Luminaries admired and debunked
Three towering figures have died in recent days: former first lady Rosalyn Carter, retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.
Home again: VMFA returns ancient works to their countries of origin
44 pieces are back in Italy, Egypt and Türkiye
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) announced Tuesday that it has deaccessioned and returned 44 works of ancient art following an investigation by the Antiquities Trafficking Unit of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security into the global trafficking of looted or stolen antiquities.
Santos’ shenanigans
Expelled congressman selling personalized videos for $200
George Santos already has a new gig.
Henry Kissinger’s complicated legacy draws admiration, scorn
The death of former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger drew both admiration and scorn last Thursday from political leaders around the world, highlighting the complicated legacy of Mr. Kissinger’s views about what it meant to serve America’s interests during the Cold War — and how the country should exert its influence.
Woman says former executive who defrauded city also fooled her
Sharon B. Holmes is relieved that a retired senior executive in the Richmond Department of Public Works is going to prison for engineering a scheme that ripped off the department for $600,000.
Kevin McCarthy, booted as House speaker 2 months ago, leaving Congress by year’s end
Two months after his historic ouster as U.S. House speaker, Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy said Wednesday that he is resigning and will leave Congress by the end of the year.
Norman Lear, producer of top TV sitcoms, dies at 101
Norman Lear, the writer, director and producer who revolutionized primetime television with “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons” and “Maude,” propelling political and social turmoil into the once-insulated world of TV sitcoms, has died. He was 101.
VCU reflection room promotes student wellness
A new, multipurpose space on the second floor of Virginia Commonwealth University’s James Branch Cabell Library will provide students a quiet area for meditation, contemplation and prayer.
Council meets to discuss Jones’ replacement in 9th District
Next Monday, Dec. 11, eight members of City Council will vote to seat a replacement for outgoing City Council President Michael J. Jones, who is headed to the House of Delegates.
VCU to celebrate fall commencement Saturday
Sethuraman Panchanathan, Ph.D., director of the National Science Foundation, will deliver the keynote address when Virginia Commonwealth University celebrates its December commencement on Saturday, Dec. 9.
Richmond Symphony hopes to give and receive
The Richmond Symphony will accompany “The Nutcracker,” a holiday tradition for many, at the Carpenter Theater Dec. 8-24.
School Board to build new Woodville; won’t merge with Fairfield Court
The Richmond School Board plans to keep five elementary schools in operation in the East End in the face of shrinking enrollment that has left at least two schools half empty.
City Charter changes approved
Among the first bills that Dr. Michael J. Jones could patron as a new member of the House of Delegates is one that would usher in changes to the City Charter, or constitution. Now the president of City Council, a post he will give up Dec. 31, he was among six members who agreed Monday to support a package of charter changes and send the package to the Virginia legislature for approval.
JM maintains advantage with top talent
Coach Ty White: ‘This will be by far the toughest schedule we’ve ever played’
John Marshall High has dominated area and state basketball for years. Expect more of the same in the coming months.
Longtime Henrico County educator Marilyn Hinson Royal dies
Marilyn (Elise) Hinson Royal, a trailblazing force at the intersection of teaching, learning, and leadership, died on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, leaving behind a legacy as vast as the universe she inspired her students to explore.
Send-offs show Carlton Pearson’s split legacy spurred by his inclusive beliefs, rejection of hell
Before his peers would label him a heretic, the late Bishop Carlton D. Pearson was once one of the best known preachers in the nation.
Personality: Charlene J. Whitfield
Spotlight on Greater Richmond Partnership board chair
In 2017 Charlene Whitfield became part of a group that brings business to the Richmond area in an effort to ensure economic opportunity for workers. Ms. Whitfield, who then was employed at Dominion Energy, was selected to represent the company at the Greater Richmond Partnership, which provides resources for new businesses in the region, creates quality jobs and increases the tax base for community services.
Justice Sandra Day O’Connor will lie in repose at the Supreme Court on Dec. 18
Retired Justice Sandra Day O’Connor will lie in repose at the Supreme Court on Dec. 18, with a funeral service at the National Cathedral the following day, the court said Monday.


