The VPM Daily Newscast contains all your Central Virginia news in just 5 to 10 minutes. Episodes are recorded the night before.
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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Dec. 7, 2023:
Henrico County opens new sports and events center
Reported by VPM News’ Lyndon German
Hundreds of Henrico residents received a full-access tour of the county’s latest redevelopment in the Fairfield District, as the Henrico Sports & Events Center officially opened its doors to the public on Monday.
After three years of construction, the 185,000-square-foot facility — located near the now-closed Virginia Center Commons — is finally complete and poised to enhance the county’s growing sports tourism economy.
The arena has already booked over 45 events through 2024.
Winfree Cottage: Insights into a Black freedwoman's life after the Civil War
Reported by VPM News’ Phil Liles
Richmond is working to renovate and move the home of Emily Winfree, one of thousands of Black Richmonders who transitioned from bondage to freedom during Reconstruction.
The cottage, given to Winfree by her former slaveowner, currently sits in Shockoe Bottom near Main Street Station. The city plans to move the structure to its original location in Manchester.
Janice Meck recently co-authored a book about the cottage, along with Virginia Refo: The Life and Legacy of Enslaved Virginian Emily Winfree. VPM News Morning Edition host Phil Liles spoke to Meck about the history of the cottage and Winfree’s life.
In other news:
- VCU reimagines its academic identity as it faces financial challenges (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
- Richmond-based education company Great Minds laying off dozens (Richmond BizSense)*
In case you missed it:
- Minority, women-owned businesses received less than 10% of Portsmouth city contracts, study finds (The Virginian-Pilot)*
- The Blue Sky Fund is helping Richmond Public Schools students discover the city's natural treasures (Style Weekly)
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.
