Thursday, July 26
Washington NFL team hopes Da’Ron Payne will stop defense leak
The Washington professional football team was dead last in the NFL in 2017 at defending the run. Nose guard Da’Ron Payne was specifically drafted to change that.
Star Barbershop winning games at a steady clip
Star Barbershop is winning softball games at a steady clip in Chesterfield County.
NSU upgrading turf at Dick Price stadium
The footing, if not the football, figures to be much improved this fall at Norfolk State University.
Bowie State predicted to become 2018 CIAA football champ
The CIAA has gazed into its crystal ball and sees the Bowie State University Bulldogs as the 2018 football champion.
Black History Museum hosts Aug. 4 talk on free blacks in Richmond and Petersburg
Historical researcher, author and curator Elvatrice Belsches will talk about the lives and travails of free African-Americans in Richmond and Petersburg during a presentation at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, 122 W. Leigh St. in Jackson Ward.
Team Loaded wins AAU Nationals
Team Loaded continues to feast on a buffet of victories without tasting defeat.
Petersburg to host career and college fair Aug. 9
The City of Petersburg is holding a career and college fair for people seeking employment or who want to learn about educational opportunities.
RRHA, Club 533 seek rezoning for new development
The old saying, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again,” appears to be at work in Jackson Ward. Six years after the collapse of a plan to build an eight-story hotel on North 3rd Street next to the interstate, a new effort is being mounted to make it happen.
CARE van drivers reject latest contract offer
Union drivers who provide door-to-door service for the elderly and disabled on the area’s CARE vans have rejected a new contract that lacked the wage increases and improvements they sought.
Sen. Kaine, GOP opponent spar during first campaign debate
Democratic U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine and Republican Corey Stewart, candidates in Virginia’s U.S. Senate race, had a quarrelsome first debate last Saturday, with President Trump serving as a frequent focal point of the sparring.
Officials mum on future of training camp
Will Washington’s pro football team hold a summer training camp in Richmond after 2020? That question is still unanswered as the NFL team returns to Virginia’s capital for the sixth season Thursday to begin a 19-day stay that will be capped by a youth football program on Tuesday, Aug. 14.
Police send Peters shooting report to commonwealth’s attorney
The Richmond Police Department has turned over its report on the investigation of the fatal shooting of Marcus-David Peters to the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
Nerves on edge as smoking ban takes effect in RRHA housing
Gwendolyn Harris doesn’t smoke. But the 54-year-old Creighton Court resident is concerned that friends in the East End public housing community who do soon may have to choose between their nicotine habit or facing fines and potential eviction.
Personality: giovanni singleton
Spotlight on winner of the 2018 Stephen E. Henderson Award for Outstanding Achievement in Poetry
Inspired by African-American spirit writing, jazz and gospel music and the support of family, a locally grown poet’s discovery and love of writing and the arts led to a prestigious national literary award.
Morman Church teams up with NAACP
The Mormon Church is teaming up with the national NAACP on a new education and employment program on the East Coast, an outgrowth from the first official meeting between the groups in May.
Nominees sought for 2018 Manny Awards
My Brother’s Keeper of Greater Richmond is accepting nominations for the 2018 Manny Awards honoring unsung heroes in the region who are making their communities better.
James Meredith on mission from God
James Meredith is a civil rights legend who resists neatly defined narratives.
Chesterfield reader offers payment to Morning Star Baptist guest preacher
The Rev. Ernest Blue Jr. finally has been paid for delivering a guest sermon July 1 at Morning Star Baptist Church in South Side.
Trump and chaos
In trying to understand President Trump’s “zero-tolerance” policy on immigration, one has to know the president’s background for his past 72 years.
New CEO named to lead Richmond Community Hospital, other Bon Secours facilities
Leigh Sewell is the new chief executive officer for Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital in the city’s East End and for two other Bon Secours operations.
Seeing the light
Kudos to Cora Hayes, the longtime public housing activist, who was instrumental in bringing a class action suit against the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority for overcharging public housing residents for electricity for more than four years.
Roderyck I. Bullock, former high school coach, community worker and advocate for disabled, dies at 44
Roderyck Irone “Big Shot” Bullock lost both feet to diabetes and had to learn to slowly and painfully maneuver with a walker and prostheses. But that didn’t keep Mr. Bullock from coming to Richmond City Council meetings to speak out against the poor, door-to-door CARE van service he and other disabled and elderly people were receiving.
New prescription disposal unit set up at Justice Center
Need to safely dispose of prescription drugs you no longer need or want in your medicine chest? Richmond Sheriff Antionette V. Irving is prepared to help.
‘America has never been immune to fascism’
To be sure, the increasing use of the “browning” of America slogan by commentators and its juxtaposition to “Taking Back America” is not an aberration.
Smithfield Foods closing last smokehouse
Smithfield Foods is closing the last smokehouse that creates the genuine Smithfield ham — the signature product of a Virginia town of 8,300 people.
Nomination puts rights in jeopardy
Senate Republicans hope to get Judge Brett Kavanaugh, President Trump’s nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court, confirmed before Oct. 1. Senate Democrats hope to hold off any vote until after the November elections, when Democrats have the possibility of taking a majority in the U.S. Senate and giving Republicans a dose of their own medicine.
It is very clear that 45 is not capable to lead this country. Every time he opens his mouth or tweets, he speaks or writes foolish things that are no longer believable. What we have is shame and embar
Russian President Vladimir Putin came late to the Helsinki summit with President Trump last week and spoke first at the news conference afterward.
‘T for treason’
It is very clear that 45 is not capable to lead this country. Every time he opens his mouth or tweets, he speaks or writes foolish things that are no longer believable. What we have is shame and embarrassment for our country around the world.
Economic injustice?
Report shows city spending with minority-owned businesses has dropped nearly 48 percent since 2014
From the mayor’s office to key positions at City Hall, African-Americans continue to play big roles in Richmond’s government. But the issue of city spending with black businesses and the promotion of black inclusion, inexplicably, appears to be taking a backseat to other priorities, with Mayor Levar M. Stoney having publicly spoken little about inclusion and economic justice during his 18-month tenure.
Monday, July 23
Veterans group wheels out new gift for single mother
While living in Richmond’s Fairfield Court public housing community for nine years, Kiocia Wilkerson spent much of the time riding buses back and forth to work each day. She also relied on bus transportation to take her two children, one of whom is autistic, to and from school and to doctors’ appointments.
Settlement to give current, former RRHA tenants refunds or credits
Cora Hayes is celebrating a big win in a legal case challenging the oversized electricity bills that the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority has imposed on its low-income tenants since 2012.
School Board eyeing reallocating $10M for school repairs
Richmond Public Schools officials want to reallocate $10.1 million to make acute emergency repairs to school buildings across the city.
Historic Resources reaches out to Blackwell residents
Julie Langan and her staff are doing more to notify residents of Blackwell about a proposal to include the neighborhood on the state and federal registers of historic places.
Community centers add weekend hours
Weekend hours have been restored to five Richmond recreation centers, and a sixth center will have weekend hours in a few weeks, City Hall announced Tuesday.
Hilbert, Gray slowing roll on bike lanes
Hit by a hailstorm of opposition, City Council President Chris A. Hilbert, 3rd District, and Councilwoman Kim B. Gray, 2nd District, are no longer in a rush to kill the bike lanes proposed for Brook Road.
City Democratic Committee meeting changed to July 28
The state Democratic Party announced Wednesday a change in the meeting to reorganize and elect officers for the Richmond City Democratic Committee from 6 p.m. Friday, July 20, to noon Saturday, July 28.
City Council wants to start budget amendments early
City Council is hoping to start work in October on addressing the funding needs of Richmond Public Schools rather than waiting until spring when a amended budget for 2019-20 is presented.
Meeting on ending mass incarceration July 21
“Ending Mass Incarceration of Women and Girls” will the subject of a public town hall meeting 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 21, at the Richmond Urban Ministry Institute, 3000 Chamberlayne Ave.
Serena ranked 28th in world despite loss
Tennis star Serena Williams said the latest chapter in her sports career is “just beginning” after seeing her hopes of a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title dashed last Saturday in the Wimbledon final.
Washington NFL team returns to Richmond training camp July 26
The NFL’s Washington team aims to be more fan and family friendly during training camp set for Thursday, July 26, through Tuesday, Aug. 14.
MLB All-Star Game features dozens of players of color
Twenty-four of the 72 players chosen for Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game earlier this week are players of color from the Caribbean and South America.
All-Star Jeremy Jeffress has ties to Virginia
Virginia Union University hasn’t had baseball for many decades, but it does have family ties to a current big league star. Jeremy Jeffress, pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers and member of the National League All-Stars team, is the brother of former VUU basketball player Racquel Jeffress. Racquel Jeffress started for the Lady Panthers in the early 2000s.
NBA’s Kyle Kuzma to lead Richmond area basketball camp
One of the NBA’s rising stars is coming to the Richmond area. Kyle Kuzma will be among the instructors at the TMG and Dreems Foundation Basketball Camp Aug. 4 and 5 at American Family Fitness-Short Pump, 11760 W. Broad St.
VCU's Williams signs with European team
Former Virginia Commonwealth University Rams point guard Johnny Williams is taking his ball-handling skills across the Atlantic.
Usain Bolt poised to sign with Australian soccer team
Former track icon Usain Bolt may be starting a new sports career on the soccer field.
Saturday, July 21
Maggie Walker birthday celebrations draw intimate crowds a year after statue dedication
More than a hundred people took to the cobblestone streets of Jackson Ward last Saturday to celebrate the life and accomplishments of the late Richmond businesswoman and icon Maggie L. Walker.
Christmas in July: Boat parade Saturday on James
A flotilla of lighted boats will parade down the James River this weekend.
‘The Mere Distinction of Colour,’ Montpelier exhibition, honored
The historic home of President James Madison is winning national recognition for telling the story of enslaved people who once lived at the Orange County property.
At 91, Carlton T. Brooks still going strong
Carlton T. Brooks said as a young man he faced the big decision of figuring out how to make a living.
AME Church and black banks launch partnership for black wealth
The black church, among the most prosperous institutions in America, has long led movements for the spiritual, social and civic uplift of black people.
Aubrey D. Flippen, 68, longtime social worker, dies
Aubrey Dean Flippen sought to provide hope to people in crisis.
Myrtle H. Motley, civic, church worker, succumbs at 98
Myrtle Hobson Motley came through at a critical moment when Richmond civil rights attorney Oliver W. Hill Sr. was pursuing an important legal battle against government-enforced segregated schools.
Dr. William E. ‘Bill’ Ward, former mayor of Chesapeake, NSU professor dies at 84
Dr. William E. “Bill” Ward, the first African-American mayor of Chesapeake and the only official to serve the longest in that role, has died.
Congressional Black Caucus calls for decriminalizing marijuana use
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus are calling for decriminalizing marijuana use. The group wants the federal government to get out of the prohibition business when it comes to the drug, a position it says is supported by an overwhelming majority of the 48-member caucus.
City center vision
NH Foundation looks to new coliseum to spur major redevelopment in Downtown
How do you build a $220 million coliseum for Richmond without putting up any money?
Treasonous president?
Many of us in America suspect the reason President Trump meets by himself with autocrats like North Korean leader Kim Jung-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin is because he is being controlled.
Another road hazard
Re “Personality: Ron J. Melancon, Spotlight on founder of Dangerous Trailers, a safety advocacy organization,” Free Press July 12-14 edition: That was a nice article on Ron Melancon.
Thank you to people who serve and help others
Thanks to the doctors, nurses, first responders and volunteers and who serve mankind.
Marijuana laws, money making and double standards
America, the legalization of marijuana is not the answer.
Low-income and working people left out with Pulse
GRTC needs to help working people and old people, particularly those who don’t have anyone to help them get back and forth to the store to get food.
Audacity and Ida B. Wells
Crusading journalist Ida B. Wells was born on July 16, 1862. Although she made her mark as a journalist, she also was a social worker, advocate, feminist and organization leader.
Children, caves and cages
Around the world, our attention was riveted on the plight of the boys and the coach of the Wild Boars soccer team trapped in a cave in Northern Thailand. All 12 boys and their coach have been saved.
The enemy within
If anyone still believes President Trump isn’t a pawn of Russian government interests, they must have been asleep during Monday’s televised news conference that nearly set the United States on fire.
Personality: Dr. Faith B. Harris
Spotlight on chair of Virginia Interfaith Power & Light environmental advocacy organization
Dr. Faith B. Harris is a 21st century example of “hands-on earthly faith.”
President Obama says world should resist cynicism over rise of power politics
In his highest profile speech since leaving office, former President Obama on Tuesday denounced the policies of President Trump without mentioning his name, taking aim at the “politics of fear, resentment, retrenchment,” and decrying leaders who are caught lying and “just double down and lie some more.”
Tuesday, July 17
Jones to revive effort for city control over Confederate statues
Richmond City Councilman Michael J. Jones is going to try again to get City Council support for removing state control of the Confederate statues that litter Richmond’s landscape.
Sacred Ground project wins $75,000 national grant for slavery memorial park
A group supporting development of a memorial park in Shockoe Bottom to recall the crucial role this area of Richmond played in the slave trade has won a $75,000 grant from a national trust to support its work.
New Fulton program helps youths develop skills for jobs, money
As a full-time city recreation specialist, Wyatt Kingston sees plenty of Richmond youths who need and want to make money to help their families.
Dr. Monroe E. Harris to lead VMFA board
Dr. Monroe E. Harris Jr., a Richmond oral and maxillofacial surgeon and avid collector of African and African-American art, has been elected president of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ Board of Trustees.
Monday, July 16
Sen. Stanley, Mayor Stoney spar over to school maintenance
Maintenance of public school buildings is your responsibility, Mr. Mayor.
City Democratic Committee to hold reorganizing caucus July 20
The Virginia Democratic Party apparently is seeking to limit participation as it begins the process of reorganizing the Richmond City Democratic Committee.
Norfolk police hit 16M views in lip-synch challenge
A video of police officers in Virginia dancing and lip-synching to Bruno Mars’ hugely popular song “Uptown Funk” has become a smash hit on the internet.
Dominion Energy lobbying up tenfold
Dominion Energy is reporting a recent tenfold increase in spending aimed at influencing Virginia politicians. That spending came as the utility was pushing for a new law that could lead to higher electric bills.
Historic Resources officials make way for Intermediate Terminal building demolition
The state Department of Historic Resources has upheld City Hall’s view that a landmark warehouse in the city’s East End, once a major source of jobs for African-Americans, has no historical value and can be demolished to make way for the modern bistro and restaurant that Stone Brewing Co. wants to build.
GRTC learns good news, bad news
The start of the Pulse bus rapid transit system and the overhaul of bus routes appears to be a good news-bad news story for GRTC.
Parental leave expanded for city workers
City employees who have a new baby or who adopt will have longer to bond with the child.
Inmate search tool available
It just became a bit easier to find out if someone is locked up at the Richmond Justice Center.
Natalie Barnes now state long jump champ
Virginia’s high school long jump champion has deep Richmond roots. Natalie Barnes, a rising senior at Stone Bridge High in Ashburn, is the daughter of former Maggie Walker High and VCU basketball center Norman Barnes and Fran Barnes.
Davis trading nets in Portland for Brooklyn
Richmond’s current homegrown NBA talent is on the move again, leaving broken hearts behind. Much to the chagrin of former teammates, coaches, friends and fans in Portland, Ore., Ed Davis is headed for his fifth team, the Brooklyn Nets.
O’Quinn taking his talents to the Indiana Pacers
Kyle O’Quinn, the last player from an HBCU to be drafted into the NBA, is changing his low-post address.
Hampton’s big move to Big South
Breaking up is hard to do. In the midst of a conference transition, Hampton University’s 2018 football schedule bares slim resemblance to those from the previous 100-plus years.
Bacot says bye-bye to Trinity
The trend continues. Armando Bacot becomes the third top-tier basketball prospect to leave a Richmond school this year.
Friday, July 13
Maggie Walker birthday celebrations set for Saturday
The National Park Service and the City of Richmond are hosting celebrations Saturday, July 14, honoring the 154th birthday of Richmond icon and businesswoman Maggie L. Walker.
‘Souls Grown Deep’ exhibition highlights VMFA acquisition of African-American works
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts invites Richmond area residents to view 34 pieces of work by black artists and reflect on cultural contributions by African-Americans in a first-of-its-kind exhibition under the purview of Valerie Cassel Oliver.
Black History Museum offers free music video class for students
Stand by … lights … camera … action! Middle and high school students can help create a music video during a six-week session at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.
Henry L. Marsh III book signing July 21 at Black History Museum
Civil rights attorney Henry L. Marsh III will talk and sign copies of his book, “The Memoirs of Hon. Henry L. Marsh III,” 2 p.m. Saturday, July 21, at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, 122 W. Leigh St.
Trademark Band celebrates 25th anniversary with Dogwood Dell performance July 15
In 1993, James Carson Jr. brought a musical revue of ’60s and ’70s music to the Dogwood Dell stage as part of the annual summer Festival of Arts.
Community booster Linda D. Myrick dies
Linda Diane Myrick was a vibrant, determined woman who found joy in helping her family and others get the most out of life.
Lucia Ferray-Robinson, co-founder of Africa Awareness Association, dies at 54
A 23-year link between Cuba and Richmond has been broken with the death of Lucia Arocha Ferray-Robinson, 54, at her residence in Havana on Sunday, July 1, 2018.
Guest preacher says he was stiffed by South Side church
The Rev. Ernest Blue Jr. of Richmond is often called to be a guest preacher.
#MourningWhileBlack
Social media blows up after white priest kicks black family out of funeral
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington has apologized for a white priest kicking an African-American family out of their loved one’s funeral.
No rejoicing in ‘Lost Cause’
Re “Davis must go: Commission recommends removing Confederate president’s statue, but not others,” Free Press July 5-7 edition:
‘More important things to be concerned with’
History is very important. It shows the road that we, as a people, have traveled. It has not been easy. However, we have made advances.
Time for ‘principle and bravery’
Re Column “Dems can stall another Scalia on High Court,” Free Press July 5-7 edition:
Clarion call to vote
During former President Richard Nixon’s impeachment hearing, the late Congresswoman Barbara Jordan said the following: “My faith in the Constitution is whole, it is complete, it is total. I am not going to sit here and be an idle spectator to the diminution, the subversion, the destruction of the Constitution.”
Why Senate should hold up Supreme Court nomination
“The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.” – James Madison, Federalist 47, 1788
No more ‘wait your turn’ politics
I’ve never met Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a 28-year old New York activist, but I am surely looking forward to it. This giant-slayer of an organizer — she worked for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders during the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination campaign — was out-spent, but certainly not outworked, by her opponent, Congressman Joseph Crowley.
Dishonorable
Hanky-heads. Accommodationists. Those are the best words to describe the Monument Avenue Commission and their weak-kneed recommendations that will do little to move Richmond beyond the continuing grasp of Confederate sympathizers.
Supreme fight
We hope the American people will not be snookered by President Trump’s pick for the U.S. Supreme Court.
Personality: Ron J. Melancon
Spotlight on founder of Dangerous Trailers, a safety advocacy organization
Ron J. Melancon is a passionate voice and advocate for safety and saving lives across the United States and in Europe.
Stephen Silva, former VCU-VUU point guard, dies
Former Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia Union University basketball point guard Stephen Silva died Tuesday, July 10, 2018, in his hometown of Brooklyn, N.Y.
Thursday, July 12
A battle supreme
Dems, civil rights groups and others gearing up for confirmation fight over U.S. Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh
To President Trump, he’s “a judge’s judge” and “a brilliant legal mind” who deserves swift confirmation.
Sunday, July 8
Henrico man awarded patent for golf cart cover
Golf carts have been part of John Houze Jr.’s life for decades.
Sheriff wants community work, shorter sentences exchange
Richmond Sheriff Antionette V. Irving wants more people sentenced to jail to be involved in community service work that includes picking up litter on public property and cleaning Richmond Public Schools buses.
Senator questions cuts in schools’ maintenance funds
The leader of a state Senate subcommittee that is taking a look at school building needs across Virginia wants to know whether Richmond’s decision to shrink spending on routine school maintenance by millions of dollars violates a U.S. Supreme Court decision and the state Constitution.
Sickle cell advocate wins fight for high-dose opioids
George H. Carter appears to have won his fight to ensure that people like himself who suffer from sickle cell disease can get the high dosages of opioids needed to control the excruciating pain.
Agency questions city’s plan to destroy historic warehouse
The fate of a landmark warehouse in the East End that was supposed to be transformed into Stone Brewing’s destination bistro and beer garden remains in limbo.
Expanded Medicaid, more time for recess among new state laws
Hundreds of new Virginia laws went into effect Sunday, July 1.
Pulse passenger rates dip after debut
The crush of passengers has disappeared along with the free rides on GRTC’s new Pulse and other buses.
GRTC updates
GRTC updates: Students’ free rides delayed until September and few riders buy money-saving passes
Saturday, July 7
New development, residents behind city’s housing value jump
The value of property is climbing in Richmond, most notably in areas such as Church Hill, Blackwell and Highland Park that were once stigmatized as less desirable because they were predominantly African-American and low income.
Friday, July 6
Personality: Nichole L. Gross
Spotlight on Henrico County Public Schools’ Gilman Teacher of the Year
Being an educator can be physically and emotionally draining, says Nichole L. Gross, a Henrico County Public Schools teacher.
Beverly Crawford, who ran law firm with husband, Sa’ad El-Amin, remembered for her passions
Family and friends gathered Saturday, June 30, to celebrate the life of Beverly Diane Crawford, a former attorney and wife of former City Councilman Sa’ad El-Amin.
Joe Jackson was admired by some, detested by others
When Joe Jackson, the patriarch and architect behind the musical Jackson family dynasty died on June 27, some media organizations focused on the negative stories. However, at least one Richmonder who found his own success in show business, remembers the 89-year-old Mr. Jackson in a more positive light. “Joe Jackson was one of the greatest fathers of all time,” said Steve K. Branch, a former concert promoter and nightclub owner.
Historic cemetery’s cleanup has drawn nearly 8,000 volunteer visits
The Friends of East End Cemetery are marking the five-year anniversary of cleaning up and restoring the historic African-American burial ground in Eastern Henrico County.
LeBron banks on Lakers
The Golden State Warriors may have won the NBA championship, but now the Los Angeles Lakers clearly have the biggest prize in the offseason.
Rockets’ Harden soars with MVP title
James Harden has gone from the sixth man to the main man in the NBA.
Rodriguez ‘bats’ on nabbing Squirrels’ title
Luigi Rodriguez didn’t wait for Independence Day to set off fireworks for the Richmond Flying Squirrels.
9.88
Noah Lyles clocked as fastest man
A former Virginian is currently the fastest man on the planet.
Mookie Betts scores big in baseball, bowling
The Boston Red Sox have Major League Baseball’s best record (56-28) entering this week. Many contend, at least among New Englanders, the Bosox also may have the best all-round player, too, in right-fielder Mookie Betts.
World Cup tackles color complex
France won its only World Cup in 1998 with the theme “Black-Blanc-Beur,” meaning black, white and Arab (or North African),” a slogan celebrating integrated France.
Thursday, July 5
A young girl’s hair loss inspires children’s book
Taylor Ellis never missed a day as a student at Carver Elementary School, and when she graduated from the Richmond Public School three weeks ago, she did so with a 3.9 grade point average, the highest in her class.
Pharrell Williams wants to grow Virginia’s film, TV industry
Two years ago, Pharrell Williams co-produced the movie “Hidden Figures.”
VSU wins HBCU of the Year
Virginia State University’s increased enrollment, agricultural research platform and athletic success are among reasons it is the HBCU Digest’s choice for 2018 HBCU of the Year.
What to people of color is the Fourth of July?
Events of the past year recall the words and sentiment of Frederick Douglass, the noted abolitionist and editor, in his famed July Fourth address.
Newsroom attack feels like home invasion
When news broke that a man with a shotgun had killed five employees in the Annapolis, Md., Capital Gazette newsroom, recent 24/7 media chatter about “civility” suddenly got real.
Dems can stall another Scalia on High Court
President Trump has made it crystal clear that his SCOTUS picks will be reincarnations of the hard-line late Antonin Scalia. He was as good as his word with his first pick Neil Gorsuch. His majority vote to nail abortion, union dues, and approve No. 45’s Muslim travel ban was terrorizing proof of that. No. 45 wasted no time telling one and all that he’ll pick from a list of 25 names for a replacement for retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy.
Human rights not suspended when crossing lines
Lady Liberty, once a beacon of hope for the world’s desperate and persecuted, became a hollow symbol on June 11 when U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, announced “zero-tolerance” policies that deny relief to asylum seekers fleeing domestic or gang violence.
Davis must go
Commission recommends removing Confederate president’s statue, but not others
Baltimore, New Orleans, Louisville, Ky., and even Memphis, Tenn., have gotten rid of their statues of racist Confederate traitors who fought to keep black people enslaved. So have 26 other cities.
Sunday, July 1
Muslim travel ban upheld by U.S. Supreme Court
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday handed President Trump one of the biggest victories of his presidency, upholding his travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority countries and rejecting the argument that it represented unconstitutional religious discrimination.
Justice Kennedy’s retirement sets up political showdown
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy announced Wednesday that he will retire from the court next month, providing President Trump the opportunity to ensure a conservative majority on the nation’s highest court.
Poor People’s Campaign vows to continue push to end poverty, racism, militarism
A multiracial, intergenerational crowd of thousands of social justice activists, union workers and people of faith prayed, cheered and listened intently last Saturday as speakers on the National Mall called for a re-energized approach to fighting poverty and other social ills they say are plaguing the country.
Black Business Alliance calls for inclusion in city-supported projects
A. Hugo “Al” Bowers Sr. is leading a fresh charge to ensure that black-owned businesses gain a significant share of work on construction projects that the city pays for or infuses with taxpayer support.
School funding questions remain as City Charter change takes effect July 1
“I believe we have six months from July 1 to respond to the charge embedded in the charter change. Rest assured, we will do so. When we have something definitive to say, we will say it.” That was the official administration response to a Free Press query as to how Mayor Levar M. Stoney would respond to a change to the City Charter regarding school improvement that goes into effect Sunday, July 1.
Federal court orders redrawing of state House districts by Oct. 30
African-American voters were illegally packed into 12 House of Delegate districts in Richmond and Hampton Roads, a panel of federal judges ruled Tuesday.
Area police encrypt scanner broadcasts
Richmond area residents — including news reporters working on stories — no longer will be able to monitor police scanners after this week.
City Council members file legislation to halt bike lanes in North Side
Two City Council members want to kill City Hall plans to turn one travel lane on both sides of Brook Road over to bicycles between Azalea Avenue and Charity Street.
Work to begin in Jackson Ward on Fay Towers replacement
Heavy machinery will soon start moving into a block of Jackson Ward where 154 apartments are to rise over the next year or so, according to Orlando C. Artze, interim director of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
