
Is popular PAL program ‘in limbo’?
Will the Richmond Police Athletic League offer spring and summer programs for the city’s youths?

VDOE says it will work with federal special education office on compliance issues
The Virginia Department of Education is prepared to cooperate with a federal office that found the state agency failing to comply with elements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Youngkin appoints Lisa Coons as superintendent of public instruction
Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Wednesday announced the appointment of Tennessee Chief Academic Officer Lisa Coons as Virginia’s 27th superintendent of public instruction. Dr. Coons’ appointment as the commonwealth’s chief school officer is effective Monday, April 17.

Senseless
United Communities Against Crime, a local nonprofit organization run by Charles Willis, held a prayer vigil Thursday, March 16, 2023, for Tyrek Brandon, 21, who was murdered at the corner of Hull and 16th streets on Richmond’s South Side on March 6, 2023.

RPS proposes metal detectors and other devices to offset gun violence
In the wake of the shooting and deaths of multiple Richmond Public Schools students and ongoing concerns about school safety, RPS leaders are considering an estimated $1.3 million plan to expand the use of metal detectors in the city’s school system.

To Gov. Youngkin:
History will not be kind to anyone who adopts a pro-ignorance stand when it comes to the true history of this country, warts and all.

Researchers uncover their tangled roots
Lemon Project symposium to help connect the past
Virginia lawyer and retired public official Viola Baskerville has been intrigued by her family’s roots for more than 35 years.

Enrichmond groups may receive City Hall funding
City Hall has tucked $250,000 into that proposed 2023-24 budget that could help dozens of nonprofits groups that lost money when the Enrichmond Foundation collapsed last year.

Jason Rivera Torres has ‘Swagger’ on and off the court
When it comes to Jason Rivera Torres, he’s all about a full court press.

Black people can’t breathe
Two years ago a National Public Radio investigation showed that, since 2015, at least 135 unarmed Black men and women nationwide were fatally shot by police officers. At least 75 percent of the police officers were white.

SVB bank failure isn’t about being ‘woke’, by Julianne Malveaux
The Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the 16th largest bank in the United States, failed because its leaders used poor judgment in making ill-advised investments.

Technology bridges equitable access in Va., by Shara Gibson
Access to technology is a vital step in ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone, specifically when it comes to minority small business owners. Our country relies on the entrepreneurial spirit that the “American Dream” has inspired in all of us, and access to technology is the backbone of creating successful and sustainable businesses.

‘That was Karl’
Thank you for letting your readers know of the death of Karl Bren in your March 2-4, 2023, edition.

Bon Secours opening new South Side health clinic
Bon Secours is opening a new community health clinic in South Side to serve uninsured children and adults, although new nonprofits already operate similar clinics nearby.

Chesterfield announces housing choice vouchers
The waiting list for Virginia Housing and the Chesterfield- Colonial Heights Department of Social Services’ housing choice vouchers opens Thursday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for anyone who wants to submit an application.

JM Justices shoot for national title
John Marshall High has a state basketball title. Now it’s aiming for a national crown.

VUU’s Butler, Osborne heading to Houston
The basketball season isn’t over yet for Virginia Union Coach Jay Butler and senior standout Robert Osborne.

Youngkin announces affordable housing loans
The state will lend more than $18 million to create 10 affordable, income-restricted housing developments in the Richmond area, Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin has announced.

Britton Wilson wins open 400 meters, 4 x 400 relay
Britton Wilson struck gold twice in leading Arkansas to the NCAA Women’s Indoor Track and Field Championships in Albuquerque, N.M., on March 11.