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.
Moon to lead Virginia’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts
After four years in which Virginia’s diversity office was renamed and redirected under Republican leadership, Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger has moved to restore a broader equity focus with the appointment of Sesha Joi Moon as the state’s next chief diversity officer and director of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Blowback
Community advocates question vape shop crackdown
As Richmond officials continue to develop their approach to tackling the spread of vape shops and any related illegal activity, community groups are raising questions about the impact their methods could have on businesses and communities of color.
Richmond mourns Bill Martin, museum director, cultural advocate
William “Bill” Martin, a beloved Richmond museum director and advocate for the Black arts and cultural scene, died Sunday at 71 after being struck by a vehicle.
Ashland advocate connects Spanish-speaking families to county services
Teresa Lopez de Ocanas has spent years turning her Ashland home into a bridge between Hanover County and its growing Spanish-speaking community.
State regulators clear controversial Chesterfield peaker plant
The controversial proposed Chesterfield Energy Reliability Center has cleared its final major regulatory hurdle, winning approval from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
Deportations, tariffs, court clashes, record shutdown mark historic year in D.C.
This year produced a seemingly endless array of history-making events and nearly constant change to immigration policy, tariffs, the Education Department and federal health care programs.
Honor America’s birthday by fighting for freedom, again by Ben Jealous
America has a big birthday in 2026. Here’s a hint: The celebration will not feel much like the last big one in 1976.
White privilege is not for everyone by David W. Marshall
We can all learn a lot from James Troiano, the retired New Jersey Superior Court judge. In 2017, Troiano ruled in favor of giving leniency to a then-16- year-old boy accused of raping an intoxicated 16-year-old girl at a basement house party.
Freedom for Christmas: the journey of an enslaved woman to Britain by Genevieve Johnson
A newly unveiled statue in North Shields is casting fresh light on the extraordinary life of Mary Ann Macham — a woman whose courage carried her from the brutality of slavery in Virginia to freedom on the banks of the River Tyne on Christmas Day 1831.
Remembering William ‘Billy’ Flora, a free Black Virginian, American patriot by Tom Ewing
The Battle of Great Bridge on Dec. 9, 1775, was an important step on the road to American independence, as rebellious Virginia soldiers defeated a detachment loyal to royal governor Lord Dunmore.
New Year’s resolutions worth keeping by J. Basil Dannebohm
As the calendar once again turns over, many of us find ourselves looking back on the last year, sometimes with regret.
Personality: Todd Boyd
Spotlight on a philanthropic business leader
Shifting easily between real estate and philanthropy, Todd Boyd has built a career that extends beyond selling homes.
Judge rules in favor of New York’s Abyssinian Baptist Church and its new pastor
A New York State Supreme Court judge has ruled in favor of Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist Church in a lawsuit brought by current and former members who challenged senior pastor the Rev. Kevin Johnson’s 2024 election and sought to remove him.
Beyoncé joins rare group of Black American billionaires
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has joined the small, closely watched group of Black American billionaires, joining a handful of individuals who built vast wealth in a country where Black ownership has long been restricted or denied.
Downtown ballpark, statewide games lead Richmond’s 2026 sports lineup
Richmond will open a new downtown ballpark and host relocated statewide games while the region welcomes back professional golf and NASCAR among a packed calendar of sporting events in 2026.
El Paso running back named first Hispanic High School Football Player of Year
El Dorado High School senior running back Ryan Estrada has been named the inaugural Hispanic High School Football Player of the Year, the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame announced Monday.
DeSean Jackson, others honored with HBCU Superlative Awards
As the HBCU college football season winds down, BOXTOROW, a media outlet covering HBCU sports, has recognized the top performers with its annual HBCU Superlative Awards. The awards are voted on by media members who cover HBCU football.
New Virginia laws take effect Thursday
Virginia workers, young people and consumers will see several new protections take effect statewide Thursday, Jan. 1.
