Dozens of inmates may be released by new interpretation of old policy
Dozens of aging inmates who have served decades in state prisons could become eligible for release as a result of the Virginia Parole Board’s decision to change the interpretation of a now defunct version of the state’s three-strikes law.
GOP holds 51-49 edge over Dems in House after election certification
Democrat Joshua Cole fell just 82 votes short of becoming the first African-American delegate to represent Stafford County and end outright Republican control of the House of Delegates, according to the state Board of Elections.
Larus Park water sale on track for approval
A controversial City Hall plan to sell more water to Chesterfield County appears to be on track to win Richmond City Council approval now that a key member is supportive.
Deadline to sign up for health insurance through ACA is Dec.15
Roughly two weeks are left to sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. People also may re-enroll or change their insurance plan through the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace by the Dec. 15 deadline. Coverage will start on Jan. 1, once premiums are paid.
VCU offers chance for jail inmates to ‘write way out’
Instead of spending time behind bars, a few inmates soon could serve their sentence in a college classroom. That’s the idea behind a new program that Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael N. Herring and Virginia Commonwealth University are creating. It is dubbed “Writing Your Way Out.”
#MeToo and the dilemma of a black woman
The #MeToo movement illuminating instances of sexual harassment has caught the wave with many white women. The world is watching and we are all applauding them for their courage. But this got me to thinking: When will we hear from black women? I know we have a story. Sadly, since the first slave ships docked in Jamestown in the early 1600s, black women have been demoralized and our bodies have been fair game for the taking.
Keeping hope alive
As you may have heard, I have hard news to share. After a battery of tests, my physicians have informed me that I am suffering from Parkinson’s disease, the very disease that bested my father.
No blind eye
The 2016 film “Birth of a Nation” was released in a storm of controversy unrelated to the film itself. Whatever your opinion of the film or its maker, one cannot deny the relevance of the film as a medium of historical instruction and a study of human behavior.
Why vote? Here’s why
What difference will my vote make? We’ve heard that question plenty of times.
No cakewalk
We are impressed by the résumé and remarks of Jason Kamras, the 43-year-old Washington public schools administrator and 2005 National Teacher of the Year who received the unanimous backing of the Richmond School Board to become Richmond’s next public schools superintendent.
Downtown to light up Friday with 33rd Annual Grand Illumination
Christmas bells will ring, carolers will sing and Santa will arrive on his sleigh during holiday events this week in Downtown. Hundreds of people of all ages are expected at the 33rd Annual Grand Illumination at the James Center, a free event that has become a holiday party around the lighting of Downtown buildings.
Soul Santa arrives Saturday at Black History Museum
Soul Santa will spend two Saturdays at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia in Jackson Ward. From noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 9, Soul Santa will listen to children’s holiday wishes and pose for holiday pictures with youngsters.
VUU winter concert Nov. 30
The Virginia Union University Choir and the VUU Community Orchestra will present its free winter concert, “Christmas at Virginia Union University 2017, The Miracle on Lombardy Street III,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, in Coburn Hall on the campus, 1500 N. Lombardy St.
VUU leaning on big men for big success on the basketball court
In keeping with its storied basketball past, big men abound at Virginia Union University. Coach Jay Butler is blessed with multiple low-post options in his third season on the Lombardy Street campus. Three have taken turns sharing accolades thus far, and a promising fourth will be debuting soon.
London, Broadway finalists for Robinson Award
Coaches Michael London of Howard University and Rod Broadway of the MEAC football champions North Carolina A&T State University are finalists for the Eddie Robinson Award.
VCU Rams return from Maui Invitational to face a ‘Bermuda Triangle’ of opponents
Virginia Commonwealth University is one of only eight schools to have reached the NCAA basketball tournament at least seven consecutive seasons.
Richmond Roughriders in new league
The Richmond Roughriders have joined a new league — hopefully offering stronger competition — for the 2018 arena football season. Starting next spring, the Roughriders will compete in the American Arena League, or AAL, a 12-team conference stretching from Vermont to Florida.
Della Reese, star of TV show ‘Touched by an Angel,’ dies at 86
Actress and singer Della Reese, best known for her role as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama “Touched by an Angel,” has died at her California home.
Warren ‘Pete’ Moore, original vocalist, songwriter with The Miracles, dies at 79
Warren “Pete” Moore, a vocalist and songwriter with Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, died Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in Las Vegas on his 79th birthday.
‘Cosby Show’ actor dies at 91
Earle Hyman, a veteran actor of stage and screen who was widely known for playing the father of Bill Cosby’s character on “The Cosby Show,” has died.
