Friday, October 27
Small $ for a moral education
With increasingly tragic results for our culture and our future, we witness on an almost daily basis the use of Twitter-launched diversions from President Trump designed to divert our attention from the real issues and crises of our time. This is an old trick, used by card sharks, magicians, circus imprimaturs, con men and the occasional politician.
Show the world a new Richmond
I was fortunate to come of age as the Civil Rights Movement was coming to a climax in the 1960s. As an observer and participant, and later an amateur historian, I was witness to the destruction of Jim Crow. I know why local officials put the statues on Monument Avenue and what they still represent.
NFL must address racial justice
“We want to make sure we are understanding what the players are talking about, and that is complex.” — National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell
Class and crass
I never thought I would miss our 43d President, George W. Bush. And I’ve never thought of him as a great, or even good, speaker. But the speech he gave Oct. 19, at a conference convened by the George W. Bush Institute was simply eloquent, excellent, thoughtful and compelling.
Teachable moment
We have seen segments of the foul video posted to social media showing white football team members from Henrico County’s Short Pump Middle School in the locker room simulating sex acts on black members of the team while making racist comments.
Va. NAACP holds state conference this weekend
Politics will be the major feature of the annual three-day convention of the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP this weekend in Henrico County.
3 to be honored for development of 1936 credit union
Three women who helped develop a credit union that was launched to serve African-American teachers in Richmond will be honored this week.
Dave Roberts guides Dodgers to first World Series in 29 years
In 1947, the Brooklyn Dodgers turned to a former UCLA athlete, Jackie Robinson, who became the first African-American to play in modern Major League Baseball.
VUU to play Elizabeth City State for homecoming at Hovey Field
Through eight football games, Virginia Union University has been explosive on offense, porous on defense and its own worst enemy on penalties.
VSU looking toward postseason with string of wins
Virginia State University continues to dominate CIAA football about every way possible — on the field, in the standings and also statistically.
Frank Mason makes debut with Sacramento Kings
After being left on the launching pad two games, Frank Mason’s NBA career has officially taken off. After consecutive “DNPs” (Did Not Play) in the box scores, the former Petersburg High School and University of Kansas guard made his debut with the Sacramento Kings last Saturday.
4th Circuit renders decision in battle over Md. cross
For 92 years, a four-story-tall cross has stood at a major intersection in Prince George’s County, Md., paying silent tribute to members of the American military who died fighting in World War I. Now, in the latest church-state battle over public memorials, a three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond has ruled that the massive memorial violates the U.S. Constitution’s ban on the government imposition of a religious faith.
Personality: Lisa Lowe Walls
Spotlight on chef coordinator of ‘Sauté & Sizzle: Richmond Men Are Cooking’
Lisa Lowe Walls loves food. She describes herself as a “pasta type of person” whose favorite meal is anything she doesn’t have to cook. With that combination, she also has the perfect volunteer role — coordinating the chefs for “Sauté & Sizzle: Richmond Men Are Cooking.
4 contenders in open sheriff’s race
Four months ago, Antionette V. Irving made the headlines with her stunning upset of longtime Richmond Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr. in the Democratic primary.
Candidates bring ideas, passion to School Board race
Four candidates are vying for the 3rd District seat on the Richmond School Board. The election is to fill the unexpired term of Jeff Bourne, who was elected to the House of Delegates in February. In March, the School Board appointed Cindy Menz-Erb, a recent transplant from New York whose older child is in pre-kindergarten, to represent the district until the special election on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
3 vying for city treasurer
City treasurer is an office with a big name, but little to do in Richmond. With City Hall’s finance department in charge of collecting and paying taxes, the treasurer has been left to sell hunting and fishing licenses, pay Richmond jurors, notarize legal papers, help people fill out tax forms and collect overdue state taxes. While it is unclear why the elected position continues to exist, three people are battling to succeed Treasurer Eunice M. Wilder, who is retiring from the office after nearly 25 years.
Herring unopposed for 4th term as commonwealth’s attorney
Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael N. Herring often is mentioned as a potential contender for other offices. Last year, for example, he was considered a possible candidate for Richmond mayor until he denied any interest. So far, he has been content to be the city’s top prosecutor.
Reunited and it feels so good
Former President Obama energizes Va. Dems at rally
Former President Barack Obama told a packed audience at the Greater Richmond Convention Center the fate of American politics rests within their vote on Tuesday, Nov. 7. “The question for you tonight, and over the next 19 days, is do you want a politics of division and distraction? Or do you believe in a better kind of politics, one where we work together and listen to each other,” President Obama said to loud cheers and applause.
Richmond Police spent tax $ at Henrico County establishments for rally food
Will Richmond have to shell out another $570,000 if supporters of Confederate statues come back in six weeks to hold another rally in Richmond?
Williams takes place in athletic history at U.Va.
The University of Virginia has again made a statement for diversity with the hiring of Carla Williams as athletic director. The announcement was made Sunday by U.Va. President Teresa Sullivan, with Ms. Williams introduced during a news conference Monday at the school in Charlottesville.
Drug Takeback Day Saturday
Area residents can safely dispose of unused and expired prescription drugs during the National Prescription Drug Takeback Day on Saturday, Oct. 28.
Criminal probe in lewd, racist Henrico middle school video
Shocked, appalled, horrified, disgusted. Take your pick of the responses to a graphic video showing white football players at Short Pump Middle School simulating the homosexual rape of at least two black teammates in the locker room amid the gleeful shout of one perpetrator that “we’re gonna to f*** the black outta these African-American children from Uganda.”
Training camp fails to score finances, developments for city
After five football seasons, the Washington pro football team’s training camp at 2401 W. Leigh St. apparently is failing to generate enough income to pay off the cost of its construction.
St. Luke Building permits still elusive
Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s administration is blocking the first major development in decades in poverty-stricken Gilpin Court, the Free Press has learned.
Slave Trail unblocks applications to fill spots
A new City Council policy is opening the door for new appointments to the Richmond Slave Trail Commission. After blocking applications for more than a year, the council’s Land Use, Housing and Transportation Committee is now accepting applications from Richmond residents for the 16 vacancies.
VCU receives nearly $4M for business school and humanities
A gift of $1.1 million from best-selling author David Baldacci and his wife, Michelle, will enable students in the College of Humanities and Sciences at Virginia Commonwealth University to pursue internships, attend conferences, conduct research, travel abroad and explore entrepreneurial projects.
Thursday, October 19
Local student wins national TV contest
Cooking is part of Emmy Sumpter’s DNA. Emmy’s earliest memories of cooking begin at age 6 when she would help her mother, personal chef Erica Sumpter, prepare recipes and meals in their kitchen.
Marching for accountability
I want to thank the Richmond Free Press for allowing your personnel to attend our Oct. 10 March for Accountability and thereby placing a photo of some of the marchers in your newspaper. However, the title given to the photo “Rallying for rights” — is totally off base.
ISIS like Lee, destroyers of America
The next time an ISIS follower comes to America to destroy America we should put up a statue to honor him on Monument Avenue. He would be in good company. If we don’t like destroyers of America why do we still honor them with statues?
Confederate statues belong in museums
As shown in Charlottesville, the monument controversy can have some dangerous results. Here in Richmond, the police and other law enforcement had time to prepare for the rally. There were no deaths and only a few arrests. I guess each side of the controversy is passionate in their beliefs.
We’re Americans, too!
Throughout #45’s campaign, he made a great issue about “Making America Great Again” and “America(ns) First.” Those who voted for him obviously believed him. Given his professed preeminence for everything American, it is reasonable to think that after a natural disaster he would take a no-holds-barred, equitable approach to providing relief to our citizens. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria have had dreadful impact upon millions. There are those, like #45, who believe that there has been an appropriate response to those affected. Just as many believe that his response to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands has been tepid and measured more critically than his response to mainland relief. The truth of this informs us who #45 considers “real Americans.”
What is a Black Identity Extremist?
While White men are beating Black men on the streets of Charlottesville, Va., while a lone White wolf is shooting people from the Mandalay Bay Hotel, while the word “terrorist” is hardly used to describe these men, the FBI, under the leadership of the racist Attorney General Jeff Beauregard Sessions, is thinking up a new way to oppress Black people. Despite the fact that there is no evidence of a “movement,” the FBI has described a group of black people as “black identity extremists” who pose a domestic terrorist threat to police officers.
Good luck
We congratulate the School Board on its selection of Cheryl L. Burke to succeed Nadine Marsh-Carter as the 7th District representative.
Yes on Proposition A
For decades, as our school buildings have grown older and begun to decay, we, the people, have had little say in whether city leaders should completely renovate them or replace them with modern structures. Unlike the counties, which must get public approval for bond issues, we have relied on our City Council representatives to determine how much of a priority our school buildings are.
VUU homecoming promises football, fun next week
“Panthers: Wild with Pride” is the theme for Virginia Union University’s 2017 homecoming festivities that begin Wednesday, Oct. 25. The five-day event promises something for everyone, including a Motown costume party, Chicago-style step dancing and a salute to the university’s “Golden Class of 1967.”
13th Annual Imagine Festival kicks off Saturday
Music, food and soccer will highlight Richmond’s 13th Annual Imagine Festival this weekend, it has been announced. Free and open to the public, the family-friendly event will be from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Broad Rock Sports Complex, 4802 Warwick Road.
Fall into Wellness this Sunday
The Richmond Behavioral Health Authority’s Fall into Wellness Community Festival takes place Sunday, Oct. 22, at New Market Corporation, 330 South Fourth St., at the corner of 2nd and Byrd streets.
Trio blends Bach, Brubeck and Kanye
The Richmond Symphony continues its 60th anniversary celebration with music by Time for Three in an 8 p.m. concert Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Dominion Arts Center’s Carpenter Theatre.
Trainers wanted
It’s time to get moving by signing up for Fitness Warriors, a program that trains Richmond residents to become fitness instructors for local communities with high rates of obesity. Sponsored by Sports Backers and the Richmond City Health District, Fitness Warriors trainees learn the basics of fitness instruction and coaching, develop leadership skills, and are taught multiple exercise class styles.
Chadwick Boseman in ‘Marshall’ is bulletproof
Thurgood Marshall, a titan of 20th century law and a civil rights pioneer, has until now largely eluded Hollywood’s notice. Despite its title, “Marshall,’’ too, is wary of taking on the Supreme Court justice in full, sticking to a minor case from Mr. Marshall’s early career as counsel for the NAACP. That makes, for better and worse, a sometimes slight, sometimes serious courtroom drama, shot through with bright certainty in the coming triumphs for Mr. Marshall and the civil rights movement. It’s a superhero-style origin story: Thurgood, pre- “Brown v. Board of Education,’’ pre-black robe.
Opening for ICA next year
April 21 is now the opening date for the new $41 million modern art center at Virginia Commonwealth University, it was announced Tuesday.
Stars continue to align for VUU
Virginia Union University is headed to Bowie State with a four-game winning streak, the wind at its back and yet another overnight sensation in its evolving rotation.
VSU’s yearlong wins unbroken
Virginia State University may have forgotten what losing even tastes like. It’s been more than a calendar year since it was on the wrong side of a football score.
Caleb Grimes stands out for Benedictine
Caleb Grimes is planning a career in the Navy. In the meantime, he’s giving his opponents on the football field a bad case of the blues.
Players make World Series a world event
Most of today’s baseball stars hail from the wealthier, majority-white suburbs, but that’s not the case from a global perspective.
Richmond Christian Center to be sold
Will it remain a church, but under a different name? Or will it be sold for development? These questions will soon be answered about the property in the 200 block of Cowardin Avenue in South Side where the Richmond Christian Center has made its home for 32 years.
Charter schools debate continues
Are charter schools a threat to public education? That issue will be the focus of a two-part program titled “Protecting Public Education” that will feature a panel discussion and the screening of a documentary about the cost of privatizing education, “Backpack Full of Cash,” it has been announced.
Trump speaks at event hosted by hate group
According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, President Trump spoke to a hate group last week — and he was a hit. The Family Research Council, which is on the SPLC hate group list, invited the 45th president to speak at the Values Voter Summit, an annual socially conservative conference. This proved to be a political layup for President Trump, the first sitting president to speak at the conference, amid the turmoil surrounding his administration.
Personality: Timika Cousins
Spotlight on founder of The Faces Behind The Purpose For You
Personal tragedy led Timika Cousins to become an advocate against domestic violence after her beloved cousin was murdered by an abusive husband in 2014.
Virginia’s CHIP funding in jeopardy
Overshadowed by the uproar of President Trump’s attempt to defund government support of the Affordable Care Act for adults, 65,000 children in Virginia and 9 million children across the country are now threatened with the loss of their health insurance.
Former principal fills 7th District interim School Board seat
Cheryl L. Burke, a former longtime principal at Chimborazo Elementary School, is the Richmond School Board’s unanimous choice to serve as the interim school board representative for the 7th District. Mrs. Burke’s selection comes one month after former 7th District School Board member Nadine Marsh-Carter resigned following her husband’s death.
Confederate rally in Richmond exceeds $500,000 in police spending
“The cost of monitoring First Amendment assemblies is not cheap.” That’s the view of Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham. And that certainly proved true for Richmond, which spent $570,000 on crowd control and other services on the Sept. 16 protest over the city’s Confederate statues, according to figures the city reported last Friday. Chief Durham was the biggest spender.
Statue issue halted – for now
Councilman Michael J. Jones is no longer racing to put a resolution before Richmond’s governing body urging the elimination of Confederate statues from Monument Avenue. Just days before a council committee was to consider his resolution this week, the 9th District councilman asked for the issue to be continued.
Museum creates garden to lure animal pollinators
Creating an environmentally friendly pollinator garden filled with native Virginia plants to attract birds, bees and insects was on the minds, and in the hands, of Dominion Energy employees earlier this week. For two days, on Oct. 16 and Oct. 17, the employees voluntarily helped install hundreds of native plant species that adapt to Richmond’s climate to support the state’s food supply.
Free flu shots Oct. 25
The Henrico County Health Department is offering free flu vaccinations to the public on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Mount Vernon Adult Education Center, 7850 Carousel Lane and from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Eastern Henrico Health Clinic, 1400 N. Laburnum Ave.
Obamacare still vital
Signature health care law remains intact despite GOP assaults
Don’t panic if you bought individual or family health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. The ACA, a.k.a. Obamacare, is struggling but still alive and will continue to operate, according to experts in the field, despite President Trump’s decision last week to cut off premium subsidies to insurance companies.
Elephant sets $15 an hour minimum
$15 per hour. That’s now the minimum pay for the employees of Henrico County-based Elephant Insurance, the company has announced. A subsidiary of a British company, Elephant disclosed that it has raised the pay of 370 of its 625 area employees to meet its new minimum, which sets the bar for other employers, including City Hall, that still fall short.
Charges dismissed as Essex Village completes repairs
Promised repairs have been made to Essex Village, a federally subsidized Section 8 housing complex in Henrico County. The disclosure came Wednesday in Henrico General District Court as Judge L. Neil Steverson dismissed 18 criminal charges the county had brought against the owners of the 486-unit complex located along Laburnum Avenue near the Richmond Raceway.
Facebook to boost local economy
For the Richmond area, Facebook is about to become more than a means for people to exchange messages and information.
Friday, October 13
Gillespie’s biased ads offend voter
Dear Ed Gillespie, You are aiding and abetting in the type of repulsive politics that could make the Republican Party as notorious as the swastika.
Fake math fuels Trump’s lopsided, lousy tax reform
“Rightful taxation is the price of social order. In other words, it is that portion of the citizen’s property which he yields up to the government in order to provide for the protection of all the rest. It is not to be wantonly levied on the citizen, nor levied at all except in return for benefits conferred.” — Journal of the Senate of the State of Ohio, December 6, 1847
When in doubt, blame Obama
“Bump stocks.” Hardly anyone had heard about them before they were found in the late Las Vegas sniper’s arsenal. Association with that massacre has made the devices, which can enable a semiautomatic rifle to fire almost as rapidly as a machine gun, so widely despised that even the National Rifle Association has turned against them in a surprising move — after unsurprisingly blaming Barack Obama.
How do they get away with it?
The New York Times was reporting well-known rumors and accusations when it broke the story Thursday that big-shot movie mogul and Miramax founder Harvey Weinstein allegedly had a long history of sexually harassing, abusing and victimizing countless women. But Mr. Weinstein might have gotten away with the alleged sexual abuse that reportedly spanned three decades for a good reason — several good reasons, in fact.
53 and counting
Lifelong friends with unbreakable links shot to death in gunfire that leaves people scrambling and screaming for help. Cell phones click to record the chaos unfolding in the dark. Family members and others react in stunned disbelief when hearing the news.
Folk Festival to ‘feed your soul’ this weekend
Music and culture from around the globe will highlight the 13th Annual Richmond Folk Festival. The three-day event, from Friday, Oct. 13, through Sunday, Oct. 15, has the theme “Feed Your Soul.” Served up will be 36 performers for every taste — from bluegrass and gospel to Japanese talko drumming and Persian tar and setar, Romanian cimbalom, Peruvian, Irish, Northern Indian Khyal singing, New Orleans brass and zydeco music.
Valentine Museum welcomes jazz visionary
Mercedes Ellington, the legendary dancer, choreographer, author and heir to jazz royalty, will discuss her book, “Duke Ellington: An American Composer and Icon,” Sunday, Oct. 15, at the Valentine Museum.
Petersburg art league’s new exhibit
Mixed media featuring artists Josue Fred and John A. Rooney headlines the Petersburg Area Arts League’s Friday for the Arts exhibit opening Friday, Oct. 13, at 7 E. Old St. in Petersburg.
Eminem slams Trump in profane video, calls him racist
Eminem unleashed a profane lyrical tirade against President Donald Trump — saying he “came to stump” and taking aim at the president’s Twitter habits, policy, appearance and supporters.
VUU’s ground game remains dominant despite losses
Virginia Union University seems to have explosive running backs lined up like jets on the runway awaiting takeoff. Arron Baker is the latest to get the “go” sign from Panthers’ Coach Mark James. “Arron definitely came out of his shell. He had a great game,” Coach James said of Baker following the Panthers’ 45-23 win at Lincoln (Pa.).
‘Un Bowl’ game is on with VSU vs. Bowie
Bowie State features the CIAA’s premier passer, Amir Hall. Virginia State showcases the conference’s most dynamic runner, Trenton Cannon.
Arts activist Lorna Pinckney is mourned at 43
Lorna Pinckney was a driving force in creating Richmond’s vibrant cultural scene. For 15 years, she brought poets, musicians and others together for lively performances of spoken word and new music in programs she dubbed Tuesday Verses and held in restaurant settings.
Basketball’s Connie Hawkins was ahead of his time
Connie Hawkins took a long and winding road to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame — but somehow he made it. The extraordinarily talented Mr. Hawkins died Friday, Oct. 6, 2017, at his home in Phoenix following a long illness at age 75. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2006.
Thursday, October 12
Personality: Amy Black
Spotlight on founder of nonprofit Pink Ink Fund
When Amy Black began working as a tattoo artist in 2000 at Pink Ink in Richmond, she was among just a handful of women in the field.
Obama coming to city to stump for Northam
Former President Barack Obama is coming to Richmond next week to stump for Ralph Northam, the Democratic nominee for governor.
RPS hosts Resource Fair this Saturday
Richmond Public Schools will host a resource fair for parents of 4-year-olds from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St.
McQuinn may be unseated from Slave Trail Commission
For 12 years, Richmond Delegate Delores L. McQuinn has led the city’s Slave Trail Commission to bring attention to the history and legacy of slavery in Richmond.
Lt. gov. debate draws final fire
Sharp and often heated remarks about abortion, education and guns and health care dominated the lieutenant governor candidates’ final debate Oct. 5 at the University of Richmond.
Richmond Crusade for Voters endorses diverse slate
The Richmond Crusade for Voters this week, as expected, endorsed the statewide Democratic ticket of Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam for governor, Justin Fairfax for lieutenant governor and Mark Herring for re-election to attorney general. But the city’s oldest and largest African-American political group also voted Monday to support the re-election of six-term Republican Delegate G. Manoli Loupassi over his Democratic challenger Dawn Adams in the 69th District.
Carol Adams to run as write-in for sheriff
Richmond Police Sgt. Carol D. Adams is jumping into the race to replace outgoing Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr. Fresh from receiving a City Council award for community service, Sgt. Adams announced Wednesday she would compete as a write-in candidate for the sheriff’s position against the three other candidates on the ballot: Democrat Antionette Irving and independents Nicole Jackson and Emmett J. Jafari.
Sen. Kaine visits new vocational school for former felons
When Kenneth Williams got out of prison, he found work in construction and began rebuilding his life. Thirty years later, the veteran 68-year-old contractor strives to help other felons follow in his footsteps by teaching them carpentry, plumbing and other basic skills to help them become employable and perhaps start their own business.
Getting a pass?
Some fully accredited schools don’t always spell success
Are public schools that are labeled fully accredited actually providing a good education for at least the large majority of their students?
Commission selects 10 for Emancipation Proclamation and Freedom Monument on Brown’s Island
Two leaders of slave rebellions and a Union spy will be among the 10 people who will be featured on the planned Emancipation Proclamation and Freedom Monument to go up on Brown’s Island in Downtown.
City denies owing overtime pay to former mayor’s security detail
That is City Hall’s response to a lawsuit that four members of former Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ executive protection detail have filed alleging they were denied overtime pay when they worked more than 40 hours a week. The legal tussle over pay is now underway in federal court in Richmond and pits Richmond Police Officers Charles Battle, Errol Fernandez, Anthony Franklin and Eric Godfrey against the city.
Friday, October 6
Supporting educational choice for our children
Trice Edney News Wire/EducationPost.org We are two black men separated by 42 years in age. But we are bound by our collective rage about what is happening to our people.
Hugh Hefner’s ‘playboy’ legacy
Hugh Hefner’s death on Sept. 27 at age 91 brought to mind a special piece of history that we have in our house: A Braille edition of Playboy magazine.
Flag drenched in blood
I am not sure why the national anthem and the so-called American flag are part of our nation’s sports pageantry. Before 2009, while the national anthem was played, sports gladiators were not required to suit up, stand up and put their hands to their hearts.
Stop the violence
Blacksburg, Va. Newtown, Conn. Aurora, Colo. Charleston, S.C. San Bernardino, Calif. Orlando, Fla.
29th Annual 2nd Street Festival this weekend in Jackson Ward
Richmond’s favorite fall Jackson Ward festival is back this weekend. The 29th Annual 2nd Street Festival, featuring live music and performers on four stages, opens 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, and again 1 p.m. Sunday Oct. 8.
VSU Trojans to celebrate homecoming ‘Flash Back’
A gospel extravaganza, a hip-hop concert, a jazz event and appearances by singer TSoul, and comedian Mike Epps are among the highlights of Virginia State University’s 2017 homecoming celebration that kicks off this weekend on the Ettrick campus.
500-plus students expected at VUU for Lucille M. Brown Community Youth Bowl
Dr. Lucille Brown’s lifetime dedicated to children and education has been the driving force behind bringing hundreds of students each year to Virginia Union University for a pep talk and activities about the importance of education and attending college.
VUU’s Jewiston Dawkins sprints into the spotlight
Another game, another star is born. Jewiston Dawkins is the latest member of the Virginia Union University football team to sprint into the spotlight. While quiet during VUU’s first four games, the native Floridian cranked it up in the Panthers’ 28-7 victory last Saturday in Raleigh, N.C., against St. Augustine’s University.
VSU looking for another victory Saturday against Elizabeth City State
Virginia State University’s high-stepping marching band is known as the Trojan Explosion. But fans don’t have to wait until halftime to enjoy the fireworks.
CIAA makes changes for 2018 basketball tourney
Some changes are in order for the 2018 CIAA Basketball Tournament slated for Feb. 27 through March 3 in Charlotte, N.C.
Former cadet helps Clemson rout VaTech
Quarterbacks are at their best when they have ample time to spot their receivers and deliver the football in comfort. Clelin Ferrell tries to make sure that doesn’t happen.
St. Paul’s Episcopal hosts luncheon series Downtown
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Downtown is hosting a series of speakers on issues ranging from race, politics and mental health and addiction during its Friday luncheon series, “Eyes on Richmond.” The theme for the fall series: “Reclaiming the Prophetic Voice of Justice.”
Church members dispute alleged support for Dr. Henderson
Dr. Morris G. Henderson has yet to win congregational support to remain as pastor of Thirty-first Baptist Church, according to six members.
Cake dispute turns into highly visible First Amendment religious football
Sometimes a wedding cake is just delicious. And sometimes it is a First Amendment football. In the U.S. Supreme Court’s term that began Monday, the nation’s highest court will hear Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, a.k.a. “The Cake Case.” It stems from 2012 when two gay men visited a Lakewood, Colo., bakery in search of a wedding cake. The owner-baker, who is Christian, turned them away. The case has been in court ever since.
Personality: Tonya L. Childs
Spotlight on coordinator of Catena L. Parker Foundation annual walk
Tonya L. Childs is a soft-spoken woman with a big heart.
City attorney: City Council has no authority to remove Confederate statues
Does Richmond City Council have the legal authority to remove or relocate the Confederate statues from Monument Avenue?
Fish farming in Fairfield Court?
Nonprofit founder floats idea to improve lives of East End residents
Could fish farming be a way up for residents of public housing? Eric Samuelson believes it is a winning idea. And he’s hoping to find government officials who are willing to test it. “I get paid by private business to solve problems,” said Mr. Samuelson, a veteran management consultant. “I want to use my abilities to help solve the problems facing residents in public housing. And I think fish farming is one way to go.”
Mother, daughter reunited 50 years after adoption
Bonnie L. Davis grew up in an adoptive family, but always longed to find her biological mother. But the Richmond middle school English teacher, church musician and creative writer, found it nearly impossible, despite spending years seeking records in Louisville, Ky., where she was born.
Deadline to register to vote Monday, Oct. 16
On Tuesday, Nov. 7, voters will go to the polls to elect Virginia’s governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and members of the Virginia House of Delegates.
10 vying for School Board appointment
Candidates seeking appointment to the Richmond School Board’s 7th District seat pointed to a multitude of issues during public interviews Monday night.
Tragedy in Vegas
Sunday’s bloody mass shooting outside casino is the worst massacre in recent U.S. history
The mystery and motive behind mass killer Stephen Paddock — gambler, accountant, auditor and real estate investor — continues to baffle federal authorities and law enforcement officials in Las Vegas who were working on Wednesday to discover what drove the 64-year-old to commit the worst mass murder in modern U.S. history.
Picketer seeks to challenge regulations in Capitol Square
Beatrice Downs is learning that sidewalks are not created equal when it comes to public demonstrations. The 69-year-old nurse found that out when she sought to picket outside the governor’s office in Capitol Square. The Henrico County resident is convinced that state officials have made it more difficult for her to work or to find a place to live, “and I wanted to bring this to the attention of the governor.”
Richmond graduation rate falls
The percentage of Richmond students graduating in four years is dropping, while the dropout rate is going up, according to a new state report.
Richmond School Board race tightens as candidate drops out
One of the five people seeking election to Richmond’s 3rd District School Board seat has dropped out. Businessman Kevin A. Starlings confirmed to the Free Press that he has ended his campaign. “I need to focus more on my family,” the 31-year-old said last Friday in explaining his decision to quit his second bid for the office. He declined to elaborate.
City appointments announced
Christopher Frelke will take charge of the city’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney announced Mr. Frelke as the new director on Tuesday. He will take over of Oct. 30, the mayor said, with a starting salary of $135,000 a year.
