RPS approves changes in selection process for three high schools
In an effort to enable more underprivileged students to attend Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, Richmond Community High School and Open High, the Richmond School Board approved changes for admissions to those schools on Monday.
RPS names new leadership at McClenney and Overby-Sheppard elementaries
Richmond Public Schools recently announced two new interim principals.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
Family of Irvo Otieno agrees to $8.5M settlement
The family of a man who died while handcuffed and pinned to the floor for about 11 minutes as he was being admitted to a Virginia psychiatric hospital has reached an $8.5 million settlement with the state and the county and sheriff whose deputies were involved in restraining him. A judge approved the out-of-court wrongful death settlement Tuesday, according to an agreement filed in Henrico County Circuit Court.
New agreement appears to move forward Diamond District, stadium
A breakthrough in negotiations has put the $2.4 billion Diamond District deal back on track, the Free Press has learned.
Virginia Organizing challenges Youngkin’s voting rights move
The Charlottesville-based grassroots group Virginia Organizing plans to lead a public march and protest in Richmond at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, to protest Republican Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin’s rollback of the virtually automatic restoration of voting rights for released felons, it has been announced
Report details City jail stabbing
The dangers at the Richmond City Justice Center were re-emphasized Monday when one prisoner repeatedly stabbed another in the head around 6 a.m. Monday as breakfast was being served, according to internal reports the Free Press obtained.
Community festival with a focus on health
VCU’s Massey Cancer is throwing an open-to-everyone family-friendly carnival from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St.
Justice and accountability needed in Irvo Otieno’s death
Yesterday’s announcement about a settlement being reached in the case of Irvo Otieno, a 28-year-old Black man who died while being restrained at a Virginia psychiatric hospital, elevates discussions about the need for mental health and policing reforms.
Vote early and make your voice heard
As the upcoming Nov. 7 elections in Virginia draw near, it is essential that every eligible citizen exercise his or her right to vote.
Hardball game of politics, by Clarence Page
Like numerous other folks who did not support Mitt Romney’s election when he was challenging then-President Barack Obama in 2012, I think he looks a lot better to me now than he did then — and not just because he decided to retire from the Senate.
Saving planet matter of choice, by Ben Jealous
There’s a phrase you hear from business schools to board rooms that comes from L. John Doerr, a legendary investor who backed Google, Amazon and Intuit: Measure what matters. Those words certainly jumped to mind this summer as leaders from Washington to London sent signals that protecting a safe, livable planet hardly matters because it’s not worth accounting for accurately and honestly.
VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center’s new designation driven by the community, by Dr. Robert A. Winn
Building engines for General Motors was going to be my one-way ticket to the other side of the tracks. Growing up, I dreamt of getting that job at the plant in my working class Buffalo, N.Y., neighborhood, earning a steady paycheck and setting myself up for life. It didn’t even occur to me to look beyond the borders of familiarity because I had no idea how I would get there. Eventually higher education came into play and medicine found me. But I’m still one part M.D. and one part M.C., connected to that kid down the block who knew there was something bigger out there, even if it seemed out of reach.
New plans in place for 2 Richmond cemeteries
Richmond is getting a thumbs up from the community for its plan to take over the historic Evergreen and East End cemeteries on the city’s East Side, but only if volunteer groups are kept in the loop.
Run Richmond 2023 is a race for Black history
RUN RICHMOND 16.19, the cultural running and walking event hosted by the Djimon Hounsou Foundation in collaboration with the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia and Sports Backers takes place Sept. 30.
VCU forum addresses HBCUs
“HBCUs and the Absence of Support” will address the funding gap for Historically Black Colleges and Universities during the 2023 Wilder Symposium Sept. 28 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Richmond International Film Festival returns
Filmmaking and musical guests from around the world will be in Richmond for the 12th Annual Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF). The six-day festival will kick off on Tuesday, Sept. 26, with film premieres, live music performances, panel discussions and more.
Finding a safe space
Virginia State University will host a free discussion focused on African-American men and mental health as part of several HBCU Across America forums participating in Real Talk Drives Real Change events.
Trojans’ transfer sparks hot start
Romelo Williams is starting to pile up statistics while Virginia State University is piling up victories.
