Friday, January 27
The world today and Jesus
I believe thousands of years ago people who believed in only one God thought the best way to worship this God was to build houses of worship.
Circus folding its tent will impact the city
Now with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus coming to a close, Richmond will be without: 1 – A major circus coming to town.
How things change
Being an old Army vet now at the age of 75, I find it hard to understand the world of 2017.
Congratulations to Richmond Free Press
Congratulations on the 25th anniversary of the Richmond Free Press!
‘Hope for best; plan for worst’
The economic philosophies of Democrats and Republicans are drastically different. While neither party is interested in dismantling the predatory capitalism that extracts surplus value from workers, Republicans are more interested in reinforcing predatory capitalism and “free markets,” while Democrats are more interested in ameliorating the effects of predatory capitalism and regulating markets in ways that produce somewhat more equitable results than so-called free markets.
‘Racial delusions’ fuel Obamacare opponents
Surely, President Obama’s greatest legacy is the Affordable Care Act. More than 20 million people have received health care coverage under the act, largely from the extension of Medicaid to cover lower-wage workers and their families. Insurance companies have not only been required to deal fairly with those afflicted with ailments, they also have been forced by law to limit what they rake off in administration and profits. This is a big deal.
Women’s instinct
A woman’s instinct is usually spot on. In this case, it was the instinct of a small group of women to convene a march in Washington to protest the inauguration of President Trump.
Richmonder clinches middleweight boxing title
Richmonder Immanuwel Aleem is the new World Boxing Council’s Silver Middleweight champion.
VUU, VSU may meet in CIAA Tournament
Something may happen this winter that has never happened before in CIAA basketball history.
A-10 slugfest set for Saturday at Siegel Center
Virginia Commonwealth University’s famous home-court advantage is about to be tested. The University of Dayton Flyers are coming to the Siegel Center on Friday, Jan. 27, to determine temporary first place in the Atlantic 10 Conference basketball standings.
Jordan Talley using hoop skills at UNCW
Jordan Talley has carried his winning basketball formula from Central Virginia to the North Carolina coast. The former Henrico High School guard is stirring a hoops revival at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, a mid-major program flirting with Top 25 recognition. “We’ve never made the Top 25,” Talley, a junior majoring in recreation and sports leadership, told the Free Press in a phone interview.
Former NFL player from Newport News among 11 to be inducted into VIA Hall of Fame
Former NFL player from Newport News among 11 to be inducted into VIA Hall of Fame
NFL to start fall 2017 season with 8 head coaches of color
The Rooney Rule seems to be working, albeit slowly. It seems likely the NFL will start the fall 2017 season with eight minority head coaches, seven of whom are African-American.
7 to be honored as 2017 Strong Men & Women
Seven civic-minded professionals announced as the 2017 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History include scientists, a judge, a news anchor and a state lawmaker.
Storytelling festival this weekend at First Baptist Church
Nationally renowned storyteller Sheila Arnold Jones of Hampton will be among three performers at the Hearts Afire Storytelling Festival this weekend at First Baptist Church, 2709 Monument Ave.
Area Black History Month events
History, art, culture and the triumphs of African-American people will mark area programs and celebrations during Black History Month. Activities including art exhibits, films, musical performances and more will highlight the festivities, which are scheduled from Jan. 27 through Feb. 26. All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.
Personality: Coach Shawn Stiffler
Spotlight on the 2017 Paul Keyes RBI Award winner
The love of baseball was almost inevitable for Shawn Stiffler, head baseball coach at Virginia Commonwealth University for the past five years.
Heat, water problems plague residents in new Highland Park apartment building
Ernest L. Fox has stopped showering since moving into the new Highland Park Senior Apartments, a former school building being converted into 77 residential apartments at East Brookland Park Boulevard and Second Avenue.
Petersburg group petitions court to boot mayor, councilman
Furious over the financial crisis that grips Petersburg, a faction of city voters has taken the rare step of asking a judge to remove two members of Petersburg City Council they blame for the city’s condition, Mayor Samuel Parham, 3rd Ward, and his predecessor, Councilman and former Mayor W. Howard Myers, 5th Ward.
3 candidates vying for House seat in Feb. 7 special election
Jeff M. Bourne appeared to be on a glide path to win the Tuesday, Feb. 7, special election for the Richmond seat in the House of Delegates that became vacant when Jennifer L. McClellan won a special election and moved up to the state Senate earlier this month.
16 to graduate from police academy
The Richmond Police Department is gaining some badly needed reinforcements. Sixteen recruits are to graduate from the training academy this week and immediately join the ranks of the department. They are the first of more than 70 new officers who are expected to join the city police force in the next nine months. “When these recruits entered training July 1, I said that graduation day couldn’t come fast enough. Well, that day has finally arrived, ” Chief Alfred Durham told the Free Press.
Thursday, January 26
Trump inaugurated amid hail of protests
Republican Donald J. Trump launched his presidency with a blunt inaugural address, a fist pump and promises to give power to the people and put “America first.”
Trump inaugural address
Text of President Trump’s inaugural address Friday, Jan. 20, as prepared for delivery.
President Obama commutes sentences of more than 500 nonviolent federal offenders
President Obama used some of his final hours in the White House making good on his promises to help imprisoned nonviolent federal offenders get a second chance. He commuted the sentences of more than 500 federal prisoners. More than a dozen Virginians, including two from Richmond, were among those covered by one of two commutation packages issued by President Obama last week as he and his White House team were packing their bags after eight years of national leadership.
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.
Tuesday, January 24
Receptions, other events mark Mayor Stoney’s public inauguration
Congratulations and handshakes were the hallmarks of Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s ceremonial public installation into the city’s chief executive post.
Police chief: We can’t do it alone
Crime is on the rise in Richmond, according to 2016 figures. And city Police Chief Alfred Durham reiterated his call for more citizen involvement to reverse that trend. “We are doing everything we can as your police department, but we can’t do it alone,” Chief Durham said during a year-end presentation last week at police headquarters in Downtown.
Personality: LaShara Smith
Spotlight on president of Richmond Professionals Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers
The engineering profession needs more African-Americans, including women. That’s the word from LaShara Smith, president of the Richmond Professionals Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers.
Friday, January 20
Trump’s photo op mocks Dr. King’s legacy, work
President-elect Donald Trump’s political photo op with Martin Luther King III on Monday spread a distorted image around the globe to manipulate the 24-hour news cycle about Rep. John Lewis of Georgia questioning the legitimacy of his election.
Prayer for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
Lord God, who is the champion of kindness, justice and equity in our world, As we gather this morning to remember and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., help us to understand and rededicate ourselves to the demands that Dr. King’s legacy continues to make of us.
Creative disruption in the age of Trump
When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned the Poor People’s Campaign in 1968, he envisioned all kinds of people descending on our nation’s capital, bringing demands to federal agencies. He envisioned people pushing for affordable housing, for quality education, for better health care, for minority business development programs and more.
Signs of things to come
GOP senators, conservative bloggers and legal shills have launched a charm campaign to paint U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama as a guy who has been misunderstood.
Our place in history
On Friday, Jan. 20, a new president will be inaugurated. Donald J. Trump, the billionaire businessman who has never held elective office and is so guided by impulse that he rarely holds his tongue, will become the 45th president. As President Obama, an intelligent, grounded and measured man, turns over the reins of power and leadership during official ceremonies outside the U.S. Capitol, we will watch as the nation’s first African-American president heads off into history.
Thousands join March on Monument for message of equality, unity
More than 2,000 people turned out last weekend in Richmond to promote equality, justice, inclusion, unity and action ahead of Friday’s inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter presents 20 debutantes
Twenty young women were presented by the Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at its 2016 Debutante Presentation and Ball.
Obama names 3 national monuments honoring civil rights
The Obama administration has designated three new national monuments honoring civil rights history. The designations were announced Thursday, Jan. 12, just eight days before the nation’s first African-American president leaves office.
Face of Lady Liberty is African-American for first time on U.S. coin
The U.S. Mint has unveiled a $100 gold coin featuring an African-American woman as the face of Lady Liberty for the first time in the history of U.S. currency.
VSU beats VUU in Freedom Classic
It seems fitting that in the 22nd Annual Freedom Classic, Trey Brown wiggled free from second fiddle status. The 6-foot-3 Virginia State University back-up junior guard began the Sunday, Jan. 15, Freedom Classic as the Trojans’ sixth-leading scorer, just another back-up sound in the orchestra.
CIAA Hall of Fame taps VUU, VSU standouts for 2017
Virginia Union University’s Terry Davis and Derrick Johnson, and Virginia State University’s Dr. DeWayne Jeter are among those named to the John McLendon Jr. CIAA Hall of Fame.
George Wythe Bulldogs lining up for repeat championship
The George Wythe High School Bulldogs might be nicknamed “The Quintuplets” this season. All five starters on the Richmond school’s basketball team are nearly the same height — not too short, not too tall — with similar skill sets.
Standout Justin Tillman chose VCU twice
Among the most talented basketball players recruited to Virginia Commonwealth University by former Coach Shaka Smart was Justin Tillman.
Controversial Bishop Eddie L. Long dies at 63
During a 30-year tenure, Bishop Eddie Lee Long transformed the once tiny New Birth Missionary Baptist Church near Atlanta into a megachurch that peaked at 25,000 members before he became embroiled in a sex scandal. A controversial figure who lived a lavish lifestyle and earned millions of dollars from real estate investments and book royalties while pastor, Bishop Long died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017. His church attributed his death to an aggressive form of cancer.
Clarence L. Townes Jr., longtime business, civic leader, dies at 88
Clarence Lee Townes Jr. left his fingerprints on Richmond over the course of six decades of involvement in civic affairs. A bulldog of a man, with a gruff voice and a penchant for straight talk, he was a key player in creating landmarks that people take for granted — from the Greater Richmond Convention Center and Marriott Hotel to the Canal Walk by the riverfront.
State office building to be named for Barbara Johns
Gov. Terry McAuliffe is naming the newly renovated state office building at 9th and Grace streets for civil rights trailblazer Barbara Johns, who as a teenager led the 1950s attack on government-enforced racial segregation of public schools in Virginia.
City attorney rules $226,000 in severance payments legal
The controversial award of $226,000 in severance packages to four people who worked for former Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones was legal, according to City Attorney Allen L. Jackson.
GRTC plans speedier service
Plans for speedier GRTC bus service that would slash 15 to 30 minutes from trips Downtown and other parts of the city were introduced to passengers and the public this week.
Va. NAACP supports GOP-sponsored student suspension reform
The Virginia State Conference of the NAACP announced its legislative priorities for the 2017 General Assembly session on Tuesday. The list of bills the civil rights group is supporting includes six Republican-sponsored measures that deal with student discipline policies.
Richmond protest planned Friday
A Richmond group is planning to hold a local protest Friday, Jan. 20, against the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
Sen. McClellan sworn in; election for House seat Feb. 7
Jennifer L. McClellan has donned a new title — state senator. The 44-year-old Richmond Democrat and corporate lawyer was sworn in last Friday as one of 40 members of the upper chamber just three days after voters elected her to the 9th Senate District seat.
Delegation of Richmond area black conservatives headed to inauguration
The Rev. Joe Ellison Jr. was an outspoken supporter of Republican candidate Donald Trump before the November presidential election. Now he’s heading to Washington to take part in the inauguration of the next president. However, Rev. Ellison and other area African-American conservatives have more on their minds than cheering the new American leader.
House Democrats set to boycott Trump inauguration on Friday
Donald Trump made his name with opulent hotels and a dramatic reality TV show. But his inauguration on Friday, Jan. 20, as the nation’s 45th president is shaping up as a more understated affair, with big names in entertainment staying away. Also staying away are more than 50 Congressional Democrats who plan to boycott in protest of the New York
Obama era ends
President’s legacy inarguable despite GOP aim to erase it
With President Obama poised to leave office after two terms, advocates and supporters are concerned about the durability of his legacy after eight years of intense and sustained opposition from Republicans and the promise by his Republican successor to erase any semblance of the Obama presidency.
City Council approves CARITAS treatment center
In its first meeting of the new term, Richmond City Council cleared the way for faith-based CARITAS to develop a headquarters in South Side that is to include a treatment center for women addicted to drugs and alcohol. The decision came during a speedy 1 hour, 7 minute meeting Monday night when the council, with four new members, hit the pause button on a series of proposals so members could have a fresh review in committee.
Bourne to run
Richmond School Board member Jeff M. Bourne is no longer playing coy about running for the Richmond House of Delegates seat that Jennifer L. McClellan is about to vacate.
Friday, January 13
President Obama’s farewell speech
It’s good to be home. My fellow Americans, Michelle and I have been so touched by all the well-wishes we’ve received over the past few weeks. But tonight it’s my turn to say thanks. Whether we’ve seen eye to eye or rarely agreed at all, my conversations with you, the American people — in living rooms and schools; at farms and on factory floors; at diners and on distant outposts — are what have kept me honest, kept me inspired, and kept me going. Every day, I learned from you. You made me a better president, and you made me a better man.
Why support the D.C. Women’s March?
“Ain’t I A Woman? I have ploughed and planted and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain’t I a woman! I could work as much and eat as much as a man — when I could get it — and bear the lash as well. And ain’t I a woman? I’ve bourne thirteen children and seen most all sold off and when I cried out with my mother’s grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain’t I a woman.” — Sojourner Truth
To improve schools, let’s work together
The success of Richmond Public Schools, its students, and its families is critically important to the City of Richmond and will be a top priority in my mayoral administration. Voters in 2016 made it very clear that they want their leaders to prioritize education, and that they want to see public officials collaborate to support schools.
Free Press celebrates 25 years
A message to our readers by Free Press Publisher Jean P. Boone Twenty-five years ago in January 1992, I often would refer to the Richmond Free Press as “a baby that wouldn’t stop crying.”
Area events to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Richmond community has more than a week’s worth of activities to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this year.
‘March on Monument’ set for Saturday
A Richmond march on seven blocks of Monument Avenue is to take place this weekend to promote social justice and serve as a counterpoint to Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration as the 45th president.
Deltas reschedule Founders event
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has rescheduled its Central Virginia-Tidewater Founders Day Celebration for Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Downtown.
74th Golden Globe Awards hit notes of inclusion
The lack of racial and ethnic diversity in Hollywood was a running joke during last year’s Academy Awards ceremony. This year, several African-Americans were recognized at the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards, a star-studded event televised from Beverly Hills, Calif. The event is put on by Hollywood Foreign Press Association to honor the best in film and American television during the past year.
VUU takes on VSU Sunday at the 2017 Freedom Classic
Tavon Mealy excels at most aspects of basketball, especially the winning part. You can say the same about Walter Williams. Virginia Union University’s Mealy and Virginia State University’s Williams both have danced to a steady drum beat of team success throughout their young careers.
Rachael Pecota, 26, brings uniqueness to Lady Panthers
Small, private HBCUs such as Virginia Union University sometimes must explore off the beaten path for talent. Even area health clubs can be on the search list. Rachael Pecota had been away from organized basketball some five years when her jump shot was spotted at American Family Fitness in Midlothian.
VCU beats UMass; ready for Davidson on Saturday
Just prior to the Atlantic 10 tournament in March, conference coaches will gather in Pittsburgh to vote on the A-10 Player of the Year.
Mike London headed to Howard
Howard University is a perennial football underdog perhaps known more for its dynamic “Showtime” Marching Band than for its gridiron success. Michael London, HU’s new football coach at age 56, hopes to change that image by sandwiching some improved football around the glitzy halftime performances.
Anna Wilson playing at Stanford after previous injury
Anna Wilson’s clean bill of health spells trouble for upcoming opponents of Stanford University’s women’s basketball team. Wilson, a Richmond native and sister of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, was held out of the Pac-12 school’s early action due to a concussion suffered last March at the McDonald’s All-America Classic in Chicago.
Richmond area athletes land spots in NFL conference semifinals
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and Houston Texans offensive tackle Duane Brown both earned an A-plus on their NFL first round playoff report cards.
Jury sentences white supremacist to death in S.C. church massacre
Unrepentant white supremacist Dylann Roof was sentenced to death Tuesday for fatally shooting nine African-American church members during Bible study at a landmark Charleston, S.C., church, becoming the first person ordered executed for a federal hate crime.
Prosperity preachers to pray at Trump inaugural
Bishop Wayne T. Jackson, who hosted President-elect Donald Trump with his Detroit congregation in September, is among the religious leaders chosen to offer prayers at the new president’s swearing-in next week in Washington. The inaugural committee announced that prosperity gospel preachers Bishop Jackson, who leads Great Faith Ministries International, and Pastor Paula White, a friend of the president-elect, will join four others selected to participate in the inauguration on Friday, Jan. 20.
Personality: Roslyn C. ‘Roz’ Tyler
Spotlight on new chair of Virginia Legislative Black Caucus
Delegate Roslyn C. “Roz” Tyler of Sussex says she has always wanted to help people. Since 2006, the 56-year-old has represented a district in the House of Delegates that runs from Dinwiddie County to Emporia and Isle of Wight County.
Richmond Community ICU nurses told to apply for other jobs
A Bon Secours memo provided to the Free Press undercuts the Catholic hospital group’s public claim that it intends to maintain its five-bed intensive care unit at Richmond Community Hospital in Church Hill.
Thursday, January 12
Longtime Wilder aide convicted of embezzlement
“Shocking” and “tragic.” Those are the words former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder used to describe his feelings about the embezzlement conviction Wednesday of his longtime and once trusted aide.
Legality of severance pay to ex-mayor’s appointees questioned
In November 2004, as Richmond City Hall prepared for the change to an elected mayor-council form of government and to abolish the city manager’s office, the outgoing City Council rushed to approve an ordinance that authorized the council or the mayor to give severance pay to appointees whose jobs were eliminated or who were terminated for non-criminal reasons.
Stoney gets high marks on first on-the-job task
Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney appears to have passed the first big test for his new administration — clearing away the 8 inches of snow that fell on the city by last Saturday afternoon.
McClellan wins; GOP holds Senate
Veteran Richmond Delegate Jennifer L. McClellan will be moving up to the state Senate. As expected, the 44-year-old corporate lawyer and Democrat overwhelmed her opponent, Corey M. Fauconier, a Libertarian Party member, by a 9-1 margin in Tuesday’s special election for the Senate seat previously held by Congressman A. Donald McEachin, a Democrat now representing the 4th District.
Martin Luther King Jr. holiday schedule
In observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday, Jan. 16, please note the following:
Christmas tree recycling moved to Jan. 14
Residents have a second chance to get rid of their live Christmas trees in an environmentally friendly manner. As a result of the snowy weather, the city’s annual “Bring One for the Chipper” Christmas tree recycling event has been rescheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at 1710 Robin Hood Road, across from the Arthur Ashe Jr. Athletic Center, it has been announced.
Trump denounces intel reports of damaging info from Russian hacking
A defiant President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday adamantly denied reports that Russia had compromising personal and financial information about him, calling it a “tremendous blot” on the record of the intelligence community if material with any such allegations had been released.
Congressional Black Caucus poised for tougher action under new administration
For almost eight years, the members of the Congressional Black Caucus existed in the shadow of the first African-American president. They praised President Obama’s achievements while at the same time pushing him to do more for their constituents who overwhelmingly supported his history-making campaign and administration.
Farewell, President Obama
Commander in chief returns to Chicago for his final speech where it all began
President Obama bid farewell to the nation Tuesday in an emotional speech that sought to comfort a country on edge over rapid economic changes, persistent security threats and the election of Republican Donald Trump.
Gov. McAuliffe announces criminal justice reform
Gov. Terry McAuliffe is proposing changes in state laws that could help reduce the number of people who end up becoming unemployed or who are sent to prison.
Friday, January 6
Recipe for public education success
Education is still the key to success. In Richmond, it is not up to school personnel, the School Board or the City Council to solve all of these problems. All of us are responsible. All of the community is responsible. And with the city’s extremely high poverty rate, it will take a “village.”
Jennifer McClellan for the 9th District Senate seat
We hope voters in the state’s 9th Senate District, which includes parts of Richmond, Henrico, Hanover and Charles City County, will go to the polls Tuesday, Jan. 10, and cast their ballots for Delegate Jennifer McClellan.
Get ready to rumble
For many, the new year began rather gloomily with the reminder that, in just a few short days, the nation will have a new president, who slid into office without the backing of a majority of American voters and with the help of the Russian government, if you believe U.S. intelligence sources.
2017 Freedom Classic Festival starts next week
The 2017 Freedom Classic Festival, which celebrates the annual I-95 sports matchup between Virginia State and Virginia Union universities, will commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a weekend full of family friendly activities.
Patricia Southall Smith to speak at Delta Founders Day luncheon
Red and white will be on display as members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority pour into Downtown this weekend to mark the 104th year of the group’s founding.
New state highway markers to honor 4
Upset that African-American students had to walk miles to their segregated schools in Hanover County, Lucian Hunter took action.
It’s a boy for 50-year-old Janet Jackson
Pop singer Janet Jackson has had her first child at the age of 50, Billboard magazine reported Tuesday, citing the pop singer’s publicist.
Beyoncé leads nominations for NAACP Image Awards
The 48th Annual NAACP Image Awards recently announced its class of nominees. Singer and pop icon Beyoncé led the field of performers with seven nominations, followed by her sister, Solange Knowles, whose 2016 album “A Seat at the Table” was widely acclaimed, with five nominations.
Super Bowl 51 Gospel Celebration
The NFL Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, the only multicultural event sanctioned by the National Football League, will kick off Super Bowl 51 on Feb. 3 with its 18th annual star-studded concert at Lakewood Church in Houston.
Former VCU-NBA stars reunite to put on basketball camp
As young adults, Rolando Lamb and Calvin Duncan earned basketball fame at Virginia Commonwealth University largely for all the points they scored.
Battle of the big men
VCU to take on UMass Saturday
Driving to the basket could be hazardous to your health — and certainly to your shooting percentage — when Virginia Commonwealth University hosts the University of Massachusetts on Saturday, Jan. 7, at the Siegel Center.
Howard University bows to VCU
Visiting Howard University limped into the Siegel Center on Tuesday, Dec. 27, to play the Virginia Commonwealth University Rams.
VUU transfer player Jimmy Paige IV looking to add to Panthers’ stats
During the challenging process of transferring schools, athletes are on the lookout for a soft landing spot and a friendly, familiar face.
Richmond connections at Indiana University
If Indiana University is to make a run at the Big Ten and/or the NCAA title, Richmond-born Hoosiers will have a say in it.
Owner of Crump’s Auto Service dies
Generations of Virginia Union University students turned to kindly service station owner William McKinley Crump for affordable help to keep their cars on the road.
Powered by faith and family, gospel queen Sheilah Belle triumphs over illnesses
Richmond gospel queen Sheilah Belle is “pressing forward” through the health challenges that have dogged her for six months.
New year starts with blessings of cars
The new year rolled in with a special transportation blessing for three Richmond area women. Kambria Cook, Vivian Jefferson and Beverly Tyler each received free cars on New Year’s Eve from Village of Faith Ministries, which has sanctuaries in Henrico and Chesterfield counties. They are the latest beneficiaries of the vehicle giveaway program begun nine years ago by the church led by Pastor Michael J. Jones.
Personality: Dr. Clinton V. Turner
Dr. Clinton V. Turner, former Virginia secretary of agriculture and consumer services and former associate vice president for agriculture and extension at Virginia State University’s College of Agriculture, has been inducted into the George Washington Carver Public Service Hall of Fame. He is the first Virginian and the first VSU alumnus to be inducted.
Mayor’s inaugural events
Mayor Levar Stoney is planning to keep his public inaugural events simple — no lavish dinners and no fancy balls.
New City Council president challenges colleagues to address poverty, racism
Chris A. Hilbert challenged his Richmond City Council colleagues to do more to tackle poverty and racism in Richmond after he was elected the new council president on Tuesday.
School Board selects new officers, sets timetable
The nine members of the Richmond School Board were sworn in Tuesday, with newly installed Mayor Levar Stoney addressing the members.
McEachin sworn in
U.S. Rep. A. Donald McEachin of Henrico County was sworn in as a member of the 115th Congress on Tuesday at a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington.
Petersburg City Council chooses new leader
W. Howard Myers is out and Samuel Parham is in as the mayor of Petersburg. Foiled in his effort to gain a second term, 5th Ward Councilman Myers nominated Mr. Parham to be Petersburg City Council’s presiding officer at a time when the city continues to face severe financial challenges.
City offers holiday tree disposal
Christmas is over. But what to do with the holiday tree? Good news: Richmond once again is offering several ways to safely get rid of live Christmas trees.
Showalter finds money for Jan.10 special election
Richmond Voter Registrar Kirk Showalter is backing off her concern that her office would not have enough money to cover the expense of the special election for the 9th District state Senate seat to be held next Tuesday, Jan. 10.
National NAACP head arrested in sit-in over AG nomination
Several African-American civil rights activists staged a sit-in at the Alabama office of U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions on Tuesday.
Republicans make repealing Obamacare ‘first order of business’
President Obama exhorted fellow Democrats on Wednesday to preserve his legacy-defining health care law as Republicans moved ahead with their long-desired bid to scrap it in what Vice President-elect Mike Pence called the “first order of business” of the incoming Donald Trump administration. The Republican-controlled U.S. Senate brushed aside unified opposition by Democrats and voted to open debate on a resolution setting in motion the Republican drive to repeal the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which has helped upwards of 20 million previously uninsured Americans obtain health insurance. As early as 2018, the millions of people who gained insurance under the law could see their coverage in jeopardy — especially if Congress fails to find a replacement to the law beforehand.
Health care cutback?
Bon Secours to close Richmond Community Hospital’s ICU, sources say
Is Bon Secours planning to close the small intensive care unit later this month at its 104-bed Richmond Community Hospital facility in the East End?
Central Va. Cadet Corps starting in February
A new group is recruiting 30 area young men ages 7 to 14 to participate in free, monthly programs promoting achievement.
Petersburg employees credited with helping during city’s crunch
Two Petersburg Public Works managers are being credited with repairing trucks and equipment for their department that the city could not afford to fix.
