Story
Washington NFL team shot down by federal court
Can the government ban trademark registration of the racist mascot name of Washington’s pro football team? Yes, a federal judge ruled Wednesday in throwing the team for a big loss in its efforts to defend and maintain the name. The decision is the biggest setback for the defiant team since the Richmond Free Press and other media outlets banned the use of the name. The Free Press took the action in October 2013, after deeming the name on a par with the “n” word for black people.
Story
Brush-off in city pays dividends in Norfolk
Training program helps public housing residents get construction jobs
Training program helps public housing residents get construction jobs
Story
Story
Regional computer programming school proposed
Ten school districts, including Richmond, Chesterfield and Henrico, are embarking on a bold educational experiment aimed at overhauling career training for area high school students, particularly those struggling in traditional classes. The first step: Creation of a regional school that would give students the skills to become computer programmers and open doors to careers in engineering, computer science and other technology fields, according to a grant application the alliance of schools submitted to the state Department of Education.
Story
Scott co-leader of bipartisan effort to curb federal prison spending
From Virginia to California, states are pushing change to cut their ballooning prison costs that collectively approach $60 billion. Instead of automatically locking up people, 32 states have put in place reforms during the past five years that have reduced the numbers of people imprisoned without increasing crime rates. The efforts have saved at least $4 billion. That includes reserving prison cells for the most serous offenders and doing more to divert lower-level offenders to supervised support programs outside prison.
Story
Dr. Reavis to retire as seminary president
Fifteen years ago, Dr. Ralph Reavis Sr. went to Lynchburg to save his alma mater, Virginia University of Lynchburg. Now the former Richmond pastor is preparing to step down as president of the historically black Baptist college and seminary that he believes has been restored to full health — with more than 10 times the enrollment than when he started. “When I got here, there were only 32 students on campus,” Dr. Reavis said. Today, more than 400 students are taking courses on the campus, online or in a satellite program on the Northern Neck in Eastern Virginia.
Story
Dr. Marsha Rappley to head VCU health operations
Dr. Marsha D. Rappley will be the new medical leader for Virginia Commonwealth University, a major health center in the state.
Story
VCU Health System may move into Jackson Ward office building
A Jackson Ward office building soon may provide expansion space for the VCU Health System.
Story
VSU working on accreditation issues
Virginia State University is hustling to correct the issues that led the school to be placed on warning by its accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges.
Story
City names North Side park for the late Walter Gaines Jr.
Walter Gaines Jr. was the unofficial “mayor” of the Providence Park community on North Side for nearly 45 years. A gregarious man known for his positive attitude, Mr. Gaines worked to improve public safety and promote neighborliness. Among other things, he helped bring a Boys & Girls Club to the community to improve resources for young people as president of the Providence Park Civic Association. He helped start the association in the late 1960s and led it until his death.
Story
McAuliffe expands rights restoration
Eric Branch still owes the state government more than $9,000 in court costs and fees from a 1988 felony conviction that sent him to prison for nearly five years.
Story
Portrait of civil rights giant in Governor’s Mansion
Oliver W. Hill used the law to battle segregation and to promote justice and equality in Virginia in schools, in the workplace, the courthouse and a host of other areas.
Story
We shall overcome
Charleston church massacre spurs removal of racist symbols
Charleston church massacre spurs removal of racist symbols
Story
4th time the charm?
New city finance chief #4 under mayor’s tenure
As the former Suffolk city manager, Selena Cuffee-Glenn went through five people before she found the right person to serve as chief financial officer.
Story
Company to add 1,173 new employees to Henrico headquarters
Good news for area job seekers: A fast growing, Richmond area insurance company plans to add nearly 1,200 new jobs, Gov. Terry McAuliffe has announced.
Story
David M. Hicks to be sworn in June 30
David M. Hicks will soon don the robes of his new office — a judge of the Richmond General District Court. After nearly seven years as Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ top policy adviser, Mr. Hicks is to be sworn in as a judge on Tuesday, June 30, it has been announced.
Story
Board asks to throw out schools lawsuit
The Richmond School Board is seeking to dispel a legal cloud hanging over the collective heads of its nine members.
Story
Federal appeals court orders Va. congressional district lines redrawn
For the second time, a three-judge panel has found the General Assembly illegally packed black voters into a single congressional district — diminishing their influence and ability to elect a candidate of their choice in adjacent districts. And for the second time, that ruling is expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court as the Republican-dominated legislature seeks to maintain GOP control of the state’s congressional delegation.
Story
VSU placed on warning by accrediting agency
Virginia State University, which has been tussling with the state auditor over its financial reporting, now has taken a slap from the regional group that accredits the historic Petersburg area school. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools announced last week that VSU has been placed on warning, a sanction imposed for failing to provide evidence it was in compliance with all of the group’s standards.
Story
Special election July 21 for 74th House District
Voters in the 74th House of Delegates District will be going to the polls twice. First, there will be a special election to fill the district’s vacant House of Delegates seat Tuesday, July 21.