City booted from Rep. Scott’s 3rd District in judicial order
Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott no longer will represent Richmond in the U.S. House of Representatives if the decision of a three-judge panel sticks.
Voter registrar explains plan to stop poll problems
Mistakes happen. That, Richmond Voter Registrar Kirk Showalter told the state Board of Elections, is the reason why some voters were given the wrong ballots and had trouble being checked in to vote during the Nov. 3 election. However, she said changes are being put in place to ensure that the problems that led to numerous complaints do not recur in upcoming elections.
Virginia Legislative Black Caucus outlines priorities
“We call ourselves ‘18 Strong,’ ” said Hampton Sen. Mamie Locke, chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, that has 18 members in the General Assembly. “We see ourselves as 18 strong voices seeking to do what’s right, not just for constituents in our districts, but speaking for those who don’t see themselves as having voices,” she told the Free Press last week.
Henrico sheriff may take on Rep. Brat for GOP nomination
U.S. Rep. David A. “Dave” Brat, R-Henrico, could face a Republican challenger in his bid for a second two-year term representing the 7th District. Fresh from winning re-election, Henrico Sheriff Michael L. “Mike” Wade filed paperwork before Christmas with the Federal Election Commission setting up a campaign committee.
Richmond School Board elects new chairman
“I think we are at a critical time at our tenure and at a critical juncture in making progress in Richmond Public Schools. I felt compelled to continue the progress that we have made.” Jeffrey M. Bourne, 3rd District, told the Free Press on Tuesday that’s why he agreed to serve as chair of the Richmond School Board.
Help available to enroll in health plans
Sunday, Jan. 31, is the deadline for people to enroll in health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act’s Federal Health Insurance Marketplace. Celebrate Healthcare will hold several Enrollfests, including three in the Greater Richmond area, to help people who want to enroll.
Author gives money to Albert Hill Middle
Best-selling author James Patterson has given a $3,000 grant to Richmond’s Albert Hill Middle School to support its school library. The grant is to help the school at 3400 Patterson Ave. increase the library’s collection, according to a release from Richmond Public Schools
Auditor: Top city administrator used city time to work on mayor’s church
Mayor Dwight C. Jones, who also serves as senior pastor of historic First Baptist Church of South Richmond, scrambled Wednesday to contain a potential scandal involving a top member of his administration who attends his church. The mayor’s goal: To quell any suggestion that First Baptist Church members who hold city jobs are allowed to conduct church business on city time.
Donating old phones helps fight domestic violence
If you’re looking for an easy way to give back this new year, consider donating your old cell phones to HopeLine, Verizon’s signature philanthropy program that helps those affected by domestic violence.
Statue, plaza need to be done right
The legacy of Maggie L. Walker has been for decades a guiding light that shines on the heritage and values of the African-American community of Jackson Ward. A lighted statue that hails her many achievements is a statue long past due in the city of Richmond.
Find other ways to spend $600,000
I was both saddened and angry by the headline and article regarding the planned Maggie Walker statue. The city is willing to spend $600,000 on this site, which is now the designated “gateway to Jackson Ward,” which I had assumed was North Belvidere Street.
There should be no distractions
Re “Strange Fruit? Critic: Oak evokes lynching image at Walker statue site,” Dec. 24-26 edition: Gary Flowers is oh so right. Mr. Flowers understands the process of concentration. The tree and the statue each require individual attention.
Athletes, dollars and progress
As the University of Alabama football team prepares to line up against Clemson University on Jan. 11 in Glendale, Ariz., to decide the national collegiate football championship, it’s worth noting that the Crimson Tide wouldn’t be “rolling” in success and the money that accompanies it without its African-American players led by 2015 Heisman Trophy Winner Derrick Henry.
Fat Cat Tuesday
When the work day ended Tuesday, top bosses in the United Kingdom earned more than the average worker will in a year. Think about that: On just the second work day of 2016, the fat cats running the European nation’s top 100 companies would have earned more than their employees will during the next 11 months-plus.
Beyond tears
We appreciate President Obama’s courageous action Tuesday ordering stricter gun laws to curb the out-of-control firearm violence that is plaguing communities across the United States. He has done by executive order what the spineless politicians in Congress and the Virginia General Assembly have failed to achieve because they have been bought and paid for by the National Rifle Association and like zealots.
VUU’s Kiana Johnson leads CIAA all around the ball
Fueled by transfer Kiana Johnson, the Virginia Union University women’s basketball team has taken off like a rocket. The 5-foot-7 dynamo leads the CIAA in scoring (24.8 points per game), assists (8.2 per game) and steals (4.2 per game) while steering the Lady Panthers to an 8-1 takeoff under first-year Coach AnnMarie Gilbert. Inheriting a squad coming off a 9-18 season, Coach Gilbert felt she needed a quality point guard to jump start her inaugural season on Lombardy Street.
Rams wreak ‘Havoc’ at home and on the road
“Havoc” is alive and well at Virginia Commonwealth University, even though its founder, former Coach Shaka Smart, has left for Austin, Texas. In examining the Rams’ recent basketball statistics, you’d hardly suspect Coach Smart had been replaced by Coach Will Wade.
Henrico High gym becomes ‘Buckingham Palace’
It’s about time for De’Monte Buckingham to be entered into the discussion of the Richmond area’s all-time, high school basketball greats. At least since the 1970s, few players have piled up more points — and more championships — than the Henrico High School megastar.
Tiger at 40
Ten days after Tiger Woods turned 24, he picked up his 16th career PGA Tour victory by beating Ernie Els in an epic battle at Kapalua.
2016 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honorees
They can only be described as sculptors. They are responsible for the making and shaping of strong communities. They are the 2016 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History who are being honored at a ceremony next month. The honorees were announced this week by Dominion and the Library of Virginia, sponsors of the annual program celebrating the outstanding achievements of African-Americans.
