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Veteran journalist leads Free Press news operations
Meet the new managing editor of the Richmond Free Press.
Joe Jackson was admired by some, detested by others
When Joe Jackson, the patriarch and architect behind the musical Jackson family dynasty died on June 27, some media organizations focused on the negative stories. However, at least one Richmonder who found his own success in show business, remembers the 89-year-old Mr. Jackson in a more positive light. “Joe Jackson was one of the greatest fathers of all time,” said Steve K. Branch, a former concert promoter and nightclub owner.
V.W. Henley, 85, former president of Consolidated Bank
Vernard William Henley presided over the highs and lows of Consolidated Bank & Trust Co. in Richmond, once the oldest independent black-owned bank in America.
Va. ranks 10th nationally in cost of dog bites
A dog may be man or woman’s best friend, but that pet’s bite could prove very costly for the owner. In 2018, insurance settlements for 359 dog bites in Virginia totaled $14.38 million, or $40,060 per bite, a new study of insurance companies payments has found. That ranked Virginia No. 10 on the list of the 50 states when its comes to the price tag
Amy Wratchford named interim managing director at Virginia Rep
Amy Wratchford has been appointed interim managing director at the Virginia Repertory Theatre, the company’s board of directors announced.
President calls for criminal justice reforms at NAACP convention
“Mass incarceration makes our country worse off, and we need to do something about it,” President Obama told 3,000 cheering people at the 106th annual NAACP National Convention in Philadelphia this week.
‘Moonlight’ wins Best Picture despite major flub at 89th Academy Awards ceremony
And the Oscar for Best Picture goes to … “La La Land.
Trump uses Black people to defend him at RNC
President Trump has aggressively asserted control over the Republican National Convention, a four-day event that started Monday and featured African-Americans defending the president’s history of racist rhetoric and actions. Former NFL star Herschel Walker, speaking on the opening night, defended President Trump, whom he called a “personal friend,” and said he isn’t a racist.
NASA pioneer Katherine Johnson takes her place among the stars
Three African-American astronauts joined hundreds of other mourners Saturday, March 7, at a funeral service for trailblazing mathematician and NASA pioneer Katherine G. Johnson.
‘Something in the Water’ flows to D.C.
Entertainment superstar Pharrell L. Williams has found a new home for his huge music festival “Something in the Water.”
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights voted best in the nation
The Richmond region is now home to the country’s best “Botanical Garden Holiday Lights.” This year, voters helped Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden secure the number one spot in the USA Today 10 Best contest. The win comes after two consecutive years in the No. 2 spot.
John Warren Jones III, owner of Church Hill Cleaners, remembered
Following the legacy of his grandfather and father, John Warren “John John”Jones III began working at the family-owned business, Church Hill Cleaners, as a youngster.
Anne Holton new interim president of George Mason
She has been called “First Lady,” “Your honor,” “Madame Secretary” and now “President.” Anne Holton, wife of Virginia’s U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, has been named interim president of George Mason University in Northern Virginia.
Delegate Carroll Foy announces historic bid for governor
Democratic state Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy formally launched her bid for Virginia governor Wednesday, using email and social media to make an initial appeal to voters in the era of the coronavirus pandemic.
U.S. Club Lacrosse National Championships taps local region for 2024 event
America’s top youth lacrosse athletes will vie for national titles when the first ever U.S. Club Lacrosse National Championship comes to the Richmond Region next year.
Bubba’s Block Party returns
NASCAR driver William D. “Bubba” Wallace will again host a block party for the Richmond community as part of the return of racing to the track in Henrico County, it has been announced.
Dance, Warner to speak at fall commencements
State Sen. Rosalyn R. Dance of Petersburg and U.S. Sen. Mark Warner will be the featured speakers at fall commencements at area universities.
First African-American student to attend Va. Tech finally gets degree
More than 60 years after Irving Linwood Peddrew III of Hampton broke the color barrier to become the first African-American student to attend Virginia Tech in rural Blacksburg, he finally received his degree. Mr. Peddrew, now 80, was awarded an honorary bachelor’s of science degree in electrical engineering during the university’s commencement Friday, May 13, at Lane Stadium.
Department of Defense awards $9M to create research institute at VCU
A new research institute is coming to Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Engineering through a $9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to create and improve technologies for security, health and various other benefits.
All Henrico Reads features for ‘Wild’ memoir discussion
All Henrico Reads, Henrico County’s long-running literary event, will return Thursday, March 28, with bestselling and award-winning author Cheryl Strayed discussing her 2012 memoir “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail.”
