Richmond Archives - The Virginia Star

Dozens of Virginia Housing Projects to be Supported by $93 Million in Loans

March 14, 2023March 13, 2023 The Center Square

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development is distributing more than $93 million in housing loans to support housing projects across the commonwealth that are estimated to create nearly 4,000 units for low-income and extremely low-income households, according to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office.

The $93 million in Affordable and Special Needs Housing loans administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development will support 57 projects in various parts of the state. In total, the projects are estimated to create 3,936 units for low-income and extremely low-income households, including 298 permanent supportive housing units, 3,825 rental units and 111 units for homeownership opportunities, according to the governor’s office.

Mortgage-Free Smart Home Delivered to U.S. Army Veteran Captain James Howard by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation

November 14, 2022November 13, 2022 Kaitlin Housler

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation recently announced that it had delivered a mortgage-free smart home to a Veteran in Richmond, Virginia ahead of Veterans Day this year.

Bernie Sanders Rallies with Starbucks Workers After Richmond Stores Unionize

April 26, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

As Starbucks stores around the country continue to unionize, a prominent U.S. Senator received a rockstar’s welcome in Richmond, where he went to galvanize employees of the coffee retail giant.

“It is an honor for me to be here,” Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) told the crowd, “because you are extraordinary American heroes and heroines.

Bernie Sanders Rallies with Starbucks Workers After Richmond Stores Unionize

April 26, 2022April 25, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

As Starbucks stores around the country continue to unionize, a prominent U.S. Senator received a rockstar’s welcome in Richmond, where he went to galvanize employees of the coffee retail giant.

“It is an honor for me to be here,” Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) told the crowd, “because you are extraordinary American heroes and heroines.

Taylor Keeney Starts Campaign for Virginia’s 7th District Republican Nomination

August 14, 2021August 14, 2021 Matthew Hall

Taylor Thornley Keeney, a Richmond area PR executive and former appointee of Virginia Governor Bob McDonell’s administration, announced her campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives in July. The Goochland County resident sat down with The Virginia Star to discuss key federal issues and her campaign for Congress. Keeney is seeking the Republican nomination to take on Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) in the 2022 election cycle.

Liberal Activists Hold Anti-Israel Rally in Richmond

May 20, 2021May 19, 2021 Cooper Moran

Liberal activist group “Activate Virginia” held a march and rally on Wednesday in opposition to Israel.

“America’s cries on behalf of human rights sound increasingly tinny, given our enabling and defense of what’s happening in places like Gaza,” Richmond Times-Dispatch columnist Michael Paul Williams wrote Tuesday in a piece promoting the event that was published by the paper. “Our ability to navigate a path to social justice here is doubtful if we don’t walk the walk abroad.”

He added,” As long as Palestinians can’t breathe, neither can we.”

By mid-day, hundreds of Richmonders heeded the call and gathered to show their “solidarity with Palestine.”

Joe Morrissey Commentary: Electoral Incompetence in Richmond Should Alarm Both Parties

November 23, 2020November 23, 2020 Virginia Star Staff

Election Day 2020 has come and gone. Voters in the United States found out last week that President Donald Trump was defeated by former Vice President Joe Biden. Counts in numerous states took longer than what many expected, but results were eventually provided nonetheless. Overall, the election occurred without a hitch. The same cannot be said for the City of Richmond. Issues that arose included precincts reporting the wrong vote counts, City Council candidates allocated the wrong vote totals, individual voters receiving numerous ballots – the list goes on!

All Republicans, Conservatives of Virginia Invited to ‘March for Trump’ Washington Rally

November 13, 2020November 12, 2020 Corinne Murdock

Virginia’s Republicans and conservatives are invited to join the March for Trump in Washington, D.C. this Saturday. A bus will depart from Richmond on Saturday morning for the event, also called “Million MAGA March.”

City of Richmond Republican Committee member Jennifer Anderson came up with the idea to bus Virginians to the rally. In an interview with The Virginia Star, Anderson shared that the widespread mistrust in election integrity inspired her to take action.

Citizens Concerned About Election Integrity to March for Trump in Every State Capitol, Washington on Saturday

November 12, 2020November 11, 2020 Jason M. Reynolds

A series of marches supporting President Donald Trump and to demand election integrity are being held throughout the country at noon local time on Saturday.

The March for Trump will be held in every state capitol as well as at Freedom Plaza, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington, D.C., according to the event website. The website links to America First Projects.

Six Virginia Counties Vote to Keep Confederate Monuments

November 5, 2020November 4, 2020 Eric Burk

Residents of six rural Virginia counties voted to keep local Confederate monuments in place on Tuesday. The referenda are non-binding, but demonstrate voter preference to the local boards of supervisors. In four of the counties, over 70 percent of voters chose to keep the monuments, according to the Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP). Two counties were closer; Charles City County voted against removing its monument by 55.11 percent, while Halifax County voted against relocating its monument by 59.69 percent.

Richmond City Council Candidate Mike Dickinson Mobilizes Big Trump Train Turnout

November 2, 2020November 1, 2020 Eric Burk

About 350 people joined a Sunday afternoon Trump Train procession that departed from the Henrico County courthouse and meandered through Richmond’s West End and parts of neighboring Henrico County. Participants drove cars and trucks displaying American flags and Trump regalia, honking and waving at spectators. “God Bless America” blasted from the radio of several cars.

Coalition of Churches Opposes Bristol Casino

October 20, 2020October 19, 2020 Eric Burk

Eight churches in Bristol, Virginia are fighting against a proposed $400 million Hard Rock casino; residents will vote on the referendum this November. The coalition cites studies claiming that casinos prey on gambling addicts and questions whether a casino would draw high numbers of tourists as claimed by supporters of the referendum. Proponents say the casino would bring Bristol $15-$20 million a year in taxes and over 2,000 jobs averaging salaries of $46,500.

Trial to Decide Fate of Robert E. Lee Statue Underway in Richmond

October 20, 2020October 19, 2020 Jacob Taylor

The trial over a lawsuit aiming to stop Governor Ralph Northam from removing the statue of former Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee began Monday morning in Richmond.

After the death of George Floyd, the Lee monument and other Confederate statues throughout the city became a focal point of the summer protests over racial inequality and police brutality in Richmond.

With Another Monument Vandalized, Richmond Residents Ask if Graffiti Will Ever Be Cleaned

October 12, 2020October 11, 2020 Jacob Taylor

One of the last remaining city-owned Confederate statues in Richmond was vandalized recently, raising questions about how long the graffiti littered throughout downtown and other prominent areas will remain.

After a summer of civil unrest, graffiti on monuments, buildings, sidewalks and even some houses has become a normal sight for those who visit or live in the city of Richmond.

Sparks Fly at Richmond Mayoral Debate Between Stoney and Gray

October 7, 2020October 6, 2020 Eric Burk

The top four candidates for Richmond’s mayor debated in a forum on Tuesday night that saw incumbent Mayor Levar Stoney again defending his record from attacks on all sides. Councilmember Kim Gray and candidate Justin Griffin took turns attacking Stoney for corruption and mismanagement while candidate Alexsis Rodgers suggested that many of Stoney’s best ideas for the future are cribbed from her own platform.

Jill Biden Pays Homage to Levar Stoney While Richmond Crumbles

September 25, 2020September 24, 2020 Eric Burk

Jill Biden spent Thursday in Virginia, starting her day meeting with educators and military leaders in Hampton Roads, then heading to Richmond where she met Mayor Levar Stoney in front of the Voter Registrar’s Office, and then going to Henrico with Virginia House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn (D- Fairfax) for a round-table with working mothers.

Parents Fume Over Kids Turning into Zoom Zombies

September 23, 2020September 22, 2020 Jacob Taylor

The Richmond Public Schools (RPS) leadership team presented initial schedule adjustments for all grade levels to its school board during a meeting Monday night.

The board did not vote to adopt any of the proposed scheduling adjustments.

Mayoral Candidate Kim Gray: RVA is My Home, not a Stepping Stone

September 21, 2020September 21, 2020 Eric Burk

In a virtual town hall, candidate Kim Gray said her experience as a council member and commitment to connected, honest government make her the best choice to be Richmond’s next mayor. The Youtube livestream had been watched by around 175 people by Sunday evening.

“I’ve spent the last 12 years of my life as a public servant, as an elected official, and the past four years have been very challenging. I want to overcome the corruption and cronyism and lack of common sense approaches,” Gray said.

Justin Griffin Wants To Be Mayor: Richmond’s Broke

September 17, 2020September 17, 2020 Eric Burk

Justin Griffin thinks Richmond needs a financial consultant. In 2018 and 2019, he drew attention by criticizing a plan to build a new coliseum in Richmond. Now, he’s trying to convert that momentum into votes for his mayoral campaign by highlighting financial inefficiencies in Richmond.

It’s About the Incumbent: Five Richmond Mayor Candidates Debate in Zoom Forum

September 16, 2020September 15, 2020 Eric Burk

Candidates for the Richmond mayor’s race took turns establishing their policy priorities and attacking the incumbent in the Southside Mayoral Forum held on Tuesday via Zoom. The candidates answered questions focused on economic and political priorities and better road and parks infrastructure.

Windows at Virginia GOP Headquarters Smashed Overnight

September 12, 2020September 11, 2020 Jacob Taylor

Multiple street facing windows were shattered overnight at the Republican Party of Virginia headquarters in downtown Richmond.

This is the second time in three months the office windows in the Richard D. Obenshain Center have been smashed by someone.

Richmond, Charlottesville City Councils Pass Gun Bans

September 9, 2020September 8, 2020 Eric Burk

Richmond and Charlottesville City Councils on Tuesday both unanimously passed ordinances banning firearms in city buildings, parks, and permitted events. Both cities had spent multiple meetings discussing the ramifications of their ordinances.

Judge Kicks Kanye off Virginia Ballot

September 5, 2020September 4, 2020 Eric Burk

Saying 11 of Kanye West’s 13 electors were “obtained by improper, fraudulent, or misleading means,” Richmond City Circuit Court Judge Joi Jeter-Taylor ordered West’s name removed from Virginia ballots.

The Thursday decision came days after a group of leading Virginia Democrats and one of West’s electors sued the State Board of Elections.

11 Arrested During Protest Outside Richmond City Justice Center

September 4, 2020September 3, 2020 Jacob Taylor

Richmond Police arrested 11 people during a protest outside the Richmond City Justice Center on Tuesday.

The group was gathered outside of the Justice Center to protest conditions in the Richmond jail after COVID-19 outbreak among 100 inmates and staff was reported.

Governor Northam, Richmond Political and Business Elite Line-up Behind Mayor Levar Stoney

September 2, 2020September 1, 2020 Jacob Taylor

At a campaign kick-off event in Church Hill Tuesday, Governor Northam announced that he is endorsing Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney for re-election.

On Monday, Stoney announced via his Twitter that the Virginia legislative Black Caucus Chair Del. Lamont Bagby (D-Henrico County) endorsed him for re-election.

Fatal Overdoses and Emergency Calls Rise in Virginia, Highlighting Impact of COVID-19 on Substance Abuse

September 1, 2020August 31, 2020 Jacob Taylor

Fatal drug overdoses and non-alcohol overdose calls have increased in Virginia since the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdown, highlighting a troubling trend and fallout from the deadly virus.

“[COVID-19] has undoubtedly increased the overdoses as well as overdose death as well as relapse for those who were in recovery from addictions,” John Shinholser, president and co-founder of the McShin Foundation, said in an interview with The Virgina Star.

The Art and History of the Lee Monument

September 1, 2020August 31, 2020 Eric Burk

Standing 21 feet tall on top of a 40 foot base and weighing 12 tons, the statue of Robert E. Lee and his horse is literally larger than life as the General presides over Richmond.

French Beaux-Arts sculptor Marius Jean Antonin Mercié cast the bronze statue in nine pieces – seven for the horse, and two for the rider, according to the monument’s National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) registration form.

Bill to End Qualified Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Defeated in House Appropriations Committee

September 1, 2020August 31, 2020 Jacob Taylor

Delegates in the House Committee on Appropriations voted against a bill Monday that removed qualified immunity for law enforcement officers, making them liable to lawsuits.

The Bill, HB 5013, sponsored by Del. Bourne (D-Richmond City), was defeated in Committee after failing to get enough votes to advance to the House floor.

The Senate Continues to Pass New Legislation During the Special Session as Timing of Crossover with House Unclear

August 29, 2020August 28, 2020 Jacob Taylor

As the Senate wraps up its second week of the 2020 special session and continues to pass new legislation, the timing of crossover with the House of Delegates, a requirement for a bill to become law, remains unknown.

Since the Senate began considering bills in Committee and advancing legislation during sessions almost a week before the House, the two bodies are currently not in sync with their lawmaking procedures.

Confederate Monuments Coming Down Across State, Triggering Legal Battles

August 27, 2020August 26, 2020 Eric Burk

Monuments dominate Virginia’s headlines this week.

On Wednesday, Portsmouth City began removing its controversial Confederate monument. Last week, an anonymous plaintiff petitioned the Virginia Supreme Court to order confederate statues removed by the city of Richmond to go back up. The Richmond Circuit Court has scheduled a trial for October 19 to begin determining whether Richmond’s Robert E. Lee statue can be removed.

Henrico County Officials Shut Down State Senator’s Fundraiser for COVID-19 Relief and Black Lives Matter

August 27, 2020August 27, 2020 Jacob Taylor

Henrico County officials and the Henrico County Manager shut down a fundraiser to support COVID-19 relief and Black Lives Matter on Tuesday.

State Senator Joe Morrissey (D-16) was hosting and sponsoring the event alongside local Richmond promoters Avantae Jones and Keron Dixon with their company True Society Events, LLC.

Wednesday Is the COVID-19 Emergency Standard Compliance Deadline for Virginia Businesses

August 26, 2020August 25, 2020 Eric Burk

Virginia employers face a deadline today to implement new COVID-19 safety standards.

On July 15, the Safety and Health Codes Board adopted the COVID-19 Emergency Standard. The new mandate includes precautions like requiring employers to classify each job for exposure risk, develop policies for employees who have been exposed to COVID-19, and enforce social distancing.

Richmond Census Response Rate Lower than State and National Average as Count Deadline Looms

August 25, 2020August 25, 2020 Jacob Taylor

The city of Richmond’s 2020 census response rate is 59.3 percent, lower than the Virginia and national average, which could result in lost federal funding at state and local levels.

The deadline for census counting is September 30th, moved up a month by President Trump, and Richmond is falling behind not just nationally, but also compared to the surrounding central-Virginia counties.

Commentary: Two Miles from North America’s Oldest Elected Body, a Richmond Neighborhood Cowers in Fear

August 24, 2020August 24, 2020 Virginia Star Staff

It’s two miles or so down Monument Avenue from the Virginia State Capitol building in Richmond to the Robert E. Lee Memorial.

The capitol houses the oldest legislative body in North America – the Virginia General Assembly, which dates to 1619 when the Virginia Company, the private firm that controlled the state, appointed a governor and Council of State to rule along with 22 elected burgesses.

COVID-19 Vaccine Will Be Mandated in Virginia, State Health Commissioner Says

August 23, 2020August 24, 2020 Jacob Taylor

Virginia State Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver said on Friday that he would mandate a COVID-19 vaccine if publicly available, according to 8News, but a bill under consideration in the Virginia General Assembly would provide a religious exemption.

Under Virginia state law, the commissioner of health has the authority to mandate immediate immunizations during a public health crisis like COVID-19 if a vaccine is available to the public.

Two Arrested as Richmond and State Police Clash with Locals Outside Jackson Ward Bar

August 22, 2020December 9, 2020 Jacob Taylor

Richmond and Virginia State Police got into a confrontation with a group of people and arrested four individuals Thursday night for obstructing justice by not showing identification, according to Richmond resident Jimmie Lee Jarvis who witnessed the event firsthand.

Yet another incident between police and citizens has taken place in Richmond, this time outside of GWARbar, a local heavy-metal themed bar in the Jackson Ward neighborhood.

Richmond Area Trump Supporters Feel Optimistic About Upcoming Election

August 21, 2020August 21, 2020 Jacob Taylor

Local Virginia Trump supporters have high hopes for the presidential election in November and believe that Trump will secure another four years in office.

At a gathering set up by the Trump Virginia campaign, people from various towns and counties surrounding Richmond came to show their support for the campaign and form a collective focus on the highly important last stretch before the election.

Kim Gray Interview: Mayor Stoney Dodges Procurement Rules Awarding $1.8M to Donor Shell Company While Richmond Students Go Without Technology For School

August 21, 2020August 20, 2020 Julie Carr

Wednesday morning on The John Fredericks Show, host Fredericks talked to Richmond mayoral candidate Kim Gray about Mayor Levar Stoney’s recent $1.8 million bid to remove statutes and how that money could have been better allocated to students in need.

No Immediate Ruling on Motion to Dismiss Lee Statue Lawsuit

August 19, 2020August 19, 2020 The Associated Press

A judge heard arguments Tuesday but did not immediately rule on whether to dismiss a lawsuit challenging Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s plans to remove an enormous statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee along Richmond’s famed Monument Avenue.

An injunction issued in the lawsuit currently prevents Northam’s administration from moving forward with plans announced after the death of George Floyd to take down the bronze equestrian statue of Lee. The figure erected in 1890 is now one of the country’s most prominent tributes to the Confederacy.

The Virginia General Assembly Special Session Began Tuesday; Here Is What Happened

August 19, 2020August 19, 2020 Jacob Taylor

The Senate and House of Delegates met separately in Richmond on Tuesday, officially kicking off the special session of the General Assembly.

Despite a bevy of bills and promises of swift action, the House and Senate primarily discussed operation and procedural resolutions for the Special Session going forward.

Heavy Weekend Rain Floods Chesterfield, Prince George Counties

August 18, 2020August 18, 2020 Eric Burk

Over ten inches of rain fell in the western part of the Richmond metro area last weekend, surprising residents and triggering evacuations near two local dams. Northern Prince George County also received rainfall from eight to ten inches.

One volunteer weather spotter reported 11.19 inches of rain at a spot in western Chesterfield from Friday night through Sunday morning. Meanwhile, about 15 miles away, the Richmond International Airport received less than four inches of rain.

Application That Alerts Virginia Users of Possible COVID-19 Exposure Downloaded More Than 300,000 Times

August 18, 2020August 18, 2020 Jacob Taylor

COVIDWISE, an app that alerts users of possible COVID-19 exposure, has been downloaded 356,777 times in Virginia, according to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).

The application was launched by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on August 5.

Richmond City General Registrar Stresses Early Action from Voters as USPS Warns Mail-in Ballots May be Delayed

August 18, 2020September 23, 2020 Jacob Taylor

In an effort to combat possible ballot delays from USPS, the Richmond City General Registrar J. Kirk Showalter is asking voters to apply for and submit mail-in voting forms sooner rather than later.

“If you are getting your ballot through the mail and you apply early on, there should be adequate time for you to get your ballot and return it,” Showalter said in an interview with The Virginia Star.

John Fredericks Commentary: Welcome to The Virginia Star!

August 17, 2020August 17, 2020 Virginia Star Staff

Welcome to The Virginia Star!

Thank you for taking the time today to read our inaugural edition of The Virginia Star! We hope you will find us to be a valuable resource for news and information in the Commonwealth!

We are very excited about this new venture: real news in real time.

State Senator Joe Morrissey Commentary: Violent Protesters Have Gone Too Far

August 17, 2020August 27, 2020 Virginia Star Staff

I condemn, in the strongest manner possible, the horrific violence that occurred in Richmond this past Saturday, July 25, 2020. Setting fire to a $75,000 city utility vehicle, smashing scores of windows on the VCU campus and destroying the private property of innocent citizens on Monument Avenue and vicinity is despicable. This type of behavior is not legitimate protest. Rather, it is indefensible mayhem that should be prosecuted.

As Richmond Burns, Mayor Stoney’s Top Priority Is to Let People Get Stoned

August 17, 2020August 17, 2020 Jason M. Reynolds

Even as rioting damages large sections of Richmond and the Virginia General Assembly convenes in a special session, Mayor Levar Stoney wants lawmakers to take action — not on fighting lawlessness, but to help people get stoned.

Stoney used his bully pulpit to call for the Assembly to legalize marijuana.

Application that Alerts Virginia Users of Possible COVID-19 Exposure Downloaded More Than 300,000 times

August 15, 2020August 14, 2020 Jacob Taylor

COVIDWISE, an app that alerts users of possible COVID-19 exposure, has been downloaded 326,053 times in Virginia, according to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).

The application was launched by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on August 5.

Judge Blocks Removal of More Confederate Statues in Richmond

July 11, 2020July 10, 2020 The Associated Press

A judge issued an injunction Thursday barring the city of Richmond from removing any more Confederate monuments, a process that began last week after Mayor Levar Stoney ordered the statues cleared away amid weeks of protests over police brutality and racism.

Richmond Circuit Court Judge Bradley Cavedo issued the decision after a hearing in a lawsuit filed Tuesday by an unnamed plaintiff, local media outlets reported. The lawsuit asked for an emergency injunction to halt the removal of the statues and alleged that Stoney violated state law by ordering their immediate removal.

Richmond Removes Statue of Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart

July 8, 2020July 7, 2020 The Associated Press

Work crews on Tuesday took down a monument to Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart, the third major statue to be cleared away in less than a week as the Confederacy’s former capital rushes to remove symbols of oppression in response to protests against police brutality and racism.

As a crowd cheered, crews strapped the huge bronze equestrian statue in harnesses and used a crane to lift it from its granite base to be trucked away. Some in the crowd chanted “Black Lives Matter” after the statue was removed. One person sang, “Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, goodbye.”

Stonewall Jackson Removed from Richmond’s Monument Avenue

July 2, 2020July 1, 2020 The Associated Press

Work crews wielding a giant crane, harnesses and power tools wrested an imposing statue of Gen. Stonewall Jackson from its concrete pedestal along Richmond, Virginia’s famed Monument Avenue on Wednesday, just hours after the mayor ordered the removal of all Confederate statues from city land.

Mayor Levar Stoney’s decree came weeks after Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam ordered the removal of the most prominent and imposing statue along the avenue: that of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, which sits on state land. The removal of the Lee statue has been stalled pending the resolution of several lawsuits.