Council dives into water crisis, housing
The long-term effects of Richmond’s recent water crisis dominated discussion at Monday evening’s Richmond City Council meeting, as city officials promised accountability and residents urged action on issues worsened due to the crisis.
DPU director resigns following water woes
Less than a week after an outage that left Richmond residents without water for days, April Bingham resigned as director of the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities. Bingham was appointed to the role in 2021 by former Mayor Levar M. Stoney. She assumed the role after previous work with the Washington Gas Light Company and the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority.
Beloved Richmond entertainer Wayne Breedlove dies at 56
Wayne Breedlove, a prominent figure in Richmond’s entertainment and community scenes, died at age 56 on Wednesday Jan. 8, 2025. Affectionately known as “Bree” to friends and loved ones, Breedlove was a dancer, athlete, counselor and community activist whose vibrant personality and talents left a lasting impact.
School Board curbs free speech — their own
Richmond School Board members unanimously updated their rulebook on meeting durations, limiting the time members can spend speaking on issues during Monday evening’s meeting.
Virginia lawmakers push for reforms following death of Rolin Hill
The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus (VLBC) is demanding urgent reforms after the death of Rolin Hill, a man who died in the custody of three former Virginia Beach sheriff’s deputies. The deputies, now charged with second-degree murder, were granted $5,000 unconditional bonds last week.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, Jan. 11, COVID-19 accounted for 1.2% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness moderate and trending down 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. 5.
Red Onion Prison inmate dies days after new oversight announced
A man incarcerated at Red Onion State Prison died last month, a Virginia Department of Corrections spokesperson confirmed to VPM News.
Deadline to enroll in state health exchange extended to Jan. 22
Virginians have until the middle of next week to enroll in the state’s public health care exchange, the result of an extension announced Monday.
Born day
Today, The Richmond Free Press is 33 years old.
Urban League prepares for fight ahead, by Marc H. Morial
At the current rate of progress, it will take between 100 and 300 years for Black Americans to achieve parity with white Americans.
Carter’s funeral brings much-needed vision of peace, by Clarence Page
When he showed up at the Chicago Tribune one day in early 1976, James Earl Carter Jr., was announced by one of our young newsroom copy clerks as “that governor from Georgia who thinks he can run for president.”
Virginia Beach incident inspires fair housing initiative, by Roger Chesley
I had hoped Raven Baxter — the Black woman who was rebuffed by an elderly white home-seller from buying a Virginia Beach condo because of her race – would keep fighting until she got the keys to her castle. In this day and age, there should never be obstacles to buying a home based on race, religion, disability or national origin.
Norfolk State names new football coaching staff under Vick
Norfolk State University has announced its new football coaching staff, led by Coach Michael Vick. The team of experienced coaches, including several former NFL players, reflects a commitment to building a competitive program on the field and fostering growth off it.
When good money comes at the cost of Black athletes, by Carl B. Mack
To those of us with a conscience, not ALL money is GOOD money.
Sculptures inspired by Alvin Ailey to be featured at Lewis Ginter
Kristine Mays’ sculptures appear to emerge from the ground, their wire frames evoking delicate yet resilient figures in motion. This striking juxtaposition of fragility and strength will be on display at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden when her acclaimed exhibition, “Rich Soil,” opens Jan. 18 and runs through March 9, 2025.
The Branch Museum of Design announces rebranding, new leader
The Branch Museum of Design and Architecture is marking its 10th anniversary with a new name and a new leader.
‘Mr. CIAA’ remembered as basketball tournament icon
For decades, Abraham Mitchell was a beloved presence in the sports world of historically Black colleges and universities. Easily recognizable in the bustling crowds of Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association basketball tournaments, his colorful suits and upbeat demeanor earned him the nickname “Mr. CIAA.”
Israel and Hamas agree to ceasefire, hostages to be released
Israel and Hamas have agreed to pause the devastating war in the Gaza Strip, mediators announced Wednesday, raising the possibility of winding down the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.
From South Central to center stage - Albright’s 40 year music journey
Gerald Albright, a West Coast native, likes coming to the Virginia area. Over the years, he’s experienced some of his highest record and ticket sales here. And every time he performs here, he feels a “oneness” with the audience. For Albright, music is about more than just notes — it’s about the shared experience between the artist and the crowd.
Personality: Dr. Lynda Hyatt
Spotlight on board president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Central Virginia
With over three decades in mental health, Dr. Lynda Hyatt has witnessed significant progress in reducing barriers to treatment and services. Yet, she remains steadfast in her fight against the societal stigma surrounding mental illness.
