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Free Press staff report

Stories by Free Press

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Ken Burns brings ‘The American Revolution’ to Richmond

Ken Burns will begin the promotional tour for his upcoming six-part documentary series, “The American Revolution,” in Richmond on March 23.

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Virtual book talk explores slave trade in Civil War South

The Library of Virginia will host a free virtual talk by historian Robert K.D. Colby on his debut book “An Unholy Traffic: Slave Trading in the Civil War South” on Tuesday, March 25, from noon to 1 p.m. .

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Henrico to host 2025 wheelchair basketball national championships

In April, the Henrico Sports & Event Center will be the center of intense competition as the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) Adult and Junior Division National Championships return for a second year. With 104 teams and more than 1,200 athletes ready to battle for supremacy, the tournament promises high-energy action and unforgettable moments on the court.

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Lounge to anchor year-round events at CarMax Park

The Richmond Flying Squirrels announced on Friday an expanded partnership with Atlantic Union Bank, which will become the first Founding Partner at CarMax Park, the team’s new ballpark scheduled to open in 2026.

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Softball program receives support from Virginia Union

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The Virginia Union University softball team will host a clinic for Richmond Public Schools’ co-ed middle school program on March 25 at 2:30 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School. More than 80 students from all eight RPS middle schools are expected to attend, according to Dr. Stefanie Ramsey, RPS coordinator for K-12 athletics and activities, who helped launch the program.

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John Marshall boys dominate in state title game, girls finish in 2nd place

The John Marshall High School basketball teams both made a run in the Virginia High School League (VHSL) state championship games last weekend at the Siegel Center. While the boys’ team came out victorious, the girls’ squad fell short.

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Amy Popovich named new deputy chief administrative officer

The City of Richmond appointed Amy Popovich as the next deputy chief administrative officer for Human Services on Tuesday.

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Cemetery Collaboratory symposium to explore long-term cemetery care

The worn headstones and overgrown paths of many historic cemeteries tell a story of neglect, but a new symposium in Richmond is working to change that.

Jackson Ward hotel project moves forward with new development plan

A new development is set to transform a 2.95-acre site in Richmond’s Historic Jackson Ward.

Dominion Energy, Elegba Folklore Society recognized for cultural contributions

Virginia Humanities has announced the three recipients of the inaugural Commonwealth Humanities Award, recognizing individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the humanities and their impact on Virginia’s cultural landscape.

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Celebrity guests and activities highlight expanded GalaxyCon

The line between fantasy and reality blurs later this month when superheroes, villains and beloved characters from across the entertainment universe converge on Richmond for the city’s largest pop culture event. GalaxyCon returns to Richmond March 27-30 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center for a four-day pop culture celebration.

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Former rivals partner to bring racing back to Southside Speedway

Friday night racing is set to return to the Richmond area as Southside Speedway prepares for a revival under new leadership.

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VSU names alumna Tiffani-Dawn Sykes new athletic director

Virginia State University recently named Tiffani-Dawn Sykes as its new associate vice president for intercollegiate athletics, bringing a former Trojan student-athlete back to her alma mater.

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Outdoor Festivals signal the changing seasons in Richmond

As sure as the temperatures begin to rise, Richmond’s festival season begins, signaling the arrival of spring. The city’s streets and parks become gathering places for food, music and celebration as locals shake off the winter chill and welcome the outdoors again.

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Smith qualifies for NCAA Indoor Nationals

Virginia Union University freshman Antonio Smith has qualified for the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Nationals. Smith will compete Friday, March 14, at Fall Creek Pavilion in Indianapolis.

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Patriots make history with dominant A-10 title win

George Mason University women’s basketball reached a historic milestone Sunday, securing its first-ever Atlantic 10 Championship with a 73-58 victory over Saint Joseph’s.

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Mayor Avula announces permanent appointments for city leaders

Richmond officials have permanently appointed five department directors, a move they say will strengthen leadership and improve city operations. The appointees, who previously served in interim or deputy roles, bring experience in public policy, communications, housing, utilities and general services.

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City’s vacuum leaf collection program ends March 14

Piles of leaves still lingering in Richmond yards may not be going anywhere soon unless residents act fast. The city’s vacuum leaf collection program is wrapping up for the season, with the last day to request service set for March 14.

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Concert honors Sister Rosetta Tharpe at Hippodrome

Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a former Barton Heights resident often called the “mother of rock & roll,” helped shape modern music with her pioneering guitar work and gospel-infused rock style. Her influence can be heard in the music of Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley and Jimi Hendrix. During the height of her career, Tharpe made Richmond her home, and now a group of musicians are coming together to honor her legacy.

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State officials highlight flood dangers, urge preparedness

As Virginians prepare for the upcoming spring downpours and hurricane season, state officials are urging residents to assess their flood risk and consider flood insurance during Virginia Flood Safety Awareness Week, which runs March 9-15.

Richmond SCLC elects new officers, board members

The Richmond chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference chose new officers and board members during its election Feb. 27.

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Virginia State captures CIAA title, awaits NCAA selection

Virginia State claimed its first CIAA men’s basketball championship since 2019 with a 71-64 victory over Bluefield State in the 2025 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore. .

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Fireworks, giveaways, special jerseys spotlight Squirrel’s 15th season

A night at a Richmond Flying Squirrels game is about more than baseball. Whether it’s fireworks lighting up the sky, fans walking away with unique giveaways or special theme nights transforming The Diamond, the Squirrels have built their reputation on making every game an event.

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Woodford announces bid for Virginia’s 73rd House District

Justin Woodford recently announced his candidacy for Virginia’s 73rd District in the House of Delegates, focusing his campaign on issues affecting working and middle-class residents.

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Byers named Black College Football Player of the Year

Jada Byers, a record-setting rusher at Virginia Union University, was recently named Black College Football Player of the Year by the Black College Football Hall of Fame.

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Two-day event to bring women together for inspiration, community

Women seeking encouragement, spiritual renewal and community support will come together for “Empowered Women of Faith: Inspiring Change and Breaking Barriers.”

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Richmond to host Broadway hits, including ‘The Wiz,’ ‘The Outsiders’

Broadway in Richmond recently unveiled its 2025-2026 season lineup, which will feature four Richmond premieres, two returning family favorites and the return of an iconic musical.

Orchard House Middle School to host screening of ‘Daughters’

Orchard House Middle School will host a public screening of “Daughters” on March 20 in partnership with Girls For a Change. The documentary follows four young girls as they prepare for a Daddy Daughter Dance with their incarcerated fathers, examining the impact of separation on their relationships.

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Calendar-Ray honored for a lifetime of community service

Cassandra Calendar-Ray was honored Feb. 22 for her dedication to improving the lives of Virginia families at a ceremony held at The Betty J. Queen Intergenerational Center in Louisa. The NAACP Branch #7085 recognized her with the NAACP Phenomenal Woman Plaque and the Harry Leroy Nuckols Memorial Certificate of Recognition for her exceptional community service.

Sigma Gamma Rho to host youth symposium focused on girls’ empowerment

In response to growing concerns about the safety and well-being of young girls, the Iota Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority will host its annual Youth Symposium on March 8 at Fairfield Middle School.

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Chris Jasper, legendary Isley Brothers member, dies at 73

Chris Jasper, the renowned singer, songwriter and producer who helped shape the sound of The Isley Brothers, died on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, at the age of 73. His death followed a cancer diagnosis in December 2024.

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Virginia Union’s Maia Charles earns Rookie of the Year honors

Virginia Union University’s Maia Charles was named the CIAA Women’s Basketball Rookie of the Year, a well- deserved honor announced Sunday, Feb. 23, at the CIAA Tournament Awards Ceremony in Baltimore.

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Vick announces three new additions to Norfolk State football staff

Norfolk State football Coach Michael Vick announced three additions to his coaching staff Wednesday, welcoming Tim Smith, DeCedrick Quinn Sr. and Wilson Appleton for the 2025 season.

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Library of Virginia event explores Jimmie Strother’s music and legacy

On March 7, the Library of Virginia will take visitors back to a time when street musicians roamed the Upper South, sharing the music and stories of their lives. From 6 to 7:30 p.m., the library will host a free music performance and book talk focused on Jimmie Strother, a blind Virginia songster whose recordings from 1936 continue to influence American music today.

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Nutzy’s Block Party set for March 1 at The Diamond

The Richmond Flying Squirrels will host their annual Nutzy’s Block Party on Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Diamond.

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Henrico employee receives $25,000 scholarship from Chick-fil-A CEO

At Chick-fil-A White Oak Village on Feb. 26, Taylor Powell, a Rise Academy student and employee, was surprised with a $25,000 scholarship as part of Chick-fil-A’s Remarkable Futures Scholarships program. The scholarship will support Powell’s plans to attend the University of Virginia, where she intends to major in psychology and pursue a career as a clinical child psychologist.

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Staley to release memoir detailing her career, life lessons

Dawn Staley, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time WNBA All-Star, will publish a book titled “Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother, and the Life Lessons I Learned from All Three” on May 20.

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New round of funding to preserve Virginia’s diverse historical narratives

History is alive across Virginia, from museums and archives to tribal centers and cultural institutions. A new round of funding from the Virginia Museum of History & Culture will support those efforts, awarding more than $500,000 to 11 organizations dedicated to preserving and sharing the Commonwealth’s past.

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Lenten Lunch series to highlight women in faith leadership

Fifty years ago, the Episcopal Church ordained its first female clergy, a milestone that reshaped faith leadership. This Lenton season, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will mark the anniversary by hosting a special lunch and speaker series featuring women in ministry.

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Richmond Ballet prepares for first performance at VMFA in decades

As renovations to the Leslie Cheek Theater at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts near completion, the museum and Richmond Ballet have announced that beginning March 20, the ballet company will move its repertory series, now known as “Moving Art,” to the theater.

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Richmond names Scott Morris director of public utilities

The City of Richmond has appointed Scott Morris as the permanent director of the Department of Public Utilities, officials announced Friday.

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Dozens take oath of citizenship at Virginia Museum of History & Culture

The auditorium at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture was filled to capacity Presidents Day, Feb. 17, as more than 60 people from nearly 40 countries were sworn in as U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony led by Judge David J. Novak.

Chesterfield academy to offer government insight for local residents

Chesterfield County, in partnership with the Asian and Latino Solidarity Alliance of Central Virginia (ALSACV), is accepting applications for this year’s My Chesterfield Academy. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 17.

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VCU dominates second half to take down George Mason 70-54

VCU used a dominant second half to power past George Mason 70-54 on Saturday before a sellout crowd of 7,637 at the Siegel Center, pulling the Rams into a tie for first place in the Atlantic 10.

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VUU to play SIAC champion Miles College in opener

The Virginia Union University football team, the defending CIAA champions, will kick off the 2025 season with an appearance in the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic on Sunday, Aug. 31, in Canton, Ohio.

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FXA Sports, 804 Softball team up to enhance local leagues

Coed softball players in the local area will soon have more opportunities to take the field. FXA Sports, a leading provider of adult recreational sports leagues in Virginia, has merged with 804 Softball to expand league offerings in the region.

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HGTV stars headline Richmond Home + Garden Show

The Richmond Home + Garden Show will feature HGTV stars Leslie Davis and Lyndsay Lamb, co-hosts of “Unsellable Houses,” from Feb. 28 to March 2, at the Richmond Raceway Complex. The twin sisters will share their home and design expertise with attendees on Feb. 28 and March 1, offering advice on budget-friendly home improvements and real estate insights.

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Richmond cancer survivor featured in national campaign

As Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month approaches in March, Richmond resident CiNease Freeman is taking her story to a national stage.

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McClellan celebrates Women’s History Month with awards program

U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, 4th District, recently launched her second annual Women of Excellence Awards program to celebrate Women’s History Month and honor the outstanding contributions of women in Virginia’s 4th District.

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Virginia golfer among finalists for Augusta National Women’s Amateur

Virginia golfer Amanda Sambach has earned a spot in the 2025 Augusta National Women’s Amateur, joining an elite field of top players from around the globe.