Today
in Norfolk
Wednesday, July 9th, 2025
Good morning, Norfolk. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 9th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ After his son, Aaron “AJ” Williams Jr., was fatally shot in Norfolk in mid-June, a Hopewell father held a joyful celebration of life on July 7—fulfilling AJ’s wish for a lively farewell and launching the nonprofit AJ Forever to support families affected by gun violence. WAVY
- ➤ Teens with a Purpose will host FUSE Fest this Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. at Purpose Park off Church Street and East Olney Road, expecting to bring together over 2,000 people. The event will feature live music, wellness demos and empowerment sessions — all aimed at strengthening local youth skills and community ties. WHRO
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Police Chief Mark Talbot said Norfolk crime dropped to its lowest level in five years, with homicides decreasing by 40% & rapes falling by 36% while larcenies returned to pre-pandemic numbers. City leaders credited a community intervention program that mediates conflicts and mentors youth and will expand its efforts through partnerships with local schools. WAVY
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Raymond Jones will host a new classical music program this Saturday at 8:00 p.m. on WHRO-FM — he will feature fresh recordings of Suppé’s overture, Delibes’ Flower Duet, Chausson’s Viviane, and Sibelius’s Symphony No. 5, with the show also available online. WHRO
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Norfolk School Board on Monday discussed its next steps for choosing a new superintendent after terminating Dr. Sharon Byrdsong’s contract in a 4—3 vote on June 11 and leaving Dr. James Pohl as interim, with the board having 154 days to pick a replacement by Dec. 9. It also considered hiring the Virginia School Boards Association—whose services cost between $8,000 and $16,000—to manage the search process. 3 WTKR
- ➤ Norfolk School Board chair Sarah DiCalogero said the board may miss the Aug. 1 deadline for a facility closure and consolidation plan after receiving its first proposal on Tuesday—she plans to meet Mayor Kenny Alexander to share community concerns about the rushed process. The plan, set by City Council to address a 21% decline in enrollment and costly aging facilities, recommends closing 10 schools, repurposing five and rebuilding three over the next eight years. WAVY
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Tony Brothers, a Norfolk native and longtime NBA referee, said he is considering a run for mayor in 2028 and will keep refereeing through the next season—he praised Mayor Kenny Alexander for his work as the current mayor prepares to step aside for a new leadership role at the Virginia Community College System. His social media post underlines his deep roots and experience in the city. 3 WTKR
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Watercolor Art Chat & Demo
4-6 p.m. — D'Art Center — Free entry — Experience an artistic demonstration and engaging discussion with watercolor expert Catherine Hillis.
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Snake Mountain Revival Concert
8-11 p.m. — The Annex — $12-$16 — Experience a night of live music featuring Snake Mountain Revival, Toward Space, and Box Factory.
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Norfolk Taco Festival - 7th Annual
2 PM – 8 PM — Waterside District — General tickets for $9.99 — Savor over 90 styles of tacos while enjoying live bands, wrestling, and family fun at Virginia's biggest taco festival.
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Ill Niño Concert
6:30-8:30 p.m. — The NorVa — Ticket prices vary — Experience the captivating sounds of Ill Niño's blend of Latin metal in a vibrant setting.
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NCOA Annual National Conference
All day — Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel — Free — Engage with veteran support resources and enjoy networking opportunities.
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49 Winchester Concert
7:30-9:00 p.m. — The NorVa — Ticket details available soon — Enjoy an evening with 49 Winchester in a vibrant Norfolk venue.
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EPMD Concert
7:30-11:30 p.m. — Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic sounds of EPMD live in Portsmouth.
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Norfolk Latino Music Festival
2-11 p.m. — Town Point Park — Free entry — Celebrate Latin culture with music, dance, and local food at this vibrant festival.
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Arabian Nights Prince & Princess Brunch with Karaoke
1-4 p.m. — Granby St. Glow Juice Bar and More — $18 General Admission, $25 VIP — Enjoy an Arabian Nights-style brunch while singing karaoke and meeting special characters.
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Father’s Day Brunch Buffet
12-6 p.m. — Cutlass Grille — Feast on a delicious brunch spread fit for a king this Father's Day.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.
~ Lao Tzu
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