Fewer, higher paid school liaisons would replace RPS’ 17 attendance officers under Kamras plan
Jason Kamras is rejecting initial criticism of his plan to try a new approach to ensure Richmond students attend school daily.
No answers yet on why new Richmond schools costs to be higher than many other locales
Richmond is preparing to spend $140 million to build three new schools financed by an increase in the city’s meals tax — $30 million more than the school system first projected and far in excess of what most school divisions are paying for new buildings.
Former New Orleans mayor calls for honest dialogue on race
If Civil War history is to be displayed across the American South, it must be portrayed fairly and accurately, with an open dialogue about racial disparities in the region, the former mayor of New Orleans told Richmond’s mayor Tuesday.
Still funding Confederacy
Years of taxpayer money has kept Confederate cemeteries in pristine condition. Can there be true equity for historic African-American burial grounds?
On most Saturdays since 2013, volunteers have met at East End Cemetery in Henrico County to hack away at the vines and weeds that have choked gravesites there for decades.
Congratulations!
Well played!
Congratulations to the Virginia Union University Lady Panthers and the Virginia State University Trojans men’s basketball teams!
New $720,000 policy gives RPS employees a week off for spring break
For the first time, principals, maintenance workers and other 12-month public schools employees in Richmond will receive a week of paid leave during the upcoming spring break, even though it will cost more than $720,000.
Youth Matter Showcase wraps up youth violence Prevention Week activities
A Youth Matter Showcase, presented from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at Pine Camp Cultural Arts and Community Center, will help round out the 2nd Annual Youth Violence Prevention Week coordinated by Richmond’s Youth Violence Prevention Coalition and the INSPIRE Workgroup.
Documentary on African-American men and mental health Saturday
Black men’s mental health is spotlighted in a documentary film being screened this weekend in Richmond.
Richmond Raceway will host first eSports event
Rocket-powered cars are coming to the Richmond Raceway, but they’re not racing — they’re playing soccer.
Markers to honor late city native Dorothy I. Height on March 24
Dorothy Irene Height left segregated Richmond at age 5 and went on to earn national recognition as a civil rights and women’s rights activist who devoted her life to uplifting people.
No more taxes
Letters to the editor
Re “More taxes: Mayor Stoney proposes tax hikes on real estate, cigarettes and utility rates to generate more money for city needs,” Free Press March 7-9 edition: I see that Mayor Levar M. Stoney wants to raise more taxes in Richmond. The tax hikes would include real estate, cigarettes and utilities to help offset city expenses.
Gaming the college admissions system and defunding K-12 public education
Letters to the editor
Re “Stand by your plan: Mayor Levar M. Stoney pushes his proposed tax hikes despite opposition and criticism” and “Fallout continues from college admissions scandal,” Free Press March 14-16 edition: The indictment of 50 people in a fraudulent scheme to gain admission to elite universities and colleges for already privileged children exposes an appalling but unsurprising reality.
Vote out those who weakened school truancy law
Letters to the Editor
Re “RPS attendance officers’ jobs on chopping block despite crucial need, service,” Free Press March 14-16 edition: It was unconscionable for members of the Richmond delegation to the General Assembly to vote to defang the truancy law.
Remembrance and justice: Shockoe Bottom Memorial
Letters to the editor
Every week, a new story of some city, county or state’s decision to keep or remove a memento of the Confederacy captures our nation’s attention.
Calling out white terrorists
An Australian white nationalist who says he hates immigrants acted out his hate by murdering at least 49 people and seriously injuring dozens more last week. He
New Zealand shooting hits home for American Muslims
For Muslims, Fridays are special. Mosques come to life with the mandatory Jummah prayer services, where imams deliver sermons and lead rows of worshippers in congregational prayer. Muslims dress in their Friday best and greet one another with “Jummah Mubarak” or “blessed Friday.”
Too late in Venezuela?
The United States is pushing for an overthrow of the government of Venezuela. The Trump administration has denounced Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro as a “dictator,” dismissing the 2018 election, which the opposition boycotted.
The only plan on the table
Mayor Levar M. Stoney has presented what he calls a “bold” new budget to Richmond City Council that goes all in for greater investment in public schools and road and street improvements.
Virginia, change and the ERA
People have said the Democrats have no central focus. I think we do — and that’s inclusion.
Women, the draft and equality
A federal judge in Texas ruled last month that the all-male draft in the United States is unconstitutional. For many decades, there have been divisions in our military — the 442nd Infantry Regiment of Japanese Americans, the African-American Tuskegee Airmen, the African-American cavalry regiment known as Buffalo Soldiers and the American Indian code talkers.
