🌱 WHO Honors Henrietta Lacks + New Documents In Councilman Case

Roanoke VA

14 October, 2021

12:59 PM

Description

Hello, people of Roanoke! Nicole Fallon-Peek here with today's issue of the Roanoke Daily. First, today's weather: Sunshine and some clouds. High: 85 Low: 64. Here are the top stories in Roanoke today: The chief of the World Health Organization has honored the late Henrietta Lacks, a Roanoke woman whose cells helped provide the foundation for vast scientific breakthroughs. The recognition came more than a decade after the publication of "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot. Skloot's book chronicled the discrimination in health care Black Americans faced when Lacks developed cervical cancer, the life-saving innovations made possible by her cells, and her family's legal fight over their unauthorized use. (WWBT NBC12 News)Newly-released court documents may show why a grand jury chose to indict a Roanoke council member on charges of obtaining money and signatures under false pretense. Court documents state that Robert Jeffrey received two COVID-19 stimulus grants from the City of Roanoke totaling $15,000. When he applied for the grants, Jeffrey reportedly listed false information that was required to obtain them. (WSET)The family of slain WDBJ-TV reporter Alison Parker is asking the Federal Trade Commission to take action against Facebook for failing to remove online footage of her shooting death. (WSET)"Legally Blonde: The Musical" will have its final weekend at Mill Mountain Theatre. (WSLS 10)Roanoke residents should prepare for downtown street closures through the weekend due to GO Fest. (Press Release Desk) Today's Roanoke Daily is brought to you by Verizon, a Patch Brand Partner. Learn more about online gaming relationships and how they've helped some children through the pandemic. Today in Roanoke: GO Fest 2021 - Roanoke City Special Events (12:00 AM) Did you know you can feature your local business in this spot in the Roanoke Daily for just $79 per month? Click here to learn more. Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you around! If you're into these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe. — Nicole Fallon-Peek About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.