🌊This Week in NFK: Contenders, Cruises, FRED, SURFER, Unions, Smoke, and more!

Tommy Leeman has announced his candidacy for Mayor, challenging incumbent Kenny Alexander. Rip it.  

Norfolk’s got cruises and (maybe?) a casino, but casino cruise ships? Legislators voted the possibility down this week. Rip it. 

Cruise stops planned for Yorktown are headed to Norfolk instead this summer. Rip it. 

New parking systems are rolling out across the city with tech like license plate reading. Rip it.

There’s a new Free Ride Every Day (FRED) in Downtown Norfolk providing free shuttles. Rip it. 

While the region ranks high nationally for solo commutes, Traffix is supported carpooling, commuter matching, and more ways to get to work. Rip it.

Tired of getting stuck at train crossings? New legislation may change train length limits and increase fines for blocking traffic. Rip it.

Councilman JP Paige hosted “Iron Sharpens Iron” this week to bring men together to address mental health issues. Rip it. 

The Virginia Department of Education is working on new accountability standards for schools focused on “inputs.'‘ Rip it. 

NPS announced a policy requiring chaperones for students attending basketball games and then quickly walked it back. Rip it.

A bill passed in the Senate would allow localities to increase local sales tax to pay for school construction. Rip it. 

Virginia’s second congressional district, which abuts Norfolk, got a new candidate this week: Attorney Jake Denton. Rip it.

NOAA and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management released a report on how to mitigate any threat to whales caused by offshore wind energy. Rip it. 

You’re not the only one who loves winter in the 757, apparently whales love our waterways. Rip it. 

Learn West African dance moves and groove to distinctive beats at Afrobeats Fest 757 at Norfolk State this weekend. Rip it. 

Experience Future Funk, a sub-genre of vaporwave with sampled disco and Japanese city pop at a free show next weekend. Rip it.

Next week, the Chrysler Museum hosts a 1964-themed celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Beatles’ performance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Rip it. 

EVMS and d’Art Center are partnering for a free open studio session for Veterans. Rip it. 

Festevents has put together a playlist of artists you can catch at Town Point Park in 2024. Rip it. 

Spring Break Art Camp is super popular at the Hermitage and registration is open. Rip it. 

Little Theater of Norfolk has announced their 98th season of shows including Sweeney Todd, Shakespeare, and more. Rip it.

Later this month the Botanical Garden screens “Rhythms of the Land” documenting generations of Black farming in the United States. Rip it. 

Five Points is getting a new sculpture and it’s almost wrapped up. Rip it. 

Coming later this month at Assembly with CAN Foundation: SURFER, an Andy Harris Exhibition. Rip it. 

Currently on Display:
Charles Atlas: Selected Videos 1987–2015 at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Jaime Guerrero: Dendrolatry at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
“Foreign Bodies” by Rowena Finn at Offsite Gallery. Rip it.
The Dawn is Ours: Amanda Gorman Textiles from South Africa at Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
Martha Chase: Progressive Kindness at Barry Art Museum. Rip it. 
Paintings from the Porch: Works by Jake McCord at Gordon Art Galleries. Rip it.
Concrete Ocean: Works by Leigh Merrill at Gordon Art Galleries. Rip it. 
Aubrey Schilke Artworks at The Gallery At Elation. Rip it.

Captain Groovy’s in Ocean View has new owners: the Virginia Beach-based owners of Aberdeen Barn. Rip it.

Local restaurants may get to keep their pandemic-induced to-go cocktails as new rules pass the House and Senate. Rip it.

ODU’s economic forecast warns of major risk for the region if Congress doesn’t take action on budget issues. Rip it. 

Breeze Airways flight attendants are seeking to unionize, following close behind the recent Costco unionization. Rip it. 

The union for Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press staff went on strike this week to protest low wages and the removal of 401K matches. Rip it. 

Sentara Norfolk General gut the ribbon on a new unit for high-risk pregnancies. Rip it. 

Think your business is ready for the sharks? Shark Tank casting is coming to town. Rip it. 

The OpenSeas Technology Innovation Hub at ODU is now a member of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Power Connector Network. Rip it. 

Dominion Energy has earned the final two federal approvals needed to move forward with the construction and operation of its $9.8 billion, 176-turbine offshore wind farm. Rip it. 

Regional Economic Stats. State Labor Stats. 

BIG LOVE NFK: The Valentine’s Day MegaGuide to food, music, shows, & more. (NFK Currents Original). Rip it. 

Smartmouth’s nostalgia-packed Lunch Lady Land is back next weekend with sloppy joes, square pizza, adult lunchables, chocolate milk beers, and more. Rip it.  

The Sand Tones, Work Wear, and Feminine Death are rocking Chicho’s on the 16th. Rip it.

311 and Flogging Molly are both making their way to the Norva this month. Rip it. 

Coming soon to Waterside: The Norfolk Flea Market. Rip it. 

Andrew & Logan Have One on the House perform at the Hermitage next week. Rip it. 

FRIDAY:
Norfolk Run Club Friday Meetup at Yorgo's Bageldashery. 6:00 am. Rip it
Yoga at Cure Coffeehouse. 7:00 am. Rip it
Birding Walk & Talk at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 9:30 am. Rip it
Writers Coffee Break at Cafe Stella. 10:00 am. Rip it
Naval Station Norfolk USO Birthday Celebration. 10:30 am. Rip it.
Tate Garcia performs live at Gershwin’s. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Sip & Spin at d'Art Center with Music Theory Studios! at d'Art Center. 5:45 pm. Rip it
LAVA Presents: Soporus, TLVS, Holy Love Incorporated , Silence & the Unwinking Minds at Vessel Craft Coffee. 6:00 pm. Rip it
Amy Kaus performs live at Maker's Craft Brewery. 6:00 pm. Rip it
Frank Sings Frank at Varia. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Bad Movie Night at Michael and Kimthanh Lê Planetarium. 6:30 pm. Rip it
Fixity performs live at Elation. 6:30 pm. Rip it. 
February Open Build Night at 757 Makerspace. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Friday Night Magic Draft at Atlantis Games & Comics. 7:00 pm. Rip it
LAVA Presents: False Cape,  Wallpaper, Killer Feels at Back Bay Beach House.7:00 pm. Rip it
Igneous Soil Series at Vino Culture. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Zaii & Fake Uzumi spin live at Only You. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Dial 'M' for Murder at Wells Theatre. 7:30 pm. Rip it
Amanda and Roo Plays at Grace O'Malley's Irish Pub & Restaurant. 7:30 pm. Rip it
Carl Olson performs live at Gershwin’s. 8:00 pm. Rip it. 
Becky Robinson - She Gone Tour at Attucks Theatre. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Girl-Prov-Panties Takeover at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
To Kill a Mockingbird at Chrysler Hall. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Friday Nightcap Live Entertainment at Brothers. 8:00 pm. Rip it
1964... The Tribute at The NorVA. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Groundhog Day at Naro Cinema. 9:00 pm. Rip it
Aaron Fulcher performs live at Grain. 9:00 pm. Rip it. 
Pajama Party: Improv - Panties Takeover at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it. 

SATURDAY: 
Ocean View Run Club Weekend Long Run. 7:15 am. Rip it  
Open House at Webb University Center. 8:00 am. Rip it
Send It Saturday Morning Group Ride at East Coast Bicycles. 8:00 am. Rip it
Every Brilliant Thing at Ebenezer Baptist Church VA. 9:00 am. Rip it
Engage Norfolk 2024 at Scope Exhibition Hall. 9:30 am. Rip it
Sky’s The Limit Yoga at Waters Edge Winery Norfolk. 10:00 am. Rip it
Queer Writers Meet-up at Eleanor’s Norfolk. 10:00 am. Rip it
Building Bosses Youth Empowerment Conference at Slover. 10:00 am. Rip it.
The Art of Poetry at The Slover. 10:00 am. Rip it
Mardi Gras Drag Brunch 2 at The OV Beach Tavern. 10:00 am. Rip it
Live Life Fresh Boom Box Bike Ride at Freshtopia. 10:30 am. Rip it
BigForestFire performs live at Grain. 11:00 am. Rip it. 
Afrobeats FEST 757 at Norfolk State University. 11:00 am. Rip it
Ecstatic Dance and Breathwork Session. 11:00 am. Rip it. 
Matchmakers Market at Benchtop Brewing. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Black History Month Scholarship and Celebration at Attucks Theatre. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Febtoberfest at Cova Brewing Company. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Diversity Gallery Reception at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Mardi Gras at Afterglow Brewing. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Mind the Locals Pop-Up Market at Locals Marketplace. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Smooches for Pooches - Dog Kissing Booth at Reaver Beach. 1:00 pm. Rip it. 
Sweet & Arts - Charcuterie Boards at Richard A. Tucker Memorial Library. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Colleges and Cookies at Mary D Pretlow Anchor Branch Library. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Closed Rehearsal: Chicken & Biscuits at Little Theatre of Norfolk. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th & Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it
To Kill a Mockingbird at Chrysler Hall. 2:00 pm. Rip it
Basketball vs. Delaware State at Joseph Echols Hall. 2:00 pm. Rip it
Dial 'M' for Murder at Wells Theatre. 3:00 pm. Rip it
Steve Gudasz performs live at Gershwin’s. 5:00 pm. Rip it. 
Wines of Roja Spain with Akeyla at Vino Culture. 5:30 pm. Rip it. 
Ernest Whitehead performs live at Varia. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
The Hamm Hawks perform live at Only You Lounge. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Saturday Night Yu-Gi-Oh! at Atlantis Games & Comics. 6:30 pm. Rip it 
Kendal Street Company performs live at The Bunker Brewpub. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Pancho Music performs live at Chicho’s Backstage. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Music Lovers at Boss Queens Soul Cafe. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Retro Game Night w/ Button Slashers at Packed House. 7:30 pm. Rip it. 
Jack Thomas performs live at Gershwin’s. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Silent Disco at Waterside District. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Ologist spins live at Only You Lounge. 8:30 pm. Rip it. 
12th Anniversary Tavern Style at MJ's Tavern. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Date Night at the Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it. 
Marty Moore hosts Open Mic Night at District Apizza. 8:00 pm. Rip it. 
Saturday Nightcap Live Entertainment at Brothers . 8:00 pm. Rip it
Amanda Roo Plays at Grace O'Malley's Irish Pub & Restaurant. 8:30 pm. Rip it
Brian Pinardi performs live at Grain. 9:00 pm. Rip it. 
The Made-Up Movie at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it. 

SUNDAY:
Sunday Dog Day at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 9:00 am. Rip it 
Yogi Winter School - Pose Breakdown Workshop at Sky's The Limit Yoga Co. 10:00 am. Rip it
Romance Book Club at Eleanor's Norfolk. 10:00 am. Rip it
Sky’s The Limit Yoga on Tap at Reaver NFK. 10:45 am. Rip it
Robbie Meade performs live at Grain. 11:00 am. Rip it. 
Sip and Stroll Sunday Market at Benchtop Brewing Company. 12:00 pm. Rip it 
Sunday Weekly Pokemon League at Atlantis Games & Comics. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th & Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it
To Kill a Mockingbird at Chrysler Hall. 1:00 pm. Rip it
MTG Modern Sunday at Atlantis Games & Comics. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Murders at Karlov Manor Prerelease at Atlantis Games & Comics. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Beauty Boss Business Networking Brunch at Boss Queen’s Soul Cafe. 1:00 pm. Rip it. 
Dial 'M' for Murder at Wells Theatre. 2:00 pm. Rip it
FUNdraiser for St. Mary's Home for Disabled Children at Elation Brewing. 2:00 pm. Rip it
Free Hot Cocoa for kids at Hank's Filling Station. 2:00 pm. Rip it
Intro to Glowforge with Cristina at 757 Makerspace. 2:00 pm. Rip it
Relief Print Making 101 with Sarah at 757 Makerspace. 2:00 pm. Rip it
Tour de ORF at Smartmouth Beer. 3:00 pm. Rip it
Restorative Yoga & Hot Stone at Sky's The Limit Yoga Co. 5:30 pm. Rip it
Hip Hop & R&B Raised Me Day Party at Boss Queens Soul Cafe. 5:00 pm. Rip it. 
Alec Edmonds performs live at Grain. 7:30 pm. Rip it.

The next edition of Omar’s wine dinner is here, this time Lebanese themed. Rip it.

Want to cook as good as the chef’s at Blanca? Cooking classes are back. Rip it. 

Brunch meets burger and the results are oozing at the Bird. Rip it. 

Giant pretzels are perfect for giant crowds. Find ‘em at Barrel 17. Rip it. 

Amaretto Lattes are rolling into Cafe Mudita. Rip it. 

If you love tasting chocolate, just wait until you try meditative yoga with it. Rip it. 

Chicken Parm flavored chicken wings? Only Dirty Buff would dare it. Rip it.

I’d rollover in my grave if anyone spoke poorly of these apple turnovers. Rip it. 

They say “where there’s smoke, there’s fire” and in this case Smartmouth proved it right. Rip it.

Food Truck Sightings:
Friday:
The Lit Auntie at Maker’s Craft. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen, Nacho Libre & Bumbling Bee at Cova. Rip it.
The Potato Peeps at Reaver Beach. Rip it.
Salsa Libre at Benchtop. Rip it.
Sour Street Face at Afterglow. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth. Rip it.
Bakehouse at Elation Brewing. Rip it.
Bar-q at Bold Mariner. Rip it.

Saturday:
The Lit Auntie at Maker’s Craft. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen & Moontide Sundries at Cova. Rip it.
Flippin' Hangry at Reaver Beach. Rip it.
Get Lit Food at Benchtop. Rip it.
Hades Wood Fired at Afterglow. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth. Rip it.
Bakehouse at Elation Brewing. Rip it.
Bar-q at Bold Mariner. Rip it.

Sunday:
Gavin’s at Maker’s Craft. Rip it.
Sour Street Pizza at Cova. Rip it.
Taqueria Las Bukis at Reaver Beach. Rip it.
Avocargo at Benchtop. Rip it.
Hades Wood Fired at Afterglow. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth. Rip it.
Bakehouse at Elation Brewing. Rip it.
Bar-q at Bold Mariner. Rip it.