Virginia State defeats Virginia Union in close Freedom Classic showdown
In a thrilling Freedom Classic matchup, Virginia State University edged out Virginia Union University with a 78- 74 victory Saturday night in Petersburg. The game featured dramatic runs from both teams, including a late push by the Panthers that brought the contest down to the wire.
Richmonders join nationwide “We Fight Back” protests
Chants of “the people united, will never be defeated,” echoed throughout Monroe Park on Monday afternoon as dozens of Richmonders rallied and marched in defense of the world’s oppressed, and against the wave of expected changes to come with the second term of President Trump.
Life sentences of ‘Waverly Two’ commuted by Biden
Decades after two African American men were acquitted of the murder of a Sussex County police officer but still sentenced to life in prison, and after years of efforts to clear their names, Terence J. Richardson and Ferrone Claiborne are set to be released in the near future.
Wilder celebrates 94th birthday with tributes, jazz
Former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder’s 94th birthday was celebrated with heartfelt tributes at the State Capitol, a jazz concert and reflections on his groundbreaking contributions to Virginia’s political landscape
Thousands march in defiance of Trump
Diverse coalition protests inauguration
A diverse coalition of thousands marched in Washington on Saturday in the name of women’s rights, climate change, prison abolition and more, but also as an act of defiance against President Trump.
In sermon to Trump, Bishop Budde pleads for immigrants, transgender rights
President Donald Trump attended the inaugural prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday, Jan. 21, finishing off the festivities marking the beginning of his second term with an interfaith service filled with prayers and hymns — and a sermon that offered a religious challenge to his administration’s stated goals.
RPS budget proposal targets teacher pay, contracts
Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras presented a proposed $43.7 million increase in the operating budget and a $13.6 million increase for school infrastructure improvements at Tuesday night’s School Board meeting.
Firm hired to investigate water treatment plant debacle
In the wake of a weather-related power disruption that caused flooding and equipment malfunctions at the City of Richmond’s water treatment plant, City officials have enlisted the help of HNTB Corporation to conduct an independent report. The firm, with over 100 years of experience in infrastructure development, will assess the circumstances surrounding the Jan. 6 debacle.
Speakers urge action to continue King’s legacy at celebration
The enduring relevance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy was the focus for hundreds last Friday morning as they gathered for Virginia Union University’s 47th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Breakfast. The event brought local, state and federal officials to a Downtown hotel, where community members from Richmond and across Virginia reflected on King’s impact in the United States and around the world as the new year began.
Barbour launches campaign for Richmond commonwealth’s attorney
Tom Barbour officially launched his campaign for Richmond’s commonwealth’s attorney last week, focusing on public safety issues in the city. Barbour, who previously ran for the office in 2021, outlined his vision for change, emphasizing Richmonders should not be held back by perceptions of unsafe streets.
Campus workers lobby for collective bargaining rights, free speech on campus
Over the past year, Kristin Reed, a career educator at Virginia Commonwealth University, has witnessed the university’s board of visitors vote to increase tuition after it laid off a record number of faculty members and increased class sizes, in addition to eliminating racial literacy general education requirements.
Richmond opens overflow shelter to accommodate more residents
With cold temperatures persisting before a warming trend later in the week, the Salvation Army has extended the operating hours of its Inclement Weather Shelter to ensure continuous service through Friday, Jan. 24, at noon. The shelter, located at 1900 Chamberlayne Parkway, will remain open without disruption, providing a safe space for those in need during the frigid conditions.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, Jan. 18, COVID-19 accounted for 1% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness moderate and trending down compared to previous data. No deaths associated with COVID-19 were reported within that period at press time. COVID-19 wastewater levels for Richmond and Henrico County were below detection as of the most recent sample collection week on Sunday, Jan. 12.
Dr. King’s dream still offers a great agenda, by Clarence Page
As we marked the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, ironically on the same day as Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration, I am reminded of a famous quote from another King: “Can we all get along?”
Bernice King to speak at ODU MLK Observance
As the nation reflects on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Old Dominion University is preparing to host his youngest child, Bernice A. King, to share her vision for advancing social justice and equality.
The King’s speech
Every January, around this time, we hear the same things about Martin Luther King Jr from the same people. They attempt to reduce the sweeping legacy of one of the world’s greatest orators and civil rights leaders into a digestible soundbite. They focus on one speech, usually just a part of that speech or a single sentence – “I Have a Dream.” Taken out of context, those words can seem benign or non-threatening, but that certainly wasn’t the way many Americans interpreted them in August 1963 or how they perceived the popular baptist minister.
What would Martin do?, by Julianne Malveaux
What would have Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. done to celebrate his 96th birthday? Sit on the sidelines and cheer for the incoming president who stands for everything that King was opposed to? Would he be wheeled to a protest to deliver rousing resistant remarks? Would he use the opportunity, the occasion of his holiday, to introduce young and vibrant new leaders? Would he embrace the Rev. William Barber and invigorate the Poor People’s Campaign?
Past mayors’ priorities left Richmond’s infrastructure in ruin
Don’t blame Mayor Danny Avula for Levar M. Stoney and the other mayors’ mess!
Norfolk State’s head coach Michael Vick honored with Hall of Fame induction
The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fameannounced the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class last week, and Norfolk State head football coach Michael Vick was among the honorees.
3 local athletes nominated for McDonald’s All American Games
Three basketball standouts from the Richmond area have been nominated for the prestigious 2025 McDonald’s All American Games, set for April 1 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
