🌱 Sewells Gardens Raccoon Positive For Rabies + Virginia Zoo

Morning, neighbors! Sean Peek here with the Saturday edition of the Norfolk Daily.

First, today's weather:

Turning cloudy and colder. High: 34 Low: 29.

Here are the top three stories in Norfolk today:

1. The Virginia Zoo recently welcomed a baby giraffe and is now holding a naming contest for the calf. According to Zoo officials, the male calf was born on Dec. 28, weighing in at 159 pounds and standing 5'9" at birth. The public can vote on a name for a $5 donation, which will go toward the Zoo's Act for Wildlife Fund. (WJLA)
2. A raccoon that was found on Jan. 11 in the Sewells Gardens neighborhood of Norfolk has tested positive for rabies. The sick raccoon was found along the 900 block of South Quail St. and was tested on Jan. 13 by the Virginia Department of Consolidated Laboratory Services in Richmond, after it died. At this time, no humans or domestic animals have been reported to be exposed. (wtkr.com)
3. In a conference on Friday afternoon, Norfolk police held a briefing on illegal gun sales and their impact on the community. Police shared data, including stats that showed 821 guns were recovered in 2021. Those speaking at the event included Chief Larry Boone and Charlie Patterson, an ATF special agent in charge at the Washington field office. (WAVY.com)

Today in Norfolk:

• FUNDRAISER: Ghostlight LIVE, At Little Theatre of Norfolk (All Day)
• The Creative Mind, At Nauticus (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Norfolk police are still searching for a 31-year-old woman from North Norfolk who was reported missing on Jan. 12. (Twitter)
• Norfolk city offices will be closed on Mon, Jan. 17, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This includes libraries, rec centers, courthouse, Commissioner of the Revenue, Treasurer's Office & Norfolk Dept. of Public Health. (Twitter)
• Today, join the Norfolk Public Library in celebrating TREK For Civility Week. The library will be screening its "Bully Back Off!" puppet show beginning today. (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you all tomorrow for your next update.

— 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.