Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 12th of April.
Good morning, Norfolk.
🎭 Culture
The final two contestants on 'The Great Food Truck Race' competed head-to-head on Friday at Waterside District in Norfolk as filming for season 18’s final showdown.
Locals braved rain to taste food from the trucks—host Tyler Florence noted this was the show’s final stop on its East Coast tour.
Norfolk State’s jazz ensemble and 11 other HBCU groups competed — among them Elizabeth City State’s band — to open for Wynton Marsalis and his Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in Norfolk on Friday at Chrysler Hall during the Virginia Arts Festival.
The groups began their judged performances at 9 a.m. and the top two were chosen after a session that included a Q&A with Marsalis.
🎓 Education
Old Dominion University president Brian Hemphill said nontraditional students hold great promise because they work, care for others, and study while managing many roles.
The university will add flexible online classes and digital tools such as a new AI chatbot + boost skills training to help meet changing workforce needs.
🏛️ Government
VDOT began construction this month to improve traffic flow at the I-264 west off ramp at Ballentine Boulevard by widening the ramp and adding new turn lanes, signal changes, drainage fixes, and a raised median island.
Motorists should expect lane, shoulder, and ramp closures until the work is complete in early 2026.
🏥 Health
The Virginia Department of Health said in the last week of March that the CDC cancelled three COVID-19 research grants, ending over $200M in funding and affecting 13 full-time and 517 contract positions.
Affected staff and contractors were offered the chance to apply for other VDH roles — the agency confirmed these changes as part of broader federal cuts.
🏈 Sports
Norfolk native Keyshawn Davis will defend his WBO lightweight title at Norfolk Scope Arena on June 7 against Edwin De Los Santos.
Tickets will go on sale after his press conference on April 18, and this will be his first title defense since winning the belt on Valentine’s Day.
🎉 Norfolk Events
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Driver Improvement Class in Norfolk, VA
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Wyndham Garden Norfolk Downtown — $68 cash or money order only — Complete the driver improvement course and receive your certificate the same day.
April is Poetry Month Celebration at The Muse
10 AM – 10 PM — The Muse Writers Center — Free entry — Embrace creativity and explore the beauty of poetry in a welcoming environment.
April is Poetry Month Celebration
10 AM – 10 PM — The Muse Writers Center — Free entry — Celebrate the art of poetry with workshops and readings in Norfolk's creative hub.
April is Poetry Month—Celebrate with the Muse!
10 a.m. – 10 p.m. — The Muse Writers Center — Free entry — Celebrate the vibrant world of poetry this April with engaging activities and readings.
Spring Into Stories: New Season, New Fiction!
10:00 AM – 9:30 PM — The Muse Writers Center — 35% discount available — Nurture your creativity with engaging fiction workshops this spring.
April is Poetry Month—Celebrate with the Muse!
10 a.m. — The Muse Writers Center — Free entry — Embrace creativity and celebrate poetry this spring with engaging activities and readings.
Lindsey Webster Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Attucks Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience the soulful sounds of Lindsey Webster, whose musical journey began in the vibrant atmosphere of Woodstock.
Spring Into Stories: New Season, New Fiction!
10:00 AM – 9:30 PM — The Muse Writers Center — 35% discount available — Ignite your creativity with fiction workshops this spring.
Diversity in Creativity Workshop
10:00 AM – 9:30 PM — The Muse Writers Center — Free entry — Nurture your creativity this spring through diverse writing paths in a supportive environment.
Spring Into Stories: New Season, New Fiction!
10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. — The Muse Writers Center — Special offer of 35% discount — A day of creative fiction workshops to rejuvenate your writing spirit.
🏠 Norfolk Real Estate
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💼 Norfolk Job Board
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📣 Norfolk Announcements
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