Source: https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85025007/1918-01-03/ed-1/seq-1/

The Virginia public health authorities were concerned with widespread smallpox, issuing county-wide restrictions in Richmond, Roanoke and Amelia. The country remains in the grip of record cold weather; ice on the Potomac prevents trade upstream and downstream to only the heaviest boats. The coal famine has a strong grip, restricting railroad transport. Inside the newspaper reports on the fate of the all black NY 24th Infantry Regiment; 19 of their ranks would be executed following an armed clash with Houston police.

Source: "Smallpox in Virginia," Alexandria Gazette, Alexandria, Virginia, January 3, 1918. Page 1, Column 7.