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City workers launch campaign for collective bargaining
City Hall employees this week launched their campaign to gain the right to collectively bargain over wages and working conditions.
Judge throws out felony charges against Morrissey
Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey no longer has four felony charges hanging over his head. Judge Alfred D. Swersky threw out the indictments facing the former General Assembly member Wednesday at a hearing in Henrico County Circuit Court. Judge Swersky, who was appointed to hear the case, agreed with defense attorney Anthony Troy that a previous plea deal that resulted in Mr. Morrissey serving 90 days in jail included a grant of immunity that blocked prosecutors from bringing any new charges related to that case.
VSU placed on warning by accrediting agency
Virginia State University, which has been tussling with the state auditor over its financial reporting, now has taken a slap from the regional group that accredits the historic Petersburg area school. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools announced last week that VSU has been placed on warning, a sanction imposed for failing to provide evidence it was in compliance with all of the group’s standards.
More payouts
3 City Council aides receive $97,000 total in severance, vacation pay
Richmond City Council quietly approved severance packages totaling more than $97,000 for three departing council employees even as council members expressed shock and dismay over similar payments to four departing employees of former Mayor Dwight C. Jones.
Dr. Frank S. Royal steps down as chair of Meharry Medical College
For decades, Dr. Frank S. Royal regularly flew to Nashville to lead board meetings at historic Meharry Medical College. But at 77, the retired Richmond physician has decided “it is time to let someone else take over.”
Fight brewing over Richmond NAACP leadership
A leadership fight has entangled the Richmond Branch NAACP. President Lynetta Thompson is facing opposition in her bid for re-election to a second, two-year term. Her challengers are Dr. Ravi K. Perry, an associate professor of political science at Virginia Commonwealth University, and James J. “J.J.” Minor, chairman of the Richmond City Democratic Committee and son of Richmond Delegate Delores L. McQuinn.
Wells Fargo to give $4M to HOME to expand black home ownership
Five years ago, banking giant Wells Fargo paid more than $200 million to settle documented government allegations that it deliberately charged African-American borrowers higher fees and interest rates on home loans.
Former Chesterfield NAACP president files defamation suit against branch treasurer
The former president of the Chesterfield Branch NAACP is seeking payback after being accused of embezzling branch funds last year in a case that ultimately was dismissed.
Judge steps down
Richmond Circuit Court Judge Bradley B. Cavedo recuses himself from Confederate statue cases as formal complaint filed against him with judicial commission
Richmond Circuit Court Judge Bradley B. Cavedo has given up his fight to preserve the statues of racist Confederate gener- als in the city, potentially opening the door to removal of the biggest statue of all — the one to Robert E. Lee at Monument and Allen avenues.
City Council members file legislation to halt bike lanes in North Side
Two City Council members want to kill City Hall plans to turn one travel lane on both sides of Brook Road over to bicycles between Azalea Avenue and Charity Street.
City denies owing overtime pay to former mayor’s security detail
That is City Hall’s response to a lawsuit that four members of former Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ executive protection detail have filed alleging they were denied overtime pay when they worked more than 40 hours a week. The legal tussle over pay is now underway in federal court in Richmond and pits Richmond Police Officers Charles Battle, Errol Fernandez, Anthony Franklin and Eric Godfrey against the city.
Lawmakers hope Virginia will push ERA over finish line
A bipartisan group of five legislators will try again to get the Virginia General Assembly to pass the Equal Rights Amendment in the next legislative session.
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.
City Council to hear new Confederate statue resolution
The battle over Richmond’s Confederate statues on Monument Avenue is headed back to City Council. The three-member Land Use, Housing and Transportation Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to send a new resolution aimed at giving the city control of the statues to the nine-member council for consideration.
Hearing set for Aug. 8 on Agelasto removal
Former 5th District City Councilman Henry W. “Chuck” Richardson finally may get a hearing on his motion to oust the district’s current council representative, Parker C. Agelasto, from office because Mr. Agelasto lives outside the district.
Victory
Jennifer L. McClellan elected Virginia’s first Black congresswoman
“I’m ready to fight for you in Congress for as long as you’ll have me,” State Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan declared Tuesday night.
Casino defeat raises questions about what’s next
Alfred C. Liggins III is firmly committed to making casino gaming a key part of Urban One, the Black media conglomerate he runs with his mother, Cathy Hughes.
Legislators told to ‘buckle up’ for fast-paced session
Abortion, gun control and voting rights among top issues
A sharply divided General Assembly was gaveled back into session Wednesday for a potentially contentious 46 days.
City demands $37,000 from takeout restaurant
City Hall is demanding that a Black-owned Richmond sandwich shop pay $37,000 in uncollected meals tax along with penalties and interest after telling the owners not collect the tax when they applied for a business license in June 2021.
