Gov. McAuliffe, end new Jim Crow voter suppression tactic
Imagine a wonderful parting gift from Gov. Terry McAuliffe. Imagine if Gov. McAuliffe put an end to Virginia’s strange and inexplicable participation in a GOP voter suppression trick that reeks of Jim Crow. Since 2013, this stealth voter purge program has cost tens of thousands of Virginians of color their right to vote. It’s called Interstate Crosscheck.
REAL LIFE Community Center extends jail program into the city
Amid his preparations to leave office, Richmond Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr. opened a new nonprofit center in Downtown this week aimed at helping people address addiction, anger and other challenges to enable them to stay out of jail.
Possible security breach prompts RRHA to suspend convenience store payment sites
For the past few years, Lillie Estes has gone to a Richmond convenience store to pay the rent on her Gilpin Court apartment. But Monday, she found that her landlord, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, had ended that convenience. “RRHA is supposed to give us 30 days notice. They didn’t do that. Instead, they just shut down the service,” said Ms. Estes, one of thousands of affected tenants.
Former Highland Park supermarket appears slated for a Family Dollar
A former supermarket in Highland Park appears to be on track to become the next Family Dollar location. S&K Supermarket has been closed since late summer. The property where it was located, 1404 E. Brookland Park Blvd., now has a new owner, Twin Rivers Capital of Charleston, S.C., that seeks property for Family Dollar and other national companies.
Interest mounts in Coliseum replacement
City Hall is finding significant interest as its seeks developers to replace the Richmond Coliseum and undertake other developments in Downtown.
Why is Hampton leaving MEAC?
Re “HU exits MEAC for Big South Conference,” Free Press Nov. 22-25 edition:
Footprint of Main Street Station, planned slave memorial
Re “Opponents fear Main Street Station plans will run over slave memorial,” Free Press Nov. 30-Dec. 2 edition:
Don’t sleep on judgeships
Two people reported to work at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Nov. 27, both expecting to lead the bureau. Leandra English, who had been chief of staff to former Director Richard Cordray (he resigned before Thanksgiving to return to Ohio to run for governor), was appointed to the director position by her old boss.
Observing World AIDS Day
“Let us also continue to ensure that our nation responds aggressively and humanely to the needs of people living with HIV and AIDS. Throughout this epidemic, community organizations have taken the lead in the struggle against the disease and in efforts to provide compassionate care to those in need. Across this country and around the globe, generous people perform miracles every day — holding a hand, cooling a fever, listening and understanding. Let us further support their efforts to build a better world by strengthening the partnership between communities and government in the work to stop AIDS.” – President Clinton in 1995 in recognition of World AIDS Day
Impeach Trump
We applaud the chutzpah of Rep. Al Green, a Texas Democrat and member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Lighted boat parade Saturday highlights yuletide events
The yuletide fun continues in Richmond this weekend with the 25th Annual James River Parade of Lights in which boaters decorate and light their watercraft and parade down the James River.
Shaka Smart’s Texas team beats VCU 71-67 at Siegel Center
Coach Shaka Smart has proven he can win as both the home and visiting coach at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Siegel Center.
VSU’s top players know winning formula
Two traits Virginia State University basketball Coach Lonnie Blow III hunts for on the recruiting trail are talent and a winning background. He has hit the bullseye on both counts with juniors Walter Williams and Brandon Holley and sophomore Andrew Corum, members of the current undefeated VSU Trojans. All three have posted glistening statistics during VSU’s 6-0 takeoff this season. And all three arrived at Ettrick with state championship résumés from high school.
Highland Springs hoping for 3-peat at Saturday’s state championship
Highland Springs High School is on the cusp of achieving something seldom done in state football history. Football Coach Loren Johnson’s Springers are one victory from a “three-peat” of the state 5A Virginia High School League title.
Pope names new bishop of Catholic Diocese of Richmond
Bishop Barry C. Knestout has been named the next bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. He succeeds Bishop Francis Xavier DiLorenzo, who died on Aug. 17.
Gay wedding cake meets faith at U.S. Supreme Court
What if an atheist baker refused to bake a cake for a First Communion? What if a college with a religious affiliation didn’t want to rent out its chapel to a gay couple? What if a makeup artist didn’t want to ready a gay couple for their wedding?
Dr. William R. ‘Randy’ Johnson Jr., retired research chemist and public servant, succumbs at 87
Dr. William Randolph “Randy” Johnson Jr. was a pioneering research chemist for Philip Morris who was better known outside the laboratory. He was involved in securing 10 patents for the cigarette manufacturing firm for filters and other related items and co-authored 15 technical papers. He also was a popular figure who was committed to public service and teaching.
Longtime educator Rebecca H.Taylor dies at 90
Rebecca Ham Taylor touched the lives of thousands of children during her 44-year career in education.
Personality: Theo Suber Jones
Spotlight on president of Delver Woman’s Club
The Delver Woman’s Club takes voting seriously. So seriously, in fact, that all members and prospects must be registered voters. “Voting is your civic duty,” says Theo Suber Jones, the new president of the organization whose motto is “Lifting As We Climb.” “Participating in the voting process gives you the opportunity to have some say in who your elected officials are. It is your constitutional right to participate in the process,” Mrs. Jones says.
