Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of October.
Good morning, Norfolk.
🏘️ Community
Joel Christiansen, a 62-year-old man who lost his girlfriend Holly and was recently rescued from the streets, is now receiving help from the Urban Renewal Center to furnish his new apartment.
Volunteer Dan Ries will deliver a red wing chair donated by a local resident on Monday mornings—more furniture and utensils will arrive next week.
Norfolk residents will join the rescheduled fifth annual Community Connect this Saturday, Nov.
1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at MacArthur Center—over 50 City departments and local vendors will offer youth and senior services, healthy living tips, music, arts, and financial help, and the event is free and open to the public.
💼 Business
Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today that Anchor Innovation, a business owned by veterans in Virginia Beach, will invest $213,000 to expand its operations-having 86 new jobs and increased capacity for military, industrial and recreational customers.
The investment supports regional workforce development and strengthens the maritime technology sector.
🚨 Crime
Norfolk Police Department and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warned that buzzed driving is drunk driving this Halloween and urged residents to use a sober driver, as increased enforcement will occur between 6 p.m. (today) and 6 a.m. (Nov.
1). They noted that from 2019 to 2023, 198 people were killed nationwide in alcohol-related crashes, including 30 pedestrians, to stress the risks of impaired driving.
🎭 Culture
Audie Blaylock will appear on this week's Pickin—his band Redline will perform bluegrass selections from his long career with legends like Jimmy Martin.
The show will air Sunday night at 7 on WHRV—listeners can also enjoy tunes from Red Camel Collective and classic recordings from JD Crowe, The Country Gentlemen, and Flatt and Scruggs.
Norfolk Arts announced that the historic Attucks Theatre will host three free performances this fall under the Arts at the Attucks series — Sing Showcase on Nov.
8 at 3 p.m., Soul of Langston on Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m., and Novel Noel: A Consort Christmas on Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. — with early visitors invited to view the new Black Voices & Visions exhibit before each event.
Wells Theatre in downtown Norfolk is believed to be haunted by several ghosts including a young boy known as Boots and a former sailor called Ned.
The theatre built in 1913 was renovated in the 1980s, and the Virginia Stage Company will include its ghostly lore in A Merry Little Christmas Carol starting Dec. 3 — part of a Haunted Hampton Roads series.
🎓 Education
Norfolk Public Library is hosting Homemade for the Holidays with a roster of DIY craft workshops at several branches starting Nov.
17 — sessions include making body scrubs, custom totes, floral baskets, soap, candles and cocoa mix gift baskets with dates extending to Dec. 16.
Old Dominion University launched MonarchSphere powered by Google Cloud, an AI incubator that speeds research, enhances digital learning and prepares students for work—one of the first initiatives of its kind in the nation.
University leaders said the project uses advanced computing, secure systems and generative AI models to add Google Career Certificates into degree and continuing education programs.
🏛️ Government
Daylight Saving Time will end on Sunday, Nov.
2, and residents are reminded to test their smoke alarms when they change their clocks — if an alarm does not work or is over ten years old, homeowners can request a free installation via MyNorfolk.org, the My Norfolk App, or by calling 757-664-6510.
🏥 Health
Norfolk SPCA asked for donations to fund medical supplies and round-the-clock care for 18 rescued puppies battling Parvovirus; after one puppy died during emergency surgery, the remaining pups continued treatment with IV fluids—medication and specialized nutrition.
The shelter seeks direct supply contributions and monetary support to cover ongoing treatment costs.
Hampton Roads families say that political claims linking vaccines to autism have taken focus away from their daily fight to find timely diagnoses and support—many report long wait times and few resources for children and young adults.
Local advocates stress that better access to early intervention and ongoing services is crucial as autism cases rise.
🎉 Norfolk Events
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Silent Disco
8-9:30 p.m. — The Market — Drink specials available — Dance the night away with your choice of music in a unique silent disco setting.
From Ashes To New - Tour 2025
7-9 p.m. — The NorVa — All Ages — Experience an energetic night with From Ashes To New featuring Magnolia Park and Until I Wake.
The Wiz Musical
7:30-9 p.m. — Chrysler Hall — Ticket packages available — Experience the classic retelling of the Wizard of Oz in an exciting musical format.
The Wiz
7:30-9 p.m. — Chrysler Hall — Check event page for ticket info — Experience the Tony® Award-winning musical that has returned in a thrilling new Broadway tour.
The Disco Biscuits Concert
7-9 p.m. — The NorVa — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of transformation and invention with the iconic Philadelphia-based band.
The Elovaters Live Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — The NorVa — Check venue for ticket prices — Experience the rising stars of the reggae scene with The Elovaters.
The Wiz
2:00 – 3:30 PM — Chrysler Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magical journey in this beloved musical adaptation of 'The Wizard of Oz'.
Adirondack Thunder vs. Norfolk Admirals
3:05-4:35 p.m. — Norfolk Scope Arena — Family-friendly fun — Enjoy a hockey match and post-game meet & greet for the whole family.
Whitechapel - Tour 2025
6:55-8:25 p.m. — The NorVa — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heavy sound of Whitechapel live in concert.
Fortunate Youth Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — The NorVa — All Ages — Experience a night of reggae tunes with Fortunate Youth and friends.
🏠 Norfolk Real Estate
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💼 Norfolk Job Board
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📣 Norfolk Announcements
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