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Meal program expanded
Schools’ decision to participate in a federal program that provides nutritious free breakfasts and lunches to the entire student body at Carver and the city’s 43 other public schools.
GRTC unlimited fare passes start Sunday
GRTC passengers can begin using unlimited ride passes Sunday, Nov. 15, according to Carrie Rose Pace, the transit company spokesperson.
Henrico church sends water filters to Flint
When members of Mountain of Blessings Christian Center in Henrico County learned about the water contamination in Flint, Mich., they decided to pitch in to help residents living through the crisis. Pastor Dimitri Bradley Mountain of Blessings first reached out to the Victorious Word Church in Flint after he learned the church was in need of assistance. He also wanted to assist other residents of the predominately African-American community, 40 percent of whom live in poverty.
Rare book, diary related to ‘12 Years’ author on display
When officials at the Earl Gregg Swem Library at The College of William & Mary purchased a 1902 diary from an unknown author in 2009 for their special collections unit, they had no idea they had made an historical connection. William & Mary student Lauren Wallace was assigned to research the diary in 2012 and her work eventually led to the discovery that the diary was written by Florence Barber.
Body cameras coming
Richmond police officers could be wearing body cameras as early as this fall. Chief Alfred Durham said Tuesday the nearly 740-officer force should have about 200 body cameras purchased and ready for use by officers “by October or November.”
School supplies giveaways scheduled
Several groups are holding back-to-school giveaways for Richmond students. City Council President Michelle R. Mosby is organizing a back-to-school giveaway as part of a 9th District National Night Out event 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the Southside Community Center and Sports Complex, 6255 Old Warwick Road. It’s the first public event to be held at the property that formerly served as the home to the Richmond Outreach Center. The city purchased the 17.7-acre property in August 2014 for $1.7 million.
Trailer park on auction block
Rudd’s Trailer Park owner Ronnie Soffee said that he has scheduled an auction in March to sell the 9.2-acre South Side property that members of his family have owned and managed since 1936. The once bustling community at 2911 Jefferson Davis Highway has long served as a home to many of the city’s most vulnerable and those in poverty.
Highland Park women offer children ‘safe haven’
The sounds of happy children fill the air behind the two-story home of Lena Robinson and Loretta Wallace in Highland Park. Sixteen neighborhood children — ages 6 to 10 — alternately are playing board games and basketball and reading in the backyard of the home at 2000 Fourth Ave.
School Board gives green light to charter school
Can Richmond Public Schools afford a pricey new charter school when it already claims to need tens of millions of dollars in additional spending to renovate, maintain and equip its 44 existing schools? Schools Superintendent Dana T. Bedden doesn’t think so. His leadership team recommended against approving the Metropolitan Preparatory Academy because the charter school’s supporters have not found a building to house it. Nor have they raised substantial funds to pay for a facility.
Sign’s messages inspire passers-by
Motorists slow down and often do double takes as they drive by Chicago Avenue Baptist Church on South Side. The reason: The church at 2331 Broad Rock Blvd., led by Dr. Marlon Haskell, features lots of creative, eye-catching messages on its sign display.
Richmond NAACP sets Freedom Fund banquet Nov.
North Carolina NAACP President William Barber II was a chief architect of the recent “Journey for Justice” march to Washington that called for renewal of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, sustainable jobs with living wages, criminal justice reforms, education equity and access to health care for all.
Testimony: McDonnell filed false loan documents
It may be the most damning evidence against former Gov. Bob McDonnell.
Richmond Outreach Center sheds properties
The Richmond Outreach Center continues to try and shed high-priced properties in the wake of the sex scandal involving its former senior pastor, Geronimo “Pastor G” Aguilar. The South Side church has had its former School of Urban Ministry at 3000 Chamberlayne Ave. on North Side for sale since October.
McDonnell seeks to discredit prosecution's case
The ex-governor and his defense team quickly went to work to shoot holes in prosecutors’ claims that Mr. McDonnell participated in a secret gifts-for-political favors scheme while in office.
One year after saying ‘I do,’ couple enjoys wedded bliss
“It’s like we’re experiencing love all over again,” said Shamika Fauntleroy.
School Board holds nose to approve overcrowding plan
Members of the Richmond School Board approved a $19.1 million plan designed to help address huge overcrowding problems at several South Side schools.
Former ROC property to become residential school for adults
The North Side building and property that once served as home to the Richmond Outreach Center’s School of Urban Ministry has a new owner.
Home sweet home?
Trailer park under pressure for repairs
Is the city on a code enforcement witch hunt to force vulnerable Latino citizens and other poor people to move from their mobile homes, which are for many a residence of last resort? Or are code enforcement officers merely fulfilling their duties by issuing a plethora of violations to residents at selected mobile home parks they deem hazardous to ensure they upgrade their homes for safe habitation? The answer depends on whom you ask. This week, officers from the city’s Bureau of Permits and Inspections began trailer-by-trailer inspections at the 106-unit Mobile Towne Mobile Home Park off Old Midlothian Turnpike. Mobile Towne, like many of the city’s eight other mobile home parks, has a large Latino population.
Virginia Legislative Black Caucus outlines priorities
“We call ourselves ‘18 Strong,’ ” said Hampton Sen. Mamie Locke, chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, that has 18 members in the General Assembly. “We see ourselves as 18 strong voices seeking to do what’s right, not just for constituents in our districts, but speaking for those who don’t see themselves as having voices,” she told the Free Press last week.
Police body cameras arrive
“We finally get the chance to tell our story from beginning to end,” Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham said at a news conference Tuesday announcing the initial deployment this week of 20 body cameras for officers. Flanked by Mayor Dwight C. Jones, Richmond NAACP President Lynetta Thompson and others, Chief Durham said 20 more body cameras will be issued when they arrive within the next few weeks.
