Pope Francis uses Ash Wednesday to advocate for peace in Ukraine; sends top Vatican officials to advocate for war’s refugees
Pope Francis used Ash Wednesday to praise practical and spiritual efforts to promote peace, encouraging people to dedicate prayers and fasting to ending the conflict in Ukraine as the church season of Lent begins.
Efforts advance for state, federal funding for historic Black cemeteries
The General Assembly, with bipartisan support, is preparing to beef up its efforts to financially support volunteers and organizations seeking to restore long-neglected Black cemeteries and to support efforts to preserve Black historical sites.
Bill to allow marijuana resentencing killed by GOP lawmakers
A Republican-led panel of House of Delegates members on Monday blocked a bill that would have allowed people incarcerated or on probation for marijuana-related crimes to ask a court for a modified sentence.
Youngkin rolls back diversity, inclusion efforts in education, calling them ‘divisive concepts’
Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin’s administration has rescinded a series of policies, memos and other resources related to diversity, equity and inclusion that it characterized as “discriminatory and divisive concepts” in the state’s public education system.
Volunteers to help RRHA families late with rent to file for state relief
Next week, scores of volunteers will be going door to door in public housing communities seeking to help 1,700 families avoid eviction because their rent is past due.
RRHA announces customer service upgrades
The landlord for Richmond’s public housing is promising a more customer-focused approach in dealing with its tenants.
Mask requirement on public transportation slated to end March 18
GRTC passengers could go maskless beginning Saturday, March 19.
Dr. Dietra Trent to lead White House HBCU initiative
President Biden has tapped a Virginia education veteran to work with and advocate for historically Black colleges and universities in the halls of government.
Virginia’s HBCUs received more than $141M collectively from ARP
Big bucks. That’s what Virginia’s five historically Black colleges and universities have received from the federal American Rescue Plan.
Richmond Public Library unveils plan for $70M reno at Downtown facility
A $70 million facelift is being proposed for the Richmond Public Library’s Main Library in Downtown.
Settlement details expected in death of South Side man involving police, ambulance personnel
A settlement is being worked out in the $25 million federal civil lawsuit alleging that two Richmond Police officers and two Richmond Ambulance Authority emergency medical personnel fatally smothered city resident Joshua L. Lawhon three years ago.
Investigation continues into Richmond Police shooting of Henrico man in East End
Two Richmond Police officers have been put on temporary administrative leave after shooting and killing a white man Sunday night in the East End.
Creation of police oversight panel among 3 critical items City Council to consider
Richmond City Council is heading to decision time on three significant items on its agenda—creation of a civilian review board to oversee police discipline, collective bargaining for employees and redistricting.
6th Annual Richmond Black Restaurant Experience runs through March 13
The 6th Annual Richmond Black Restaurant Experience kicked off last weekend with Mobile Soul Sunday at Monroe Park, featuring more than 20 Black-owned food trucks and carts serving a variety of tasty fare.
Holding on to their faith: Strengthening Black families living with dementia
When Dr. Fayron Epps was growing up in New Orleans, worship services weren’t limited to Sundays.
Actor-comedian Johnny Brown dies at 84
Actor and comedian Johnny Brown, who was perhaps best known for his role as apartment building superintendent Nathan Bookman on the television sitcom “Good Times,” died Wednesday, March 2, 2022, in Los Angeles, his longtime home. He was 84. “Our family is devastated. Devastated. Devastated. Beyond heartbroken. Barely able to breathe,” his daughter, Sharon Catherine Brown, wrote on Instagram in announcing his death late last week. “We respectfully ask for privacy at this time because we need a minute to process the unthinkable.” A native of St. Petersburg, Fla., Mr. Brown was multi-talented, getting his start as a singer in the late 1950s. He toured with saxophonist Sam “The Man” Taylor and released several singles, including “Walkin’ Talkin’, Kissin’ Doll” in 1961 on Columbia Records. He also appeared in two Broadway
Personality: Dr. Audra Yuki-Wright Jones
Spotlight on board president of the Virginia Dental Association Foundation
Dr. Audra Yuki-Wright Jones is helping put a bright smile on the faces of Virginians.
Displaced Fox Elementary students to resume in-person classes temporarily at First Baptist Church on Monument Ave
Students from William Fox Elementary School will have classes at First Baptist Church on Monument Avenue and Arthur Ashe Boulevard starting Monday, March 21.
Good riddance
68 law enforcement officers have been decertified in Virginia since a new state law took effect last March expanding the grounds for which they can be disqualified to work.
Two years ago, the only reasons police officers could be decertified in Virginia were if they tested positive for drugs, were convicted of certain crimes or failed to complete required training.
Mayor’s $836M proposed budget includes major pay hikes for public safety workers
Soaring property values and a continuing boom in new development in Richmond have given City Hall the money to propose major pay increases for police officers, firefighters and other city employees.
