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Free Press staff report

Stories by Free Press

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Longtime Richmond pastor set to end 45-year ministry

Dr. Arthur M. Jones Sr., pastor of Triumphant Baptist Church in Richmond, recently announced his retirement after 45 years of service. His last day as pastor will be July 28.

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CIAA unveils 2024 football broadcast schedule

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association announces its broadcast lineup for the upcoming 2024 football season, featuring games on HBCU GO, a streaming service dedicated to Historically black colleges and universities, and the conference’s own CIAA Sports Network.

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VCU Medical Center tops Richmond hospital rankings again

VCU Medical Center has been named the top hospital in the Metro Richmond area for the 14th consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report.

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CIAA football preseason poll

Virginia State tops rankings, Virginia Union second

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association has released its 2024 football preseason conference poll, with Virginia State University claiming the top spot. This marks a significant improvement for the Trojans, who were picked to finish fifth last season but landed in third place behind Virginia Union and Fayetteville State.

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Chesterfield County unveils inaugural sports hall of fame class

In a landmark moment for local sports history, the Chesterfield County Sports Hall of Fame, presented by Virginia Credit Union, has announced its inaugural class of inductees.

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Congressional symposium precedes MJBL Baseball Classic

The Metropolitan Junior Baseball League will host its 33rd Annual Inner City Classic and Black World Series on July 30 in Washington, D.C. The event starts 6 p.m. at Maury Wills Field, following the 20th Annual Bobby Bonds Memorial Symposium at the Congressional Auditorium on Capitol Hill.

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Senators introduce legislation to support lower-income artists

U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner, D-Va., and Thom Tillis, R-N.C., introduced the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act of 2024 on Tuesday, aiming to provide tax relief to lower and middle-income performing artists. This legislation updates the Qualified Performing Artist tax deduction, allowing more artists to deduct work-related expenses.

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City addresses sewer pipe leaks along James River

The City of Richmond is working with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to address two separate sewer leak incidents that occurred this month along the Tredegar Pipeline Trail.

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Richmond announces finalists for inaugural BLK RVA Community Awards

The Richmond Region Tourism Foundation has unveiled the finalists for the first BLK RVA Community Awards, celebrating individuals and businesses that bolster Black tourism in the Richmond area.

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Local Lego Master to Lead Workshop for Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond

The Lego Group and a local contestant on Fox’’s “Lego Masters” Ben Edlavitch are teaming up to bring a special workshop to members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond on Monday, July 29.

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Woodville Elementary joins extended school year program

Woodville Elementary School in Richmond’s East End welcomed students back to class earlier than usual this week, marking its first year as part of the city’s RPS200 initiative. The program, now in its second year, extends the school year by 20 days to boost student achievement.

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‘Portraits’ exhibition showcases Style Weekly’s visual chronicle of Richmond

A new exhibition showcasing photographs from Style Weekly’s archive at the Valentine museum, offering a visual journey through Richmond’s cultural landscape from the 1980s to recent years.

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Desirée Roots joins leadership team at ATLAS partnership

Desirée Roots, former co-artistic director of community at Virginia Rep, has joined the leadership team of the newly established ATLAS Partnership. Roots’ previous position, was eliminated during a recent restructuring of Virginia Rep.

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Popular jazz café secures funding for 3 more years

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts announced Tuesday that Dominion Energy has renewed its sponsorship of the museum’s free weekly jazz performance series.

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Richmond Music Week returns for second year

Richmond Music Week, a celebration of the city’s music scene, will return for its second year Aug. 2 through 11 organizers announced Wednesday.

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Spiders make splash with 2 CSCAA Scholar All-Americans

The University of Richmond’s swimming and diving team is proving they’re as sharp in the classroom as they are in the pool.

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McClellan delivers $1.6M for domestic violence survivors

U.S. Rep. Jennifer L. McClellan, D-Va., presented YWCA Richmond with a $1,666,279 check Tuesday to support the organization’s services for domestic violence survivors.

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From farmland to fun land: Henrico’s Taylor Farm Park now open

A new public park spanning 99 acres opened Tuesday in Sandston, expanding Henrico County’s recreational offerings. Taylor Farm Park, located at 200 Whiteside Road, features a variety of outdoor amenities and represents a $26 million investment in community infrastructure.

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Richmond issues water advisory for James River due to sewage leak

The Virginia Department of Health has issued a recreational water advisory for a section of the James River following a sewage leak reported on July 16. The affected area stretches from the Manchester Bridge (9th Street) in Richmond to Osborne Landing in Henrico County.

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Family activities and hoops highlight Henrico’s back-to-school event

Henrico County Public Schools will host its annual Back-to-School Kickoff at the Henrico Sports & Events Center on Aug. 9, offering a day filled with family activities, educational resources and a basketball tournament to celebrate the up-coming school year.

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Local First Tee team cinches Redmond Cup in thrilling playoff

In a nail-biting finish, First Tee Greater Richmond captured the 11th Redmond Cup presented by Troutman Pepper on Thursday at Belmont Golf Course. The local team emerged victorious in a playoff against First Tee – Greater Washington, D.C., after both squads finished the two-day competition tied at 165.

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5 Panthers earn spots on VaSID All-State football team

The Virginia Union University football program made a strong showing in the recently announced Virginia Sports Information Directors All-State Football Team. Five Panthers have secured spots on the prestigious list, highlighting the team’s talent and depth.

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Free FAFSA assistance workshops at Capital One Cafes

A local nonprofit is offering free workshops to help students complete their federal financial aid applications for college.

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City proposes solar farm, meadow on former landfill site

Richmond officials are seeking public input on a proposal to convert a former landfill into the city’s first solar farm and pollinator meadow. The project, which could cover up to 30 acres in the 7th District, aims to generate renewable energy while supporting local biodiversity.

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Dr. JoAnn Thomas Wilson remembered

JoAnn Thomas Wilson, a revered figure in psychology and community service, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ga.

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Veterans care centers get new wheelchair-accessible vans

The Virginia Veterans Services Foundation and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services announced Wednesday that the Disabled American Veterans Department of Virginia has donated four specially equipped minivans to transport residents of state veterans care centers to medical appointments.

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Michael Vick to mentor young athletes at NSU flag football clinic

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference is gearing up for its second annual Girls on the Gridiron Flag Football Clinic, with former NFL quarterback Michael Vick slated to make a special appearance. The event, set for Sunday, July 21, aims to introduce more young women to the growing sport of flag football.

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Four-day Black Pride RVA celebration returns

The seventh annual Black Pride RVA, a four-day celebration of Richmond’s LGBTQIA+ community of color, is set for July 18-21.

Hanover Tomato Festival returns for 46th year

The Hanover Tomato Festival returns to Pole Green Park on July 12 and 13, marking its 46th year as a community celebration.

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Roland Martin leads town hall on education reform

Nationally recognized journalist and author Roland Martin will host a town hall meeting on education reform in Richmond on Sunday, July 14.

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Local playwright’s ‘Hippocrite’ brings church satire back to stage

“Hippocrite the Musical,” a gospel comedy that sold out its one-night performance last year at the Dominion Energy Center, returns for three shows on July 20 and 21 at The Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education.

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Freedom Reads founder Betts to receive top honor from Library of Virginia

The Library of Virginia will award its honorary Patron of Letters degree to poet, lawyer and Freedom Reads founder Reginald Dwayne Betts, the library announced Tuesday.

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Trojans ready to roar: VSU men’s hoops unveils 2024-25 schedule

Head Coach Lonnie Blow, Jr. and his Virginia State University Men’s Basketball squad face a hard-hitting 25-game slate for the 2024-2025 campaign. The Trojans are set to battle through a schedule packed with thrilling matchups, kicking off with the much-anticipated Trojan Tip-Off Classic.

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Virginia Museum of History & Culture launches statewide education program

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) has announced the launch of a major statewide civics education program for middle-grade students as part of its 250th Initiative. The program, titled Civics Connects, is designed to provide a comprehensive, classroom-ready resource for Virginia students.

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Richmond entrepreneur advances in Black Ambition Prize competition

A Richmond-based food company has been named a semifinalist in the Black Ambition Prize, an entrepreneurial competition founded by Virginia native and music icon Pharrell Williams.

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University of Richmond professor receives fellowship for Black history research

Jillean McCommons, a University of Richmond assistant professor of history and Africana studies, has been awarded the Wilma Dykeman “Faces of Appalachia” Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship by the Appalachian Studies Association.

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Alvin Parker named Black College Football Hall of Fame National Coach of the Year

Alvin Parker, head football coach at Virginia Union University, has been named the Black College Football Hall of Fame National Coach of the Year.

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Flying Squirrels honor local history with upcoming games

The Richmond Flying Squirrels have unveiled an array of promotions for their ongoing home stand against the Harrisburg Senators, running through Sunday, July 14, at The Diamond.

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RIC recognized for excellence in airport management

Richmond International Airport recently won the Change Management Program Award from Airports Council International-North America.

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Local First Tee participants to attend Game Changers Academy in Minneapolis

Two teenagers from First Tee — Greater Richmond were recently selected to attend a national leadership academy focused on social justice and community building.

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Virginia War Memorial seeks volunteers for flag removal

The Virginia War Memorial is seeking volunteers to help conclude its annual Hill of Heroes celebration, a tribute honoring nearly 12,000 Virginians who died serving their country from World War II to the present.

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Henrico completes its first section of the much- anticipated Fall Line Trail

Henrico County officials cut the ribbon Tuesday of the Spring Park section of the 43-mile Fall Line Trail. The 1,400-foot section is the first to be completed in Henrico County.

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Historic former hospital site of Community History Fair

A part of Richmond’s past returns next weekend as the site of the former Richmond Community Hospital hosts a Community History Fair to commemorate its 90th anniversary. The event, set for Sunday, July 7, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., aims to celebrate the institution’s history and raise awareness about its uncertain future.

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Richmond Battlefield Park to shutter Tredegar Station, boost river programs

Richmond National Battlefield Park is set to close its visitor contact station at the historic Tredegar Iron Works on July 5. The National Park Service (NPS) has maintained a presence at Tredegar for several years, occupying a small leased space near the entrance to the American Civil War Museum. With the lease expiring this year, park officials are planning to expand their community outreach.

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Tribute planned for civil rights leader Maggie L. Walker

The National Park Service will honor Maggie Lena Walker’s 160th birthday with a two-week celebration featuring events across Richmond highlighting the Black banking pioneer’s legacy.

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Flying Squirrels’ July 4 game sells out for 14th straight year

The Richmond Flying Squirrels’ July 4 game at The Diamond has sold out, the team announced recently. This marks the 14th consecutive year the franchise has sold out its Independence Day game since its inception in 2010.

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VUU’s Ny Langley to showcase skills at Harlem’s Rucker Park

Harlem’s legendary Rucker Park is about to get a taste of Panther prowess. Virginia Union University’s basketball standout, Ny Langley, has been invited to participate in the HBCU All Star Dream Classic on Aug. 10, when she’ll compete alongside top collegiate talent.

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Local BBQ restaurant crowned ‘Best Chef’ at Chicago barbecue competition

The Original Ronnie’s BBQ from Henrico County won the “Best Chef” title at the Six in the City Southern BBQ Experience event in Chicago last month. The competition featured pitmasters and chefs from six southern cities known for their barbecue.

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Tribute planned for civil rights leader Maggie L. Walker

The National Park Service will honor Maggie Lena Walker’s 160th birthday with a two-week celebration featuring events across Richmond highlighting the Black banking pioneer’s legacy.

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Colonial Downs prepares for 2024 racing season

Colonial Downs Racetrack is gearing up for its 2024 thoroughbred racing season, set to begin July 11. The track announced last week that more than 100 horses have already arrived, with approximately 700 expected during the nine-week season.

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