Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of September.
Good morning, Norfolk.
Jenna Bush Hager visited The Norfolk Forum at Chrysler Hall Thursday night and talked about her new children's book—'I Loved You First'—and her work on TV, saying she was happy to be back in Norfolk.
The Fall Wine Festival will be held at Town Point Park in Norfolk on October 18th and 19th from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Attendees will sample bold red and crisp white wines from multiple wineries — wine tasting will end at 4:30 p.m. and wine sales at 5 p.m.
The Virginia Zoo will host its annual Zoovies movie night event on Friday, September 26 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.—featuring a screening of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, after-hours animal viewing until 6:30 p.m., photo opportunities at the Express train station, and a themed vendor market with food trucks and potion drinks.
Young adults are leaving Hampton Roads for rural areas because rising housing prices and more remote work options are pushing them to affordable towns such as Isle of Wight.
A University of Virginia demographer said urban areas lose young residents while smaller counties gain them—shifting the local workforce.
Norfolk State University partnered with the University of Michigan’s ICPSR Summer Program to bring hands-on data training to its students — the bootcamp uses online lessons and in-person workshops led by both schools; over 380 applicants competed and 98 students were selected to boost NSU’s research and career skills.
A water main break on the 7400 block of Tidewater Drive between Easy Street and Central Business Park Drive has closed the road while police divert traffic to Central Business Park Drive and Thole Street as utilities work to repair the break—motorists are advised to use Granby Street or Chesapeake Boulevard as alternate routes.
Attorney General Jason Miyares said Virginia has joined a seven-state lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster for allegedly violating consumer protection laws and raising ticket prices by allowing brokers to bypass security measures—The suit seeks a permanent injunction, monetary relief, and civil penalties under the Better Online Ticket Sales Act.
ODU professor Dr. David Spiegel said college students now use ChatGPT for mental health advice because it is free and available 24/7—he warned that while the tool quickly spots early distress signs, it lacks the human empathy needed for proper therapy.
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.
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.
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.
CaribFest Block Party
5-10 p.m. — Town Point Park — Free entry — Celebrate Caribbean culture with music, food, and vibrant performances in Norfolk.
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.
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.
Driving Improvement Course in Norfolk
9 AM – 5 PM — Wyndham Garden Norfolk Downtown — $68 — Complete your Driver Improvement Course and receive your certificate on the same day.
Evening with Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country
7 p.m. — The Annex — $25 adv // $30 day of show — Experience an evening filled with Cosmic Country vibes and a dynamic exploration of American music.
Driver Improvement Class in Norfolk, VA
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Wyndham Garden Norfolk Downtown — $68 cash or money order only — Enhance your driving skills and receive your Certificate of Completion the same day.
35th Annual Virginia Children's Festival
10 AM – 3 PM — Town Point Park — Free entry — A fun-filled day for families with interactive activities, performances, and workshops focused on children 10 and younger.
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