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Stories for May 2023

Thursday, May 25

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Park dedication provides lasting legacy for Markiya Dickson

For Ciara Dickson and Mark Whitfield Sr., Saturday, May 20, was filled with mixed emotions. They were in Fonticello Park for the dedication of the Markiya Dickson Imagination Zone, which recently was installed in honor of their deceased daughter.

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Justice for Irvo Otieno

Ben Crump, others demand better treatment for mental health patients

“We can’t keep treating mentally ill brothers and sisters as if they are degenerates. They have lives that are worthy of dignity and respect.” So said renowned Attorney Benjamin L. “Ben” Crump as he brought his crusade for improved mental health care to Richmond Wednesday evening, just hours before the nation marks the third anniversary of the police murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, in Minnesota.

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Tina Turner, unstoppable superstar whose hits included ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It,’ dead at 83

Tina Turner, the singer and stage performer who teamed with husband Ike Turner for a dynamic run of hit records and live shows in the 1960s and ’70s and survived her horrifying marriage to triumph in middle age with the chart-topping “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” has died at 83.

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Tim Scott launches 2024 presidential bid seeking optimistic contrast with other top rivals

South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott launched his presidential campaign Monday, offering an optimistic and compassionate message he’s hoping can serve as a contrast with the political combativeness that has dominated the early GOP primary field.

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Personality: Lok Lam

Spotlight on Neighborhood Resource Center’s board president

Lok Lam’s passion for a community’s welfare is clear from her work with the Neighborhood Resource Center of Greater Fulton since she became board president last October.

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John Blake, journalist on religion and race, goes personal with new memoir

Journalist John Blake, who has long written about religion and race in America, is the author of “More than I Imagined: What a Black Man Discovered About the White Mother He Never Knew.” The book recounts how multiracial churches helped lead him to learn to love and forgive the white side of his family.

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The life and legacy of Jim Brown, all-time NFL great and social activist

If ever the term “larger than life” fit one individual, it would be Jim Brown, the athlete, actor and activist.

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Movie review: Disenchantment under the sea in live-action ‘The Little Mermaid’

It’s not Rob Marshall’s fault that Disney’s latest live-action retread doesn’t really sing. “The Little Mermaid,” a somewhat drab undertaking with sparks of bioluminescence, suffers from the same fundamental issues that plagued “The Lion King,” “Aladdin” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Halle Bailey might be a lovely presence and possesses a superb voice that is distinctly different from Jodi Benson’s, but photorealistic fins, animals and environments do not make Disney fairy tales more enchanting on their own.

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Voters may get second chance for casino vote

Will Richmond voters support a casino the second time around?

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Filing starts Morrissey divorce proceedings

Myrna Pride Morrissey began divorce proceedings against her husband, state Sen. Joe Morrissey last week. The complaint was filed with the clerk’s office of the Henrico Circuit Court on May 18.

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Free community testing for COVID-19 continues

The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:

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Charles Scott’s strategy for success at Huguenot

Huguenot High football has been spinning its wheels for longer than Falcons fans wish to think about.

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Squirrels announce 5 millionth fan

On May 20 Amie Stumbo of Richmond became the fifth million fan to watch the Richmond Flying Squirrels at The Diamond.

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Kenyan-born Kuany leaves Bears for Rams

VCU’s latest basketball recruit is 6-foot-9 graduate transfer Kuany Kuany, who is coming from the University of California with one season left of eligibility.

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Butler grows VUU’s recruiting roster

Jay Butler continues to beat a path on the basketball recruiting trail.

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Additional homeowners to enjoy city property tax exemption

More Richmond homeowners are joining the list of people who will not have to pay property taxes due to their age or certification as totally disabled.

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RPS aims to limit exits with hiring bonuses

Richmond Public Schools leadership is continuing efforts to address an ongoing shortage of teachers and support staff throughout the city’s school system.

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RPS superintendent opposes new contract for beleaguered school social worker

First, Richmond Public Schools accused her of beating a child in her care, but that charge was twice dismissed in court after witnesses who saw the incident testified that it never happened.

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RVA Bike Share shuts down

Richmond’s bike share program shut down abruptly Monday after the Canadian operator, Bewegen Technologies, ended service, according to a city statement.

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Alexandria High School diversity program passes test

One of the state’s best high schools has won a court case this week over a revamp of its admission process to increase enrollment of Black and Latino students.

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Virginia Career Works hosts job fair May 31

Former Tyson workers, immigrant communities encouraged to attend

Virginia Career Works-Capital Region will host a job and resource fair Wednesday, May 31, that is open to all job seekers, but largely tailored to former employees of the closed Tyson plant in Glen Allen and members of immigrant communities, the organization has announced.

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Virginia Department of Veterans Services to host Memorial Day ceremonies

Memorial Day will be commemorated at four special ceremonies hosted by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) on Monday, May 29. The events are free and open to the public.

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Tennis greats’ donations to help save VIA records

Tennis legends Billie Jean King and Ilana S. Koss have donated essential funds to computerize the paper athletic records of Black high schools in Virginia.

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River guide book inspires ballet performance

Author John Bryan knew it was time to update his first book about the James River, a guide to enjoying “America’s best urban waterway,” published back in 1997. So he started working on an update a few years ago that takes into account the changes to the water, the city and the kinds of people who come to enjoy it. But he didn’t know the new book, “The James River in Richmond: Your New Guide to Enjoying America’s Best Urban Waterway,” would inspire a performance by the Latin Ballet of Virginia.

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VSU names two women students as co-valedictorians

Joy Watson and Blaise Davenport both earn a perfect 4.0 GPA

Joy Watson and Blaise Davenport have been recognized by Virginia State University as Class of 2023 co-valedictorians. The announcement marks the first time in VSU’s history that two women, both STEM majors, have received this academic honor. They were recognized as part of the 2023 Commencement Ceremony on May 13, 2023.

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City pools to open early

City Hall will open five outdoor swimming pools for the Memorial Day holiday.

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Petersburg city pool opens Memorial Day weekend

Petersburg’s public swimming pool located at 1216 Farmer St. will open for the season on May 27, it has been announced. The pool will remain open through May 29, from 12 to 6 p.m. each day for the holiday weekend.

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Chesterfield’s Memorial Day event to unveil Tomb of the Unknown Soldier replica

During a Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 29, Chesterfield County will include the unveiling of a replica of the iconic Tomb of the Unknown Solider and present a live re-enactment of the changing of the guard by the Chesterfield County Sheriff Honor Guard. The ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. on the Historic 1917 Courthouse Green.

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Memorial Day 2023 holiday closings

In observance of Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, please note the following:

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Flawed football great

Some of us are too young to remember when Jim Brown ruled the gridiron from 1957 to 1965 as a powerful fullback for the Cleveland Browns.

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In remembrance

The Memorial Day holiday is once more upon us and with it arrives ceremonies and programs that honor the military men and women who died while defending the United States.

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Jim Brown and social activism, by David W. Marshall

Since most players in professional basketball and football are Black, it should come as no surprise that many high-profile Black athletes have become role models to young admirers who are also Black. Athletes such as football legend Jim Brown reached the professional ranks by overcoming tremendous odds with determination, perseverance, and commitment.

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When vigilantism becomes a campaign stunt, by Clarence Page

On his way to see whether his expected presidential bid can play in Peoria, Fla., Gov. Ron DeSantis upstaged himself with a news making tweet.

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Exhibition opens at BHMCCV

A new art exhibition showcasing the works of Virginia-born and Virginia–based artists has opened at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia

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Alphas trailblazers — again

When Tyler Parker, a member of the Henrico County Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, was informed by the Virginia Board of Historic Resources on Sept. 15, 2022, that its application for a “Trailblazers of a New Era” highway marker was approved, he knew the organization’s next steps.

Thursday, May 18

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RPS struggles with student absenteeism still present

More than 4,700 students in Richmond Public Schools have missed 15 or more days of classes, many because of housing instability, the School Board was told Monday night.

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‘It felt racist’

Black victims of violent crime disproportionately denied aid in many states

The cold formality of the letter is seared in Debra Long’s memory. It began “Dear Claimant,” and said her 24-year-old son, Randy, who was fatally shot in April 2006, was not an “innocent” victim. Without further explanation, the New York state agency that assists violent crime victims and their families refused to help pay for his funeral. Mr. Long was a father, engaged to be married and studying to become a juvenile probation officer when his life was cut short during a visit to Brooklyn with friends. His mother, angry and bewildered by the letter, wondered: What did authorities see — or fail to see — in Randy? In this April 19, 2023, photo, Debra Long of Poughkeepsie,

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Howard U. picks African diaspora scholar as next president

Howard University is turning to an experienced scholar of the African diaspora to serve as its new university president.

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Personality: Anthony Bryant

Spotlight on Downtown Neighborhood Association president

As Richmond’s growth spurt continues to attract new businesses and residents, Anthony Bryant wants to guarantee that the community’s interests aren’t left behind.

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Civic activist Donald Jerome Garrett, who exposed payday loan practices, dies at age 69

Donald Jerome Garrett kept active in civic affairs despite suffering from kidney disease that required him to receive dialysis three days a week.

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Jayden Smith hurdles to the top

One of the nation’s smoothest and swiftest college hurdlers learned his craft in Richmond’s West End.

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Commencement 2023

VCU, VUU, VSU graduates celebrate diligence, hard work and promising futures

Mo Alie-Cox, who constantly brought excitement to Virginia Commonwealth University as a standout basketball player, brought that same energy during VCU’s graduation ceremonies on Saturday at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

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Councilman says city ‘not equipped’ for safer streets

“Completely miffed.” That is 1st District City Councilman Andreas Addison’s reaction to City Hall’s efforts to reduce speed and the likelihood of more fatal accidents in the wake of highly publicized traffic deaths of two Virginia Commonwealth University students since January.

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Free community testing for COVID-19 continues

The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:

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UR names new museum director

Issa Lampe is the new executive director of University of Richmond Museums effective June 1.

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Decision day looms for employees’ union choices

Once stalled, unionizing of City Hall employees has begun to move forward after Labor Relations Administrator Keith D. Greenberg ruled that crew leaders with the title of supervisor cannot be part of employee bargaining units, the Free Press has learned.

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New state funding for RPS school construction

Millions of dollars are heading to Richmond Public Schools to support school construction projects, including the rebuild of burned-out Fox Elementary School in The Fan, and the development of a new career and technical education high school in South Side, according to information provided to the Richmond School Board.

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James River Center to offer leading-edge science learning for local youths

Richmond’s riverfront is gaining a new center whose purpose will be to introduce thousands of area schoolchildren to the James River each year.

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Black Therapy Expo and mental health

As a teenager, Brittany Rush struggled significantly with her mental health. Her family did their best with their knowledge of the disease, but didn’t always talk openly together or understand how to obtain resources for Ms. Rush.

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Orchestra, museum present sounds of black composers

The Richmond Symphony’s Big Tent concert series comes to Abner Clay Park for the first time on May 27 at 7 p.m. The free event in the recently renovated park features the music of noted black composers such as, Florence Price, Joseph Bologne (the subject of the recent film “Chevalier”), and Virginia resident Adolphus Hailstork.

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New basketball program debuts next month

A new weekend basketball program for Richmonders ages 15 to 20 will roll out in June as part of Richmond’s summer offerings.

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Where’s the money?

Last week we asked Mayor Levar M. Stoney to explain what happened to the higher real estate taxes the city received from owners of property with expiring tax abatements, also called roll-off dollars.

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Uphold your oath

We call on President Biden to uphold his oath to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

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Power, by Dr. E. Faye Williams

“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” — Lord John Acton

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America must rebuke a new feudalism, by Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

The pomp and circumstance of the crowning of King Charles III filled TV sets.

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Virginia NAACP objects to Virginia’s withdrawal from ERIC

The NAACP Virginia State Conference (Virginia NAACP) objects to Commissioner Susan Beals’ decision to remove Virginia from the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC). ERIC has been a trusted tool by states to combat voter fraud since 2012.

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Master gardeners to celebrate pollinators at June events

The Henrico County office of Virginia Cooperative Extension and Henrico County Master Gardeners will offer activities and events throughout June to celebrate pollinators and promote the vital role they play in healthy ecosystems.

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VSU narrowly loses to Salem

Virginia State University’s bid for a second straight New South Athletic Conference (NSAC) baseball title came up short May 7 at Whaley Colbert Field in Ettrick.

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Barlow is XFL’s Coach of the Year

Coach Reggie Barlow’s first season coaching the XFL D.C. Defenders couldn’t have gone much better.

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Sanders beefs up Buffaloes’ roster

In overhauling the University of Colorado football roster, Coach Deion Sanders has spread his recruiting net as far as Virginia.

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2 cross pond to play for Rams

VCU might consider adding Shepherd’s pie, fish ‘n’ chips and cream tea to its concession stand menu.

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‘Tuddy’ to debut with Commanders for 2023 season

The Washington Commanders will have a new owner and a new mascot for the 2023 season.

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City dispatcher honored

Ashley Marlow has been honored for helping a 911 caller cope with an armed man on her front porch in Richmond.

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Places To Go, People To See

Places To Go, People To See

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Erasing redlining

Nearly 100 years since redlining left Richmond’s communities of color marginalized, Coming Together Virginia will host a discussion about how such discriminatory practices caused long-term environmental effects for Richmonders and others.

Thursday, May 11

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Musician Marlon Cox remembered for his talent, personality and sense of humor

Musician and entrepreneur Marlon Jermaine Cox died on Saturday, April 29, 2023, after a suffering a medical emergency in early April.

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Wilder urges firing of state diversity official, VCU president

On Tuesday, former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder called on Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin to replace Chief Diversity Officer Martin D. Brown over remarks declaring the state’s focus on diversity, equity and inclusion “dead.”

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Done deal

New $3B City budget signed and sealed

Richmond’s new budget is set to go on July 1 after winning unanimous approval from City Council on Monday night.

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Jury finds Trump liable for sexual abuse

A jury found Donald Trump liable Tuesday for sexually abusing advice columnist E. Jean Carroll in 1996, awarding her $5 million in a judgment that could haunt the former president as he campaigns to regain the White House.

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Personality: Jake Rowell

Spotlight on LiftPD’s board president

In 2020, Jake Rowell found inspiration to help an underserved part of the Richmond community.

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Jean Allen Eggleston remembered for her substance and style

Jean Allen Eggleston, a lifelong Richmonder, died on Monday, May 1, 2023, at the age of 89. She will be remembered as loving and supportive to her family, a loyal friend, a kind teacher and a fashionista.

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Embiid receives long overdue MVP

The NBA’s Most Valuable Player trophy is back in Philadelphia.

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Veteran church keyboard artist presents gospel show, despite health setback

One of Richmond’s biggest gospel shows ever is headed to Trinity Baptist Church in North Side to showcase Richmond’s best known performers.

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Green light shines on Diamond District

The huge plan to redevelop 67 acres of publicly owned land around The Diamond baseball stadium has a green light — despite questions about the soundness of its financial structure.

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Free Press wins 18 awards in annual VPA contest

The Richmond Free Press continues its 30-year tradition of award-winning excellence.

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Free community testing for COVID-19 continues

The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations: • Thursday, May 11, 1 to 5 p.m. - Henrico Arms Apartments, 1664 Henrico Arms Place. • Friday, May 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Southside Women, Infant and Children Office, 509 East

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J.C. Poma to lead Chesterfield’s sports tourism expansion efforts

J.C. Poma will become Chesterfield County’s first-ever executive director of sports, visitation and entertainment. His appointment was effective May 1.

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Margaret O. Daramola is Virginia’s poet laureate

Margaret O. Daramola has been named the Commonwealth of Virginia’s new poet laureate.

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Rep. McClellan named to Biden-Harris Campaign National Advisory Board

U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan is among the team of Democratic leaders who will help deliver President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ message and engage voters across the country, the Biden-Harris 2024 re-election campaign said yesterday in announcing its National Advisory Board.

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Starting date nears to replace George Wythe

The first construction work on a replacement for the aging George Wythe High School could begin by late summer.

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RPD names LGBTQ+ community liaison

The Richmond Police Department has named Capt. Kimberly Mooney as the Department’s LGBTQ+ community liaison (lesbian, gay, transgender and queer/questioning community).

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Burn notice: Council approves Fire training in park

The Richmond Fire Department won its fight to replace 2 acres of lawn at the Hickory Hill Community Center in South Side with a concrete pad and a fire training facility where recruits can get experience dousing blazes.

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Honorary street signs for Davis, Dennis and Hamilton

Over the coming weeks, three Richmonders will receive posthumous recognition for their contributions to the civic, religious and business life of the city.

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Bus transfer center opening soon

The replacement GRTC transfer center in Downtown is projected to open around Thursday, June 15, the transit company has indicated.

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Jamestown Settlement to commemorate Jamestown’s founding

Jamestown Settlement, a museum of 17th century Virginia, will present a full day of programs and live demonstrations Saturday, May 13, to commemorate the 1607 founding of Jamestown, America’s first permanent English settlement, and honor the enduring legacies and traditions of the Virginia Indians who have occupied the land for centuries.

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All about business

Vice President Kamala Harris visited Babylon Micro-Farms in Scott’s Addition on Thursday, May 4, as part of the National Small Business Week celebration.

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New labyrinth in South Side

A new community labyrinth was dedicated Saturday at the headquarters of United Parents Against Lead, 4809 Old Warwick Road.

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Where’s the money?

At least $2.4 million in city tax revenue appears to have gone missing.

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One diversity chief to go, please!

This week, former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder again demanded the removal of the state’s chief diversity officer, a man named Martin D. Brown, for comments made during a speech at Virginia Military Institute. During his talk at an employee training program, Mr. Brown, a Republican appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, referred to programs designed to encourage diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, as a bovine that had already gone to the slaughterhouse.

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Addressing lung cancer health disparities, by Dr. Robert A. Winn

The cancer field has made incredible progress in “molecules to medicine” – finding new ways to target and treat cancer and developing innovative treatments such as immunotherapies. But these advances alone are not going to solve persistent disparities in lung cancer, which disproportionately impact Black Americans.

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Purging the voice, will of the people, by David Marshall

Whether you’re a Republican, Democrat, or Independent, President Joe Biden needs to be re-elected regardless of whether you like him.

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Black parents seek schools affirming their history amid bans

Every decision Assata Salim makes for her young son is important. Amid a spike in mass killings, questions of safety were at the top of her mind when choosing a school. Next on her checklist was the school’s culture.

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Journette is long ball launcher

Justin Journette represents power personified for Norfolk State University baseball.

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Olympic gold medalist dies at 32

Tori Bowie, an Olympic and World champion sprinter, died recently at her home in Horizon, Fla. She was 32.

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VSU football has a ‘Rosey’ outlook

Brandon Rose won’t have to travel far to be issued a football jersey number at Virginia State University.

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Reid decides on Wake Forest

Efton Reid is taking his 7-foot frame and basketball talents from coast to coast.

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Triple World Series champion Vida Blue dies

Vida Blue, a pitching star on the Oakland A’s three straight World Series titles (1972, ’73, ’74), died Saturday, May 6, 2023, in Tracy, Calif. He was 73.

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VIA to honor former Armstrong star

Native Richmonder Frank J. Smith will be among those inducted into this year’s Virginia Interscholastic Association (VIA) Hall of Fame.

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Places To Go, People To See

Looking for something to do or new experiences in the months ahead? Here are just a few of the upcoming fun events and adventures:

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Grey Garrett is Virginia Rep’s Carole King

The Virginia Repertory Theatre has found its Carole King. Richmond theater actress Grey Garrett has been selected to play the award-winning musician in the regional premiere of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at the November Theatre beginning Friday, June 23.

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Playwright aims to open hearts and minds with premiere production

Brittany Fisher left her native Virginia for New York in 2021 to attend Juilliard’s Lila Acheson Wallace American Playwrights Program. Now graduated, she is still based in New York, but she never stays away for long. Her family won’t let her.

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Tory Lanez denied new trial in Megan Thee Stallion shooting

A Los Angeles judge on Tuesday denied a motion for a new trial from lawyers for rapper Tory Lanez, who was convicted of three felonies in December for shooting hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion in the feet and wounding her.

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Pop, jazz and soul artist N’Kenge performs with Richmond Symphony

‘I want everyone to leave inspired, enlightened and wanting to party’

Singer N’Kenge has a lot of ground to cover when she performs with the Richmond Symphony later on May 13.

Thursday, May 4

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Teen shootings raise questions about school attendance

Another shooting involving Richmond students has once again focused attention on the high level of truancy the city schools experience.

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Moving on up

Creighton Court developer’s $300M plan may cost $410,400 per unit

The most expensive housing development in Richmond is headed to a neighborhood in the East End that has ranked high in poverty.

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Fort Gregg-Adams

New name for Army base honors 2 Black officers

Fort Gregg-Adams replaced Fort Lee as the official name for the U.S. Army Base during a Redesignation Ceremony on April 27. Located in Prince George County, Fort Gregg- Adams recognizes two Black officers, Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams.

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Personality: Coleman Wortham III

Spotlight on Children’s Hospital Foundation board chairman

Through decades of change and evolution, Coleman Wortham III has been a steadfast part of Richmond’s child care community.

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John Fitzhugh Jones Jr., educator and child advocate, remembered

Retired Army Reserve Lt. Col. John Fitzhugh Jones Jr., who spent three decades sched- uling classes and counseling students in Richmond Public Schools, has died.

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Curry sets NBA record

Just when you think you’ve seen the best of Steph Curry, the Golden State Warrior takes his game to an even higher level.

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Kamala Harris Richmond visit scheduled

On Thursday, May 4, Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Richmond in honor of Small Business Week and to highlight the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to uplifting small businesses.

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Virginians lend helping hand after Mississippi storms

When storms tore through Mississippi and the surrounding states of Texas and Alabama last month, the devastation made national news. At least 25 people were killed, and hundreds of homes and businesses were destroyed.

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Free community testing for COVID-19 continues

The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:

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Boushall teacher on leave after confrontation with student

A Richmond Public Schools teacher identified as a female is currently on administrative leave after a video of a confrontation with a student over speaking Spanish sparked criticism from the community and calls to deal with long-standing issues for Latino students in the city.

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Fire training center topic returns

A controversial plan to have the Richmond Fire Department build a training facility on a two-acre section of the lawn at the Hickory Community Center that the Planning Commission rejected has returned to City Council’s agenda.

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Construction to begin on North Side apartments at site of former church

Enterprise Community Development was scheduled to formally launch construction on a four-story complex of 66 affordable apartment units in North Side, on Thursday, May 4.

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Police union up for a vote

Hundreds of officers in the Richmond Police Department are voting on whether to make the Richmond Coalition of Police their union bargaining agent, the Free Press has learned.

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Massey vans drive cancer awareness message

The VCU Massey Cancer Center recently announced its collaboration with two Richmond area street artists whose colorful works will wrap two mobile health vans. The customized vehicles will soon bring cancer education, prevention, screening and care coordination directly to underserved communities in central and southern Virginia.

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Early voting to begin for General Assembly seats

The battle for General Assembly seats is about to begin.

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Fantasy and facts

Here are your policy choices:

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Hold on casino?

Will there be a second Richmond vote on having a gambling casino?

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Where are the parents, aunties and uncles?, by David Marshall

The shooting of Ralph Yarl is a story that is still relatively fresh in today’s news cycle. While the shooting of the Black 16-year-old in Kansas City, Mo., was senseless and avoidable, it represents how much of a violent nation the United States has become. Far too many people feel emboldened to shoot first, ask questions later, and then claim self-defense.

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Systemic inequities hinder kinship foster care

In the most recent 2023 General Assembly session, Senate Bill 1219 was tabled in the House and left with the Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee for further analysis.

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UPAL’s garden

Anew community garden shaped as a labyrinth with circular walking paths will be dedicated at noon Saturday, May 6, on the grounds of 4809 Warwick Road in South Side, it has been announced.

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VUU has reinforcements in the house

There were two groups of basketball players at Virginia Union University this past season – the ones you saw and the ones you didn’t see.

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VCU’s Mathis is a marquee attraction

A.J. Mathis is both the leadoff man and the leading man for VCU baseball.

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VSU’s Hagans becomes free agent for Indianapolis Colts

Darius Hagans hopes to wear a white helmet with a blue horseshoe on the sides this coming football season.

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New uniform fails to rattle Bones

Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland changed wardrobes this season with no malfunction to his shooting touch.

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Commanders choose all-time ‘pick-six’ leader

Emmanuel Forbes will be among the NFL’s lightest players. Washington hopes he’ll be among the most exciting.

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NFL honors fallen Cavaliers

Prior to the NFL Draft, a tribute was paid to the University of Virginia football players who were killed last November.

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Brotherhood, sisterhood and service

In his 2001 book, “The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and So- rorities,” author Lawrence C. Ross Jr. explains “the vital role of America’s Black fraternities and sororities,” which includes providing young black achievers with opportunities to support each other while they serve their communities and the nation.

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Moon family establishes scholarships

Sisters Enjoli and Sesha Moon are already making an impact on Richmond.