Ron Cephas Jones, ‘This Is Us’ actor who won 2 Emmys, dies at 66
Ron Cephas Jones, a veteran stage actor who won two Emmy Awards for his role as a long-lost father who finds redemption on the NBC television drama series “This Is Us,” has died at age 66, a representative said Saturday.
McClellan announces photo competition
Congresswoman Jennifer L. McClellan is inviting residents of Virginia’s 4th Congressional District to share their vision of the area and its community with her and, potentially, the nation at large.
Virginia Museum of History & Culture receives national Award of Excellence
The American Association of State and Local History (AASLH) recently awarded the Virginia Museum of History & Culture its highest honor for achievement in the preservation of state and local history — the Award of Excellence. The VMHC was the only museum in Virginia to be given this recognition in 2023.
Former Wythe star Alex Cole dies at 58
Alexander “Alex” Cole Jr., one of Richmond’s greatest baseball players, died Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, at age 58.
Sanders’ exit changes SWAC rankings
With no more Coach Deion Sanders at Jackson State, there may be a changing of the guard in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
Belmar’s been here, there, everywhere
Kharlton Belmar is the Richmond Kickers’ traveling man. Both his suitcase and soccer cleats are high mileage.
VUU’s Anderson draws national ‘Watch’
Virginia Union University has played football games with and against Isaac Anderson.
Football momentum building in the East End
Jeremy Pruitt teaches chemistry in the classroom and, as football coach, seems to have found the right formula at Armstrong High.
COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations increase
COVID-19 hospitalization rates have risen 77% in Virginia so far this month amid signs of a late summer wave sweeping the country, according to Axios. COVID diagnoses in Virginia emergency rooms have risen every week since the end of June, per data released by the Virginia Department of Health yesterday.
Richmond judge clears way for casino vote
Richmond voters will have a second chance to vote on hosting a $560 million casino in South Side. Judge W. Reilly Marchant cleared the way Wednesday by blocking a Richmond charity bingo group’s attempt to challenge the constitutionality of the order he signed July 25 to put the issue on the Nov. 7 general election ballot.
Women at the first March on Washington: A secretary, a future bishop and a marshal
In front of the crowds and the cameras, the speeches of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other men loomed large 60 years ago at the March on Washington. But the women, including those of faith, who played roles in its organization, its music and its news coverage were mostly left off the official program.
Racist attacks can’t hide lawlessness in Fulton County’s case against Trump, by Marc H. Morial
“With Trump, you don’t need to look for a dog whistle. It’s a bull horn when it comes to race. And I do think that’s deliberate. We’ve seen the — I mean, slanderous attacks that he has put out against Fani Willis, you know, alleged things I won’t even repeat. So, he’s not really hiding that he’s going to lean into that element, and this is, you know, taking place just outside of Atlanta. When you saw the courtroom, it was a lot of Black men and women who are serving in that courtroom ... It’s textbook Donald Trump but it comes as no surprise.” — Alyssa Farah, Former White House Director of Strategic Communications
Georgia’s case against Donald Trump’s team shows the real crime — against voters, by Clarence Page
Are you the sort of aging baby boomer who can’t hear the opening notes of Rossini’s “William Tell Overture” without thinking of the Lone Ranger?
Hurray for compromise
Good news. Virginia lawmakers are reportedly on the verge of a budget deal that would ensure increased funding for public schools and mental health services, while restoring a subsidy that will protect against a projected leap in health insurance premiums.
Back to school
Richmond area students are back in the classroom, a new experience for those of us who are used to public schools starting after labor Day.
Demands for better staffing, racial literacy course continue as VCU begins semester
Virginia Commonwealth University students moved into the residence halls last weekend amid ongoing calls for the university’s leadership to address issues regarding firings, hirings tuition increases and on-campus living conditions.
VUU enrollment increases
Virginia Union University is experiencing a surge in freshmen enrollment to start the fall semester, joining other area universities in reporting an increase in first-time students.
Woody Foundation, Military Retirees at odds over admissions tax
For at least 10 years, Christopher J. Woody Sr. raised money for his charity, The Woody Foundation, by throwing at least 17 parties and events a year at the Military Retirees Club of Richmond in North Side, a large private space that permits alcohol.
WREJ Rejoice sold
‘The Gary Flowers Show’ host plans to ‘carefully consider options before me’
Jim Jacobs, the station’s current owner through Radio Richmond, LLC, confirmed that the $500,00 deal to sell WREJ 990 AM/101.3 FM to Relevant Radio is moving forward. An announcement on “The Gary Flowers Show” Monday morning made it official that the station’s current programming will cease effective Aug. 31.
Free Press announces new hires, summer interns from Stanford, VCU
Managing editor Bonnie Newman Davis recognized during Black journalists convention
The Richmond Free Press continues to expand, with two summer interns helping to cover some of the most important topics for the Richmond community and longtime contributors joining the staff in a full-time or extended capacity.
