Today
in Norfolk
Wednesday, November 19th, 2025
Good morning, Norfolk. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 19th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Elation Brewing are hosting A Very Merry Musical Market at 5104 Colley Ave.—The event features a brass ensemble, seasonal and classic brews, and local vendors in a nontraditional setting. WHRO
- ➤ 86-year-old Vietnam War veteran Thomas Heckert received a free home renovation in his Berkley home as Home Depot Foundation volunteers and Home Builders Institute students leveled floors, installed a dishwasher, and enhanced his backyard—repairs were completed Tuesday. Heckert, a retired law enforcement officer who had struggled with uneven flooring, said the project improved his safety. 3 WTKR
- ➤ Downtown Norfolk crews are busy hanging red bows, snowflakes and arches as they prepare for Saturday’s Grand Illumination Parade starting at 7 p.m.—city officials expect the event to draw 60,000 to 70,000 visitors. 3 WTKR
- ➤ Norfolk deputies delivered over 100 Thanksgiving turkeys to families, seniors, and churches Tuesday morning as part of a long-standing holiday tradition to help those facing hardship — the deliveries reached neighborhoods from Berkley to Ocean View. Sheriff Joe Baron said 135 turkeys were provided to support local shelters and senior programs — strengthening trust between the community and the sheriff's office. 3 WTKR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Business owners at MacArthur Center say the mall still shows promise even as Brothers Restaurant will close by year-end and only 56% of its stores are occupied. Tenants like 757 Creative Reuse Center and FreshTopia urge city officials to share clear redevelopment plans—hoping to fill empty spaces and boost downtown shopping. 13 News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Raymond Jones will host 'This Just In' on WHRO-FM this Saturday at 8:00 p.m., where listeners will hear new classical music recordings including works by Bach, Graupner, Beethoven, Pitfield, Tchaikovsky, and Shostakovich—each selected from recent releases. WHRO
- ➤ Riverview Theater in Norfolk is 55% restored as work on electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems continues—John Childers said a $2.3 million investment will finish the project and allow the historic theater to reopen in four months. He noted that community groups, local bands, and school plays are ready to use the space once renovations are complete. WAVY
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Norfolk State University students took part in the 10th Annual Black Enterprise Smart HBCU Hackathon — the largest event in its history hosted by American Airlines in Charlotte — where two teams tackled tech challenges during a 24-hour contest. They trained for weeks with coding drills, API integration and UX walkthroughs to build skills for future internships and jobs. Hampton Roads Messenger
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Road closures started Tuesday on Llewellyn Avenue for early work on the Maury High School project — southbound lanes are closed for utility work and northbound lanes face intermittent stoppages — so drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians must use alternate routes for the next two months. City officials advise using Colley Avenue or Granby Street to reach nearby roads as construction continues. 13 News Now
- ➤ Tolls for the Downtown and Midtown tunnels in Norfolk will increase on January 1 with rates set to rise by 17 cents during peak hours and 8 cents off-peak for E-ZPass users, while drivers without E-ZPass will see a 25-cent off-peak increase and pay 34 cents more during busy times. E-ZPass and toll relief programs help fund tunnel operations and repay costs from a 2017 improvement project—a change agreed upon by Elizabeth River Crossings and VDOT. 13 News Now
- ➤ The City of Norfolk now offers ParkMobile in over 800 metered spaces so drivers can pay with an app, text, phone or online. The service—which accepts card and coin payments—lets short visits use a meter while City-owned garages offer two hours free for longer stops. City of Norfolk
- ➤ The city of Norfolk began work on a $1.9 million bike lane along Granby Street on Tuesday—extending it nearly two miles north to Admiral Taussig Boulevard and back to the Granby Street Bridge. Residents must now place their trash cans in designated buffer areas on Thursdays as DOT monitors traffic during construction, which will finish in spring. WAVY
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Hampton Roads football community mourned Coach Ray Colston after he died Sunday at 41 from unexpected health issues while coaching at Kempsville High School—his mentorship inspired young athletes and fellow coaches. 3 WTKR
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The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Chrysler Hall — Cost TBD — Experience a captivating live rock concert set in an enchanting candlelit atmosphere.
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North Carolina Central Eagles vs Old Dominion Lady Monarchs Women's Basketball
2 p.m. — Chartway Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement as the Eagles take on the Lady Monarchs in this thrilling women's basketball matchup.
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Virginia Beach Christmas Market
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. — The Virginia Beach Christmas Market — $8 for adults, $2 for children — Discover unique crafts and festive cheer at Virginia’s beloved holiday tradition.
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Norfolk State Spartans vs. Virginia-Lynchburg Dragons Basketball Game
1 PM — Joseph G Echols Hall — Tickets required — Experience an exciting matchup between college basketball rivals in Norfolk.
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Tidewater Striders Turkey Trot 10K & Mile
8:15-10:45 a.m. — Mt. Trashmore Family YMCA — $30 entry — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a festive 10K and 1 Mile run for families and runners of all abilities.
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The Spill Canvas and Mae Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — The NorVa — Ticket price not available — Experience a night of alternative rock with beloved bands The Spill Canvas and Mae.
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A Merry Little Christmas Carol
7:30 p.m. — Wells Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartwarming tale of Scrooge with a festive ensemble during Norfolk's beloved holiday celebration.
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& Juliet
1:00 – 2:30 p.m. — Chrysler Hall — Ticket information available — A delightful take on Shakespearean themes with a modern twist.
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& Juliet
2:00 – 3:30 PM — Chrysler Hall — Ticket pricing varies — Renew your season tickets or purchase new subscriptions for an exciting show.
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Florida Everblades at Norfolk Admirals
3:05 – 4:35 p.m. — Norfolk Scope Arena — Ticket pricing varies — Catch an exciting ice hockey match as the Everblades face off against the Admirals.
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Reveal the authorAbout Today in Norfolk
Welcome to the Today in Norfolk, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Norfolk, Virginia community. If you like the Today in Norfolk, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Norfolk.
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