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‘The Marvels’ melts down at the box office, marking a new low for the Universe
Since 2008’s “Iron Man,” the Marvel machine has been one of the most unstoppable forces
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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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Power, by Dr. E. Faye Williams
“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” — Lord John Acton
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Census forms are changing again — because we are, by Clarence Page
On his HBO show “Real Time,” comedian Bill Maher recently went after Democrats for “pandering” to minority groups for votes.
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City Council approves Diamond District project, lawsuit follows
Richmond City Council made a big swing in determining the future of the city, with members unanimously approving a new redevelopment project in the Diamond District during a special meeting last Wednesday afternoon. Outside of Council Chambers, the reaction was more mixed.
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Honoring MLK: The unfinished journey toward economic freedom, by Charlene Cromwell
On Jan. 15 our nation again will observe the only national holiday designated as a day of service. The Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday was first observed in 1986.
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Judea Watkins rides high with Klutch Sports Group
University of Southern California freshman Judea “JuJu” Watkins is lighting up scoreboards and already taking her earnings to the bank.
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Clark’s record run doesn’t tell full story
By now, you know Iowa sharpshooter Caitlin Clark has broken the all-time NCAA women’s scoring record, or at least you’ve heard her name.
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Petersburg council to revisit jail closure plan
Will the Petersburg City Jail close as Mayor W. Howard Myers has announced? Stay tuned. Mayor Myers is facing a Petersburg City Council revolt over his announcement last week that the jail closing is a done deal and that arrestees would be housed outside the city at Riverside Regional Jail beginning March 1.
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Chicago police officer charged with murder in death of black teen
A white Chicago policeman was charged Tuesday with murdering a black teenager, and authorities are hoping to stave off a fresh burst of the turmoil over race and police use of deadly force that has shaken the United States for more than a year. Officer Jason Van Dyke, 37, was denied bail at a hearing in Chicago’s main criminal courthouse hours after prosecutor Anita Alvarez announced charges of first-degree murder, or killing without lawful justification. If convicted, Officer Van Dyke could face 20 years to life in prison.
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Bishop Curry is first African-American leader of U.S. Episcopal Church
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, installed Sunday as the first African-American leader of the U.S. Episcopal Church, urged Episcopalians to evangelize by crossing divides of race, education and wealth.
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$5.9M settlement for Garner family in chokehold death
The family of Eric Garner, who died after a white police officer put him in a chokehold a year ago, renewed calls this week to criminally charge the police officer, a day after the family reached a $5.9 million settlement with New York City.
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Flying Squirrels start season with fireworks at The Diamond
Play Ball!
“And the rocket’s red glare; the bombs bursting in air ...” Those are lyrics in “The Star Spangled Banner,” played before every Richmond Flying Squirrels game. The words also describe the postgame fireworks planned at The Diamond this season. The Flying Squirrels’ home opener Thursday, April 9, against the Bowie Baysox will conclude with “dueling fireworks,” pyrotechnics launched from two locations.
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VSU Trojans aim to corral Fayetteville State Broncos
If you went for a hot dog and soft drink during punt plays, you’d have missed the day’s most exciting action. Virginia State University’s two touchdowns came on punts in its 14-7 victory over Kentucky State University last Saturday at Rogers Stadium.
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Kanye, Swift replay encounter at MTV Video Music Awards
Taylor Swift may have won the most Moonmans on Sunday, but it was her reunion with rapper Kanye West on the MTV Video Music Awards stage that stole the show, as Kanye declared he will run for the U.S. presidency in 2020.
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Serena wins 20th major trophy at French Open
Nothing, absolutely nothing, could stop Serena Williams from winning her 20th grand slam singles title. She joyously bounced around in delight as she hoisted the glistening French Open trophy last Saturday.
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Richmond area athletes land spots in NFL conference semifinals
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and Houston Texans offensive tackle Duane Brown both earned an A-plus on their NFL first round playoff report cards.
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City expects big savings on utility bonds
Good news for Richmond utility customers who worry about rising costs for city water, sewer and gas service: The city expects to save $4.17 million a year on the cost of repaying money it borrowed for utility projects. With the savings extending for the next 24 years, the amount saved would total $100 million.
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Despite efforts, bank branch in Highland Park to close March 21
Bank of America is not backing down on its decision to close its Highland Park branch on Tuesday, March 21, according to Richmond City Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson.
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Pentecostal Bishop Robert L. Tapper, 96, dies
Pentecostal Bishop Robert Lancelot Tapper developed churches in Richmond and six other Virginia communities during a ministry career that spanned 65 years.