26 years and going strong
Next week marks the 26th anniversary of the Richmond Free Press.
Cold reality
In some quarters, T.K. Somanath and the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority that he leads would be considered slumlords. When radiator pipes began leaking in 12 of the buildings in the Creighton Court public housing community, forcing RRHA to turn off furnaces and leaving residents with no heat, the authority thought it acceptable to give residents space heaters to fend off the cold.
2018 Freedom Classic this weekend
The 23rd Freedom Classic Festival gets underway this week with family friendly activities celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
CIAA rivals VUU and VSU to meet at 23rd Annual Freedom Classic
Jemal Smith and Philip Owens, having shed anonymity, are in line to take center stage in the 23rd Annual Freedom Classic Festival.
Rams to take on former coach Anthony Grant’s Dayton Flyers
It would be hard for Virginia Commonwealth University basketball fans to forget former Coach Anthony Grant. After all, it was Coach Grant who recruited the nucleus of the Rams’ 2011 Final Four team while navigating VCU to a 76-25 overall record between 2006 and 2009.
John Marshall shows off its squad on the road
For most high school basketball teams, a road trip means a quick bus ride across town or perhaps to a nearby county. By contrast, the John Marshall High School Justices logged more December miles than just about everyone but Santa Claus.
Petersburg’s Quinton Spain starting for Tennessee Titans
Petersburg can wrap its arms around the NFL Tennessee Titans. Former Petersburg High School standout Quinton Spain is now the starting left guard — jersey No. 67 — for a Titans squad jubilant about a come-from-behind, 22-21 playoff victory Jan. 6 against the Denver Broncos.
Alabama rolls to national championship in overtime victory
The University of Alabama’s football team is made up almost entirely of players from the South, but there’s always room for a talented newcomer from far away.
Dr. Morris Henderson announces his retirement at Sunday services
Dr. Morris G. Henderson announced at Sunday services that he would step down as pastor of Thirty-first Street Baptist Church on Jan. 31, ending congregational upheaval over his continued service, according to several people in attendance.
4th Circuit strikes down abortion disclosure law
For the second time in six years, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond has thrown out a Baltimore city ordinance requiring pro-life pregnancy centers to post notices in their waiting rooms that they do not offer abortion or birth control services.
Pope Francis: Don’t make money, career your whole life
Pope Francis advised against making the pursuit of money, a career or success the basis for one’s whole life, urging in his Epiphany remarks to also resist “inclinations toward arrogance, the thirst for power and for riches.”
Fewer Americans turning to prayer to relieve stress
Americans are feeling stressed not only during the holidays but year-round. The American Psychological Association’s newest “Stress in America” survey of 3,440 adults shows the public’s overall stress level remains the same as 2016, with an average level of 4.8 on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most stress.
Personality: Rev. Tyler C. Millner Sr.
Spotlight on the Virginia Union University Lifetime of Service Award winner
It is not enough to cite the dream if you are not going to live the dream. These are the words and belief of the Rev. Tyler C. Millner Sr., pastor of Morning Star Holy Church in Martinsville. He is the recipient of the Virginia Union University Lifetime of Service Award that will be presented Friday morning at the 40th Annual Community Leaders Breakfast honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Oprah for president?
That’s the buzz since the 63-year-old media mogul stole the show at the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday night with her speech accepting the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement.
Sterling K. Brown makes history with Golden Globe Award
Actor Sterling K. Brown made history Sunday night when he won the Golden Globe trophy for best actor in a dramatic television series, “This Is Us.”
49th Annual NAACP Image Awards slated for Jan.15
Final preparations are underway for the 49th NAACP Image Awards, which will air in a live, two-hour television special on Monday, Jan. 15, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
Getting fit in the new year
It’s common for people to make resolutions for the new year to eat healthier and work out. Millions of people find themselves unsatisfied with their excess body weight or sluggish physical condition at the turn of the calendar. The start of a new year inspires adults to give up junk food, join a gym or make healthier choices.
City, Henrico to host MLK programs on Monday
Richmond and Henrico County will mark the holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with programs and volunteer service. Mayor Levar M. Stoney will launch the city’s 2018 MLK Day event with a program reflecting on the life and legacy of Dr. King from 9 to 10:35 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15, at Brookdale Imperial Plaza, 1717 Bellevue Ave. in North Side.
Events slated for Living the Dream commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Richmond’s 40th commemoration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will include a number of mostly free activities that are open to the community.

