Richmond mails more than 73,000 notices to identify lead water lines
The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities has begun mailing more than 73,000 notices to residents in an effort to identify and replace lead water service lines as part of its expanded Lead Free Water program.
City names Trinija Martin as human resources director
The City of Richmond has hired Trinija Martin to direct its human resources department, citing her experience in both corporate and municipal HR leadership.
Cristo Rey hires vice president of advancement
Cristo Rey Richmond High School has appointed Cynthia Coleman as its new vice president of advancement, the school announced Tuesday.
Hampden-Sydney professor earns national communication awards
Hampden-Sydney College rhetoric professor Miranda Rouse received two national awards last month for her work in communication studies at the National Communication Association’s annual convention.
Henrico schools to host on-site vaccination clinics for rising 7th, 12th graders
Henrico County Public Schools and the Virginia Department of Health will hold free vaccination clinics at all Henrico middle and high schools for students entering seventh or 12th grade in the 2026-27 school year.
River City Fight Night series to expand with monthly boxing events
River City Fight Night, one of Central Virginia’s growing combat sports series, will host monthly boxing events throughout 2026, organizers announced Tuesda
Trojans turn defense into offense in 74-53 victory over Wasps
The Virginia State University women’s basketball team turned defense into offense Saturday, forcing 29 turnovers and converting them into 38 points in a 74-53 home victory over Emory & Henry.
Chesterfield stadium construction marks final phase of baseball complex overhaul
Construction crews are building a new stadium field at The Diamonds at Ironbridge baseball and softball complex in Harry G. Daniel Park, completing a project that began in 2023.
Why the rise of ‘AI Jesus’ demands a moral response from the church by Barbara Reynolds
Sooner rather than later, there must be an outcry that technology has crossed a sacred line. A growing wave of AI-powered religious apps now allows users to “text with Jesus,” “talk to the Bible” and even hold conversations with AI versions of Mary, the apostles, angels — or the devil itself. These tools mimic holy figures with unsettling ease, blurring the line between devotion and digital impersonation.
Local poet wins Tanka Deathmatch at library
Dorothy Marie Rice, a 77-year-old retired Richmond Public Schools teacher and practicing poet, earned first place in a Tanka Deathmatch Poetry Tournament at the Main Library on Franklin Street on Saturday.
Exhibit of Wilder’s watercolors to benefit scholarship fund
Visitors to the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia will get a closer look at L. Douglas Wilder’s artistic side this month as the former governor’s watercolor paintings go on display in an exhibit and auction benefiting the Wilder National Ovation Scholarship.
Richmond Symphony to perform Damien Geter’s ‘African American Requiem’
Audiences at the Carpenter Theatre on Jan. 17 will have a chance to experience music that asks them to listen as much as to feel.
Jill Scott announces sixth studio album
Jill Scott is returning to music with her sixth studio album, “To Whom This May Concern,” set for release Feb. 13 through Human Re Sources/ The Orchard. The first single, “Beautiful People,” is available on all streaming platforms.
Holding vape shops accountable is a step toward safer communities
Letters to the Editor
After reading the article in the Richmond Free Press entitled “Blowback,” I thank all the officials who have worked diligently to require vape shop owners to be responsible business owners in communities that are often low-income communities of color.
Moon to lead Virginia’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts
After four years in which Virginia’s diversity office was renamed and redirected under Republican leadership, Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger has moved to restore a broader equity focus with the appointment of Sesha Joi Moon as the state’s next chief diversity officer and director of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Blowback
Community advocates question vape shop crackdown
As Richmond officials continue to develop their approach to tackling the spread of vape shops and any related illegal activity, community groups are raising questions about the impact their methods could have on businesses and communities of color.
Richmond mourns Bill Martin, museum director, cultural advocate
William “Bill” Martin, a beloved Richmond museum director and advocate for the Black arts and cultural scene, died Sunday at 71 after being struck by a vehicle.
Ashland advocate connects Spanish-speaking families to county services
Teresa Lopez de Ocanas has spent years turning her Ashland home into a bridge between Hanover County and its growing Spanish-speaking community.
State regulators clear controversial Chesterfield peaker plant
The controversial proposed Chesterfield Energy Reliability Center has cleared its final major regulatory hurdle, winning approval from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
Deportations, tariffs, court clashes, record shutdown mark historic year in D.C.
This year produced a seemingly endless array of history-making events and nearly constant change to immigration policy, tariffs, the Education Department and federal health care programs.
