Marvin Sapp defends fundraising style after viral video sparks debate
Gospel singer and pastor Marvin Sapp defended his fundraising approach during a radio interview March 31, following backlash over a viral video from a nine-month-old call for donations.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, March 29, COVID-19 accounted for .9% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness rates low and trending down compared to previous data. No COVID-19-related deaths were reported during this period at press time.
VUU hosts first CIAA Flag Football Roundup
Under bright Friday afternoon skies at Virginia Union University, whistles blew and flags flew as history unfolded with the school’s first CIAA Flag Football Roundup.
VMFA hires Karen Daly to lead provenance research
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts recently appointed Karen Daly as the museum’s first senior manager of provenance research.
Henrico seeks new developer for arena project at Best Products site
After the collapse of a previous development deal, Henrico is once again looking for proposals to transform the former Best Products headquarters into a mixed-use development anchored by an arena.
Richmond grapples with second data mishap in weeks after erroneous mailings
City of Richmond officials announced Tuesday that 226 debt collection letters were mailed to incorrect addresses last month, marking the second time in weeks Richmond has disclosed errors in sensitive mailings.
Local Starbucks baristas file for union election amid labor push
A petition filed last week by Starbucks baristas in Mechanicsville has set the stage for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and could continue the labor efforts seen by other stores across the Richmond area.
The ‘poorly educated’ and the plan to undermine them, by Julianne Malveaux
After he won the Nevada Republican caucuses in 2016, the current president crowed about his victory. “We won with young. We won with old. We won with highly educated. We won with poorly educated. I love the poorly educated,” he said. Congressman Bobby Scott, D-Va., reflected on this comment as he called on Republicans to join Democrats in preserving the Department of Education.
Donamatrix Day returns to Petersburg with fitness festival, charity events
Celebrity trainer and Petersburg native Don “DB Donamatrix” Brooks brings his signature fitness event back home with the annual Donamatrix Day Fit Fest on Saturday, April 5, at Petersburg High School.
Phil Martelli Jr. named VCU men’s basketball head coach
Virginia Commonwealth University Men’s Basketball has a new head coach, and he’s no stranger to building success. Phil Martelli Jr., who was formally introduced at a press conference March 27, takes over the program after leading Bryant University to new heights over the past two seasons.
Kickers fall to Forward Madison in Henny Derby opener
The Richmond Kickers (2-2-0, 6 points) fell 2-1 to Forward Madison (1-1-0, 3 points) in a hard-fought first leg of the Henny Derby on Saturday.
Flying Squirrels introduce new GM ahead of last season at Diamond
Anthony Oppermann is the general manager of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the team announced Monday.
‘Homes & Habitats’ exhibition explores nature through art at Lewis Ginter
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden recently opened its outdoor art exhibition, “Homes & Habitats,” featuring works by seven local artists. The exhibition, which runs through Sept. 28, showcases large-scale installations that explore ecosystems and human interactions with nature.
History tours return at The Valentine
The Valentine’s Richmond History Tours will resume in April, offering guided explorations of the city’s past. Now in their 25th year, the tours highlight historic sites, architectural landmarks and lesser-known stories from Richmond’s history.
Virginia Interfaith names LaKeisha Cook executive director
The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy appointed Dr. LaKeisha Cook as its new executive director, the organization announced Tuesday.
Budget ideas, housing grants take center stage at council meeting
Richmond City Council convened Monday to review the city’s spending and housing plans, with council members pressing for more clarity on the financial implications of several key proposals.
5th Baptist Church hosts 5th Annual MLK Memorial Luncheon and Awards Program
On the day after the 57th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, the community will come together to recognize individuals who continue his fight for justice and progress at the 5th Annual MLK Memorial Luncheon and Awards Program, hosted by Living the Dream, Inc. The event will take place 2 p.m., April 5 at 5th Baptist Church.
Remembering Dr. King
In this April 3, 2008 editorial from the Richmond Free Press archives, our late publisher and founder Raymond Boone reflects on the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Boone, who championed civil rights through his journalism, draws parallels between Dr. King’s activism and the ongoing fight for justice in our communities.
Trump’s free speech hypocrisy, by Clarence Page
President Donald Trump and the GOP have called themselves the party of free speech. But since taking office, the president has been tightening up his definition of freedom like a hangman’s noose.
Preserving our natural wonders is a cause worth fighting for, by Ben Jealous
Dorothy Gibbs chanted “Save our parks” from her wheelchair while holding a sign that read, “97 years old, still fighting for public lands!”
