skyscraper for $760 million. Rip it.

ODU’s State of the Commonwealth Report indicates that large metros in Virginia, like ours, are regaining jobs slower than small metros. Rip it.

Former medical offices on Redgate Ave have been converted into short-term rentals called “The Rosalie.” Rip it.

Visual Vibes’ Kickstarter campaign blew past their $10,000 goal and raised over $200K in 4 weeks. Rip it.

Selden Market is seeking new businesses for its unique retail spaces. Rip it.

A Yorktown dog treat bakery, Gangsta Dog, is looking to expand with a Norfolk location. Rip it.

30 projects across Virginia were awarded a collective $24.5 million in flooding preparedness funds, including projects impacting Norfolk. Rip it.

Dominion Energy ordered 176 wind turbines from Siemens Gamesa, which will be assembled at a forthcoming facility at the Port of Virginia. Rip it.

Over the past year, Virginia’s housing supply has shrunk dramatically. Rip it.

Regional Economic Stats. Port Stats. Labor Stats.

NFK / 757 Champion Sweatshirt

NFK Dad Hat

Crowds.

Waterside District is lining up the grandest NYE party in Downtown Norfolk. (NFK Currents Original) Rip it.Watch the ball drop on NYE in Chelsea. Rip it.

**Please note that listed times are start times, many events run several hours**All Weekend:DoPortugal Circus at Military Circle. Rip it.Zoolumination at Virginia Zoo. Rip it.Million Bulb Walk at Norfolk Botanical Garden. Rip it.Winterfest at Nauticus. Rip it.MacArthur On Ice at MacArthur Center. Rip it.Model Train Exhibit at Selden Market. Rip it.

Friday: Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at Benchtop Brewing. 12:00 pm. Rip it.A Merry Little Christmas Carol at Wells Theater. 2:00 pm. Rip it.Skylark with Skip Hancock performing live at Varia. 7:00 pm. Rip it.The Wave is open. 9 pm. Rip it.

Saturday: Merry Christmas you Rippers!

Christmas at Grain. 10:00 am. Rip it.Pajama Party at MJ’s Tavern. 7:00 pm. Rip it.The Wave is open. 9:00 pm. Rip it. 

Sunday:

Slow Mo Sunday Ride and Pink Dinghy Donut Popup at Local Bike Shop. 9:00 am. Rip it.Dustin Furlow performs live at Grain. 11:00 am. Rip it.Community Gentle Yoga at Ocean View Beach Park. 12:00 pm. Rip it.Peace & Pints Yoga with Bhav Brigade at Smartmouth. 1:00 pm. Rip it.Danny Kensy performs live at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 3:00 pm. Rip it.Model Citizen Cocktail Pop-up at Crudo Nudo. 5:30 pm. Rip it.Boxing Day Irish Session at Grace O’Malley’s. 6:00 pm. Rip it.DJ Joe Fu performs live at Grain. 7:30 pm. Rip it.

Get a daily rundown of events on our Daily Instagram Story.

Chow.

Grab a Turkish Breakfast with Grandiflora Wine Garden on Sunday. Rip it.

Catch Baked AF popping up at Selden Market with the finest gluten-free and keto donuts and breakfast biscuits. Rip it.

Looking to celebrate the new year with some extra special beer? Bottle Box has one of the best selections of non-local craft beers. Rip it.

Kobro’s Craft Peppermint Mocha Latte is back to deck the halls of your tastebuds. Rip it.

It’s a mean one: The Grinch pizza at Cogans. Rip it.

Get it while you can! Redwood Smoke Shack has been selling out consistently. There must be something in the smoke. Rip it.

Korean-style caramelized sliced ribeye? AWOG really is putting the good in the world. Rip it.

Chicken and waffles just hits different at My Mama’s Kitchen. Rip it.

Food Truck Sightings:Friday:Crop Circle Gourmet at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Brewing. Rip it.A Bite of Maine at Benchtop Brewing. Rip it.

Saturday:All Closed.

Sunday:Hades Wood Fired at Reaver NFK. Rip it.Shawna’s Rich Eats at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Brewing. Rip it.Hashi Chow at Benchtop Brewing. Rip it.Vang’s Sushi at Cova Brewing. Rip it.

The Ripcurrent.

Downtown Norfolk prepping for Christmas in 1956

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. Go Hokies!

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The post This week in NFK: Caucus Controversy, NRHA Cash Questions, Gangsta Dogs, Grinch Pizza, and a Merry Christmas appeared first on NFKVA.