Virginia to again consider marijuana decriminalization
When it comes to marijuana, Virginia has lagged behind many states where the drug has been decriminalized or legalized for recreational use.
Hasan K. Zarif, longtime re-entry specialist for Goodwill, retires
Minister Hasan K. Zarif has been “Mr. Re-Entry” for untold thousands of people making the transition from prison to civilian life. A former prisoner himself who rebuilt his life, Minister Zarif has been influential in helping others undertake the hard work of doing the same thing.
City’s hourly ‘living wage’ to rise to $12.07 under mayor’s proposed pay plan
More than 3,800 employees at City Hall, from janitors to executives, will be affected by the long-awaited overhaul of the city’s pay plan that Mayor Levar M. Stoney is expected to introduce Monday, Jan. 7, to Richmond City Council.
Richmond would have only 4 House representatives under redistricting plan
Richmond’s representation in the General Assembly could be reduced from five members in the House of Delegates to four if a three-judge federal court panel accepts changes proposed by a California professor to end racial gerrymandering.
Our foremost wishes for 2019
With the start of 2019, the Richmond Free Press invited select state and city officials and leaders to share their foremost wishes for the new year. Here are their responses:
Justice and Reformation providing space heaters to those in need
Public housing residents and others in Richmond who lose heat have a new alternative. A Richmond advocacy group is distributing space heaters to those who are shivering in cold apartments.
Women’s equity events slated for next week
Two events next week in Richmond will raise the banner for equity, justice and empowerment for women, including a rally at the State Capitol on the opening day of the 2019 General Assembly session and a women’s march and expo next weekend.
RPS seniors can apply free to more than 50 HBCUs
Richmond Public Schools students can apply to historically black colleges and universities for free, thanks to a partnership between RVA Future, the RPS Education Foundation and Common Black College Application.
Absence marks Emancipation Proclamation Day service
Jan. 1 marks one of the greatest days in American history — the day when President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation to abolish slavery amid the raging Civil War.
Court Watch seeking volunteers
Court Watch of Central Virginia is seeking volunteers willing to watch the action in courtrooms in the Richmond area and gather information on how the legal system works.
Court moves closer to declaring Va. law unconstitutional linking court fines to driver’s license suspensions
For more than two decades, people who cannot pay court fines and costs in Virginia automatically have had their driver’s licenses suspended.
William C. Smith named interim police chief in Richmond
For now, William C. Smith is in charge of the Richmond Police Department. The 23-year department veteran took over as interim chief on Tuesday, New Year’s Day, following the official retirement of former Chief Alfred Durham.
Roadblock: Mayor’s $1.4B Coliseum plan hits a financing snag
The plan to replace the Richmond Coliseum with a new arena in Downtown appears to be running afoul of the Virginia Public Finance Act.
Tribe seeks to build Va.’s first casino in Norfolk
The Indian tribe that greeted English settlers at Jamestown and claims Pocahontas among its lineage said recently that it hopes to open in Norfolk what would be Virginia’s first casino.
New Virginia license plate honoring Dr. King?
Can Delegate Dawn M. Adams find 450 Virginians willing to pay $25 to $35 for a specialty license plate honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Monday, Jan. 7?
Information blackout in new city ambulance permit case?
The Richmond Ambulance Authority has, for now, avoided competition for non-emergency transports that help financially support its crucial emergency service.
Actor Michael B. Jordan in spotlight for athletic role in ‘Creed II’
Michael Bakari Jordan has scored a cinematic knockout for his role as a boxer in “Creed II,” a sequel to the original 2015 film “Creed,” a continuation of the “Rocky” movies.
LA Chargers get new jolt with Coach Anthony Lynn
After a lengthy, listless period, the NFL’s newest Los Angeles franchise is all charged up.
VUU fans get Christmas gift in Jordan White
Virginia Union University basketball fans received a “White Christmas” in a way they weren’t expecting.
Dr. S. Dallas Simmons, late VUU president, to be inducted into CIAA Hall of Fame
The late Dr. S. Dallas Simmons, former president of Virginia Union University, is among seven people chosen for induction into the 2019 John B. McLendon CIAA Hall of Fame.
