How to Stay Updated with Norfolk’s 13News Now Local Coverage
Whether you’re a lifelong resident of Norfolk or someone who just moved to the area, staying in the loop with local happenings can feel like a juggling act. The city’s news scene is busy, and 13News Now has positioned itself as one of the go‑to sources for everything from traffic snarls to community events. Below is a practical guide that walks you through the most effective ways to tap into that resource without feeling overwhelmed.
Why 13News Now Matters for Norfolk Residents
At its core, 13News Now is more than a television broadcast; it’s a multi‑platform hub that curates the stories that directly affect daily life in Norfolk. Think of it as a neighborhood bulletin board that’s been digitized and expanded with video, live streams, and on‑demand articles. The outlet’s focus on local government decisions, school district updates, and weather alerts means you get timely information that national outlets simply skip.
Getting the Most Out of the Website
The website is designed for quick navigation. Here’s how to make it work for you:
- Home Page Highlights: The top carousel rotates the day’s biggest headlines—usually a mix of breaking news, weather, and a feature story.
- Section Tabs: Use the “News,” “Weather,” “Sports,” and “Community” tabs to drill down into the area that interests you most.
- Search Bar: If you’re looking for a specific story—say, the latest school board meeting minutes—type keywords directly into the search field.
A tip that many overlook: scroll down a bit to find the “Most Read” and “Most Shared” lists. Those provide a snapshot of what your neighbors are talking about.
Mobile Apps: News on the Go
For commuters, the 13News Now mobile app is a lifesaver. Available for both iOS and Android, the app mirrors the website’s layout but adds push notifications for critical alerts. You can customize which alerts you receive—traffic jams, severe weather warnings, or breaking crime reports—so you’re never bombarded with irrelevant buzz.
To avoid notification fatigue, start with just one or two categories and expand as you get comfortable. The app also lets you save stories for offline reading, which is handy during long drives on the Hampton Roads Bridge‑Tunnel.
Social Media: Quick Updates with a Personal Touch
Following 13News Now on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram adds a layer of immediacy. Reporters often share behind‑the‑scenes photos, short video clips, and live Q&A sessions that you won’t find on the main site.
Pro tip: Turn on “See First” for the 13News Now Facebook page. That way, their posts appear at the top of your feed, making it easy to glance at the day’s top stories while sipping your morning coffee.
Live Streams and On‑Demand Video
If you prefer visual storytelling, the live stream section is worth bookmarking. During severe weather, the station frequently hosts a rolling live feed with meteorologists explaining what’s happening and offering safety tips. Afterward, the same segment is saved in the “On‑Demand” library, letting you replay it at your leisure.
For sports fans, the “GoTide” segment provides post‑game analysis of the Virginia Tide football team, while the “Huskers” roundup covers local high‑school athletics—a nice way to support community teams without missing a beat.
Community Calendars and Event Listings
One of the hidden gems on the 13News Now site is the community calendar. It aggregates everything from city council meetings to free concerts at Town Point Park. The calendar can be filtered by date, type of event, or neighborhood, which makes planning a weekend outing surprisingly straightforward.
Many local nonprofits also use the platform to promote fundraisers and volunteer opportunities. If you’re looking to give back, a quick scroll through the upcoming events can reveal chances to lend a hand.
Engage Directly with Reporters
Journalists at 13News Now often encourage viewer feedback. Whether you spot a typo, have a question about a story, or want to share a tip, you can reach out via the “Contact Us” form or directly through social media DMs. Engaging with the newsroom not only clarifies details for you but also helps improve the quality of local coverage overall.
Balancing News Consumption
It’s easy to feel inundated when you have multiple feeds, alerts, and streams open at once. Here are a few habits to keep your news diet healthy:
- Set a specific “news window” each day—perhaps 30 minutes after breakfast and another 15 minutes before bed.
- Limit push notifications to high‑priority categories like weather warnings and breaking crime alerts.
- Take a weekly “digital detox” day where you step back from all news sources and focus on offline activities.
These small adjustments prevent information overload while ensuring you stay informed about the issues that truly matter to you.
Wrapping Up
Norfolk’s 13News Now offers a robust suite of tools that can fit into almost any lifestyle. By leveraging the website, mobile app, social channels, and community resources, you’ll find that staying current becomes less of a chore and more of a habit. Give the suggested approach a try, adjust it to your rhythm, and you’ll quickly notice how much smoother daily life feels when you’re in the know.
