Features editor

Denise M. Watson

Denise Watson is features editor of The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press. She's a Norfolk native and has written for her hometown paper for more than 30 years. As editor, she welcomes story ideas that are oddball, fun, anything dealing with local arts, history, personalities and places that make Hampton Roads Hampton Roads.

A 1912 Craftsman needed a ton of work. The buyer wasn't about to sit back while her contractor did all the work. Now Teresa Robinson and Brandon Parker are friends who'll have a national audience.

Home and Garden |
Norfolk, Virginia Beach residents team up to compete on HGTV’s ‘Battle on the Beach’

June 3, 2024 at 7:57 a.m.

A 1912 Craftsman needed a ton of work. The buyer wasn't about to sit back while her contractor did all the work. Now Teresa Robinson and Brandon Parker are friends...

Photo shows Clay Barr in a room of the Chrysler Museum of Art with yads from her collection.

Arts |
Norfolk philanthropist gives UVA its first major gift of Judaica: A collection of more than 150 Torah pointers

May 4, 2024 at 12:37 p.m.

Clay Barr of Norfolk is giving her collection of more than 150 yads, or Torah pointers, to the Fralin Museum of Art at UVA. It is the first major donation...

Our 2024 Virginian-Pilot/Daily Press Peep show is out of this world. Literally.

Things To Do |
The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press 2024 annual Peeps show: Space, ‘Barbie’ and more

March 31, 2024 at 10:49 a.m.

Our 2024 Virginian-Pilot/Daily Press Peep show is out of this world. Literally.

Local churches and community service groups are arranging advanced screenings of the movie musical "The Color Purple" to celebrate its themes of resilience and community.

Things To Do |
‘The Color Purple’ opens on Christmas. Hampton Roads groups are getting early screenings.

December 4, 2023 at 9:57 a.m.

Local churches and community service groups are arranging advanced screenings of the movie musical "The Color Purple" to celebrate its themes of resilience and community.

The documentary, "Something to Behold," will debut at Norfolk State University on Tuesday and it chronicles the university's theatrical legacy, which is almost as old as the school itself.

Entertainment |
NSU celebrates theater legacy with screening of new documentary, ‘Something to Behold’

September 18, 2023 at 9:26 a.m.

The documentary, "Something to Behold," will debut at Norfolk State University on Tuesday and it chronicles the university's theatrical legacy, which is almost as old as the school itself.

This year’s Sept. 10 concert happens to come after another hate crime: On Saturday, a white racist shot and killed three Black people in a Florida store.

Music and Concerts |
Norfolk and Virginia Symphony Orchestra are back with annual CommUNITY concert

August 30, 2023 at 11:02 a.m.

This year’s Sept. 10 concert happens to come after another hate crime: On Saturday, a white racist shot and killed three Black people in a Florida store.

On Tuesday, July 18, Nando’s restaurants - including the Virginia Beach location - celebrate Mandela Day. The South African restaurant gives customers free flame-grilled chicken in exchange for donated school supplies.

Restaurants, Food and Drink |
Nando’s in Virginia Beach giving away chicken Tuesday in exchange for school supplies

July 18, 2023 at 8:17 a.m.

Tuesday, Nelson Mandela Day, Nando's in Virginia Beach will give away chicken in exchange for donated school supplies.

It’s time for the annual Peeps contest from The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press

February 27, 2023 at 3:13 p.m.

Prepare for the invasion of the Peeps! The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press' annual Peeps contest is open. We're asking readers to submit imaginative dioramas featuring marshmallow Peeps treats. The theme...

Retired Pilot photographer Mort Fryman, remembered for his work and his heart, has died

February 9, 2023 at 5:53 p.m.

Shelby Fryman said it was appropriate that her husband, Mort, was born on Valentine's Day. "He truly was a sweetheart," she said Wednesday. "Such a sweet guy." Myron "Mort" Fryman,...

The Naro gets lauded ‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’ before its theater debut

November 16, 2022 at 3:58 p.m.

The Naro Cinema has snagged the highly anticipated "Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio" for a limited run before it debuts in select theaters nationwide in December. The movie will play at...

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