Friday, December 29
Kudos to Free Press writer
Re “Questions, doubt about credibility of Rep. Robert C. Scott’s accuser,” Free Press Dec. 21-23 edition: Your article on Marsheri Reese Everson was on the money. Right now, most (national) journalists are afraid to question alleged “victims” in any way. What makes that situation worse is that many national reporters are
Taxpayers are being groped
Speaking of groping, why are our politicians continuing to allow powerful people in the corporate sector and elsewhere to obscenely grope our tax dollars?
Expression of thanks
The family of the late Rev. Curtis W. Harris sincerely appreciates the wealth of support we have received since the death of our beloved patriarch on Dec. 10. The visits, phone calls, tweets, Facebook expressions, food, flowers, cards and contributions to the Lucas Spicely Medical Fund are indicative of your thoughtfulness during this difficult time.
Civil rights groups push to open housing policy deliberations
Wherever you live or your household size, home is a special place where children are raised and memories are made. Owning a home is also the largest, single investment that most families make in a lifetime.
Kwanzaa, a balm in Gilead
The sickening sight of smug sycophantic Republicans celebrating the passage of their tax bill on the White House lawn was the Scrooge-like move to drop a lump of coal into the stockings of the 13 million Americans likely to lose health insurance coverage thanks to the move. Of course, corporations are so ecstatic that some — AT&T and Comcast among them — are offering employee bonuses because they will benefit so much from the tax plan.
Ebenezer Scrooge and the ‘tax scam’
One of my favorite Christmas pastimes is looking through my television content guide, finding a scheduled airing of “A Christmas Carol” and tuning in to watch. I don’t know how many iterations of this movie classic have been made, but I’ve viewed multiple versions made from the 1930s to the recent past. It seems like each generation produces a film with a modern twist designed to keep the message of the movie fresh for new viewers.
New Year’s Eve celebration at Main Street Station
Richmonders can ring in the new year at “Le Masque 007 NYE Celebration,” a New Year’s Eve bash at the newly renovated Main Street Station and the glass-enclosed train shed in Shockoe Bottom. The dress-up party, which will have a James Bond Casino Royale theme, starts at 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, and ends at 1 a.m.
Roland ‘Fatty’ Taylor, guard with the former Virginia Squires, dies at 71
Roland Morris “Fatty” Taylor, who starred for the Virginia Squires died Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017, in Denver following a lengthy illness.
Flying Squirrels have 1st African-American manager
The Richmond Flying Squirrels have their first African-American manager, Willie Harris. Harris, 39, played for the former Richmond Braves in 2007. He succeeds Kyle Haines as manager of the Class AA Eastern League Squirrels.
Tillman sets pace for VCU record books
Virginia Commonwealth University’s affiliation with Atlantic 10 Conference basketball is missing one golden nugget — an A-10 Player of the Year recipient.
Micah Thomas finding success at VUU
Micah Thomas arrived late — but fortunately not too late — to make an impact on Virginia Union University basketball.
Sportscaster Herm Edwards named head coach at Arizona State
Herm Edwards is taking his football expertise from the broadcast booth back to the sidelines. An ESPN personality on NFL Live since 2009, Edwards was named head coach at Arizona State University. “I’m here to build a program on top of the foundation that’s already been built here,” he said in his introductory news conference on Dec. 4 in Tempe, Ariz. “We’re here to be relevant in the Pacific 12.”
City Church to host New Year’s Eve prayer service, after-party
Many African-American churches have Watch Night services on New Year’s Eve, and then their congregants go out to clubs and other places that may not be safe, said Pastor Dimitri Bradley of City Church.
Emancipation Proclamation Day event to feature Roslyn Brock as speaker
Richmond once again will celebrate one of the greatest days in American history — the emancipation of enslaved people.
UNCI to move Dec. 31 to new home at former Richmond Christian Center
The Richmond Christian Center will end the year as the new home of United Nations Church International. The founder and pastor, Bishop Orrin K. Pullings Sr., and his wife and co-pastor, Dr. Medina Pullings, will lead the 700-member UNCI congregation in a procession from their current building at 5200 Midlothian Turnpike to their new, larger sanctuary at 214 Cowardin Ave. around 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31.
Personality: Pam Mines
Spotlight on founder of nonprofit JP JumPers Foundation
Helping people in the special needs community is a labor of love for Pam Mines. “I am not the advocacy voice for the special needs community. I am simply a voice,” says the Chesterfield County resident.
City loses last independent, black-owned radio station
WCLM-1450 AM, the last independent, African-American-owned radio station in Richmond, is off the air after 21 years.
Bagby to lead Va. Legislative Black Caucus
Henrico Delegate Lamont Bagby will lead the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus in the 2018 General Assembly session.
Newport News House race still up in the air
Control of the Virginia House of Delegates remains unsettled. At the last minute, the state Board of Elections postponed Wednesday’s drawing to decide the winner of a Newport News House seat.
Funding extended for CHIP
Nine million American children — including 68,000 in Virginia — will continue to have government-supported health insurance for three more months.
GRTC rolling out new fare passes
GRTC is changing its tickets as it upgrades to new fare boxes on buses and prepares for the start of the Bus Rapid Transit system whose completion date is still uncertain.
Tax law change to affect city utility customers
In an unexpected twist, Richmond’s utility customers could gain a few dollars of savings on their water, sewer and natural gas bills as the result of the tax overhaul bill that Congress passed last week and President Trump signed into law.
Fired or resigned?
Omarosa out at White House
Omarosa Manigault Newman, who has resigned under duress from her public liaison job at the White House, is leaving true to form — amidst a cloud of controversy and with sparks flying.
Civil rights groups decry tax bill impact
President Trump and Republicans are heralding their new tax legislation as a major help to middle class Americans and as a certain way of boosting the economy by cutting the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent
One down
Trump’s first year in office marked by controversy and protests
Less than 24 hours after Donald Trump took office, his presidency started generating controversy. Photographs showing that the crowd at President Trump’s swearing-in was smaller than at Barack Obama’s first presidential inauguration in 2009 caused the first ruckus in his administration — but not the last.
Friday, December 22
‘The civil rights struggle has not survived on fear nor superficiality’
Re Letter to the editor, “Absence from Mississippi museum dedication hurt us,” Free Press Dec. 14-16 edition: It is an unimaginable claim that Rep. John Lewis’ absence from the dedication of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum on Dec. 9 hurt the African-American community. For Rep. Lewis to have stood on such hallowed ground with President Trump at the dedication would have been a travesty of historic proportions.
Businesses, nonprofits and Jesus
A business has to make a profit to stay in business. The nonprofit idea was a way to induce people to give money to avoid taxes.
Kudos to The Comfort Movement
Re “Collecting comfort items for children separated from parents,” Free Press Nov. 22-25 edition: I saw the article posted recently about The Comfort Movement project led by the Free Press’ Cynthia Downing, who is collecting stuffed animals and donations to give to families who have a loved one who is incarcerated through the Assisting Families of Inmates program.
Trump’s race-based view of monuments
Not long after the violence over Robert E. Lee’s statue in Charlottesville, President Trump went to great lengths to declare the beauty and importance of Confederate monuments strewn across the former slave-holding states.
Thanks are OK, but hook a sistah up
U.S. Sen.-elect Doug Jones, a Democrat from Alabama, did not have to win his battle against accused sexual molester and Republican candidate Roy Moore in the epic battle in Alabama on Dec. 12.
Christmas message
May the blessings of the season encircle you with peace and joy.
27th Annual Capital City Kwanzaa Festival set for Dec. 30
Professor Griff, a member of the award-winning hip-hop group Public Enemy, will be the main speaker at the 2017 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival on Saturday, Dec. 30.
Tribute unveiled to women’s advocate, international AKA president
While the nation debates the preservation or removal of Confederate monuments, the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority are erecting monuments to honor the selfless contributions of their sisters.
VUU alum, former player Alvin Parker to coach Panthers
Alvin Parker didn’t need much in the way of a formal introduction Monday as Virginia Union University’s new football coach.
Hampton picks Prunty to lead Pirates
Hampton University will be moving into a new conference, the Big South, with a new football coach, Robert Prunty. “I’m up for the challenge,” Coach Prunty said during a introductory news conference Dec. 9 at the HU Student Center. “I didn’t come here to lose, make no mistake about that,” he said. “You’ve got a winner now.”
N.C. A&T wins Celebration Bowl
On a football scale of 1 to 12, North Carolina A&T State University is a 12. The Aggies finished the season 12-0 with a 21-14 victory over Grambling State University of Louisiana last Saturday in the third annual Celebration Bowl at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Kermit Blount to be inducted into CIAA Hall of Fame
Native Richmonder Kermit Blount has been selected for induction into the John B. McLendon Jr. CIAA Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will be 9 a.m. March 2, at the Charlotte Convention Center, coinciding with the 2018 CIAA Basketball Tournament.
William ‘Dill’ Dillon, former VUU football standout, dies at 59
Virginia Union University has lost one of its all-time athletic heroes. William Jerome “Dill” Dillon, 59, died Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, at his home in Henrico County following a lengthy illness. Mr. Dillon was a three-time Associated Press Little All-American safety for VUU under former Coach Willard Bailey and helped usher the Panthers into the national football spotlight.
Personality: Rabbi Gary Creditor
Spotlight on the Va. Interfaith Center for Public Policy’s Richmond Chapter leader
The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy is the unique place where people of different faiths and backgrounds come together to work on issues of social justice.
Virginia elections commissioner responds to voter suppression claims
The commissioner of the Virginia Department of Elections agrees there is plenty of reason to criticize Crosscheck, an interstate data system that allows participating states to ensure that voters do not have duplicate registrations to vote in other states.
Questions, doubt about credibility of Rep. Robert C. Scott’s accuser
Instead, Marsheri Reese Everson appears to have completely fizzled with her claim that veteran Virginia Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, D-3rd, sexually harassed her when she worked in his office more than four years ago. Since Ms. Everson leveled the charge last Friday in the company of a Republican attorney and lobbyist known for embracing conspiracy theories, doubt has been raised about her credibility.
Political control of House will come down to lucky draw
A drawing from a hat will decide control of the Virginia House of Delegates. That random draw will determine the winner of the 94th House District in Newport News — and with it whether Republicans retain a 51-49 majority in the 100-member chamber or whether the chamber becomes evenly split 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats, requiring a power-sharing arrangement.
Holiday schedule for government, local businesses
In observance of Christmas Day, Monday Dec. 25, please note the following:
Mayor to use fellowship resources to help preserve Richmond’s slavery history
Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney is pledging to use a national fellowship he was awarded to help make Richmond a major destination for learning about America’s slavery past.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs to buy NFL team?
Could the “emperor of hip-hop” be preparing to inject some color into the whites-only ranks of NFL football team owners?
Tavis Smiley’s shows suspended after sexual misconduct allegations
Tavis Smiley’s Richmond stage presentation, “Death of a King: A Live Theatrical Experience,” and his nightly PBS talk show have been suspended after an independent investigation launched by PBS uncovered “multiple, credible allegations” of misconduct by Mr. Smiley.
Kay Coles James to lead Heritage Foundation
Richmond native Kay Coles James, a longtime mover and shaker in state and national Republican circles, has been named to lead the Heritage Foundation, an influential conservative think tank based in Washington.
Charlottesville police chief retires in wake of damaging report
The first African-American police chief of Charlottesville abruptly retired Monday, about two weeks after a scathing independent review criticized his “slow-footed response” to violence at a white nationalist rally this summer.
The gift of family
Emanuel “Manny” Browder has a different Christmas song to sing, as joy has been brought into his world. The 11-year-old has the gift of a “forever family,” an adoptive family of two parents and a little sister, and now stability and love.
Stallings family gets building permit for St. Luke project
It took eight months, but Wanda Stallings and her development team now have a city building permit to begin the renovation of the historic St. Luke Building in Gilpin Court.
State inspection stickers on cars and trucks will be put in a new spot beginning Jan. 1.
State inspection stickers on cars and trucks will be put in a new spot beginning Jan. 1. The Virginia State Police announced that inspection stickers will be placed in the bottom left corner of windshields, when viewed from inside the vehicle.
Friday, December 15
City challenged to find $ for new school buildings
The likelihood that City Hall will rush to build new school buildings under a plan the Richmond School Board is advancing appeared to dim at an Education Compact meeting Monday with Mayor Levar M. Stoney and Richmond City Council.
Absence from Mississippi museum dedication hurt us
The opening last week of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Museum of Mississippi History in Jackson, Miss., was not about President Trump. It was about a tribute to the initial starting blocks toward the struggle for identity, freedom and equality of a impassioned people. This struggle continues even today.
Preserving slave district is an ‘ethical imperative’
Re ‘Opponents fear Main Street Station plans will run over slave memorial,’ Free Press Nov. 30-Dec. 2 edition:
Zero tolerance needed for racism
Michigan Congressman John Conyers was the first politician to leave his job after the “Me Too” hash tag galvanized women to speak up about sexual misconduct, harassment and more.
A model for advancement
Over the last decades, many American inner cities have seen an economic resurgence. Buoyed by millennials and people’s desire to shorten their daily work commute, neighborhoods and communities that were all but pronounced dead two decades ago now find themselves flush with new businesses and residents.
The club is closing
Note to the ol’ boys: The club is closing. We’re talking about the club whose members are being outed daily for their reprehensible behavior of sexually harassing and assaulting women.
‘Work for a cause and not for applause,’ VSU graduates told
Virginia State University graduates received a lesson in delayed gratification last weekend before the 2017 Fall Commencement held Sunday in the VSU Multi-Purpose Center.
Tavis Smiley to bring stage presentation to city
As America commemorates the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s death next year, Richmond will celebrate the civil rights icon’s life and legacy with a multimedia stage presentation by PBS broadcaster and author Tavis Smiley.
It’s a 3-peat!
Highland Springs High School wins third consecutive state football title
Highland Springs High School’s talented and determined football Springers have done it again. The Eastern Henrico County squad, aka the “Beast of the East,” is Virginia’s 5A football champion for a breathtaking third straight season. Finishing the season 14-1, the Springers three-peated on Sunday, Dec. 10, with a decisive 40-27 victory over Tuscarora High School of Leesburg at Hampton University’s Armstrong Stadium.
Sophomore Ikechi Chantilou gives spark to George Wythe squad
It almost feels unfair. Ikechi Chantilou is so quick, so athletic. And he’s only a sophomore. On a senior-laden George Wythe High basketball squad, it’s hard taking your eyes off Chantilou, a whippet-lean, 6-foot-3 guard-forward seemingly with rockets on his sneakers.
VUU’s Hammond wins Lanier Defensive Back of the Year award
Sterling Hammond is the latest in a long line of exceptional defensive backs at Virginia Union University. He has lived up to his name, Sterling, meaning “excellent” or “valuable.” The fleet and rugged 6-foot-1, 210-pound Hammond has picked up two impressive postseason honors following his sophomore season at VUU.
Hughes bouncing back for VUU
Virginia Union University basketball fans never really got to know Todd Hughes a year ago. On Nov. 30, 2016, he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, in a game at the University of the District of Columbia and was lost for the remainder of the season.
VUU set to name new coach
Virginia Union University Athletic Director Joe Taylor says he expects to name a new football coach by this weekend. The position became vacant when Coach Mark James was not retained following four seasons at the college located on Lombardy Street in Richmond.
VSU’s Cannon up for prestigious national award
Trenton Cannon is vying for at least one more honor before the book is closed on his college football career. The Virginia State University senior running back is a finalist for the Black College Football Player of the Year Award that is presented to the top performer in an HBCU program.
Jackie Robinson fêted for football too
When football fans file into the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., on New Year’s Day, they’ll be greeted by an exciting addition — a 7-foot-tall bronze statue of Jackie Robinson.
Black family gets apology 40 years later from KKK member turned priest
A former Ku Klux Klan member who burned a cross on a black couple’s lawn 40 years ago, before becoming a Roman Catholic priest, has finally written his victims an apology.
Hanukkah continues through Dec. 20
Public menorah lightings for the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah are planned around the world in locations ranging from ski towns and Caribbean islands to famous landmarks and sports arenas.
Rev. Curtis W. Harris, civil rights activist, 1st black Hopewell mayor, dies at 93
The Rev. Curtis W. Harris Sr. devoted his life to battling the racism and bigotry that oppressed African-Americans in Hopewell and across Virginia.
Simeon Booker, ‘dean of black journalists,’ succumbs at 99
Simeon S. Booker Jr. never lived in Richmond during his nearly 100 years on Earth. Still, at the height of his career, it seemed he was always in town somewhere.
Personality: Vinara L. Mosby
Spotlight on organizer of RVA Entrepreneurs
Endless possibilities and a spirit of giving drive the RVA Entrepreneurs. The organization was created in June by a handful of people in a variety of fields who are eager to share knowledge gleaned from a combined 100 years-plus of experience.
City Council OKs money for raises, Church Hill North project
Most city employees will receive fatter paychecks this Friday, Dec. 15, while construction of the first 105 apartments will be able to move ahead on the site of the former Armstrong High School off Nine Mile Road in the East End.
ACA health insurance deadline is Friday
Open enrollment for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, ends this week. Enrollment Virginia, a nonprofit that helps people sign up, noted that applications must be filed by midnight Friday, Dec. 15. This is less time than last year because of President Trump’s action to reduce the sign-up period.
Revamped bulk trash collection to begin Dec.18
A new program that aims to create a cleaner Richmond will launch Monday, Dec. 18. Under the program, the city’s Department of Public Works staff and trucks will begin collecting every two weeks brush, small tree limbs and many other items that do not fit into a Supercan, according to Bobby Vincent, director of Public Works.
CHIP remains on danger list
A state agency began sending out notices this week to thousands of families about the impending loss of health insurance for their children. The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services began issuing the notices Tuesday amid waning hopes that the Republican-controlled Congress will extend funding beyond the end of December for the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, before leaving Washington for the holiday recess.
Gov. McAuliffe, end new Jim Crow voter suppression tactic
Imagine a wonderful parting gift from Gov. Terry McAuliffe. Imagine if Gov. McAuliffe put an end to Virginia’s strange and inexplicable participation in a GOP voter suppression trick that reeks of Jim Crow. Since 2013, this stealth voter purge program has cost tens of thousands of Virginians of color their right to vote. It’s called Interstate Crosscheck.
REAL LIFE Community Center extends jail program into the city
Amid his preparations to leave office, Richmond Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr. opened a new nonprofit center in Downtown this week aimed at helping people address addiction, anger and other challenges to enable them to stay out of jail.
Possible security breach prompts RRHA to suspend convenience store payment sites
For the past few years, Lillie Estes has gone to a Richmond convenience store to pay the rent on her Gilpin Court apartment. But Monday, she found that her landlord, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, had ended that convenience. “RRHA is supposed to give us 30 days notice. They didn’t do that. Instead, they just shut down the service,” said Ms. Estes, one of thousands of affected tenants.
Former Highland Park supermarket appears slated for a Family Dollar
A former supermarket in Highland Park appears to be on track to become the next Family Dollar location. S&K Supermarket has been closed since late summer. The property where it was located, 1404 E. Brookland Park Blvd., now has a new owner, Twin Rivers Capital of Charleston, S.C., that seeks property for Family Dollar and other national companies.
Interest mounts in Coliseum replacement
City Hall is finding significant interest as its seeks developers to replace the Richmond Coliseum and undertake other developments in Downtown.
Friday, December 8
Why is Hampton leaving MEAC?
Re “HU exits MEAC for Big South Conference,” Free Press Nov. 22-25 edition:
Footprint of Main Street Station, planned slave memorial
Re “Opponents fear Main Street Station plans will run over slave memorial,” Free Press Nov. 30-Dec. 2 edition:
Don’t sleep on judgeships
Two people reported to work at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Nov. 27, both expecting to lead the bureau. Leandra English, who had been chief of staff to former Director Richard Cordray (he resigned before Thanksgiving to return to Ohio to run for governor), was appointed to the director position by her old boss.
Observing World AIDS Day
“Let us also continue to ensure that our nation responds aggressively and humanely to the needs of people living with HIV and AIDS. Throughout this epidemic, community organizations have taken the lead in the struggle against the disease and in efforts to provide compassionate care to those in need. Across this country and around the globe, generous people perform miracles every day — holding a hand, cooling a fever, listening and understanding. Let us further support their efforts to build a better world by strengthening the partnership between communities and government in the work to stop AIDS.” – President Clinton in 1995 in recognition of World AIDS Day
Impeach Trump
We applaud the chutzpah of Rep. Al Green, a Texas Democrat and member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Lighted boat parade Saturday highlights yuletide events
The yuletide fun continues in Richmond this weekend with the 25th Annual James River Parade of Lights in which boaters decorate and light their watercraft and parade down the James River.
Shaka Smart’s Texas team beats VCU 71-67 at Siegel Center
Coach Shaka Smart has proven he can win as both the home and visiting coach at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Siegel Center.
VSU’s top players know winning formula
Two traits Virginia State University basketball Coach Lonnie Blow III hunts for on the recruiting trail are talent and a winning background. He has hit the bullseye on both counts with juniors Walter Williams and Brandon Holley and sophomore Andrew Corum, members of the current undefeated VSU Trojans. All three have posted glistening statistics during VSU’s 6-0 takeoff this season. And all three arrived at Ettrick with state championship résumés from high school.
Highland Springs hoping for 3-peat at Saturday’s state championship
Highland Springs High School is on the cusp of achieving something seldom done in state football history. Football Coach Loren Johnson’s Springers are one victory from a “three-peat” of the state 5A Virginia High School League title.
Pope names new bishop of Catholic Diocese of Richmond
Bishop Barry C. Knestout has been named the next bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. He succeeds Bishop Francis Xavier DiLorenzo, who died on Aug. 17.
Gay wedding cake meets faith at U.S. Supreme Court
What if an atheist baker refused to bake a cake for a First Communion? What if a college with a religious affiliation didn’t want to rent out its chapel to a gay couple? What if a makeup artist didn’t want to ready a gay couple for their wedding?
Dr. William R. ‘Randy’ Johnson Jr., retired research chemist and public servant, succumbs at 87
Dr. William Randolph “Randy” Johnson Jr. was a pioneering research chemist for Philip Morris who was better known outside the laboratory. He was involved in securing 10 patents for the cigarette manufacturing firm for filters and other related items and co-authored 15 technical papers. He also was a popular figure who was committed to public service and teaching.
Longtime educator Rebecca H.Taylor dies at 90
Rebecca Ham Taylor touched the lives of thousands of children during her 44-year career in education.
Personality: Theo Suber Jones
Spotlight on president of Delver Woman’s Club
The Delver Woman’s Club takes voting seriously. So seriously, in fact, that all members and prospects must be registered voters. “Voting is your civic duty,” says Theo Suber Jones, the new president of the organization whose motto is “Lifting As We Climb.” “Participating in the voting process gives you the opportunity to have some say in who your elected officials are. It is your constitutional right to participate in the process,” Mrs. Jones says.
School Board approves $224.7M for school buildings
The Richmond School Board once again is challenging the mayor and City Council to find money to start replacing or renovating the decrepit public school buildings a majority of students attend.
Creighton Court redevelopment project seeks $4.9M city bailout
The project to transform the poverty-stricken Creighton Court public housing area in the East End into a mixed-income development has run into a glitch — the master developer can’t raise all the money needed to construct the first 105 apartments.
Saint Paul’s College property sold
The former Saint Paul’s College might one day welcome students again to its campus in Brunswick County — but possibly under a different name. Xinhua Education Investment Corp., a Chinese-backed group, purchased the remaining property of the historically black college on Nov. 27, according to county court records.
Task force: Charlottesville officials failed to act on intelligence that rally would be violent
Virginia Public Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Brian J. Moran said last week that state officials had intelligence indicating that the rally of neo-Nazis and white supremacists in Charlottesville would become violent, and shared that information with local officials in advance of the Aug. 12 event. But Charlottesville officials failed to heed recommendations made by state authorities that may have stemmed the violence and bloodshed that resulted in the death of one person and injuries to dozens more.
Delegate Loupassi seeks recount in 336-vote defeat
With the GOP clinging to a one-seat majority in the 100-member House of Delegates, Richmond Delegate Manoli Loupassi, a Republican who represents the 68th House District, filed last week for a recount in the district that includes parts of Richmond and Chesterfield and Henrico counties. The recount is to take place Wednesday, Dec. 20, according to a Dec. 6 order.
Harmon named chairman of McGuireWoods
McGuireWoods, the state’s largest law firm and one of the biggest in the nation, has chosen Jonathan Harmon as its new chairman. His selection was announced Monday following a vote by the firm’s board of partners.
City employees expected to receive 2.5% bonus
City employees are about to be awarded a 2.5 percent Christmas bonus. Richmond City Council is expected to unanimously vote Monday, Dec. 11, to approve the bonus payments. Mayor Levar M. Stoney and his administration also support the bonuses to be paid Friday, Dec.15.
Former Trump official pleads guilty in special prosecutor’s probe
Former national security adviser Michael Flynn pleaded guilty last Friday to lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russia, and he agreed to cooperate with prosecutors delving into the actions of President Trump’s inner circle before he took office.
Rep. Conyers resigns amid allegations of sexual misconduct
Democratic Rep. John Conyers resigned from Congress on Tuesday after a nearly 53-year career, becoming the first Capitol Hill politician to lose his job in the torrent of sexual misconduct allegations sweeping through the nation’s workplaces.
Recognizing Va. women
Hundreds attend groundbreaking ceremony for new monument in Capitol Square
Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe was joined by Lynda Bird Johnson Robb and Susan Allen, two former first ladies, for Monday’s groundbreaking ceremony for “Voices from the Garden,” Virginia Women’s Monument. On the sunny and brisk day, state officials, special guests, donors and hundreds of visitors from across the commonwealth attended the ceremony at Capitol Square.
Dozens of inmates may be released by new interpretation of old policy
Dozens of aging inmates who have served decades in state prisons could become eligible for release as a result of the Virginia Parole Board’s decision to change the interpretation of a now defunct version of the state’s three-strikes law.
GOP holds 51-49 edge over Dems in House after election certification
Democrat Joshua Cole fell just 82 votes short of becoming the first African-American delegate to represent Stafford County and end outright Republican control of the House of Delegates, according to the state Board of Elections.
Larus Park water sale on track for approval
A controversial City Hall plan to sell more water to Chesterfield County appears to be on track to win Richmond City Council approval now that a key member is supportive.
Deadline to sign up for health insurance through ACA is Dec.15
Roughly two weeks are left to sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. People also may re-enroll or change their insurance plan through the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace by the Dec. 15 deadline. Coverage will start on Jan. 1, once premiums are paid.
Wednesday, December 6
VCU offers chance for jail inmates to ‘write way out’
Instead of spending time behind bars, a few inmates soon could serve their sentence in a college classroom. That’s the idea behind a new program that Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael N. Herring and Virginia Commonwealth University are creating. It is dubbed “Writing Your Way Out.”
Friday, December 1
#MeToo and the dilemma of a black woman
The #MeToo movement illuminating instances of sexual harassment has caught the wave with many white women. The world is watching and we are all applauding them for their courage. But this got me to thinking: When will we hear from black women? I know we have a story. Sadly, since the first slave ships docked in Jamestown in the early 1600s, black women have been demoralized and our bodies have been fair game for the taking.
Keeping hope alive
As you may have heard, I have hard news to share. After a battery of tests, my physicians have informed me that I am suffering from Parkinson’s disease, the very disease that bested my father.
No blind eye
The 2016 film “Birth of a Nation” was released in a storm of controversy unrelated to the film itself. Whatever your opinion of the film or its maker, one cannot deny the relevance of the film as a medium of historical instruction and a study of human behavior.
Why vote? Here’s why
What difference will my vote make? We’ve heard that question plenty of times.
No cakewalk
We are impressed by the résumé and remarks of Jason Kamras, the 43-year-old Washington public schools administrator and 2005 National Teacher of the Year who received the unanimous backing of the Richmond School Board to become Richmond’s next public schools superintendent.
Downtown to light up Friday with 33rd Annual Grand Illumination
Christmas bells will ring, carolers will sing and Santa will arrive on his sleigh during holiday events this week in Downtown. Hundreds of people of all ages are expected at the 33rd Annual Grand Illumination at the James Center, a free event that has become a holiday party around the lighting of Downtown buildings.
Soul Santa arrives Saturday at Black History Museum
Soul Santa will spend two Saturdays at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia in Jackson Ward. From noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 9, Soul Santa will listen to children’s holiday wishes and pose for holiday pictures with youngsters.
VUU winter concert Nov. 30
The Virginia Union University Choir and the VUU Community Orchestra will present its free winter concert, “Christmas at Virginia Union University 2017, The Miracle on Lombardy Street III,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, in Coburn Hall on the campus, 1500 N. Lombardy St.
VUU leaning on big men for big success on the basketball court
In keeping with its storied basketball past, big men abound at Virginia Union University. Coach Jay Butler is blessed with multiple low-post options in his third season on the Lombardy Street campus. Three have taken turns sharing accolades thus far, and a promising fourth will be debuting soon.
London, Broadway finalists for Robinson Award
Coaches Michael London of Howard University and Rod Broadway of the MEAC football champions North Carolina A&T State University are finalists for the Eddie Robinson Award.
VCU Rams return from Maui Invitational to face a ‘Bermuda Triangle’ of opponents
Virginia Commonwealth University is one of only eight schools to have reached the NCAA basketball tournament at least seven consecutive seasons.
Richmond Roughriders in new league
The Richmond Roughriders have joined a new league — hopefully offering stronger competition — for the 2018 arena football season. Starting next spring, the Roughriders will compete in the American Arena League, or AAL, a 12-team conference stretching from Vermont to Florida.
Della Reese, star of TV show ‘Touched by an Angel,’ dies at 86
Actress and singer Della Reese, best known for her role as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama “Touched by an Angel,” has died at her California home.
Warren ‘Pete’ Moore, original vocalist, songwriter with The Miracles, dies at 79
Warren “Pete” Moore, a vocalist and songwriter with Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, died Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in Las Vegas on his 79th birthday.
‘Cosby Show’ actor dies at 91
Earle Hyman, a veteran actor of stage and screen who was widely known for playing the father of Bill Cosby’s character on “The Cosby Show,” has died.
Pioneering jazz singer Jon Hendricks succumbs at 96
Jon Hendricks, the pioneering jazz singer and lyricist who, with the trio Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, popularized the “vocalese” singing style in which words were added to instrumental songs, has died. He was 96.
Judge approves RCC sale to UNCI
As anticipated, the Richmond-based United Nations Church International has been approved to purchase the 5-acre Richmond Christian Center property in South Side
Priest aids in Mugabe relinquishing power
Zimbabwe’s former President Robert Mugabe knew it was “the end of the road” days before he quit, and appeared relieved when he signed his resignation letter after 37 years in power, said a Catholic priest who mediated talks leading to his removal from office.
Personality: Kathryn Wall
Spotlight on board chair of Children’s Home Society of Va.
Kathryn Wall has always loved children. After meeting Nadine Marsh-Carter, CEO of the Children’s Home Society of Virginia, and being overwhelmed by some of the stories about youngsters that were shared, Ms. Wall was inspired to get involved. She is chair of the nonprofit Richmond/organization’s board of directors, a volunteer position she loves.
Racial disparity in health care
Recognizing problem is Rx for change
The headlines about health problems plaguing the African-American community are frequent and alarming. From diabetes to hypertension and heart disease, to asthma and certain types of cancer, the statistics are clear: Black people suffer from a multitude of chronic health conditions and at a rate higher than other racial and ethnic groups.
Opponents fear Main Street Station plans will run over slave memorial
Hopes of creating a memorial park in Shockoe Bottom recalling Richmond’s role as a center of the slave trade appear to conflict with efforts to make Main Street Station a more significant passenger rail stop.
Neo-Confederates to return for second Richmond rally
A neo-Confederate group plans to return to Richmond next month for a second “Heritage Not Hate” rally on Monument Avenue, despite new state regulations restricting firearms and the number of people allowed at rallies at the Gen. Robert E. Lee monument. CSA II: The New Confederate States of America, a Tennessee-based group, “will hold their rally on Richmond City property outside of the traffic circle surrounding the Lee monument in the same location of the Sept. 16 rally,” Thomas Crompton, a rally organizer, told the Free Press on Wednesday.
Lawsuit alleges RRHA overcharged thousands of public housing residents
Has the landlord for Richmond’s public housing residents been ripping off its tenants? Yes, according to the nonprofit Legal Aid Justice Center, the poor people’s law firm with offices in Richmond, Charlottesville and Falls Church.
GRTC to honor Rosa Parks Friday
GRTC will honor civil rights legend Rosa Parks on the 62nd anniversary of her defiant refusal to give up her seat on a public transit bus in Montgomery, Ala., ultimately leading to the U.S. Supreme Court upholding a lower court ruling that racially segregated seating on public transportation is illegal.
Wedding bells for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
It looks like a fairy tale ending for Meghan Markle, the American actress best known for her role in the television legal drama “Suits.” Ms. Markle and Britain’s Prince Harry announced on Monday they are getting married next year, saying their relationship had blossomed “incredibly quickly” after meeting on a blind date.
