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Senate committee’s ‘no’ vote for Morrissey casino bill may mean ‘yes’ for Richmond

With two weeks to go in the 2023 General Assembly session, Richmond appears to be on track to retain the right to hold a second vote on hosting a casino in November. While it could all change, Richmond gained much needed help from a slim majority of the Senate Finance Committee. Last week, the committee voted 8-7 to kill Petersburg Democratic state Sen. Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey’s bill to add the Cockade City to the list of cities allowed to have a casino and authorize that city to host a referendum before Richmond made a second attempt to get voters to approve after a majority rejected a casino plan in 2021. If the majority holds in the Senate Finance Committee, the same fate would await an identical bill that Petersburg Repub- lican Delegate Kim Taylor successfully pushed through the House on Tuesday. Petersburg believed it had a good chance to win after sign- ing an agreement with The Cordish Companies of Baltimore to deliver a casino and related developments worth $1.4 bil- lion. Despite the setback, that city is still is likely to hold a November referendum seeking approval from its voters for the Cordish proposal. Richmond is not guaranteed to retain the right to hold a referendum. With Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin seeking to lift up Petersburg, the Free Press has been told that some of those who opposed Sen. Morrissey’s bill in the committee could use the Petersburg casino measure as a bargaining chip when the House and Senate conferees meet to finalize the budget. A year ago, after Sen. Morrissey’s bill appeared to be dead after losing 9-7 in the Finance Committee, budget language re- vived it. The legislature followed Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan’s

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Report card

Funding, other details still unclear a year after Fox Elementary fire

It will take at least two more years to reopen historic William Fox Elementary School in The Fan — but only if nearly $26 million is available to make it happen.

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City seeks to battle climate, continue using fossil fuel

When it comes to battling climate change, Richmond wants to reduce public and private emissions of greenhouse gases while still allowing its natural gas utility to keep pump- ing out fossil fuel to power homes and buildings.

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Capital of compassion

Mayor Stoney’s upbeat agenda: Increased home ownership, public safety, enhanced learning

As he launched his seventh year in office, Mayor Levar M. Stoney painted a rosy picture of a thriving city “filled with promise and hope ... and purpose” Tuesday in delivering his State of the City address.

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City jail deputy shortages continue

“This feels like an emergency situation. It feels like we are in a crisis.”

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Enrichmond article ‘is inaccurate and misleading

Jeremy Lazarus’ Jan. 26, 2023, article, “It’s complicated” is a one-sided story that provides little clarity.

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Rail agency begins historic cemetery review for estimated 22,000 souls

It took nine months, but the Federal Railroad Administration is keeping its promise to take a fresh look at a historic Black cemetery in Richmond and its potential impact on proposed rail improvements between Richmond and Washington.

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A new George Wythe High School will cost a record $86,111 per student, data show

The cost of replacing George Wythe High School has ballooned to $154.6 million, far more than anticipated.

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Push for rental inspection program appears to gain traction

Properties yielding high-volume complaints, code violations would be targeted

Maybe the third time is the charm when it comes to a rental inspection program for Richmond.

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It’s complicated

Beleaguered foundation’s last member determined to maintain Black cemeteries, despite ongoing obstacles

The last board member of the collapsed Enrichmond Foundation is working to turn over to City Hall control of two historic Black cemeteries as well as other properties and assets still in the foundation’s name.

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Brig. Gen. Patricia R. Wallace takes command

Brig. Gen. Patricia R. Wallace just became the first female leader of the Army Reserve’s 80th Training Command, one of the largest educational operations in the Army.

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Conservancy buys New Market segment where Black troops attacked Confederates

Another 49-acre parcel of a Civil War battlefield in Eastern Henrico County in which Black troops played a major role is now protected from development.

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Court OKs 4th District Feb. 21 special election

The election of a new representative from the 4th Congressional District will go on as scheduled.

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South Side veterans medical facility renamed

Call it the Richmond VA Medical Center.

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GRTC names new CEO

Sheryl Adams, who has been interim chief executive officer of GRTC since September, is now the company’s new leader.

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Grant funds to benefit babies, ex-inmates and low-wealth families

City Hall is planning to provide $115,000 to help low-income families gain baby supplies under ordinances that City Council is scheduled to approve next Monday, Jan. 23.

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Finally

Bon Secours opens new East End medical facility

A battered Bon Secours Mercy Health is promising increased investments in health care in Richmond’s East End in pushing back against critics claiming the giant health care system has diverted savings on expensive drugs away from the community to wealthier areas.

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Status of upcoming congressional election still unknown

A federal judge could decide next week whether to halt the snap election to replace the late Congressman A. Donald McEachin.

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Richmond Free Press freelance writer, editor Charles H. Taylor III, dies at age 70

From his earliest days to his twilight years, Charles H. Taylor III was a person of excellence and compassion for those who knew, worked with and loved him.

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Legislators told to ‘buckle up’ for fast-paced session

Abortion, gun control and voting rights among top issues

A sharply divided General Assembly was gaveled back into session Wednesday for a potentially contentious 46 days.