Morrissey fails to withdraw officially
Two weeks ago, attorney Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey told the Free Press and other news outlets he was ending his campaign for the state Senate because of a health issue.
New city high-rise built with commitment to diversity
Gerald “Junior” Burr Jr. likely swells with pride every time he crosses the Manchester Bridge and sees the newest addition to the city’s skyline — the 19-story Gateway Plaza building that formally opened this week His company, Canterbury Enterprises Inc., played an important part in the two-year development of the glass-faced, high-rise structure that sits in the block bounded by 8th, 9th, Cary and Canal streets — the new home of the McGuireWoods law firm, its consulting arm and several other companies.
House blocked for female felons
City Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson has been a champion of affordable housing during her 11 years on City Council. The 6th District representative, who previously led a nonprofit housing group in the Highland Park area, has been a staunch advocate for creation of lower-cost homes and apartments for working people and others.
Correction
The contract for former Richmond Public Schools spokes- person Felicia Cosby was not renewed by the system when it ended in June 2014.
Gov. reappoints Justice Roush in latest battle over high court
Can Justice Jane Marum Roush legally serve? That question now hangs over the latest addition to the Virginia Supreme Court. Yes, says Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe, who just extended Justice Roush’s term on the state’s highest court until at least mid-February.
VSU enrollment figures down
In an update, Virginia State University has released its fall enrollment figures. On Sept. 10, officials stated 4,632 validated undergraduate and graduate students, or students who had fully paid their bills, are enrolled.
Relocate police statue? Richmonders can vote
The public is being asked to vote on where to move a Richmond statue paying tribute to city police officers killed in the line of duty. For 28 years, the statue of an officer carrying a child has stood in a landscaped area on North 7th Street near the Richmond Coliseum.
Special needs advocate gets new hearing
Special needs advocate gets new hearing Kandise Lucas, a veteran advocate for special needs children, is going to be able to fight her arrest on trespassing at a Chesterfield County school.
Richmond contractor on Congressional Black Caucus re-entry panel
A Richmond contractor is headed to Washington to talk up his plan for helping released convicts rebuild their lives by getting involved in the building trades. Kenneth Williams, 66, has been invited to talk about the Adult Alternative Program that he is developing to train ex-convicts to renovate houses and qualify for Class C contractor licenses.
State hospital group lays groundwork for more money
Virginians face the possibility of losing access to health care as some hospitals and health care providers face cuts or closure due to financial strains. And health care workers are worried they may lose their jobs if health care and medical facilities are forced to cut back on services or close.
Al Sharpton to speak Sunday in Petersburg
The Rev. Al Sharpton will be the guest speaker at the 11 a.m. service at Gillfield Baptist Church in Petersburg on Sunday, Sept. 20, the church’s pastor, Dr. George W.C. Lyons Jr., has announced.
Blake vows to use police takedown as ‘catalyst for change’
The New York City Police Department on Friday released a security camera video showing former tennis star James Blake being tackled, thrown to the ground and handcuffed by an undercover officer in a case of mistaken identity. The incident occurred as Mr. Blake, formerly the world’s fourth-ranked player, was calmly standing by the entrance of a midtown Manhattan hotel, waiting for a car to take him to the U.S. Open.
Hate crimes, racist speech should be condemned
In America, all youths should be able to live without fear and the threat of race-based violence. Sadly, reports of explicit racism and violence directed at Latinos are on the rise.
4 ways for young voters to have impact
The younger you are as a registered voter in the United States, the less likely you are to cast your ballot. And the more you may have to lose by not doing so.
Fair housing’s unfinished business
In early September, public policy experts, housing advocates, civil rights leaders, academicians and others came together to listen, learn and craft a way to advance housing rights and opportunities. Convened by HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, the conference celebrated major milestones in the fight for fair housing, recalled noteworthy achievements and itemized all that still remains to be accomplished.
Another government shutdown
Congress must approve a budget by Oct. 1, or our government will shut down. That means that people will not be paid and, technically, government departments will cease to operate. Social Securitypayments, veterans’ benefits and more will cease to be paid. Literally, government will shut down.
Sanders in the lion’s den
Hats off to Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. Earlier this week, the U.S. senator from Vermont went into the proverbial lion’s den of religious fundamentalists at the late Rev. Jerry Falwell’s ultraconservative Liberty University in Lynchburg. And like Daniel in the Bible, he came out unscathed. In fact, he apparently gained the respect — if not the votes — of many students at the college.
On the races
Why is it that we wait until guests come before we bring out the good dishes? With the arrival this week of the UCI Road World Championships and thousands of national and international cyclists, the City of Richmond has shown that it, too, suffers from the same dippy syndrome of waiting for guests before bringing out the good stuff.
Going to the races: A quick guide to the UCI Championship bike races
The world will be in our front yard starting this week as cyclists with the 2015 UCI Road World Championships race through Richmond.
