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Free Press staff report

Stories by Free Press

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Granite Schoolhouse tops Virginia’s endangered historic sites list

The Granite Schoolhouse, the last remaining historic building tied to a once-thriving community of Black granite workers in South Richmond, tops the list of Virginia’s Most Endangered Historic Places for 2025.

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Virginia Union competes in PGA Works Collegiate Championship

The Virginia Union University Golf Team wrapped up its season with a strong showing at the 2025 PGA Works Collegiate Championship, held May 5-7 at Whistling Straits and Irish courses in Kohler, Wis.

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Abner Baptist to host Mental Health Education Seminar

Abner Baptist Church will host a Mental Health Education Seminar on Saturday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to noon at its sanctuary, 15143 Abner Church Road in Glen Allen.

Mayor calls for action after City worker wounded in shooting

A City of Richmond Department of Public Works employee was wounded early Tuesday morning while performing work duties, city officials confirmed.

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VCU’s Jazmin Jackson named to Dominican Republic soccer team

VCU junior forward Jazmin Jackson has been called up to the Dominican Republic women’s national soccer team, the Selección Dominicana de Fútbol Femenina, Coach Betzaida Ubri announced this week.

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Squirrels fall to SeaWolves after late-inning rally

The Richmond Flying Squirrels surrendered three runs in the ninth inning and fell to the Erie SeaWolves, 7-4, on Sunday afternoon at The Diamond.

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Historic Chatsworth School to hold open house, plaque unveiling

The Chatsworth School Museum in Varina will host an open house June 7 and 8 to highlight the legacy of a rare early 20th-century schoolhouse that once served Black children in Henrico County.

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CIAA honors top athletes, programs at spring awards reception

Virginia State University and Fayetteville State University led the way in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s (CIAA) 2024-2025 awards, announced during the conference’s Spring General Assembly and end-of-year reception held Tuesday in Richmond.

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Jen Hatmaker to speak at River Road Church

New York Times bestselling author and speaker Jen Hatmaker will be the featured guest at River Road Church, Baptist, on Thursday, May 22, as part of the church’s Distinguished Speaker Forum series.

AFA offers travel tips for families of people with dementia ahead of holiday

With a record-breaking 45.1 million Americans expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during Memorial Day weekend, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is urging caregivers to plan ahead when traveling with a loved one living with dementia.

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‘Phenomenal Women, A Cabaret’ to showcase music and storytelling

Ami Brabson, a television and stage actress, will perform “Phenomenal Women, A Cabaret” in Richmond on Sunday, May 18. The show, which blends music and storytelling, centers on the theme “Your Voice is Your Power.”

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Bishop Knestout reflects on election of first American pope

Bishop Barry C. Knestout of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond recently offered reflections following the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope The election, which took place May 8, brought Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago native, to the papacy as the 267th pope.

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Boone named president of Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital

Sentara Health has announced the appointment of Elwood Bernard “Bernie” Boone III as the next president of Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville. Boone will assume the role on June 2.

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Richmond beats VCU, 6-3, for coach’s 600th career win

The University of Richmond baseball team defeated Virginia Commonwealth University, 6-3, on Saturday at The Diamond, marking Coach Mik Aoki’s 600th career victory across 24 seasons coaching five NCAA Division I programs.

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RVA Bikeshare offers free rides for National Bike to Work Week

In celebration of National Bike to Work Week, RVA Bikeshare is encouraging Richmond residents to leave their cars behind and hop on one of the program’s electric bikes.

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Book talk with Bethel Booth to highlight spiritual reflection

Richmond author Bethel Booth will host a book talk and signing Thursday, May 29, at The Queen’s Library Tea Room to celebrate her debut release, “Her Letters to Him: 50 Prayers by a Woman After God’s Heart.”

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VSU on par with golf simulator from PGA

Virginia State University has unveiled a new golf simulator donated by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America.

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Climbing, kayaking and concerts converge at Riverrock weekend

It’s where gravity, grit and groove collide. Richmond’s Dominion Energy Riverrock returns May 17-19 to turn Brown’s Island into a high-octane playground of trail runs, climbing walls, flying dogs and thumping bass lines. Now in its 16th year, the free, three-day adrenaline fest draws over 100,000 fans annually—blending elite outdoor sport with live music in a setting where kayakers battle in polo scrums and boulderers scale walls to roaring crowds.

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Squirrels drop series finale to senators 4-2

The Richmond Flying Squirrels gave up three runs in the first inning and couldn’t recover, falling 4-2 to the Harrisburg Senators on Sunday afternoon at FNB Field.

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Asian American Celebration features music, dance and global cuisine

The annual Asian American Celebration returns Saturday, May 17, with a full day of cultural performances, food and family-friendly activities at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

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Annual tourism awards highlight achievements in hospitality, events

Richmond Region Tourism recognized key individuals and organizations for their contributions to the area’s hospitality industry during its 2025 Awards and Annual Meeting on May 7 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

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Burrows, Blunt ace All-CIAA Women’s Tennis Team

Virginia State University’s Alexcie Burrows and Suffolk native Nakari Blunt of Bowie State were among the standout student-athletes named to the 2025 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Women’s Tennis All-Conference Team.

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City Council appoints RJ Warren as chief of staff

Richmond City Council has named RJ Warren as its new chief of staff.

Community open mic to honor mothers, Mother Earth

Virginia Interfaith Power & Light will host an open mic night in Richmond on Thursday, May 15, to honor both motherhood and the planet.

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Pamunkey Reservation named among nation’s most endangered historic places

The Pamunkey Indian Reservation in King William County, home to one of the nation’s oldest Indigenous communities, has been named one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.

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Virginia Chamber of Commerce welcomes two new members

The Virginia Chamber of Commerce has announced the addition of two new members to its team: Carter T. Whitelow and Sarah Muse. Whitelow has joined as vice president of government relations and Muse is the new director of marketing and brand management.

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Nominations open for BLK RVA Community Awards

The Richmond Region Tourism Foundation’s BLK RVA initiative is now accepting nominations for the second annual BLK RVA Community Awards, presented by Wells Fargo.

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VUU sweeps in shot put, discus at CIAA championship

Virginia Union University made history at the CIAA Men’s Track & Field Championship by sweeping both the shot put and discus throw for the first time, taking first, second and third place in each event. The landmark achievement capped a season in which the Panthers broke more than 10 school records, signaling major growth for the program.

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Retired Army colonel to share story of Six Triple Eight in lecture at museum

Retired U.S. Army Col. Edna W. Cummings will speak at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture on Thursday, May 8, at noon. In her lecture, Cummings will discuss her memoir, “A Soldier’s Life: A Black Woman’s Rise from Army Brat to Six Triple Eight Champion,” which chronicles her path from a military childhood to leadership roles in the Army and beyond.

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VMFA to temporarily close select galleries for expansion prep starting May 13

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts will temporarily close several galleries beginning May 13 as it prepares for the largest expansion and renovation project in its history, museum officials announced Monday.

NSU offers 1st course on gaming management at university this fall

Norfolk State University will offer Virginia’s first college course on gaming management this fall. The course, Introduction to Gaming Management, will be available entirely online through the Business School’s Tourism and Hospitality Management program.

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Agecroft Hall to host free concert and activities on Mother’s Day

Agecroft Hall and Gardens will host a free concert and family-friendly activities on Mother’s Day, inviting visitors to explore the historic site and its gardens.

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Parayo to oversee opening of Live! Casino Virginia in Petersburg

Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies recently appointed Penny Parayo as senior vice president of operations and general manager for Live! Casino Virginia, the gaming facility scheduled to open in Petersburg by the end of the year.

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Warnock to speak at Virginia Union’s 2025 commencement

Virginia Union University recently announced U.S. Sen. Raphael G. Warnock will deliver the keynote address at its 2025 commencement ceremony. The event will take place 9 a.m., Saturday, May 10, at Hovey Field on the university’s campus. In addition to his address, Warnock will be awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree in recognition of his leadership in public service, advocacy for social justice, and commitment to education and equity.

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Chesterfield Schools adds 6 to Education Hall of Fame

Six former educators were inducted into the Chesterfield County Public Schools Hall of Fame during a May 1 ceremony, bringing the total membership to 30 since the program began in 2022.

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Patriots rally late to beat Squirrels 5-4 in series finale

The Richmond Flying Squirrels surrendered four late runs and fell to the Somerset Patriots, 5-4, in Sunday’s series finale at The Diamond.

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Free concert series returns to Main Street Station

Live music is back at Main Street Station this month with the return of the Music at Main Street Station Concert Series. The free outdoor concert series continues Thursday, May 8, and each Thursday through May 22. Concerts will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the patio at Main Street Station, located at 1500 E. Main St.

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Golf classic in Petersburg to benefit hunger relief, youth programs

The green at Dogwood Trace Golf Course in Petersburg will be more than just a place to tee off May 15 — it will be a space to honor the legacy of retired Col. Porcher L. Taylor Jr. and support several critical community initiatives. The Colonel Porcher L. Taylor Jr. Legacy Golf Classic, hosted by the Petersburg Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, is an annual event that brings together golfers, sponsors and community leaders for a day of charity and camaraderie.

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Stories, culture and community take center stage at Black Book Expo

Books will line the tables, rhythms will fill the air and stories — both written and spoken — will take center stage as the Elegba Folklore Society presents the 2025 Black Book Expo: A Conscious Literary Festival, May 10 and 11 at the Pine Camp Cultural Arts Center.

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VUU honors Greene, Rosales with top athletic awards

Virginia Union University recognized two standout student-athletes with its highest athletic honor during the 2025 VUU Athletic Banquet, held Thursday, April 24, at Hovey Field.

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Hanover County appoints new director of information technology

Hanover County appointed Steve Rodriguez as its new director of information technology, effective July 1.

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Henrico awards grants to support environmental projects

Henrico County has awarded grants to eight local organizations for environmental initiatives as part of the first round of its new Community Impact Grants program.

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Flying Squirrels split doubleheader but fall in series finale

The Richmond Flying Squirrels snapped a four-game losing streak with a 4-1 win in the first game of a doubleheader against the Akron RubberDucks on Saturday night at Canal Park, before falling, 2-1, in extra innings in the second game.

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English appointed to National PAL Chiefs’ and Sheriffs’ Council

Henrico County Police Department Col. Eric D. English has been selected as a founding member of the National Police Activities/Athletic League’s (PAL) Chiefs’ and Sheriffs’ Council. English took his place on the council during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., last month.

Concert to feature young musicians and VCU Health Orchestra

Music Orchard Richmond (MOR) will host its first Side-by-Side Concert in collaboration with the VCU Health Orchestra on Friday, May 30, at 7:30 p.m.

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City cuts back on p-cards, overhauls purchasing program

The City of Richmond is making major changes to its purchasing card (p-card) program, reducing the number of cards in circulation by more than 80% and tightening restrictions on what they can be used to buy.

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Women’s conference offers spiritual growth, networking

A two-day women’s conference focused on worship, personal growth and spiritual empowerment will be held May 2 and 3 at New Life Outreach Church, 1005 Turner Road.

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Black Men Vote names Michael Bland as executive director

Black Men Vote has appointed Michael Bland as its new executive director, the organization announced last week. Bland brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership and political strategy, with a focus on equity-centered policy, coalition-building and advocacy.

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Women gather at Hilton Short Pump for day of financial empowerment

More than 350 women gathered April 15 at the Hilton Short Pump for Virginia Credit Union’s Financial Success for Women Summit, a daylong event focused on personal finance, wealth-building and career development.

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Flying Squirrels blank Baysox, 10-0, for first home win of season

The Richmond Flying Squirrels broke out of a slump in dominant fashion Friday night, shutting out the Bowie Baysox 10-0 at The Diamond to earn their first home win of the 2025 season.

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