
GRTC updates
GRTC updates: Students’ free rides delayed until September and few riders buy money-saving passes

New development, residents behind city’s housing value jump
The value of property is climbing in Richmond, most notably in areas such as Church Hill, Blackwell and Highland Park that were once stigmatized as less desirable because they were predominantly African-American and low income.

Personality: Nichole L. Gross
Spotlight on Henrico County Public Schools’ Gilman Teacher of the Year
Being an educator can be physically and emotionally draining, says Nichole L. Gross, a Henrico County Public Schools teacher.

Beverly Crawford, who ran law firm with husband, Sa’ad El-Amin, remembered for her passions
Family and friends gathered Saturday, June 30, to celebrate the life of Beverly Diane Crawford, a former attorney and wife of former City Councilman Sa’ad El-Amin.

Joe Jackson was admired by some, detested by others
When Joe Jackson, the patriarch and architect behind the musical Jackson family dynasty died on June 27, some media organizations focused on the negative stories. However, at least one Richmonder who found his own success in show business, remembers the 89-year-old Mr. Jackson in a more positive light. “Joe Jackson was one of the greatest fathers of all time,” said Steve K. Branch, a former concert promoter and nightclub owner.

Historic cemetery’s cleanup has drawn nearly 8,000 volunteer visits
The Friends of East End Cemetery are marking the five-year anniversary of cleaning up and restoring the historic African-American burial ground in Eastern Henrico County.

LeBron banks on Lakers
The Golden State Warriors may have won the NBA championship, but now the Los Angeles Lakers clearly have the biggest prize in the offseason.

Rockets’ Harden soars with MVP title
James Harden has gone from the sixth man to the main man in the NBA.

Rodriguez ‘bats’ on nabbing Squirrels’ title
Luigi Rodriguez didn’t wait for Independence Day to set off fireworks for the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

9.88
Noah Lyles clocked as fastest man
A former Virginian is currently the fastest man on the planet.

Mookie Betts scores big in baseball, bowling
The Boston Red Sox have Major League Baseball’s best record (56-28) entering this week. Many contend, at least among New Englanders, the Bosox also may have the best all-round player, too, in right-fielder Mookie Betts.

World Cup tackles color complex
France won its only World Cup in 1998 with the theme “Black-Blanc-Beur,” meaning black, white and Arab (or North African),” a slogan celebrating integrated France.

A young girl’s hair loss inspires children’s book
Taylor Ellis never missed a day as a student at Carver Elementary School, and when she graduated from the Richmond Public School three weeks ago, she did so with a 3.9 grade point average, the highest in her class.

Pharrell Williams wants to grow Virginia’s film, TV industry
Two years ago, Pharrell Williams co-produced the movie “Hidden Figures.”

VSU wins HBCU of the Year
Virginia State University’s increased enrollment, agricultural research platform and athletic success are among reasons it is the HBCU Digest’s choice for 2018 HBCU of the Year.

What to people of color is the Fourth of July?
Events of the past year recall the words and sentiment of Frederick Douglass, the noted abolitionist and editor, in his famed July Fourth address.

Newsroom attack feels like home invasion
When news broke that a man with a shotgun had killed five employees in the Annapolis, Md., Capital Gazette newsroom, recent 24/7 media chatter about “civility” suddenly got real.

Dems can stall another Scalia on High Court
President Trump has made it crystal clear that his SCOTUS picks will be reincarnations of the hard-line late Antonin Scalia. He was as good as his word with his first pick Neil Gorsuch. His majority vote to nail abortion, union dues, and approve No. 45’s Muslim travel ban was terrorizing proof of that. No. 45 wasted no time telling one and all that he’ll pick from a list of 25 names for a replacement for retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy.

Human rights not suspended when crossing lines
Lady Liberty, once a beacon of hope for the world’s desperate and persecuted, became a hollow symbol on June 11 when U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, announced “zero-tolerance” policies that deny relief to asylum seekers fleeing domestic or gang violence.

Davis must go
Commission recommends removing Confederate president’s statue, but not others
Baltimore, New Orleans, Louisville, Ky., and even Memphis, Tenn., have gotten rid of their statues of racist Confederate traitors who fought to keep black people enslaved. So have 26 other cities.