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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of July 14, 2023:
John Henry James’ 1898 indictment dismissed in Charlottesville
Reported by VPM News’ Whittney Evans
In 1898, a grand jury indicted Charlottesville resident John Henry James, an ice cream vendor accused of sexually assaulting a white woman. The indictment was issued despite the grand jury’s knowledge that he’d already been killed by a lynch mob.
No one was charged in his killing, but James’ July 12 indictment endured — until Wednesday, when Albemarle County Circuit Court Judge Cheryl Higgins heard Commonwealth’s Attorney James Hingeley’s request to dismiss the charges.
Hanover Tomato Festival returns in full swing
Reported by VPM News’ Lyndon German
What began as a fundraiser for a local volunteer fire department in the 1970s has become a long-standing tradition for county residents, out-of-state guests and even sitting presidents.
In 2020, the two-day festival was canceled for the first time in its history. Starting Friday, the festival returns in full force to Pole Green Park with nearly 100 handcraft and artisan vendors, agricultural displays, live music, food — and Hanover-grown tomatoes, of course.
The festival runs from 5 to 9 p.m on Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday.
In other news:
- Martin Agency bows out as lead ad firm for Virginia Tourism office (Richmond BizSense)*
- How could (and how would) UVA begin tracking political and religious affiliation? (The Daily Progress)*
- Hampton's island of birds: A rare glimpse at a conservation effort unlike any other in Virginia (WVEC)
In case you missed it:
- Virginia Beach approves relocation of Confederate monument to private land (The Virginian-Pilot)*
- Youngkin completes review of new regs to pull Virginia out of carbon market by year’s end (Virginia Mercury)
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.