Richmond opens overflow shelter to accommodate more residents
With cold temperatures persisting before a warming trend later in the week, the Salvation Army has extended the operating hours of its Inclement Weather Shelter to ensure continuous service through Friday, Jan. 24, at noon. The shelter, located at 1900 Chamberlayne Parkway, will remain open without disruption, providing a safe space for those in need during the frigid conditions.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, Jan. 18, COVID-19 accounted for 1% 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. 12.
Dr. King’s dream still offers a great agenda, by Clarence Page
As we marked the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, ironically on the same day as Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration, I am reminded of a famous quote from another King: “Can we all get along?”
Bernice King to speak at ODU MLK Observance
As the nation reflects on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Old Dominion University is preparing to host his youngest child, Bernice A. King, to share her vision for advancing social justice and equality.
The King’s speech
Every January, around this time, we hear the same things about Martin Luther King Jr from the same people. They attempt to reduce the sweeping legacy of one of the world’s greatest orators and civil rights leaders into a digestible soundbite. They focus on one speech, usually just a part of that speech or a single sentence – “I Have a Dream.” Taken out of context, those words can seem benign or non-threatening, but that certainly wasn’t the way many Americans interpreted them in August 1963 or how they perceived the popular baptist minister.
What would Martin do?, by Julianne Malveaux
What would have Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. done to celebrate his 96th birthday? Sit on the sidelines and cheer for the incoming president who stands for everything that King was opposed to? Would he be wheeled to a protest to deliver rousing resistant remarks? Would he use the opportunity, the occasion of his holiday, to introduce young and vibrant new leaders? Would he embrace the Rev. William Barber and invigorate the Poor People’s Campaign?
Past mayors’ priorities left Richmond’s infrastructure in ruin
Don’t blame Mayor Danny Avula for Levar M. Stoney and the other mayors’ mess!
Norfolk State’s head coach Michael Vick honored with Hall of Fame induction
The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fameannounced the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class last week, and Norfolk State head football coach Michael Vick was among the honorees.
3 local athletes nominated for McDonald’s All American Games
Three basketball standouts from the Richmond area have been nominated for the prestigious 2025 McDonald’s All American Games, set for April 1 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Spiders secure fifth straight win with 75-42 victory over VCU
In front of a season-high crowd of 3,462, the University of Richmond women’s basketball team defeated crosstown rival VCU, 75-42, Sunday afternoon. The win marked Richmond’s fifth straight and its largest margin of victory over the Rams since December 2001. The Spiders improved to 15-5 overall and 6-1 in Atlantic 10 Conference play, while VCU fell to 9-10 and 3-4 in the A-10.
Henneberry to receive Courage Story Award at RVA Sports Awards
Suellen Henneberry has been named the recipient of the 2025 Courage Story Award, which will be presented at the RVA Sports Awards on Feb. 8. The award recognizes individuals whose courage extends beyond sports, and Henneberry’s journey reflects this distinction.
Author to discuss book on Wilder’s mayoral tenure
Author Linwood Norman will discuss his book, “When Mayor Doug Wilder Ruled Richmond: Strong-Arm Politics in Virginia’s Capital City,” at a free event at the Library of Virginia on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at noon.
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.
