Thursday, January 26
Ordinary people
The Associated Press reported this week that a Virginia Senate committee advanced a bill Tuesday that would prohibit lawmakers from using campaign funds for personal expenses such as a mortgage or country club membership.
Richmond area will host numerous events for Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African-Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African-Americans.
John Marshall’s Latrell Allmond is one to watch
‘He can shoot, rebound, run the floor, block shots,’ says Coach
An average high school freshman starts off on the JV team and aspires, eventually, to be a varsity starter. Latrell Allmond isn’t your average freshman.
VCU’s Jamir Watkins gives fans, scouts something to talk about
Several NBA scouts congregated at the Robins Center to take a close look at the University of Richmond’s Tyler Burton. They may have left thinking more of VCU’s Jamir Watkins.
It’s complicated
Beleaguered foundation’s last member determined to maintain Black cemeteries, despite ongoing obstacles
The last board member of the collapsed Enrichmond Foundation is working to turn over to City Hall control of two historic Black cemeteries as well as other properties and assets still in the foundation’s name.
Good medicine
New VCU pharmacy dean prepares students for a changing health care landscape
Now in its 125th year, the Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Pharmacy has seen countless number of graduates enter pharmacy careers and practices.
‘Check your closets’
Leaders are meant to keep state secrets — just not at home
Democrats responded with aggrieved fury when former President Trump was found in possession of classified documents that should have been turned over to the government when he left office. Then disclosures that President Biden also mishandled secret papers set loose a Republican “well, what about” roar.
New historic preservation grant will support Black, Hispanic and Indigenous groups
A $5 million grant established by the Virginia General Assembly in 2022 is designed to to support historically underserved and under-represented communities and associated sites of historical relevance.
Personality: Brian Bell
Spotlight on Keep Virginia Cozy founder
Picking up trash and litter while hiking and backpacking trails throughout the United States may sound like a strange hobby. But Brian Bell said he has always felt compelled to do it from the time he was a Boy Scout.
Religious leaders sue to block Missouri’s abortion ban
A group of religious leaders who support abortion rights filed a lawsuit Jan. 19 challenging Missouri’s abortion ban, saying lawmakers openly invoked their religious beliefs while drafting the measure and thereby imposed those beliefs on others who don’t share them.
‘It’s not really over. It’s ongoing’
D.C., Capitol police officers recount horror, tragedy of Jan. 6, 2021
Two years ago, D.C. Metropolitan Police Officer Danny Hodges was nearly crushed to death after being attacked during a riot by election deniers at the U.S. Capitol building.
Fatigue and despair build as Calif. copes with massacres
In the wake of the worst mas- sacre in Los Angeles County history, the California governor was meeting gunshot victims in the hospital when he was pulled away and briefed on a mass shooting at the other end of the state.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
UR awards Paragon Medal to Marcus Weinstein
The Paragon Medal, the University of Richmond’s highest honor, has been awarded to University of Richmond alumnus Marcus Weinstein, a, well-known philanthropist, and chairman of Weinstein Properties. Weinstein is only the second person in history to receive the medal. The first was E. Claiborne Robins in 1986.
Webinar previews Petersburg’s future insulin facility
Petersburg’s role in producing more affordable insulin in the United States will be highlighted during RVA757 Connects’ Virtual Innovation Spotlight webinar Wednesday, Feb. 1.
Brig. Gen. Patricia R. Wallace takes command
Brig. Gen. Patricia R. Wallace just became the first female leader of the Army Reserve’s 80th Training Command, one of the largest educational operations in the Army.
Looking back at Coach Richard McFee’s talented Falcons
Big-time football prospects are rare in Richmond now, but it wasn’t always that way.
Conservancy buys New Market segment where Black troops attacked Confederates
Another 49-acre parcel of a Civil War battlefield in Eastern Henrico County in which Black troops played a major role is now protected from development.
Teacher shortages in high-poverty schools, by David W. Marshall
There is no way one can put a price on the value of a child’s education. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Philanthropy is commendable, but it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice which make philanthropy necessary.”
The party of Lincoln?, by Dr. E. Faye Williams
There are many memories of my first years in school which remain etched in my mind. I remember learning the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem.
VCU’s error is chance to ‘help make dreams become a reality’
I am writing in response to an article printed in the January 5-7, 2023, edition of the Free Press, “VCU applicants receive incorrect acceptance letters.”
VUU: ‘Changes will enable the university to continue’ its progress
Virginia Union University continues its march to be best-in-class among HBCUs in the United states — and we are taking additional steps to accelerate our progress.
Tart’s VUU game plan: jumping, leaping and winning
It’s fitting that Charles Tart III grew up within a few minutes of Richmond International Airport in eastern Henrico County.
Aziah Johnson’s electric plays for TJ provides ticket to Michigan State
Aziah Johnson’s home-away-from home this past football season was the end zone.
Henrico Baseball Classic dates announced
It’s about time for kids to start loosening up their throwing arms.
Celebrating ‘200 Years, 200 stories’ at Library of Virginia
Ethel Bailey Furman, one of the first Black female architects in Virginia; David Martin, founder of the Martin Agency and creator of the famed tagline “Virginia is for Lovers”; and Chinese immigrant Ow Chuck Sam, who became a naturalized citizen and served in the armed forces during World War II.
Virginia Union University announces Founder’s Day Convocation
Dr. Darran T. Brandon Sr., pastor of the historic First Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk and president of the Virginia Baptist State Convention, will be the keynote speaker during Virginia Union University’s Founder’s Day Convocation at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 3.
Thursday, January 19
Court OKs 4th District Feb. 21 special election
The election of a new representative from the 4th Congressional District will go on as scheduled.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
Freedom Classic: VUU’s ‘Wizard of Os’ shows power in victory over VSU
The rafters above Barco-Stevens Hall court are decorated with retired and honored jersey numbers from the school’s glorious basketball past. Don’t be surprised if Virginia Union University officials don’t find room someday to add Robert Osborne’s No. 23 to the display.
Black churches to receive share of $4M for preservation work
Nearly three dozen historic Black religious sites will receive a $4 million infusion of funding to help them with renovations and preservation of their buildings across the country.
Fight over guns center of annual Virginia lobbying day
Gun control and gun rights proponents rallied Monday at the State Capitol during an annual day of advocacy, as lawmakers from both parties offered a tempered assessment about what’s possible on the issue during this year’s legislative session.
Wes Moore sworn in as Maryland’s first Black governor
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore was sworn in as the state’s first Black governor on Wednesday, pledging to work for greater inclusion and economic equity while also focusing on improving education, fighting crime and climate change.
Superintendent proposes 35.3 percent budget increase for RPS
Superintendent Jason Kamras is proposing a 35.3 percent operating budget increase to meet the district’s anticipated expenses for the 2023- 2024 school year.
Morrissey saga continues
Private rift plays out in public over weekend
In an emotional interview with the Richmond Free Press on Wednesday night, Myrna Morrissey shared her fears following a weekend in which allegations of child abuse and infidelity exploded into the public view.
Personality: Christal Corey
Spotlight on Richmond Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year
Richmond Public Schools, like many urban school districts throughout the country, face multiple challenges, heightened by students’ learning loss from the COVID-19 pandemic and limited resources to offset other obstacles school systems endure daily.
Thornton, Nelson to lead Henrico Board of Supervisors in 2023
The Henrico County Board of Supervisors last week voted unanimously to elect Fairfield District Supervisor Frank J. Thornton chairman and Varina District Supervisor Tyrone E. Nelson vice chairman for 2023.
VCU names new School of Medicine dean
Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Medicine will have a new dean as of April 15.
Youngkin calls for legislation for notification on school awards
In response to widening concerns about how some Northern Virginia school districts handled recognizing student achievements on a standardized test, Gov. Glenn Youngkin called Wednesday for legislation to require student and parental notification about certain scholastic awards.
GRTC names new CEO
Sheryl Adams, who has been interim chief executive officer of GRTC since September, is now the company’s new leader.
Jury awards soldier less than $4000 in federal suit over traffic stop
A federal jury in Virginia on Tuesday found mostly in favor of two police officers who were sued by a U.S. Army lieutenant after he was pepper-sprayed, struck and handcuffed during a traffic stop.
Grant funds to benefit babies, ex-inmates and low-wealth families
City Hall is planning to provide $115,000 to help low-income families gain baby supplies under ordinances that City Council is scheduled to approve next Monday, Jan. 23.
Just resign, Joe
On the front page of this week’s Free Press, Myrna Morrissey, 26, says that she left her husband, Virginia Sen. Joe Morrissey, 65, in 2019 after three years of marriage.
Is Hakeem Jeffries the next Obama? Don’t rush him, by Clarence Page
No, New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries does not want to be the next Barack Obama, although sometimes it seems as if everyone is asking.
To honor Dr. King, demand expanded voting access, by Nick Bates
As a deacon in the Evangelical Lutheran Church and the director of Hunger Network Ohio, I believe we all have a moral obligation to make sure more people’s voices are heard in our democracy, not fewer.
Ohio fall classic taps Morehouse, VUU
Virginia Union University and Morehouse College will be in the college football spotlight Sept. 3 in Canton, Ohio.
VUU, VSU players heading to Legacy Bowl
Virginia Union’s Jahkari Grant and Virginia State’s Darius Hagans are making travel plans for New Orleans.
Film helps renew search for 1st Black Navy pilot’s remains
The film “Devotion” re-ignited efforts to repatriate the remains of Jesse LeRoy Brown, America’s first Black Navy pilot, who died in 1950 after having to crash land his damaged plane during the Korean War.
UVa has produced 8 current NBA players, but who’s counting?
Despite its continued success, some basketball fans complain about the University of Virginia’s slow, methodical style of play. Never mind the fans. The NBA has no problem with coach Tony Bennett’s strategy.
NFL continues Black coaches blackout
Due to the NFL’s “Rooney Rule,” mandating minority opportunity, Black candidates are always interviewed for head coaching jobs. Rarely are they hired.
It’s showtime at Robins Stadium!
UR adds HBCU opponents
The University of Richmond will play four HBCUs next football season, including three at Robins Stadium.
Reggie White, a college football 2-time All-American, dies
One of main reasons why the University of Southern California came to be known as “Tailback U” was Charles White, who played the position with strength, speed and passion.
Community Leaders Celebration honors memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
More than 800 people, including Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Virginia Union President Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, Mayor Levar M. Stoney, members of the Virginia General Assembly, Richmond City Council, educators, corporate and nonprofit leaders and community advocates, joined a joyous 45th Annual Community Leaders Celebration on Jan. 13 at the Richmond Marriott.
Orange County celebrates culinary icon Edna Lewis
Virginia approves marker honoring former New York chef
For some, the name Edna Lewis is synonymous with Southern food. The chef and cookbook author often is referred to as “Grand Dame of Southern cooking.”
Gates Foundation takes up question of its own power
Does The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have too much power and influence?
The role of Blackness in the Hamline Islamic art controversy
We’ve heard little about the students who initiated the complaint and why they objected to a painting of the prophet.
In early October, Erika López Prater, a professor at Hamline University in Minnesota, showed her online Islamic art history class an image of the Prophet Muhammad. A Muslim student in the class complained, citing Islamic tradition barring representations of the prophet. Other students joined in to express their view that this incident was part of a larger problem of Islamophobia on campus. The administration agreed, and eventually Ms. López Prater’s contract to teach during the spring semester was rescinded.
Anger grows in Virginia city where first-grader shot teacher
When a 6-year-old shot and wounded his first grade teacher in this shipbuilding city near Virginia’s coast, the community reacted with collective shock.
Thursday, January 12
Basketball and cars drive John Marshall’s Damon ‘Redd’ Thompson
Vrooom! Damon “Redd” Thompson Jr. can rev up a basketball team with his blinding speed and exciting array of skills.
Desirée Roots, Weldon Hill to perform at VMHC
Desirée Roots and the Weldon Hill Ensemble will headline the 7th Annual National Day of Racial Healing on Tuesday, Jan. 17, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture at 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd.
Personality: Sean David O’Brien
Spotlight on ART 180’s board president
Sean David O’Brien loved Richmond from the time he came to the city as a University of Richmond undergraduate student.
The Big Dipper heads to Petersburg
JMI and Virginia State University will host the inaugural Big Dipper Innovation Summit (Big Dipper) Jan. 12 -14 at VSU’s Multi-Purpose Center, 20809 2nd Ave. in Petersburg.
Henrico Ministers’ Conference to host MLK celebration
Judge Roderick C. Young, U.S. District Judge, Eastern District of Virginia, is the guest speaker for the 37th Annual Henrico County Commemoration Celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Former Benedictine star Davin Cosby rolls with the Tide
Davin Cosby Jr. is getting a jump start on his college basketball experience.
Former struggling student becomes RPS Teacher of the Year
When Christal Corey was struggling academically through her seventh grade year, a comment from a classmate changed her mindset.
VUU, VSU star attractions in weekend hoops match
Grab a box of popcorn, find a comfy seat, and get ready for Star Wars, CIAA style.
Antoine Davis’ scoring dominance
Detroit Mercy guard nets 3,103 points as of Jan. 4
A former walk-on is likely to soon become the second leading scorer in NCAA basketball history.
Finally
Bon Secours opens new East End medical facility
A battered Bon Secours Mercy Health is promising increased investments in health care in Richmond’s East End in pushing back against critics claiming the giant health care system has diverted savings on expensive drugs away from the community to wealthier areas.
Status of upcoming congressional election still unknown
A federal judge could decide next week whether to halt the snap election to replace the late Congressman A. Donald McEachin.
The RAW power of women gets lifted in East End gym
Jacqueline Evans, 60, has done it for the last four years and she loves it—even if most people are surprised to find out what it is.
Legislators told to ‘buckle up’ for fast-paced session
Abortion, gun control and voting rights among top issues
A sharply divided General Assembly was gaveled back into session Wednesday for a potentially contentious 46 days.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
Accrediting body imposes warning on VUU
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) placed Virginia Union University on warning last month.
RRHA’s parking pass
The city’s housing authority this week gained a boost from City Council as it prepares to move its headquarters from Gilpin Court to a 600 E. Broad St. office building in Downtown.
VCU’s medical college benefitted from slavery
Report documents ‘a troubled and problematic past’
Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Medicine “profited in both concrete and indirect ways from slavery,” according to a university-commissioned report released last month.
MLK Day celebration in Petersburg to include special proclamation
A special program honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the 50th anniversary of the city declaring a holiday in the slain civil rights leader’s name, begins 3 p.m., Jan.15 at the Petersburg Public Library, 201 W. Washington St.
MLK Holiday Closings 2023
In observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday, Jan. 16, please note the following:
Council green-lights permit allowing Northside church to house homeless
More beds are opening for the homeless.
‘Paul Nichols Way’ to recognize former minister, VUU dean
The late Dr. Paul Nichols, a once prominent minister in local, regional and national religious affairs, will be remembered with an honorary street sign at P and 28th streets in Church Hill.
VCU presents ‘Memories of Jan. 6’
Two years after the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in the wake of the 2020 presidential election, two Capitol police officers will reflect on their part in a discussion at Virginia Commonwealth University on Thursday, Jan. 19.
Byrd politics discussion at VMHC
The history and legacy of U.S. Sen. and Virginia Gov. Harry F. Byrd and his organization on Virginia politics will be discussed on Thursday, Jan. 19, at 6 p.m at the Virginia Museum of His- tory and Culture at 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd.
Big win
Once again, the Virginia General Assembly will have five Black senators, the largest number to serve at one time.
The King holiday reflects our resilience, by Julianne Malveaux
Just four days after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, the inveterate warrior, Congressman John Conyers Jr. (D-MI), introduced legislation to make his birthday a federal holiday.
Here comes Gen Z, by Svante Myrick
When 25-year-old Maxwell Frost of Florida takes his seat in the U.S. House this month, he will be the nation’s first Gen Z member of Congress. That—in and of itself—is a major milestone and accomplishment.
Putting the ‘con’ in conservative, by Jesse Jackson
George Santos, a 34-year-old Republican congressman-elect, has gained notoriety before even coming to Washington.
Library of Virginia celebrates 200 years
The Library of Virginia will celebrate its bicentennial in 2023 with “200 Years, 200 Stories: An Exhibition,” running free for all from Tuesday, Jan. 24, through Saturday, Oct. 28.
Longtime Richmond educator remembered
Bessie Patricia Carter Brown loved being involved with education, her family said.
Support for Damar Hamlin continues among NFL and fans
Sunday, Jan. 8, marked the first time that the Buffalo Bills took to the football field since Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest on the field only minutes into their Jan. 2 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Richmond Free Press freelance writer, editor Charles H. Taylor III, dies at age 70
From his earliest days to his twilight years, Charles H. Taylor III was a person of excellence and compassion for those who knew, worked with and loved him.
Thursday, January 5
Want a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot?
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations.
McCarthy rejected for House speaker with GOP in disarray
House Republicans flailed through a second day of multiple balloting Wednesday, unable to elect their leader Kevin McCarthy as House speaker or come up with a new strategy to end the political chaos that has tarnished the start of their new majority.
Earle P. Taylor, photographer and cultural arts innovator, dies at 94
Beneficiaries of his work included Last Stop Gallery and Pine Camp
Earle Palmer Taylor, a renowned Richmond photographer who ran a nonprofit Shockoe Bottom art gallery for two decades and taught hundreds of people the art of taking and de- veloping pictures at the city’s Pine Camp art center, has died.
Pope Francis praises ‘gentle’ Pope Benedict XVI ahead of funeral
Pope Francis praised Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s “acute and gentle thought” as he presided over a packed Wednesday general audience in the Vatican, while thousands of people paid tribute to the former pope on the final day of public viewing in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Maryland artist will create Capitol statue of Barbara Johns
Steven Weitzman, a leading figure American public art, has already sculpted abolitionist Frederick Douglass and former Washington Mayor Marion S. Barry Jr. Now the 71-year-old Maryland-based artist has been chosen to immortalize Black teenage activist Barbara Rose Jones in a bronze statue in the U.S. Capitol.
The ultimate 10
Pelé, Brazil’s mighty king of ‘beautiful game,’ mourned
He was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento but came to be known and admired worldwide as simply “Pelé.”
New book chronicles civil rights advocate Curtis W. Harris Sr.
Seeking racial justice, the late Hopewell minister and mayor walked the frontlines with Martin Luther King Jr.
Born in 1924 during the harsh racial segregation regime, the Rev. Curtis White Harris Sr. rose to become a key figure in the fight for Black equality in Virginia and the country.
City hires attorney Keith D. Greenberg to handle labor relations
Richmond police officers, firefighters and City Hall employees have moved a step closer to having labor unions.
Virginia Union’s MLK Breakfast on Jan. 13
“All Things, Excellence,” is the theme for this year’s 45th Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Celebration. The annual event hosted by Virginia Union University will take place 7:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13 at the Downtown Richmond Marriott, 500 E. Broad St.
Foremost wishes for the new year
With the start of 2023, the Richmond Free Press invited select local officials to share their foremost wishes for the new year. Here are their responses:
With the start of 2023, the Richmond Free Press invited select local officials to share their foremost wishes for the new year.
Facts
In closing out 2022, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) issued facts that which Black Americans and others may find interesting.
What if Mary and Joseph came to today’s Washington?, by Clarence Page
On the second day of Christmas, my true love said to me, “You ought to write about the family that took in the South Korean tourists who were stranded near Buffalo.”
Ready for our ‘Earth shot’, by Ben Jealous
As we greet 2023, I’m feeling more than the typical seasonal optimism. America is primed once again for a historic achievement. Call it our “Earth shot.”
Welfare scandal highlights contrasts in long-poor Mississippi
In Mississippi, where elected officials have a long history of praising self-sufficiency and condemning federal anti-poverty programs, a welfare scandal has exposed how millions of dollars were diverted to the rich and powerful — including pro athletes — instead of helping some of the neediest people in the nation.
FDA finalizes rule expanding availability of abortion pills
The Food and DrugAdministration on Tuesday finalized a rule change that broadens availability of abortion pills to many more pharmacies, companies.
Richmond’s homeless population deserves better
Thank you for the very detailed information you provided in the Dec. 29-31,2022 edition of the Richmond Free Press concerning the homeless entitled “Why?”
Trump should ‘study politics no more’
Kudos to the January 6 House Committee for the outstanding work they did the last 18 months on investigating the Donald Trump-incited insurrection.
Nearly 11.5 million people opted for Obamacare last year
President Joe Biden said he promised to lower costs for families and ensure that all Americans have access to quality affordable health care. On Tuesday, Dec. 27, the president proclaimed that he’d delivered on that promise.
Hall of Famer Ed Reed heads to Florida HBCU
The HBCU trend toward hiring celebrity football coaches continues.
Standing tall
Try seeing eye-to-eye with W. Kentucky’s Sharp
It is apropos that Jamarion Sharp plays basketball for the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers.
Don’t believe it? Check out TCU’s Hypnotoad
Do you believe underdog Texas Christian University can win the College Football Playoff against powerhouse Georgia? If not, doubters might listen to the Hypnotoad.
A winning recipe
John Marshall High School ran through a strong field on its way to its first Chick-fil-A Classic championship.
Moving on
Two significant Richmond institutions, Senior Connections and the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, are in the process of moving to new addresses.
VCU applicants receive incorrect acceptance letters
Students who recently applied to Virginia Commonwealth University for fall 2023 received a message last week that led them to believe they had been accepted.
Fred Valentine’s MLB career spanned 7 seasons
Fred Valentine, among the first HBCU alumni to play Major League Baseball, died Dec. 26 at age 87.
VCU’s former star Willie Taylor, 42, dies
Willie Taylor, who thrilled VCU fans with his theatrical dunks and three-point swishes, died Dec. 31. The native of the Nashville, Tenn., area was 42.
Former NAACP President Ben Jealous to lead the Sierra Club
When Ben Jealous takes the reins as the Sierra Club’s executive director on Jan. 23, he plans to begin leading by “listening.”
Kwanzaa Festival 2023
Elegba Folklore Society’s 2022 celebration of Richmond’s Capital City Kwanzaa Festival took place with hundreds in attendance at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022.
Barbara Walters cultural fixture, TV icon, dies
For more than a half-century, she was on the air, placing in front of her audience world figures, big shots and celebrities whose names and faces might have changed from year to year. But hers never did.
Fans give millions to Damar Hamlin’s toy drive for kids
Damar Hamlin’s goal was simple: He wanted to raise $2,500 online to buy toys for needy kids.
YWCA’s advancement officer becomes CEO
Rupa Murthy has been named the next CEO of YWCA Richmond. She will succeed Linda Tissiere, who is retiring after leading the nonprofit for the last decade.
New year, new leadership
Michael Jones succeeds Cynthia Newbille as City Council president
City Council shook up its leadership Tuesday afternoon.
Personality: Jerome Legions Jr.
Spotlight on board president of the Richmond Crusade for Voters
Jerome Legions Jr. hopes to bring new energy to one of Richmond’s oldest civic and civil rights groups in the new year.
Absenteeism at RPS is down 1.8 percent, but remains high
Chronic absenteeism among school-aged children who miss 10 percent of days or more due to excused and unexcused absences continues to plague school systems, including Richmond Public Schools, throughout the country.
