Good morning, Norfolk.

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk earned AZA accreditation until September 2029—its 38th year of meeting the gold standard—and named Chris Jenkins as its new Executive Director on Sept.

15. The Zoo will celebrate its 125th Anniversary next year with special events and will debut its new capital project in late 2026.

Artist Charlie Frances led a secret project where 10 artists each painted a panel on a large roll of watercolor paper — each working alone without seeing the others' work — to create a flower mosaic that is now on display at Norfolk Botanical Garden until the end of the year.

The Norfolk School Board proposed a plan to close Norview Elementary and Willoughby Early Childhood Center in 2026 and adjust more school closures in later years.

The board postponed its vote until Oct. 15—allowing space for public and City Council input.

Hampton University opened the 2025–2026 school year with its largest incoming class as enrollment increased by 30% over the past three years, celebrated at its 82nd Annual Convocation on September 28.

Former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger gave keynote remarks and the event highlighted the university's new R2 research status—boosting its work in science and technology.

Volunteers at a Norfolk community garden built a rainwater harvesting system at Purpose Park using two shipping containers that hold up to 550 gallons each—installing gutters to direct rain into storage tanks and using a solar-powered pump to irrigate the garden.

Nonprofit leader Tyrone Jarvis plans to use this project as a learning lab to help spread rainwater reuse across the state.

Local nonprofit Wetlands Watch is hosting Catch the King 2025 to record Virginia’s king tides this October and help refine flood predictions.

Volunteers can download the free Sea Level Rise mobile app (available from Oct 10 to Oct 12) to map flood boundaries and support climate science.

The City of Norfolk is expecting minor tidal flooding today starting around 5 p.m.—with high tide reaching 5.2 feet, low-lying areas may see water nearby.

Officials have opened the York Street Garage at 215 W. York St.—available for free until 8 a.m. Friday—to help residents move their vehicles to higher ground and avoid flooded roads.

Norfolk trained its Public Works staff on snowplows—ensuring they know how to operate the equipment before winter arrives.

The refresher session aimed to boost their readiness after a long stretch without significant snow.

Adm. Sam Paparo—commander of the Indo-Pacific Command—spoke Monday evening at Old Dominion University during the Waldo Family Lecture Series.

He said journalists are key to a free society and that defending Taiwan matters as U.S. forces will start joint exercises with allies—steps to boost regional security.

Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander canceled the joint city council and school board meeting set for Oct.

7 after school officials delayed a vote on school closures and consolidations, saying the meeting cannot proceed until a plan is approved—he added that officials will meet again today and vote on the plan on Oct. 15.

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.

Driver Improvement Class

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Wyndham Garden Norfolk Downtown — $68 cash or money order only — Enhance your driving skills and obtain your completion certificate in one day.

Holy Convocation 2025

10 AM – 4 PM — 2800 Chesapeake Blvd, Norfolk, VA — Free entry — Experience a powerful move of God at ELIM Holy Convocation led by renowned speakers.

Taylor Rave: A Night of Taylor Swift Remixes

10 p.m. — The NorVa — Age 16+ — Experience an electrifying night filled with Taylor Swift remixes, lasers, and neon lights.

Soweto Gospel Choir Performance

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Attucks Theatre — Ticket prices to be determined — Experience the spellbinding harmonies of a multi-GRAMMY and Emmy Award-winning choir as they tour the U.S.

20th Annual Virginia Beach Golf Tournament

7:30 AM – 4:00 PM — Virginia Beach National Golf Club — $100–$120 per player — Tee off for a good cause and enjoy a day filled with prizes and camaraderie.

Everclear Live Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — The NorVa — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate 30 years of rock with Everclear in a high-energy comeback show.

Joel Ross Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Attucks Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the lush sound of vibraphonist Joel Ross, a Blue Note artist redefining the vibes.

CommUNITY Play-In and Sing Along

4:30-6 p.m. — Booker T. Washington High School — Free entry — Celebrate peace, inclusion, and unity through music, dance, and spoken word in a vibrant community gathering.