A federal judge in Richmond says two of the five lawsuits filed by a former Hopewell city manager after she was fired last May can proceed to trial.

In a motions hearing Oct. 20, U.S. District Judge John Gibney said he will allow Concetta Manker’s claims of defamation and discrimination against City Council and Vice Mayor Rita Joyner to move forward to a May 2026 trial. The other three complaints, including a conflict-of-interest claim against Ward 4 Councilor Ronnie Ellis, appear to be dismissed, but Gibney added he will issue a formal opinion on them later.

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