🌱 Black BRAND​ Receives Grant + Granby St. Safety Improvements

Good morning, Norfolk! Here's everything you need to know to get this Thursday started off right. Here's everything you need to know today in Norfolk.

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First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 51 Low: 38.

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Here are the top three stories in Norfolk today:

1. A local nonprofit was awarded a grant to support African American and Latinx companies in Norfolk. Black BRAND recently received a $750,000 grant from The Rockefeller Foundation, which will be used to provide funding and support to 100 Norfolk-based African American and Latinx companies. The funds will support Black BRAND's B-Force Accelerator 12-week program, a program designed to assist entrepreneurs with accessing capital and necessary training over the course of three years. (WAVY.com)
2. The City of Norfolk is struggling to fill nearly 800 jobs. Of those positions, nearly 200-300 are in public safety including police, fire, 911 call center, and juvenile detention. The city previously hosted two job fairs around Christmas, and is planning for another one in the spring. (13newsnow.com WVEC)
3. Norfolk City Council will vote this month on a plan to add bike lanes and improve safety along two miles of Granby Street. The council will decide whether to accept more than $820,000 in state funds on Jan. 25, which would help with the design and the construction work on what has become known as the Granby Street Bike Lane project. Safety improvements for the project would include adding crosswalks and turning lanes. (WAVY.com)

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Today in Norfolk:

• Virtual Classes: Internet Basics, At Norfolk Public Library Virtual (12:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The Norfolk Botanical Garden is proud to participate in the MLK Day of Service on Jan. 17th from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. Volunteers are welcome. (Facebook)
• Sign up for Norfolk Public Library's Winter Reading Challenge, "Read for a Better World." Youths ages 5-18 who reach the reading goal of 600 total minutes will receive a free sports bag. (Facebook)

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• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right! I'll see you soon.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.