Thursday, January 29
City native Krystian Williams
Krystian Williams, a Richmond native and Collegiate School standout, has signed with the University of Richmond football team.
VUU’s Parker joins East Team coaching staff for Shrine Bowl
Virginia Union head football coach Alvin Parker has been selected to serve as an assistant coach for the East Team in the East-West Shrine Bowl on Tuesday in Frisco, Texa
Richmond’s hidden espionage history explored in opera ‘Intelligence’
With Richmond’s Civil War past as its backdrop, a new opera brings the city’s hidden history of espionage to the forefront through music, storytelling and live performance.
AJGA tournament returns to Williamsburg after six-year absence
Visit Williamsburg will serve as title sponsor of an American Junior Golf Association tournament returning this year, officials announced recently.
Parker named Cowboys defensive coordinator
The Dallas Cowboys have hired Christian Parker as their defensive coordinator, making him the youngest in franchise history.
Virginia War Memorial to showcase reporter’s stories about veterans
Greg McQuade has spent 25 years telling stories about Virginia veterans, and the Virginia War Memorial will showcase many of those stories in a program next month.
Library of Virginia reschedules Black History Month celebration
The Library of Virginia will launch its Culturescape Saturdays programming initiative with a free Black History Month celebration highlighting Black artists and storytellers from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21.
New airport construction could slow parking access this winter
If you like arriving at the airport early to avoid the stress of rushing to your gate, plan for a little extra time at Richmond International Airport.
State urges Virginians to enroll in 2026 health coverage before Jan. 30 deadline
Virginians have until Friday, Jan. 30 to enroll in health coverage for 2026 through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace, officials said.
Former WNBA player named CIAA ambassador
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association recently appointed Sonia Chase as an official ambassador for the 2026 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament, scheduled for Feb. 24-28 at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore.
Gospel musician Richard Smallwood remembered with music-filled funeral
Thousands of fans of gospel music giant Richard Smallwood bid him farewell in a music-filled funeral Saturday, as family and friends of the composer remembered him for his creativity, his theology and his humility.
Jackson Ward community fixture Clarence Lee Clay Jr. dies at 85
For his family and friends, Clarence Lee Clay Jr.’s life was defined by consistency.
VisArts expanding in The Fan
Over the past decade, the Visual Arts Center of Richmond has been steadily outgrowing its home at 1812 W. Main St.
Virginia’s civil rights history comes alive in new podcast
The Virginia Tourism Corporation has launched a new Virginia Civil Rights podcast series spotlighting the Commonwealth’s role in the Civil Rights Movement and amplifying the voices of individuals and communities who helped shape the fight for equality.
RPS students give voice to King’s legacy in MLK Oratorical Contest
For John Marshall High School senior Renashea Hunt, exploring one of Martin Luther King Jr.’s lesser-known speeches was rooted in family history.
Personality: Farrah Massenburg
Spotlight on Massey VCU breast cancer survivor and advocate
When Farrah Massenburg noticed a small lump while breastfeeding, she could not have anticipated what lay ahead.
Skater Emmanuel Savary sharpens routines for 2026 U.S. Championships
The ice will be hot at the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships as results of the senior events will significantly factor into the selection of the U.S. team for the Olympic Winter Games in February.
Richmond continues to fight snow, ice as temperatures stay below freezing
Richmond will take its first tentative steps back to normalcy on Wednesday, with city and county offices opening on a limited basis, even as schools remain out across the region.
Disability advocates rally for progress in services, rights
Chanting “Make the Promise Real” and carrying signs, about 80 disability advocates from across Virginia rallied at the state Capitol on Jan. 22 to press lawmakers for improvements in disability services and protections during the General Assembly session.
Kamras, board leaders reveal funding challenges for city schools
The mood on the 17th floor of City Hall was somewhat somber on Jan. 22 as Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras presented his proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 to the School Board.
Dems roll out bills to curb federal immigration enforcement
Virginia Democrats on Wednesday rolled out a package of bills designed to curb federal immigration enforcement activities in the Commonwealth.
Still ticking after 125 years of service
Richmond’s oldest Black-owned jewelry shop keeps family and craft alive
It was at the ripe old age of 8 that Marcellus Carrington Waller repaired his first timepiece.
Youngkin pardoned Fairfax police officer in 2023 Tysons Corner shooting
Shortly before leaving office, Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin granted an absolute pardon to a former Fairfax County police officer who killed a man while on duty and was later convicted of reckless firearm handling.
Petersburg welcomes Central Virginia’s first full-scale casino
Live! Casino Virginia opened last week in Petersburg, becoming Central Virginia’s first full-scale casino and marking a major expansion of legalized gaming just south of Richmond.
Virginia bill targets data center sites
Legislation is advancing through the General Assembly to restrict future data centers to industrially zoned areas.
Proposed volunteer group would help localities fend off cyberattacks, security breaches
A proposal to create a volunteer cybersecurity incident response team to investigate and troubleshoot threats targeting digital systems around the Commonwealth will be considered again in this year’s General Assembly session.
Sorry, with a side of self-promo
The name Kanye West would have been at the top of a list of people I didn’t plan to write about this year, if I had time to keep track of things like that.
Why Black America must pay attention to global power by Julianne Malveaux
Black America is often told that foreign policy is distant, something for diplomats, generals and elites in places most of us will never see.
ICE killings in Minnesota expose a tyrannical agenda by David W. Marshall
What is happening in Minnesota should be the kind of wake-up call for Americans who still fail to recognize the truth about this administration and need to understand the grave situation we face as a nation.
Claudette Colvin’s story shows what is lost when history is erased by Marc H. Morial
When Claudette Colvin died this month, too many Americans learned her name for the first time in an obituary.
Burnout is breaking health care by Steve Forti
Americans are paying more for less when it comes to health care. One in five patients now waits more than two months to see a primary care doctor or specialist.
Laila Edwards set to become first Black woman to represent U.S. in Olympic hockey
It was fajita night to celebrate Laila Edwards’ hockey homecoming when an excited shriek pierced the casual gathering in the brightly lit early 20th-century colonial she grew up in on a quiet, tree-lined street.
Hanover officials oppose DHS plan for ICE warehouse
The Hanover County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday opposed plans for an Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facility in Ashland.
Thursday, January 22
Leaders urge action, community service at VUU’s MLK celebration
“Where do we go from here? Chaos or community?”
Virginia makes history
Abigail Spanberger becomes first woman governor, sets bold agenda
Democrat Abigail Spanberger was sworn in Jan. 17 as Virginia’s first female governor.
Rallies call for action on immigration enforcement
Over three days and at three Richmond locations, residents and organizations rallied to support immigrants, oppose the Trump administration and call for community defense.
Gun rights and gun safety advocates rally at Capitol on Lobby Day
Gun rights and gun violence prevention groups gathered at the Capitol in large numbers on Monday’s Lobby Day to rally support and meet with legislators.
Home care workers back bill allowing collective bargaining
SEIU Virginia 512 is part of the Service Employees International Union, which advocates for a range of service workers around the world.
Her morning jacket
One thing I’ve never been accused of in my years as a journalist is being an expert on fashion.
What King’s teachings reveal about America’s crossroads by David W. Marshall
Americans of all walks of life are witnessing continuing political and cultural shifts in our nation.
Native tribes raise alarm over ICE tactics by Clarence Page
In a nation as diverse as ours, immigration enforcement inevitably tests whether equal protection means what it says.
Virginia’s new chapter begins with Spanberger’s confident address by Bob Lewis
I’ve watched every Virginia governor’s inauguration for the past 30 years.
VUU, VSU split Freedom Classic
Virginia Union and Virginia State split a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association doubleheader Saturday at the VSU Multi-Purpose Center, with the host Trojans’ women rallying for a 68-66 victory before the Panthers’ men dominated 65-37.
Black College Football Hall of Fame reveals 2026 inductees
Four former players, a coach and a journalist will enter the Black College Football Hall of Fame this year, the organization announced Wednesday.
Youth baseball league honors King with tournament
The Metropolitan Junior Baseball League celebrated its 60th anniversary with the 18th annual MJBL East-West All-Star Game during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.
Gladys West, mathematician whose work enabled GPS, dies at 95
Gladys West, a pioneering mathematician whose work helped lay the foundation for the Global Positioning System, has died.
James Sweat, longtime Hampton and Norfolk State coach, dies
James Sweat, a Hall of Fame coach who led Hampton University and Norfolk State University to championships and helped define an era of women’s basketball in the CIAA, has died.
Personality: Valerie Cassel Oliver
Spotlight on the Sydney and Frances Lewis Family Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
As a student in Houston, Valerie Cassel Oliver took field trips to what she felt were magical places — the city’s museums.
Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church to screen film on King’s Richmond legacy
Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church will host a screening of the short historical feature “Echoes of a Dream: MLK’s Legacy in Richmond, VA” on Saturday at 11:45 a.m.
Winter storm may bring heavy snow, dangerous travel conditions
Be ready
Richmond is bracing for a winter storm this weekend that could bring significant snowfall, hazardous travel and a sharp drop in temperatures.
Virginia General Assembly launches HBCU caucus
Members of the Virginia General Assembly announced the launch of the Virginia Historically Black Colleges and Universities Caucus on Tuesday, a bipartisan, bicameral legislative group aimed at promoting and protecting the interests of the state’s HBCUs and the students and communities they serve.
Chef Leah Branch named James Beard Award semifinalist
Richmond’s Leah Branch has been named a 2026 semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic.
Boyz II Men to perform at VSU scholarship gala
The vocal harmony group Boyz II Men will perform during a scholarship fundraiser April 25 at the VSU Multi-purpose Center.
Elegba Folklore Society receives national ‘Walking Together’ grant
Elegba Folklore Society has been awarded a $50,000 grant through “Walking Together: Investing in Folklife in Communities of Color,” a national pilot program supporting traditional artists and cultural organizations rooted in communities of color.
School to induct 4 into Athletics Hall of Fame
Richmond High School for the Arts will induct four athletes into the George Wythe High School Athletics Hall of Fame during halftime of the boys basketball game against Midlothian on Jan. 30.
Saturday, January 17
Abigail Spanberger sworn in as Virginia’s first woman governor
Abigail Spanberger was sworn in Saturday as Virginia’s 75th governor, making history as the first woman to hold the commonwealth’s highest office and pledging to lead with unity, affordability and pragmatic action amid deep national divisions and growing uncertainty coming out of Washington.
Friday, January 16
Rev. Sylvester “Tee” Turner, leader of Richmond’s Slave Trail, dies at 74
Rev. Sylvester “Tee” Turner, a prominent Richmond pastor who helped build many of the institutions acknowledging the city’s slave-trading past and worked toward racial reconciliation, died Sunday.
Thursday, January 15
Billboards challenge city housing, zoning overhaul
A group headed by a former Richmond city councilman has purchased 14 billboards opposing the city’s overhaul of its 1970s-era zoning ordinance.
‘ICE Out of Virginia’ protest draws hundreds amid national outrage
Hundreds of protesters took to Richmond streets Saturday, marching from Maggie Walker Memorial Plaza to Abner Clay Park to condemn ICE after an agent fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis.
Council delays real estate tax cut request, event venue expansion
City Council members hit pause Monday on requesting a real estate tax cut proposal and a popular event venue’s expansion, leaving these and other decisions for future meetings.
Senate Dems open 2026 session with focus on affordability
On the eve of the 2026 General Assembly session, Senate Democrats on Tuesday rolled out an ambitious agenda centered on lowering the financial strain on Virginia families while signaling openness to revisiting tax and revenue policy amid looming budget pressures.
Sharpton, National Action Network to honor Holder, Scott at King Day breakfast
The National Action Network will hold its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Awards Breakfast in Washington, D.C., on Monday, recognizing former U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and other leaders for their public service and advocacy.
5 candidates vie for Richmond School Board’s 6th District seat
Five candidates have applied to fill a vacant Richmond School Board seat formerly held by Shonda Harris- Muhammed.
Edward Harris, founder of Vinegar Hill Magazine, dies at 69
Lifelong Charlottesville resident championed local media and inclusivity
Charlottesville community leader Edward Douglas Harris, who championed local journalism and family advocacy, died on Dec. 28, 2025, at age 69.
Thomas Watkins, founder of NYC’s first Black-owned daily newspaper, dies at 88
Thomas H. Watkins built a daily Black newspaper in New York City at a time when few believed it could survive and even fewer wanted it to succeed.
Sign of the Times
Last week, we published a photo of the entryway to the former Richmond Times-Dispatch headquarters, calling attention to the impression left on the building where the letters of the former daily newspaper once proclaimed its existence.
King’s triple threat, revisited by Julianne Malveaux
We are living in a time of deep and dangerous instability.
Who fears impeachment? by Clarence Page
President Donald Trump is afraid of getting impeached again. He said as much last week.
King was ahead of his time in pushing for universal basic income by Tarah Williams and Andrew Bloeser
Each year on the holiday that bears his name, Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered for his immense contributions to the struggle for racial equality.
We must finish the work Dr. King died doing by Ben Jealous
To honor Martin Luther King Jr. honestly is to remember that he was organizing to make the dream real — and to decide whether we are willing to carry that dangerous, unfinished work forward.
Flying Squirrels end negotiations with VCU as Diamond District project faces delays
Deadlines produce action and, in October, it appeared one of the final roadblocks to Richmond’s Diamond District project had finally been cleared.
CIAA honors standout women’s and men’s basketball players for Week Nine
Dominant post play, elite rim protection, efficient scoring and impressive rookie contributions highlighted Week Nine of CIAA basketball, the conference stated Tuesday.
Church hosts exhibit on transforming lives of children in poverty
Visitors to Hill City Church last weekend got a glimpse into the lives of children living in poverty halfway around the world without leaving Richmond.
Personality: Tanisha Tate
Spotlight on Ms. Full-Figured Virginia 2025
Growing up in a high-crime neighborhood in Washington, D.C., Tanisha Tate knew she had to find a way forward.
Historic weekend welcomes Spanberger swearing-in
Abigail Spanberger will be sworn in as Virginia’s 75th governor on Saturday, making history as the first woman to hold the office. Her inauguration weekend offers several opportunities for residents to join the celebration, with a mix of ticketed and free events.
MLK Day closings
Federal offices and state offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Flu spike prompts masking guidance in Central Virginia
Central Virginia hospitals and health systems are reinforcing masking guidance and infection prevention measures as influenza and other respiratory illnesses surge across the state.
Richmond Christmas tree recycling event rescheduled
Richmond’s annual “Bring One for the Chipper” Christmas tree recycling and e-cycle event was postponed one week due to forecasted weather and will be held Saturday, Jan. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1710 Robin Hood Road.
Freedom Classic men’s basketball players for Week Nine brings VSU, VUU rivalry to Petersburg
Virginia State University and Virginia Union University renew one of the region’s fiercest HBCU basketball rivalries this Friday in the annual Freedom Classic.
Virginia Union track team opens indoor season strong
The Virginia Union University women’s track and field team hit the ground running at the VCU Invitational on Jan. 9, turning in strong performances in their first meet since winter break.
Events set to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.
Jan. 15 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Service Awards Celebration at the Cultural Center of India, 6641 Ironbridge Parkway, Chester, 5:30 p.m.
Virginia General Assembly debuts permanent Capitol exhibit
The Virginia General Assembly has unveiled a new permanent exhibit at the Capitol Visitor Center designed to immerse visitors in the history, architecture and work of the state’s government.
First Baptist Church of Midlothian marks 180th anniversary
First Baptist Church of Midlothian, the oldest African American church in Chesterfield County, is preparing to celebrate its 180th anniversary under the theme “A Legacy of Grace, A Future in Faith.”
‘Gospel Symphony Praise Party’ set at Carpenter Theatre
Grammy-nominated gospel artist Pastor Mike Jr. will join the Richmond Symphony for a fusion of orchestral music and contemporary praise anthems at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 in the Carpenter Theatre at the Dominion Energy Center.
Thursday, January 8
Richmond protesters denounce U.S. military action in Venezuela
About 100 residents and organizers rallied Saturday to condemn a controversial U.S. military operation in Venezuela that included strikes on Caracas and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, actions critics say represent an escalation of U.S. involvement and a violation of international norms.
Dems hold South Side seats as Jones, Schmidt prevail
Michael Jones will return to the General Assembly as a senator after winning a special election to the state Senate on Tuesday, while attorney Charlie Schmidt claimed his former House of Delegates seat.
AG-elect Jones opposes DOJ suit over Virginia tuition law
A federal lawsuit challenging Virginia’s law on tuition eligibility for undocumented students has exposed a sharp divide between the state’s outgoing and incoming leadership, drawing opposition from Attorney General-elect Jay Jones and prompting intervention from immigrant and civil rights groups.
Richmond touts major fixes at water plant one year after catastrophic outage
Even with a snowy start to winter in Richmond, a top city official recently joked to a crowd gathered downtown, there was nothing to report about the water treatment plant.
Spanberger nominates Smith as next secretary of education
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger announced Tuesday that long-time educator Jeffery Smith would be Virginia’s next secretary of education.
After decade in politics, Stoney steps back to rest and recharge
After a hugely successful election year for Virginia Democrats that didn’t turn out quite as he hoped, former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney isn’t ready to completely rule out a future run for public office.
Virginia reverses law requiring public disclosure of judicial misconduct
At the end of every year, state agencies, boards and commissions churn out dozens of annual reports. Last year, one notable document was missing.
Staying the course
At the start of the new year, we believe it is important to return to our foundation and clearly restate the mission of the Richmond Free Press.
Scott’s bold giving is transforming HBCUs and communities by Marc H. Morial
“It’s easy to focus on the methods of civic participation that make news, and hard to imagine the importance of the things we do each day with our own minds and hearts.
What happens when Black students’ civil rights are violated? by David W. Marshall
The Lady Justice statue, often seen in courthouses, has become the most recognized symbol of American justice.
SCC approved Dominion’s gas plant. Now, it’s reconsidering — here’s why by Ivy Main
The State Corporation Commission is reconsidering its approval of Dominion Energy Virginia’s 944-megawatt gas peaker plant, weeks after granting the utility permission to build it.
Who thinks Republicans will suffer in the 2026 midterms? Republicans by Charlie Hunt
The midterm elections for Congress won’t take place until November, but already a record number of members have declared they will not run again — 43 in the House and 10 in the Senate.
Martin reaches 1,000 point, sets sights on school record
Maggie L. Walker junior continues scoring run with career achievement
Maggie L. Walker junior Jamie Martin was recognized during a game on Tuesday against Hermitage High School for achieving what few high school basketball players ever do: scoring her 1,000th career point.
CIAA to honor eight inductees at 2026 Hall of Fame ceremony
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association announced its 2026 John B. McLendon Hall of Fame class, recognizing former student-athletes, officials, administrators, historians and media figures whose contributions helped shape the nation’s oldest historically Black athletic conference.
Metropolitan Junior Baseball League marks 60th anniversary
The Metropolitan Junior Baseball League is celebrating 60 years of providing life skills and opportunities to young athletes with a series of events and partnerships in 2026.
Joy Moore resigns as Northern Seminary president after months of uncertainty
Joy J. Moore has resigned as president of Northern Seminary, a Baptist school near Chicago, after months of uncertainty over her status, school officials said. Moore was the first Black president of the school.
Acclaimed journalist Jelani Cobb to discuss MLK’s legacy
Jelani Cobb, Pulitzer Prize finalist and dean of the Columbia Journalism School, will reflect on the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a conversation with Randolph-Macon College President Michael Hill on Jan. 21 as part of a weeklong series of events honoring the slain civil rights leader.
Personality: LeQuan Hylton
Spotlight on the chairman of the Ujima Legacy Fund
LeQuan Hylton, a community leader committed to service, chairs the Ujima Legacy Fund, a giving circle supporting youth-focused nonprofits in underserved communities.
Richmond mails more than 73,000 notices to identify lead water lines
The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities has begun mailing more than 73,000 notices to residents in an effort to identify and replace lead water service lines as part of its expanded Lead Free Water program.
City names Trinija Martin as human resources director
The City of Richmond has hired Trinija Martin to direct its human resources department, citing her experience in both corporate and municipal HR leadership.
Cristo Rey hires vice president of advancement
Cristo Rey Richmond High School has appointed Cynthia Coleman as its new vice president of advancement, the school announced Tuesday.
Hampden-Sydney professor earns national communication awards
Hampden-Sydney College rhetoric professor Miranda Rouse received two national awards last month for her work in communication studies at the National Communication Association’s annual convention.
Henrico schools to host on-site vaccination clinics for rising 7th, 12th graders
Henrico County Public Schools and the Virginia Department of Health will hold free vaccination clinics at all Henrico middle and high schools for students entering seventh or 12th grade in the 2026-27 school year.
River City Fight Night series to expand with monthly boxing events
River City Fight Night, one of Central Virginia’s growing combat sports series, will host monthly boxing events throughout 2026, organizers announced Tuesda
Trojans turn defense into offense in 74-53 victory over Wasps
The Virginia State University women’s basketball team turned defense into offense Saturday, forcing 29 turnovers and converting them into 38 points in a 74-53 home victory over Emory & Henry.
Chesterfield stadium construction marks final phase of baseball complex overhaul
Construction crews are building a new stadium field at The Diamonds at Ironbridge baseball and softball complex in Harry G. Daniel Park, completing a project that began in 2023.
Why the rise of ‘AI Jesus’ demands a moral response from the church by Barbara Reynolds
Sooner rather than later, there must be an outcry that technology has crossed a sacred line. A growing wave of AI-powered religious apps now allows users to “text with Jesus,” “talk to the Bible” and even hold conversations with AI versions of Mary, the apostles, angels — or the devil itself. These tools mimic holy figures with unsettling ease, blurring the line between devotion and digital impersonation.
Local poet wins Tanka Deathmatch at library
Dorothy Marie Rice, a 77-year-old retired Richmond Public Schools teacher and practicing poet, earned first place in a Tanka Deathmatch Poetry Tournament at the Main Library on Franklin Street on Saturday.
Exhibit of Wilder’s watercolors to benefit scholarship fund
Visitors to the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia will get a closer look at L. Douglas Wilder’s artistic side this month as the former governor’s watercolor paintings go on display in an exhibit and auction benefiting the Wilder National Ovation Scholarship.
Richmond Symphony to perform Damien Geter’s ‘African American Requiem’
Audiences at the Carpenter Theatre on Jan. 17 will have a chance to experience music that asks them to listen as much as to feel.
Jill Scott announces sixth studio album
Jill Scott is returning to music with her sixth studio album, “To Whom This May Concern,” set for release Feb. 13 through Human Re Sources/ The Orchard. The first single, “Beautiful People,” is available on all streaming platforms.
Holding vape shops accountable is a step toward safer communities
Letters to the Editor
After reading the article in the Richmond Free Press entitled “Blowback,” I thank all the officials who have worked diligently to require vape shop owners to be responsible business owners in communities that are often low-income communities of color.
