Is Hakeem Jeffries the next Obama? Don’t rush him, by Clarence Page
No, New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries does not want to be the next Barack Obama, although sometimes it seems as if everyone is asking.
Just resign, Joe
On the front page of this week’s Free Press, Myrna Morrissey, 26, says that she left her husband, Virginia Sen. Joe Morrissey, 65, in 2019 after three years of marriage.
Grant funds to benefit babies, ex-inmates and low-wealth families
City Hall is planning to provide $115,000 to help low-income families gain baby supplies under ordinances that City Council is scheduled to approve next Monday, Jan. 23.
GRTC names new CEO
Sheryl Adams, who has been interim chief executive officer of GRTC since September, is now the company’s new leader.
Jury awards soldier less than $4000 in federal suit over traffic stop
A federal jury in Virginia on Tuesday found mostly in favor of two police officers who were sued by a U.S. Army lieutenant after he was pepper-sprayed, struck and handcuffed during a traffic stop.
Youngkin calls for legislation for notification on school awards
In response to widening concerns about how some Northern Virginia school districts handled recognizing student achievements on a standardized test, Gov. Glenn Youngkin called Wednesday for legislation to require student and parental notification about certain scholastic awards.
VCU names new School of Medicine dean
Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Medicine will have a new dean as of April 15.
Thornton, Nelson to lead Henrico Board of Supervisors in 2023
The Henrico County Board of Supervisors last week voted unanimously to elect Fairfield District Supervisor Frank J. Thornton chairman and Varina District Supervisor Tyrone E. Nelson vice chairman for 2023.
Court OKs 4th District Feb. 21 special election
The election of a new representative from the 4th Congressional District will go on as scheduled.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
Wes Moore sworn in as Maryland’s first Black governor
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore was sworn in as the state’s first Black governor on Wednesday, pledging to work for greater inclusion and economic equity while also focusing on improving education, fighting crime and climate change.
Fight over guns center of annual Virginia lobbying day
Gun control and gun rights proponents rallied Monday at the State Capitol during an annual day of advocacy, as lawmakers from both parties offered a tempered assessment about what’s possible on the issue during this year’s legislative session.
Black churches to receive share of $4M for preservation work
Nearly three dozen historic Black religious sites will receive a $4 million infusion of funding to help them with renovations and preservation of their buildings across the country.
Morrissey saga continues
Private rift plays out in public over weekend
In an emotional interview with the Richmond Free Press on Wednesday night, Myrna Morrissey shared her fears following a weekend in which allegations of child abuse and infidelity exploded into the public view.
Superintendent proposes 35.3 percent budget increase for RPS
Superintendent Jason Kamras is proposing a 35.3 percent operating budget increase to meet the district’s anticipated expenses for the 2023- 2024 school year.
Finally
Bon Secours opens new East End medical facility
A battered Bon Secours Mercy Health is promising increased investments in health care in Richmond’s East End in pushing back against critics claiming the giant health care system has diverted savings on expensive drugs away from the community to wealthier areas.
Support for Damar Hamlin continues among NFL and fans
Sunday, Jan. 8, marked the first time that the Buffalo Bills took to the football field since Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest on the field only minutes into their Jan. 2 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Longtime Richmond educator remembered
Bessie Patricia Carter Brown loved being involved with education, her family said.
Library of Virginia celebrates 200 years
The Library of Virginia will celebrate its bicentennial in 2023 with “200 Years, 200 Stories: An Exhibition,” running free for all from Tuesday, Jan. 24, through Saturday, Oct. 28.

