Smith says ‘anchors aweigh’
Basketball standout Kyah Smith has proven to be in ship-shape as a college freshman. The native Richmonder and former L.C. Bird High of Chesterfield star is making waves at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.
Williams’ impressive moves at VCU continue in NBA
Vince Williams Jr.’s name should be added to VCU’s impressive list of players to make an impact in the NBA.
The Dodgers gave Shohei Ohtani $700M to hit and pitch — but also because he can sell
Shohei Ohtani’s jaw-dropping $700 million, 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers has some similarities to other contracts for the world’s biggest sports stars, including soccer icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, along with NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
The breakthrough
A long-awaited treatment for sickle cell anemia is highlighted in this week’s Free Press.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mayor Stoney jumps into governor’s race
Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney, after months of hinting, this week made it official that he will be in the race for governor in 2025 and quickly began picking up endorsements.
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.
Open for needy
Shelter options few for adults with children despite increase in beds
City Hall has followed through on expanding winter shelter in the Richmond area, but families with children still are being left out in the cold, the Free Press has confirmed. Operators on Richmond’s Homeless Crisis Hotline are advising homeless adults with children that all shelter space reserved for them is full and that they should call back weekly to see if there is an opening.
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.
City School Board approves metal detectors in middle schools
In an effort to reduce weapons coming into in the schools and to ward off increased incidents of violence, Richmond Public Schools will install metal detectors in every middle school early next year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
