Faith groups say they’ll aid refugees despite Trump order. But they’ll need help.
Jalil Dawood, pastor of the Arabic Church of Dallas, thanks God every day for the U.S. government’s refugee resettlement program, which helped him settle in the United States after he fled persecution during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s. Dawood, who said the program reflects the best of American values, believes he has President Ronald Reagan to thank for helping to change the course of his life.
Personality: Dr. Robert Winn
Spotlight on the Association of American Cancer Institutes Board President
Dr. Robert A. Winn, a physician-scientist dedicated to community-engaged cancer research and eliminating health disparities, is deeply concerned about the potential impact of federal funding cuts on scientific progress.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, Jan. 25, COVID-19 accounted for 1.1% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness high and trending up compared to previous data. No deaths associated with COVID-19 were reported within that period at press time. COVID-19 wastewater levels for Richmond and Henrico County were below detection as of the most recent sample collection week on Sunday, Jan. 12.
Chesterfield appoints new superintendent, deputy
The Chesterfield County School Board appointed John Murray as superintendent for Chesterfield County Public Schools during a special meeting last Thursday, after a months-long nationwide search.
Commutations cement Biden’s legacy as a champion of justice, by Marc H. Morial
“American communities, disproportionately Black and Brown, have long borne the scars of the Drug War. Extreme and racist sentences for crack cocaine offenses tore apart families. Children grew up visiting their parents behind bars. Those parents are now elders, yearning to hold their grandchildren. Justice is served by allowing these individuals to return home. Their debt to society was long ago paid.” — Kara Gotsch, Executive Director of The Sentencing Project
Students compete in MLK Oratorical Contest
Shyla Scott, a senior at Richmond High School for the Arts, in the MLK Oratorical Contest, held Saturday at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.
Caregivers need fair pay to continue vital work
Caregivers are the unsung heroes of our health care system.
Vick earns second Hall of Fame induction in one week
Norfolk State football head coach Michael Vick has been selected for induction into the National High School Football Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class, the organization announced Wednesday.
Spider track team shines at VMI Invitational with strong results
The University of Richmond women’s track and field team put on a strong showing at the VMI Invitational on Saturday at the Corps Physical Training Facility in Lexington, highlighted by a standout performance from the Spider 4x400-meter relay team.
Civil rights documentary fundraiser set for March 23
A fundraiser for a new documentary about a 1960 civil rights protest will be held March 23 at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.
Public input sought for Virginia’s most endangered historic sites list
Preservation Virginia is now accepting nominations for its annual Most Endangered Historic Places Program, an initiative designed to identify and protect historic sites at risk of being lost. The program invites the public to nominate significant locations facing threats such as demolition, neglect or other challenges.
Youngkin vetoes higher minimum wage despite economic research, by Michael O’Grady
Virginia’s minimum wage recently increased to $12.41 per hour. Democrats sought a higher increase last year but Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed that effort. In his veto explanation, the governor repeated talking points used for the last half-century, including economic freedom and business competitiveness.
President Trump will raise your energy bills, by Ben Jealous
Rate payers, beware. President Donald Trump’s eagerness to enrich his fossil fuel industry allies with a “drill baby drill” and “export baby export” agenda will raise energy costs for American households.
New exhibitions, festivals coming to Science Museum
From interactive exhibits to seasonal festivals, the Science Museum of Virginia is gearing up for a year packed with unique experiences. Guests can look forward to a diverse slate of activities designed to engage visitors of all ages with science, technology, engineering and math.
Green infrastructure projects planned for Belmont, Hull Street libraries
Two Richmond Public Library branches will receive green infrastructure upgrades this year as part of the Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative. Improvements are planned for the Belmont Branch, located at 3100 Ellwood Ave., and the Hull Street Branch, at 1400 Hull St., to enhance sustainability and manage stormwater runoff.
Personality: Amma Gatty
Spotlight on the founder of Cultural Encounters
Amma Gatty, founder of Cultural Encounters, didn’t experience a culture shock when she moved from Ghana, West Africa, to Richmond — it was more of a “people shock.”
Actor reflects on dual roles in ‘MJ the Musical’
Joe Jackson, the controversial patriarch of the Jackson family, played a critical role in shaping Michael Jackson’s rise to superstardom. Seven years after his death, his complicated legacy is brought to life on stage by actor Devin Bowles in “MJ the Musical.”
Virginia State defeats Virginia Union in close Freedom Classic showdown
In a thrilling Freedom Classic matchup, Virginia State University edged out Virginia Union University with a 78- 74 victory Saturday night in Petersburg. The game featured dramatic runs from both teams, including a late push by the Panthers that brought the contest down to the wire.
Richmonders join nationwide “We Fight Back” protests
Chants of “the people united, will never be defeated,” echoed throughout Monroe Park on Monday afternoon as dozens of Richmonders rallied and marched in defense of the world’s oppressed, and against the wave of expected changes to come with the second term of President Trump.
Life sentences of ‘Waverly Two’ commuted by Biden
Decades after two African American men were acquitted of the murder of a Sussex County police officer but still sentenced to life in prison, and after years of efforts to clear their names, Terence J. Richardson and Ferrone Claiborne are set to be released in the near future.
