Gene Marrano
The father of slain WDBJ-7 journalist Alison Parker has released a book about his daughter – shot dead on live TV in 2015 – and his fight for improved gun control. Andy Parker will also speak about and sign copies of “For Alison, The Murder of a Young Journalist and a Father’s Fight for Gun Safety,” tomorrow at 1-pm, at “Book No Further” on Church Avenue, inside the 16 West Marketplace. Parker has been making the rounds on national and international media outlets about his book, which also advocates for universal background checks and banning assault-style weapons. We will hear much more from Andy Parker during a “Longer Listen” segment Monday morning at 8:45.
The “Flashback Friday” lineup for Dr. Pepper Park off South Jefferson Street has been announced and many of the favorites return – like the tribute bands for Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty and Led Zeppelin. But Dr. Pepper Park president Waynette Anderson is also excited for a first-time group that honors the late Prince, “Dean Ford and the Beautiful Ones,” on May 10th. Dr. Pepper Park again kicks off a new season with the all-comers Star City Cornhole Tournament on April 27th. Hear a complete in-studio conversation with Waynette Anderson below:
The Northside Vikings overcame first half turnovers and held on against a quicker opponent in Phoebus to win its first-ever class 3 state boys high school basketball title this afternoon – 60-to 58 for long time head coach Billy Pope. Two Casey Draper foul shots at the end sealed the deal for Northside. Pope had lost three previous state title games with Northside dating back to 1992.
A gesture made by Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs forward Jesse Schwartz described as being “racially inappropriate” that was directed towards Al Graves – a black player on the Quad City Storm – means Schwartz has been now suspended by the team and the SPHL for the rest of the season and any playoff run. A league statement says while Schwartz has apologized, “the SPHL will not tolerate incidents of this nature.” The gesture led to an on-ice fight towards the end of the Saturday night game in Moline, Illinois. Dawgs head coach Dan Bremner:
Hear our complete and latest update from head coach Dan Bremner – starting with the Schwartz suspension – below:
First State Senator Bill Carrico announces he will not run again for office this November; now fellow Republican State Senator Frank Wagner says he too is retiring from the General Assembly this year – after 28 years as a state legislator. Wagner was also a GOP primary candidate for Governor in 2017. Republicans hold a slim majority in the State Senate.
