First Baptist Church of Midlothian marks 180th anniversary
First Baptist Church of Midlothian, the oldest African American church in Chesterfield County, is preparing to celebrate its 180th anniversary under the theme “A Legacy of Grace, A Future in Faith.”
‘Gospel Symphony Praise Party’ set at Carpenter Theatre
Grammy-nominated gospel artist Pastor Mike Jr. will join the Richmond Symphony for a fusion of orchestral music and contemporary praise anthems at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 in the Carpenter Theatre at the Dominion Energy Center.
Richmond protesters denounce U.S. military action in Venezuela
About 100 residents and organizers rallied Saturday to condemn a controversial U.S. military operation in Venezuela that included strikes on Caracas and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, actions critics say represent an escalation of U.S. involvement and a violation of international norms.
Dems hold South Side seats as Jones, Schmidt prevail
Michael Jones will return to the General Assembly as a senator after winning a special election to the state Senate on Tuesday, while attorney Charlie Schmidt claimed his former House of Delegates seat.
AG-elect Jones opposes DOJ suit over Virginia tuition law
A federal lawsuit challenging Virginia’s law on tuition eligibility for undocumented students has exposed a sharp divide between the state’s outgoing and incoming leadership, drawing opposition from Attorney General-elect Jay Jones and prompting intervention from immigrant and civil rights groups.
Richmond touts major fixes at water plant one year after catastrophic outage
Even with a snowy start to winter in Richmond, a top city official recently joked to a crowd gathered downtown, there was nothing to report about the water treatment plant.
Spanberger nominates Smith as next secretary of education
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger announced Tuesday that long-time educator Jeffery Smith would be Virginia’s next secretary of education.
After decade in politics, Stoney steps back to rest and recharge
After a hugely successful election year for Virginia Democrats that didn’t turn out quite as he hoped, former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney isn’t ready to completely rule out a future run for public office.
Virginia reverses law requiring public disclosure of judicial misconduct
At the end of every year, state agencies, boards and commissions churn out dozens of annual reports. Last year, one notable document was missing.
Staying the course
At the start of the new year, we believe it is important to return to our foundation and clearly restate the mission of the Richmond Free Press.
Scott’s bold giving is transforming HBCUs and communities by Marc H. Morial
“It’s easy to focus on the methods of civic participation that make news, and hard to imagine the importance of the things we do each day with our own minds and hearts.
What happens when Black students’ civil rights are violated? by David W. Marshall
The Lady Justice statue, often seen in courthouses, has become the most recognized symbol of American justice.
SCC approved Dominion’s gas plant. Now, it’s reconsidering — here’s why by Ivy Main
The State Corporation Commission is reconsidering its approval of Dominion Energy Virginia’s 944-megawatt gas peaker plant, weeks after granting the utility permission to build it.
Who thinks Republicans will suffer in the 2026 midterms? Republicans by Charlie Hunt
The midterm elections for Congress won’t take place until November, but already a record number of members have declared they will not run again — 43 in the House and 10 in the Senate.
Martin reaches 1,000 point, sets sights on school record
Maggie L. Walker junior continues scoring run with career achievement
Maggie L. Walker junior Jamie Martin was recognized during a game on Tuesday against Hermitage High School for achieving what few high school basketball players ever do: scoring her 1,000th career point.
CIAA to honor eight inductees at 2026 Hall of Fame ceremony
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association announced its 2026 John B. McLendon Hall of Fame class, recognizing former student-athletes, officials, administrators, historians and media figures whose contributions helped shape the nation’s oldest historically Black athletic conference.
Metropolitan Junior Baseball League marks 60th anniversary
The Metropolitan Junior Baseball League is celebrating 60 years of providing life skills and opportunities to young athletes with a series of events and partnerships in 2026.
Joy Moore resigns as Northern Seminary president after months of uncertainty
Joy J. Moore has resigned as president of Northern Seminary, a Baptist school near Chicago, after months of uncertainty over her status, school officials said. Moore was the first Black president of the school.
Acclaimed journalist Jelani Cobb to discuss MLK’s legacy
Jelani Cobb, Pulitzer Prize finalist and dean of the Columbia Journalism School, will reflect on the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a conversation with Randolph-Macon College President Michael Hill on Jan. 21 as part of a weeklong series of events honoring the slain civil rights leader.
Personality: LeQuan Hylton
Spotlight on the chairman of the Ujima Legacy Fund
LeQuan Hylton, a community leader committed to service, chairs the Ujima Legacy Fund, a giving circle supporting youth-focused nonprofits in underserved communities.
