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Schools to stay open during bike races
Richmond Public Schools is not going to shut down during the international bike races that will engulf much of the city next month. Assistant Superintendent Tommy Kranz told the School Board on Monday night that he is anticipating “business as usual” during the upcoming 2015 UCI Road World Championships, scheduled to run from Saturday, Sept. 19, through Sunday, Sept. 27.
Community groups announce anti-violence summit on Feb. 11
Over the years, countless well-intentioned individuals and groups have organized rallies, prayer vigils and community meetings to stem the tide of violence in Richmond. While the number of homicides and violent crimes in the city has declined during the past 15 years, too many Richmond residents still suffer as victims.
One year after saying ‘I do,’ couple enjoys wedded bliss
“It’s like we’re experiencing love all over again,” said Shamika Fauntleroy.
Mobile home residents allege city’s actions discriminatory in HUD complaint
The City of Richmond is engaging in a discriminatory campaign to force some of its most vulnerable Latino residents from their homes through an aggressive code enforcement campaign in the mobile home parks where they live. That’s what nearly 40 current or former residents at two South Side mobile home parks are alleging.
VCU to drop SAT requirement
Virginia Commonwealth University is joining a growing national trend and no longer will require applicants to submit Scholastic Aptitude Test scores. The change will apply to applicants with a high school GPA of 3.3 or higher. VCU President Michael Rao delivered the news in his State of the University address Tuesday to students, faculty and staff in the University Student Commons.
April 7 opener
Flying Squirrels bringing their AA game
As the Richmond Flying Squirrels leave spring training in Scottsdale, Ariz., later this week and fly to Richmond on Sunday to prepare for their new Eastern League baseball season, their roster will include two players who are former first round draft picks, a third flame-throwing closer who consistently throws 100 mph fastballs and a new manager who spent the past three seasons at the helm of the Diablos Rojos in the Mexican League, leading the team to the 2014 league championship.
Tea Party’s Brat to be sworn in Nov. 12
Republican Dave Brat, a darling of the ultraconservative Tea Party movement, easily topped Democrat Jack Trammell in Tuesday’s 7th District House of Representatives race.
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.
City’s anti-poverty office losing director
The city is looking for a new director to lead its anti-poverty effort through the city Office of Community Wealth Building. Thad Williamson announced he is resigning as the director to return to his position as associate professor of leadership studies at the University of Richmond.
Meal program expanded
Schools’ decision to participate in a federal program that provides nutritious free breakfasts and lunches to the entire student body at Carver and the city’s 43 other public schools.
Name suggestions pouring in for former Byrd Middle School
As Henrico schools officials launch the process to rename the former Harry F. Byrd Sr. Middle School, the names of several African-Americans who have notably served the community have emerged as possibilities. Among them:
Democrats choose Dance
She is the nominee to replace Marsh
Petersburg Democrats strongly backed Delegate Rosalyn R. Dance to be the Democratic candidate for 16th District Senate seat, previously held by Henry L. Marsh III.
‘Ambassador of Compassion’ dies at 62
Even in the final few days before she succumbed to heart failure, Alicia C. Rasin found the time and energy to assist others in need.
Local Democrats jubilant over Clinton win
Two groups of Democratic supporters gathered Tuesday night at separate viewing parties two blocks apart at restaurants in Shockoe Bottom. Shortly after the polls closed at 7 p.m., both venues quickly transformed into jubilant celebrations of Hillary Clinton’s resounding win over U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders in Virginia’s presidential primary. When it was all said and done, Mrs. Clinton easily trounced Sen. Sanders in the state, winning 64.3 percent of the vote to his 35.2 percent.
First 100 days
Police chief reflects on good, bad, ugly
Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham marked his 100th day in office last Sunday. It was not the kind of day he had hoped for or envisioned.
Former ROC seeing renewal, growth after scandal and leadership change
Dr. Robert J. “Pastor Rob” Rhoden said he has seen a sprinkling of former members of the Richmond Outreach Center return over the past few months to attend worship services since he quietly was named as the church’s new senior pastor in January.
Twins lend voices, expertise to healthy heart education
Fraternal twins Kimberly Ketter and Shaun Rivers share a deep faith and a desire to help others. And they aspire to live life to its fullest.
Martin ends historic tenure as U.Va. rector
As George Keith Martin nears the end of his historic tenure as rector of the University of Virginia Board of Visitors, he is reflecting on his efforts and those of the board to broaden diversity at the Charlottesville school.
