Today
in Norfolk
Wednesday, September 17th, 2025
Good morning, Norfolk. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of September.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Today at 9:00 p.m., WHRO-FM airs 'A Local Touch – Music with a Virginia Connection' featuring orchestras from Williamsburg, Richmond, Virginia Beach and Lancaster performing works by Joaquín Rodrigo, Beth Anderson, Cécile Chaminade and Felix Mendelssohn. Host Raymond Jones leads segments that include the Williamsburg Symphony’s performance of Rodrigo’s concerto and a twelve-hour Bach marathon in Staunton — events that highlight the Commonwealth’s rich musical talent — as part of the diverse program. WHRO
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Norfolk visitor spending reached $1.5 billion in 2024 with nearly a 5% increase from 2023, and the tourism industry supported over 12,600 jobs—8,600 of which came from outside visitor dollars. The report noted a 7.3% rise in recreation spending and $1,416 in tourism tax savings per household, and VisitNorfolk will hold its annual State of Tourism on September 18. WAVY
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday morning, storms knocked out power for Dominion Energy customers when a tree fell on a power line in Norfolk’s Oakwood neighborhood, leaving about 3,540 customers without service—smart sensors and repair crews restored power for many by 9 a.m. A separate equipment failure affected roughly 2,595 customers, and outages continued in parts of Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach. 13 News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Forty Virginia National Guard members began working behind the scenes for Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Monday, handling administrative tasks and logistics as directed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin. The troops will finish training and join ICE offices by the end of the month while not performing any law enforcement functions — according to the governor’s office. WHRO
- ➤ At a virtual forum hosted by Arc of Virginia—this was the only meeting with all six candidates—Winsome Earle-Sears and Abigail Spanberger clashed over a new law set to affect Medicaid and hospitals. Earle-Sears said the law will not hurt health care while Spanberger called the bill catastrophic as early voting begins Friday. WHRO
- ➤ The Norfolk School Board unveiled a draft plan to close nine schools, repurpose five, and rebuild Jacox Elementary as it addresses declining enrollment and funding, with renovations planned for Lake Taylor High School. The roadmap runs from 2025 through 2028 and beyond and includes a full rezoning study scheduled for May 30, 2026—after which families will have at least one full year to adjust before further closures unfold. 13 News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ COVID-19 numbers have dropped over recent weeks while cases of rotavirus and enterovirus have risen, prompting Sentara Health to advise hand-washing and masking in crowded places—these common viruses now spread easily and can last for weeks. Sentara will hold a drive-up flu shot event on Oct. 18 at 17 locations, offering shots without insurance requirements. WAVY
- ➤ Doctors in Hampton Roads are shifting from insurance-based care to a direct primary care model—letting them spend more time with fewer patients and reduce overall costs. After 16 years in corporate healthcare, Dr. James Tinsley opened his direct-pay practice in Newport News—joining seven local clinics that have embraced this trend since 2018. WHRO
- ➤ Sentara Community Cares now offers free medical treatment and holistic support to underserved residents at clinics and mobile units in Norfolk and Newport News—services include vaccinations, blood pressure checks, and help with food and housing needs. Dr. LaTonya Russell said the program partners with local organizations to ensure everyone receives the basic health care and medication assistance they need. WAVY
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Spineshank Live Concert
6:30-10:30 p.m. — The NorVa — Ticket price N/A — Experience a night of electrifying music at The NorVa with Spineshank.
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BJ Griffin Live Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — The NorVa — Tickets required — Experience an electrifying performance from BJ Griffin and special guests with a meet-and-greet opportunity.
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Fall Fest at the Virginia Zoo
5-8:30 p.m. — Virginia Zoo — Check website for admission — Celebrate autumn with nostalgic games and elevated tastings in a cozy atmosphere.
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James McMurtry with Betty Soo
7-10 p.m. — The Annex — $27-$37 — Experience a night of storytelling and music with James McMurtry and Betty Soo at this full band concert.
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Johnny Marr Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — The NorVa — Ticketed event — Experience the legendary sounds of Johnny Marr, the iconic guitarist from The Smiths.
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CaribFest Block Party
5-10 p.m. — Town Point Park — Free entry — Celebrate Caribbean culture with music, food, and vibrant performances in Norfolk.
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Norfolk Oktoberfest 2025
4-11 p.m. — Hell's Kitchen — Ticket required — Celebrate Oktoberfest with drinks, food, and live music at multiple venues in Norfolk.
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I Need A Truck Tour - Maddox Batson with Ashley Anne
7:30-9 p.m. — The NorVa — Tickets available — Enjoy the sounds of emerging country artists Maddox Batson and Ashley Anne live on stage.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
~ Jesus
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