Richmond hires new leaders for Department of Finance
The City of Richmond has appointed Jamie Atkinson as the new director of revenue and Thomasena Gadson as deputy director of Finance. Both appointments aim to enhance leadership within the Department of Finance.
Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace open enrollment begins
Open enrollment on Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace began Friday, Nov. 1, offering Virginians the opportunity to enroll in new health insurance plans or make changes to existing ones without a qualifying life event.
Biden must act on environment, by Ben Jealous
Now in its final months, the Biden-Harris administration has a chance to cement its legacy on the environment. Congress returns for its so-called lame duck session on Nov. 12. The administration should pull out all the stops to work with Congress and use the powers of the presidency to get some more big things done.
Talk to explore lives of slaves and free persons in 1860
On Nov. 9, an online audience will explore the everyday lives of enslaved and free African Americans on Virginia’s Middle Peninsula, guided by a historical lens on housing and community resilience. Historian Douglas W. Sanford will present “Interpreting the Evidence for African American History: Virginia’s Slave Quarters and Free Blacks on the Middle Peninsula in 1860,” hosted by the Middle Peninsula African-American Genealogical and Historical Society at 11 a.m.
Henrico teachers receive REB grants to pursue global learning, innovation
Six Henrico County Public Schools educators have received the 2024 REB Award for Teaching Excellence, earning grants of $10,000 to $15,000 to pursue transfor- mative learning experiences. The Community Foundation, which recognizes Richmond area teachers who stand out for their inspiring classroom work, awarded these grants to support hands-on study across a range of fields. A seventh HCPS teacher was honored as a finalist. This year’s awards celebrated 18 teachers regionally, with 14 finalists chosen from a pool of 85 nominees submitted by students, parents and colleagues. The HCPS recipients were surprised at their schools with announce- ments attended by division leaders, administrators, fellow educators and students. Among the winners, Glen Allen High School’s Ryan Conway will use his $14,900 grant to study teacher train- ing programs and advanced instructional methods in Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, focusing on strategies tailored for Generation Alpha, the population born since 2010. Highland
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, Nov. 6, COVID-19 accounted for .6% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness trending down from previous data. No deaths associated with COVID-19 were reported within that timeframe at time of publication. Data on COVID-19 wastewater showed levels below detection in Richmond and Henrico County as of the most recent sample collection week on Sunday, Oct. 20.
Charges against deputies linked to Irvo Otieno’s death dropped
The final two cases against Henrico County Sheriff’s Deputies Brandon Rodgers and Kaiyell Sanders, charged in connection with Irvo Otieno’s death, have been dropped following the acquittal of another defendant in a related trial.
College athletes are getting paid and fans are starting to share the bill
At Tennessee, they are adding a “talent fee”to the price of sports tickets. At Arkansas, they will charge 3% more at the concession stands. At Michigan and Michigan State, athletic directors sent letters alerting boosters that winning is going to start costing more. And, in a first, Clemson is going to start adding an athletic surcharge to tuition bills.
Faith Forum bridges faith, environmental action
A two-day Faith Forum took place Oct. 16-17 in Richmond, bringing together spiritual leaders and environmental experts to equip religious communities with tools to address climate change.
Harris says nation must accept election results
“It is OK to feel sad and disappointed”
Faced with a sweeping rejection by American voters, Kamala Harris conceded the presidential election to Donald Trump on Wednesday and encouraged supporters to continue fighting for their vision of the country.
RPS School Board newcomers projected to win local elections
Five newcomers are poised to reshape Richmond Public Schools’ leadership as they hold commanding leads in Tuesday’s School Board election, though final results await mail-in and provisional ballot counts.
Personality: Carol Adams
Spotlight on founder of the Carol Adams Foundation
Carol Adams was accustomed to being woken at night by yelling and fighting from the next room—an almost nightly pattern. But on Dec. 30, 1980, that pattern took a darker turn. Instead of screams, she heard gunshots. Her mother was killed and her father served just 18 months of a seven-year prison sentence for the crime. That night, Adams and her sister were left to fend for themselves, but it did not break her spirit. Instead, it fueled her determination to make a difference.
‘Dirt Don’t Burn’ author to speak on Black education under segregation
Author Larry Roeder will discuss Virginia’s history of segregated schooling on Nov. 14 at the Library of Virginia, highlighting his book “Dirt Don’t Burn” and Black communities’ pursuit of educational equality in Northern Virginia.
Va. museums partner for major exhibition on America’s 250th anniversary
Two of Virginia museums, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, are teaming up to present “Give Me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation,” a landmark exhibition marking America’s 250th anniversary. The exhibition will debut at the VMHC on March 22, 2025, in line with the anniversary of Patrick Henry’s historic “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!” speech. Sponsored by VA250, Virginia’s official semiquincenten- nial planning commission, the exhibition will be displayed in Richmond before embarking on a statewide tour. “Virginia’s history is essential to understanding the American founding,” said Jamie O. Bosket, CEO of the VMHC. “This exhibition presents a full narrative of our national story, covering its victories and struggles and amplifying the many voices that together built our Commonwealth and our nation.” “Give Me Liberty” will be one of the first major exhibits in the nation commemorating the anniversary, with a focus on Virginia’s role in the American Revolution and the global influences that inspired democratic government. Important items, including a por- trait of George Washington by Charles Willson Peale and Patrick Henry’s spectacles, will showcase Virginia’s enduring legacy. The exhibition also will include voices from lesser-known groups, such as enslaved and free Black people, Indigenous communities, women and youths. These perspectives, according to Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Executive Director Christy S. Coleman, will provide visitors with an opportunity to view the Revolution’s legacy in a fresh light. In addition to notable artifacts like Dunmore’s Proclamation Broadside from 1775 and Thomas Jefferson’s 1774 “Summary
Virginia State dominates Lincoln University in 55-0 shutout
The Virginia State University football team scored over 30 points for the fourth straight game, shutting out Lincoln University 55-0 on Nov. 2.
McClellan, Kaine win re-election in Virginia’s midterms
Democratic incumbents Jennifer McClellan and Tim Kaine secured key victories in Virginia’s midterm elections, with McClellan winning her second term in the 4th Congressional District and Kaine achieving a third term in the U.S. Senate. Both candidates celebrated Nov. 5 with supporters and pledged continued service on core issues.
City Council incumbents hold strong amid competitive election
Most incumbents on Richmond City Council successfully defended their seats in Tuesday’s election, overcoming challenges from several newcomers. The election brought a few changes to the council, with a notable upset in the 3rd District and new representatives elected in two open seats.
The Doctor is in
Avula wins mayoral race
Former health director Danny Avula has emerged as the unofficial victor in Richmond’s mayoral race, defeating four other candidates as six council districts cast their votes for him as of Wednesday.
No basis for lawsuit against VUU over former hospital
The Richmond Free Press has provided extensive coverage of a lawsuit former City Councilman Sa’ad El-Amin has filed against Virginia Union University in a bid to prevent the demolition of the former Richmond Community Hospital.
Election Day should be a federal holiday, by Julianne Malveaux
The man is tall, chocolate black, with a crown of silver hair. He cocks his head in some kind of way, like he is moving on purpose. If I go to the gym early, I see him walking down the block around 5:15. Sometimes we say, ‘hey’ to each other, sometimes we don’t. I don’t know his name.
