
Court moves closer to declaring Va. law unconstitutional linking court fines to driver’s license suspensions
For more than two decades, people who cannot pay court fines and costs in Virginia automatically have had their driver’s licenses suspended.

William C. Smith named interim police chief in Richmond
For now, William C. Smith is in charge of the Richmond Police Department. The 23-year department veteran took over as interim chief on Tuesday, New Year’s Day, following the official retirement of former Chief Alfred Durham.

Roadblock: Mayor’s $1.4B Coliseum plan hits a financing snag
The plan to replace the Richmond Coliseum with a new arena in Downtown appears to be running afoul of the Virginia Public Finance Act.

Tribe seeks to build Va.’s first casino in Norfolk
The Indian tribe that greeted English settlers at Jamestown and claims Pocahontas among its lineage said recently that it hopes to open in Norfolk what would be Virginia’s first casino.

New Virginia license plate honoring Dr. King?
Can Delegate Dawn M. Adams find 450 Virginians willing to pay $25 to $35 for a specialty license plate honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Monday, Jan. 7?

Training sessions aimed at developing new employees for East End market
A new East End market promises to bring employment and opportunity to a longtime food desert in the city. The Market @ 25th, scheduled to open in March at 25th Street and Nine Mile Road, will fill many voids in the neighborhood, including the need for long-term, large-scale employment.

Absence marks Emancipation Proclamation Day service
Jan. 1 marks one of the greatest days in American history — the day when President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation to abolish slavery amid the raging Civil War.

Justice Ginsburg recovering from surgery to remove cancerous growths
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is recovering after surgery to remove two malignant growths in her left lung.

Actor Michael B. Jordan in spotlight for athletic role in ‘Creed II’
Michael Bakari Jordan has scored a cinematic knockout for his role as a boxer in “Creed II,” a sequel to the original 2015 film “Creed,” a continuation of the “Rocky” movies.

LA Chargers get new jolt with Coach Anthony Lynn
After a lengthy, listless period, the NFL’s newest Los Angeles franchise is all charged up.

VUU fans get Christmas gift in Jordan White
Virginia Union University basketball fans received a “White Christmas” in a way they weren’t expecting.

Dr. S. Dallas Simmons, late VUU president, to be inducted into CIAA Hall of Fame
The late Dr. S. Dallas Simmons, former president of Virginia Union University, is among seven people chosen for induction into the 2019 John B. McLendon CIAA Hall of Fame.

Noted female Little League pitcher signs with HU
Mo’ne Davis became a celebrity in 2014 by showing off her lively pitching arm in the Little League World Series.

“What is your wish for the New Year?”
New Year’s is a time for self-reflection and hope, with people opening their hearts and minds with dreams and resolve on how to make the next 365 days better than the past.

Madam C.J. Walker’s New York estate sold
The New York estate built a century ago by Madam C.J. Walker, a daughter of slaves who made her fortune selling hair care products for black women, has been bought by the owner of Essence magazine and his family.

Richmond Continentals honor Mayor Stoney, others at annual fundraiser
The Richmond Chapter of the Continental Societies Inc. honored Mayor Levar M. Stoney with its “Champion for Children” Award at the group’s 43rd Annual Elegance in Black & White gala on Dec. 21.

2018 year in photos
During the last 12 months, the Free Press has documented life and events in the Richmond area.

Top 10 stories of 2018
At the end of each year, people begin writing New Year’s resolutions that they pretty much know they will not be keeping. Yet, it’s a popular ritual.

Trump and the wall
“Yes, if we don’t get what we want, one way or the other … I will shut down the government,” President Trump said to U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi, referring to his demand for $5 billion to build his border wall.