
‘Just trying to breathe’
Video shows Irvo Otieno pinned to floor before his death
A large group of sheriff’s deputies and employees of a Virginia mental hospital pinned patient Irvo Otieno to the floor earlier this month until he was motionless and limp, then began unsuccessful resuscitation efforts, newly obtained surveillance video shows.

Lamont Bagby viewed as favorite in Tuesday’s special Senate election
Henrico Democratic Delegate Lamont Bagby is poised to become the newest state senator from the Richmond area.

Special education troubles continue for Virginia
VDOE labeled ‘deficient’ in its efforts to curtail learning loss
The Virginia Department of Education continues to shirk its responsibility to ensure students with mental and emotional disabilities secure a free, appropriate public education, or FAPE in educational jargon, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Bettye Jean Branch Bragg, former Head Start aide, dies at age 80
Bettye Jean Branch Bragg touched the lives of hundreds of Richmond children during her 34 years as a teacher’s aide in Head Start, a program to prepare 3 and 4-year-olds for kindergarten and higher grades.

Ruth E. Carter becomes 1st Black woman to win 2 Oscars
Ruth E. Carter made history: The costume designer behind the “Black Panther” films became the first Black woman to win two Oscars.

‘The Black Love Blue Print’ is film showcase feature
A documentary focused on the nature and complexity of black love will be the latest film showcased by the Elegba Folklore Society during its monthly film series, 3rd Saturday Documentaries.

The Links present ‘Art in the Atrium’
The Richmond Chapter of The Links will host its 11th Biennial Auction “Art in the Atrium” on Saturday, March 18, from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Honorary co-chairs are Dr. Pamela K. Royall and Mr. Moses Foster Jr.

Richmond jazz legend has new release
William F. ‘Bill’ McGee has performed with The O’Jays, Fred Wesley, Patti LaBelle and more
Richmond-based jazz legend and civil rights leader William F. “Bill” McGee is releasing his latest CD, “Tree of Life,” Friday, March 17, through music streaming services and the website he owns and operates, 804jazz.com.

Cicilia Koisenke visits Richmond to nurture her Maasai home
Nearly 14 years ago, Richmonder Suzanne Hall traveled to Southern Sudan as part of a St. James’s Episcopal Church medical mission to administer meningitis vaccinations to children in that region.

James Patterson shines in ECC win
You don’t have to play basketball at a large high school to become a college star. James Patterson is proof of that.

Howard wins MEAC title 65-64 over NSU
For the first time in three seasons, Norfolk State’s Spartans won’t be kicking up their heels at the NCAA Big Dance. But for the first time since 1992, Howard’s Bison will.

VUU succumbs to third-ranked IUP 60-45
The curtain fell on Virginia Union University’s outstanding basketball season late Sunday night in Indiana, Pa.

Kenny Brooks is Virginia Tech’s first Black coach to win women’s ACC crown
If the NCAA Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year was announced today, Kenny Brooks might be a leading contender.

On the road again
VCU beats Dayton 68-56 to win A-10 championship, NCAA bid
VCU heads back to New York, only this time it will be to the state capital of Albany rather than to Brooklyn.

Former state registrar had no ‘personal decision’ in same-gender law
I am writing to address what I consider an inaccurate representation of my making a personal decision to deny same-gender parents’ names on a birth certificate. This representation, announcing the retirement of Janet Rainey, was in an article in the Richmond Free Press, March 9-11, 2023, edition.

A historic vote and tools it gave us, by Ben Jealous
Vice President Kamala Harris is sure to be remembered every March in Women’s History Month as the first woman and the first person of color to serve our nation in that position. As notable as those two facts are, she may grow to be known just as much for a single vote in the Senate that helped save the planet.

Propaganda machine called Fox News, by David W. Marshall
In 2021, the bill to award gold medals to the U. S. Capitol Police officers who responded to the Jan. 6 insurrection passed, despite 21 GOP lawmakers voting against it.

No debt deal = doom
The clock is ticking on a potentially serious financial crisis that could affect you and your family.

City Council approves solar program grant
A nonprofit group that has sought to prepare people to work in the burgeoning solar power field has gained financial help from City Hall.