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‘All-cause mortality’
Spikes in youth mortality and violence linked to homicide, suicide, drugs and truancy
A series of shootings in Richmond last week has sparked renewed calls for solutions to end gun violence. The urgent cries come as new research shows growing rates of death among young people throughout the country.
Gun rights demonstration Downtown attracts thousands, fear
Richmond was on high alert Monday, as thousands of people — many with high- powered weapons — flooded Downtown to show their support for gun rights in Virginia as the General Assembly considers gun control measures.
Henrico’s Varina District poised to elect 1st African-American female to county School Board
The Henrico County School Board is set for a historic new addition with next week’s election — its first African-American female member.
VSU alumni, faculty and students have much to celebrate this ‘homecoming’
Virginia State University’s first homecoming since 2019 likely will be a landmark in many ways, returning to the campus this year amid a surge in interest and enrollments in historically black colleges and universities locally and nationally.
Working through long COVID
Months to years after being infected by the coronavirus, thousands in Virginia, including Delegate Delores L. McQuinn and U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, push through lingering symptoms
Natarsha Eppes-Kelly has been working hard for the last four months to establish a new normal in her life.
7 candidates vying for the 5th District City Council seat
When Richmond City Councilman Parker C. Agelasto steps down from his 5th District seat on Nov. 30, one of seven people will step up to take his place in City Hall, the result of a special election that could impact some of the city’s most pressing issues.
No need to be alone with area Thanksgiving dinner programs
The holiday season has begun. Thanksgiving, a time for family, friends and fellowship, is upon us. But it can also be a stressful and lonely time for many. Several Richmond area organizations are helping by providing free Thanksgiving dinners to area residents. Many organizations also are welcoming additional volunteers — cooks, turkey carvers, servers and greeters, table designers and general helpers — to assist at various locations.
Police, others stymied by outside agitators at demonstrations
Are “outside agitators” and white supremacists infiltrating the Black Lives Matter protests against racial injustice and police brutality?
Low-key efforts waged to remove statue of segregationist Harry F. Byrd Sr. from Capitol Square
In the midst of widespread efforts to remove Confederate memorials, a similar change may be on the way for Richmond’s Capitol Square.
New laws tax cigarettes in city, raise smoking age statewide
Smoke ’em if you got ’em, because the cost of cigarettes and vaping is about to go up in more ways than one.
Legal efforts continue against use of tear gas on peaceful protesters
From marches to nighttime clashes and courtroom battles, the demand for racial justice and an end to police violence continues in Richmond — now the epicenter of Virginia protests and police actions to control the situation more than a month after they began.
Va. General Assembly starts on historic note
The General Assembly was gaveled into a potentially history-making session Wednesday with Democrats in control of both houses and eager to usher in changes that will make it easier for Virginians to vote, reduce the barriers they face in renting and increase the minimum pay they receive for working.
RRHA board takes major step to redevelop Creighton Court
New homes and apartments could begin to rise in Creighton Court within one to two years, if the financing can be arranged, according to the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
Reps. A. Donald McEachin and Abigail A. Spanberger returning to Washington
Incumbent Rep. A. Donald McEachin of Richmond has retained his seat representing Virginia’s 4th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, while his Democratic colleague, incumbent 7th District Rep. Abigail A. Spanberger of Henrico, also appears to be returning to Washington after a seesaw race.
City Council committee temporarily sidelines citizen review board to investigate complaints against police
A City Council committee hit the pause button Tuesday on a proposal from Mayor Levar M. Stoney to establish a new Richmond civilian review board to investigate complaints against city police.
Statue of archsegregationist remains in Capitol Square
Richmond and other Virginia localities are on track to gain permission from the General Assembly to take down Confederate statues.
Business owners sweep up after vandalism
One of Richmond’s oldest family jewelry stores is recovering from late-night looting and vandalism last weekend by rogue elements attached to local protests of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Funeral traditions changed – maybe permanently – by COVID-19
John E. Thomasson was a hero in his hometown. As a member of the Louisa County Board of Supervisors, he was the first African-American elected to public office in the county. Across 98 years, he built a successful realty company, helped to save mortgages, paid for college scholarships and owned the local funeral home for 53 years, where he oversaw the burials of thousands of Virginians. When he died of an age-related illness on July 22, there was hardly anyone in Louisa County who had not been touched by his life. Other than his wife of more than 65 years, the Rev. Christine Thomasson, there is likely no one who knows his impact better than his successor, D.D. Watson Jr., who was handpicked by Mr. Thomasson to purchase and take over his funeral home business in 2004. And yet upon the death of Mr. Thomasson—a businessman, philanthropist, politician and public servant whose life and work was recognized this year in a proclamation from the Virginia Senate—the largest single gathering in his honor held barely 12 people. That’s because of government-imposed safety restrictions on public gatherings because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
State mandates COVID-19 vaccinations for state workers; Richmond School Board to follow suit
First came the universities. Then came the City of Richmond. Then Gov. Ralph S. Northam followed their lead in imposing a mandate on most state employees to get vaccinated against coronavirus.
City launches youth violence prevention pilot
Richmond is launching a pilot project to pro- vide more protections and a better path forward for youths at risk of gun violence.
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