National

Britain's King Charles III honored his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, in a pre-recorded Christmas message that was released Sunday. 

Why it matters: In his first Christmas speech as a monarch, Charles invoked the “selfless dedication” of public service workers and shared empathy for those struggling to make ends meet. 

The king honored Elizabeth's legacy throughout the speech, and said he shared with her “a belief in the extraordinary ability of each person to touch, with goodness and compassion, the lives of others and to shine a light in the world around them.”

What he's saying: “Christmas is a particularly poignant time for all of us who have lost loved ones," said the king, 74, during an address at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. "We feel their absence at every familiar turn of the season and remember them in each cherished tradition.”

"I am standing here in this exquisite chapel of St. George at Windsor Castle, so close to where my beloved mother, the late queen, is laid to rest with my dear father," he said Sunday in the church's quire, where his mother gave the same speech in 1999.

"I am reminded of the deeply touching letters, cards and messages which so many of you have sent my wife and myself and I cannot thank you enough for the love and sympathy you have shown our whole family."

King Charles III during his Christmas address

The intrigue: It was the first Christmas message not delivered by the Queen since 1957.

In her final Christmas speech last year, Queen Elizabeth II spoke of “passing the baton” to the next generation.

King Charles salutes late Queen Elizabeth II in his first Christmas speech

It was the first Christmas message not delivered by the Queen since 1957.

King charles standing in front of a Christmas tree

King Charles III during the recording of his first Christmas broadcast in the Quire of St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, on Dec. 13, 2022 in Windsor, England. Photo: Victoria Jones - Pool/Getty Images

United Kingdom

Britain&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="King Charles III" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/09/09/king-charles-iii-speech-queen-elizabeth" data-vars-content-id="1599d844-da13-4dec-93d9-1f6d187686f3" data-vars-headline="King Charles salutes late Queen Elizabeth II in his first Christmas speech" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/09/09/king-charles-iii-speech-queen-elizabeth" target="_self">King Charles III</a> honored his mother, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the late Queen Elizabeth II" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/09/08/queen-elizabeth-dies-obit-united-kingdom" data-vars-content-id="1599d844-da13-4dec-93d9-1f6d187686f3" data-vars-headline="King Charles salutes late Queen Elizabeth II in his first Christmas speech" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/09/08/queen-elizabeth-dies-obit-united-kingdom" target="_self">the late Queen Elizabeth II</a>, in a pre-recorded Christmas message that was released Sunday. Why it matters: In his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first Christmas speech" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkqN60BqyTQ" data-vars-content-id="1599d844-da13-4dec-93d9-1f6d187686f3" data-vars-headline="King Charles salutes late Queen Elizabeth II in his first Christmas speech" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkqN60BqyTQ" target="_blank">first Christmas speech</a> as a monarch, Charles invoked the “selfless dedication” of public service workers and shared empathy for those struggling to make ends meet.

China is becoming the most formidable rival America has faced, and the risk of confrontation with Russia, North Korea or Iran still looms. Authoritarians are rising, the chaotic Afghanistan exit revealed the limits of U.S. power, and the pandemic, climate change and other critical challenges continue to pose grave threats.

World

Officials in Jackson, Mississippi issued a citywide "boil water" notice on Christmas Day after a powerful winter storm brought frigid temperatures to large swaths of the country. 

Why it matters: It's the latest ordeal for a city that has had water problems for decades. Jackson's 150,000 residents lost water in late August after flooding in the Pearl River wreaked havoc on the city's water system.

Where it stands: City officials had said on Christmas Eve the water system was experiencing "fluctuating" pressure, and some residents said they had no water pressure Saturday, AP reports. 

Officials said a drop in temperature caused a slowdown in production at a water treatment plant. Spokesperson Melissa Payne said the low temperature was contributing to breaks. 

What they're saying: "The system has lost pressure due to line breaks that have not been identified. These breaks are likely caused by the weather," the city said in a statement Sunday. "Water crews are actively trying to find these breaks in order to repair them as quickly as possible."

"Some areas may be experiencing very low pressure. We will continue to work to maximize production at the plants to restore pressure to as much of the system as possible. Even if your pressure is restored, the boil water notice remains in effect until further notice." 

"We understand the timing is terrible. Please know that we hate to issue the notice during the Christmas holiday. "

The city said it had set up water distribution sites for those in need. 

Jackson on "boil water" notice amid frigid weather

"We understand the timing is terrible. Please know that we hate to issue the notice during the Christmas holiday."

A volunteer grabs a gallon of water at a water and food distribution drive held by College Hill Baptist Church and the World Central kitchen on March 07, 2021 in Jackson, Mississippi. Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Mississippi

Officials in Jackson, Mississippi issued a citywide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;boil water&quot; notice" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/CityofJackson/posts/pfbid0dpnVLqSAQiCqfBF2A3pEcbt6w2gcysFzx9YbARuYZk7LP3nBvxwkBjLR7G2LkQrFl" data-vars-content-id="299b3791-29d3-4e47-9975-55a7c6d4eac5" data-vars-headline="Jackson on &quot;boil water&quot; notice amid frigid weather" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/CityofJackson/posts/pfbid0dpnVLqSAQiCqfBF2A3pEcbt6w2gcysFzx9YbARuYZk7LP3nBvxwkBjLR7G2LkQrFl" target="_blank">&quot;boil water&quot; notice</a> on Christmas Day after a powerful winter storm brought frigid temperatures to large swaths of the country. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the latest ordeal for a city that has had water problems for decades. Jackson&#x27;s 150,000 residents lost water in late August after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flooding in the Pearl River" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/30/jackson-mississippi-water-crisis-flooding" data-vars-content-id="299b3791-29d3-4e47-9975-55a7c6d4eac5" data-vars-headline="Jackson on &quot;boil water&quot; notice amid frigid weather" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/08/30/jackson-mississippi-water-crisis-flooding" target="_self">flooding in the Pearl River</a> wreaked havoc on the city&#x27;s water system.

President Biden has made the COVID-19 crisis and a post-Trump return to national unity and traditional democratic ideals his top priorities. From vaccinations to stimulus to schools, Biden is seeking bipartisan compromise while showing a willingness to use executive authority and bare Democratic majorities in the U.S. House and Senate to implement his policies. Republican leaders are navigating deep party divisions over if and how to move beyond former President Trump.

Politics & Policy

Richmond

The Locks Tower first opened in 2019. Photo: Fadel Allassan/Axios

👋 Fadel here, with an installment of our series about all the new apartments popping up in Richmond. Who’s moving into them? Where’d they come from? What do they do?

When Ned kicked off the series a couple weeks ago, it got me thinking of my home in the business district along East Byrd Street. 

The building: The Locks Tower is a 12-story luxury property that opened its 237 units to residents in 2019.

Many apartments have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the canal walk, downtown or the James River. 

Monthly rents are $1,609 to $4,229, per apartments.com.

The tenant: Rishard Davis, a 25-year-old software engineer who works remotely, moved here with his girlfriend in 2020. They now have a 5-month-old son.

Rishard Davis. Photo: courtesy of Rishard Davis

Why they chose it: Davis’ girlfriend goes to medical school at VCU several blocks away. It’s around $1600/month for their one-bedroom apartment.

The perks: Davis tells me he regularly takes advantage of the gym, complimentary coffee and zen garden.

How he describes his new neighbors: They seem like young, working professionals like himself. Plus, he’s appreciated having other people of color on his floor.

“I’ve been able to connect with them,” he says.

The bottom line: “I couldn’t imagine myself living anywhere else,” Davis tells me.

Who lives here: The Locks Tower

The Locks Tower is a 12-story luxury property that opened in 2019.

<figure><img alt="Locks Tower" height="4032" id="d150d9f2-4497-469c-a99c-f532fec71659" src="https://images.axios.com/40ohjjjlm5CCw-E0wDLLSV1btuA=/2022/10/27/1666886204519.jpg" width="3024"/><figcaption>The Locks Tower first opened in 2019. Photo: Fadel Allassan/Axios</figcaption></figure>👋 Fadel here, with an installment of our series about all the new apartments popping up in Richmond. Who’s moving into them? Where’d they come from? What do they do?When Ned kicked off the series a couple weeks ago, it got me thinking of my home in the business district along East Byrd Street.

Real Estate

If you ditched for a while or are maybe just unacquainted, it’s a great time to start following the Rams.

Driving the news: VCU’s storied men’s team tips off the season at the Siegel Center against Manhattan College tonight at 7pm. Here’s a primer so you don’t get outed as a total bandwagon at the water cooler.

The big storyline: VCU is years removed from the seven-year streak of March Madness appearances that followed the school's 2011 fairytale run to the Final Four. They’ve only made the Big Dance twice in the last five years under Coach Mike Rhoades.

But the Rams still have a strong reputation nationally. They finished second in the Atlantic 10 Conference the last two seasons and reached the conference tournament final in 2021.

The intrigue: Rhoades has built on the entrancing “Havoc” style that’s long hallmarked VCU’s brand.

They’ve consistently been among the best defensive teams in the country under Rhoades — it’s often been a tepid offense that’s held them back.

What to watch: Rhoades’ roster has more new faces than any other year he’s been coach — so there’s uncertainty about how the team will come together. But a top-three finish in the Atlantic 10 would signal a good season. The Rams will be itching to win the conference tournament, since they haven’t done so since 2015.

The holy grail, though, would be getting to March Madness and ruining everybody’s brackets thereafter.

Sports Illustrated ranked VCU No. 53 in the country and predicted the offense could spark to life. They think the team’s on the bubble to make the tournament.

Who to watch: Point Guard and playmaker Adrian “Ace” Baldwin Jr. He was just named among the top 15 potential breakout stars in the college game.

Second-year Jayden Nunn could be the chosen one to lift the offense. He was picked for the Atlantic 10 Conference All-Rookie Team last year and got flowers from Sports Illustrated as a potential NBA prospect.

Forwards Jamir Watkins and Jalen DeLoach will also be key to the Rams’ success.

How to watch: The Rams will play twice a week for the most part until early March. Tickets for the 18 home games are sold online, usually starting at $25. Bigger games, like February’s rivalry game against University of Richmond at the Siegel Center, are more expensive.

All games will be televised. Listings are here.

The bottom line: The Rams will have their doubters, like any young team with a lot of new players, but fans have a lot to be hopeful about.

Your guide to the VCU men's basketball season

Rhoades has built on the entrancing “Havoc” style that’s long hallmarked VCU’s brand.

"Ace" Baldwin recovered to lead the Rams to tie for second in the Atlantic 10 last season. Photo: Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images

College basketball

If you ditched for a while or are maybe just unacquainted, it’s a great time to start following the Rams.Driving the news: VCU’s storied men’s team tips off the season at the Siegel Center against Manhattan College<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" tonight at 7pm" data-vars-click-url="https://vcutickets.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS:VCU:B22:02:&amp;linkID=vcu&amp;RSRC=SIDEARM&amp;RDAT=sbhr&amp;_ga=" data-vars-content-id="7bc26b03-6253-4263-89c3-faf7042afa7d" data-vars-headline="Your guide to the VCU men&#x27;s basketball season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://vcutickets.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS:VCU:B22:02:&amp;linkID=vcu&amp;RSRC=SIDEARM&amp;RDAT=sbhr&amp;_ga=" target="_blank"> tonight at 7pm</a>. Here’s a primer so you don’t get outed as a total bandwagon at the water cooler.

Sports

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point is starting the process of taking down installations that commemorate or memorialize the Confederacy on its campus, officials said. 

The big picture: The move, which follows recommendations by the Congressional Naming Commission, is part of a broader effort to rename military installations that bore the names of Confederate officers. 

The first phase of the effort at West Point began during the holiday break, which started on Sunday, Dec. 18.

The academy said it will remove a number of installations during the break, including: 

A portrait of Robert E. Lee in Confederate uniform from the USMA Library to place in storage at the West Point Museum. 

A stone bust of Lee at Reconciliation Plaza to place in storage on post.

A bronze triptych at the main entrance of Bartlett Hall and place in storage on post until a more suitable location is determined.

Academy superintendent Lt. Gen. Steven W. Gilland said in a news release a West Point committee "will select an appropriate quote about honor to replace the quote from Robert E. Lee at Honor Plaza. We expect to change the quote by early Spring 2023."

West Point starts removing Confederate iconography from campus

The move is part of a broader effort to rename military installations that bore the names of Confederate officers.

The West Point Military Museum. Photo: John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images

Confederate States of America

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point is starting the process of taking down installations that commemorate or memorialize the Confederacy on its campus, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="officials said" data-vars-click-url="https://www.westpoint.edu/naming-commission-report/superintendents-message" data-vars-content-id="b8298f18-337b-4e63-adc1-3671edefd565" data-vars-headline="West Point starts removing Confederate iconography from campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.westpoint.edu/naming-commission-report/superintendents-message" target="_blank">officials said</a>. The big picture: The move, which follows recommendations by the Congressional Naming Commission, is part of a broader effort to rename military installations that bore the names of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Confederate officers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/05/24/military-army-confederate-names" data-vars-content-id="b8298f18-337b-4e63-adc1-3671edefd565" data-vars-headline="West Point starts removing Confederate iconography from campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/05/24/military-army-confederate-names" target="_self">Confederate officers</a>.

Fadel Allassan

Stories

West Point starts removing Confederate iconography from campus

Jackson on "boil water" notice amid frigid weather

King Charles salutes late Queen Elizabeth II in his first Christmas speech

Your guide to the VCU men's basketball season

Who lives here: The Locks Tower