National NAACP head arrested in sit-in over AG nomination
Several African-American civil rights activists staged a sit-in at the Alabama office of U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions on Tuesday.
Republicans make repealing Obamacare ‘first order of business’
President Obama exhorted fellow Democrats on Wednesday to preserve his legacy-defining health care law as Republicans moved ahead with their long-desired bid to scrap it in what Vice President-elect Mike Pence called the “first order of business” of the incoming Donald Trump administration. The Republican-controlled U.S. Senate brushed aside unified opposition by Democrats and voted to open debate on a resolution setting in motion the Republican drive to repeal the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which has helped upwards of 20 million previously uninsured Americans obtain health insurance. As early as 2018, the millions of people who gained insurance under the law could see their coverage in jeopardy — especially if Congress fails to find a replacement to the law beforehand.
Health care cutback?
Bon Secours to close Richmond Community Hospital’s ICU, sources say
Is Bon Secours planning to close the small intensive care unit later this month at its 104-bed Richmond Community Hospital facility in the East End?
Central Va. Cadet Corps starting in February
A new group is recruiting 30 area young men ages 7 to 14 to participate in free, monthly programs promoting achievement.
Petersburg employees credited with helping during city’s crunch
Two Petersburg Public Works managers are being credited with repairing trucks and equipment for their department that the city could not afford to fix.
Divergent political lives
In August 2000, Jesse Jackson Jr. was a man with a bright future. He was the son of Jesse L. Jackson Sr., the civil rights firebrand who twice ran for president and audaciously planted the seed that, someday, an African-American could be elected the nation’s commander in chief. Unlike his tree-shaker dad, Jesse Jr. was a jelly maker. He was a three-term U.S. representative from Illinois, experienced in the legislative process.
A message to remember
On Dec. 19, the Electoral College met to cast their ballots for the new president after a bitterly contested election in a deeply polarized nation. Last Sunday, the vast majority of Americans celebrated Christmas, literally the mass of Christ, marking the birth of Jesus.
Assault on liberty and justice
During a presidential campaign rally in Dimondale, Mich., Republican nominee Donald Trump made an impassioned, six-word overture to African-Americans, who had shown little enthusiasm for his campaign: “What do you have to lose?”
New Year’s wish
New Years Wish
Emancipation Proclamation Day Service Jan. 2
Amid a raging Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln took a major step to promote the American ideal of liberty.
First Lady Michelle Obama had 8-year impact on fashion
The morning after First Lady Michelle Obama’s big speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2012, in which she argued passionately for a second term for her husband, designer Tracy Reese’s phone was ringing. And ringing.
Charles City native produces new citrus-infused whiskey
Walter A. Crawley is tapping his roots in Charles City County in seeking to create a better whiskey. The 53-year-old food industry veteran believes the harsh taste of corn-based alcohol can turn people off, particularly people who are trying their first drink.
August Wilson’s ‘Fences’ now on big screen
Denzel Washington is excited. Not so much because he is an Oscar front-runner for his role in “Fences,” but because bringing the award-winning stage play about blue collar African-Americans to the big screen has been a long-held dream.
Personality: Mary Allen Waller
Spotlight on board chair at LINC’s 20th anniversary
Mary Allen Waller was 26 years old when she lost her mother to a cancerous brain tumor. It was devastating, she says. Her mother was only 50.
Simone Biles, LeBron James named AP Athletes of the Year
She won a record-tying four gold medals to go along with a bronze during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Maynor, Kodjoe among 6 inductees into VCU Athletic Hall of Fame
Eric Maynor starred in basketball at Virginia Commonwealth University and later smoothly transitioned to the sport’s professional ranks.
No.20 sparkles again in VCU basketball
Brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright are credited with inventing the airplane. More recently, brothers Bradford and Jordan Burgess have helped lift Virginia Commonwealth University basketball to exciting new heights.
Armstrong team strong on top scorers
Last season, Armstrong High School basketball took one step back. This year’s Wildcats hope to take a few steps forward, probably with Brian Harris leading the charge.
Foremost wishes for 2017
Kaine, Stoney, Locke, Bourne and Nelson tell them They respond to a special Free Press invitation
Kaine, Stoney, Locke, Bourne and Nelson tell them They respond to a special Free Press invitation
What are you hoping for in the new year?
New Year’s is a time when people take stock of the past year and make plans for changes and improvement for the future. The Richmond Free Press talked with pedestrians in Downtown and asked:
