Story
GRTC’s planned Bus Rapid Transit already $11.5M over projection
Richmond’s Bus Rapid Transit system is going to cost an additional $11.5 million to develop. But the state — and not Richmond — will pick up the extra expense, GRTC spokeswoman Carrie Rose Pace disclosed Tuesday. “Under the project agreement, the Commonwealth of Virginia will cover any costs that exceed the estimated project budget,” she stated in an email to the Free Press.
Story
State NAACP election results upheld
After months of uncertainty, Linda Thomas is officially the president of the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP. She replaces Carmen Taylor of Hampton, who lost a close election last fall at the state convention. “I’m feeling pretty good. I’m anxious to get started, and the other members of the executive committee are anxious to get started,” said Ms. Thomas, a Caroline County resident whose husband, Floyd W. Thomas, serves on the Caroline Board of Supervisors
Story
Price puts events out of reach for some area residents
Re: “First African-American police officers to be remembered in April 30 ceremony,” March 31-April 2 edition: I remember very well three of the four policemen who are to be honored. They were officers in my younger days. I would like to come to the ceremony, however, I cannot afford to pay the $50 the event organizers are charging to attend the ceremony. I am a citizen who lives off a very low income each month.
Story
Clinton crime bill in context
Former President Bill Clinton mixed it up with Black Lives Matter activists last week as he defended his presidency and his 1994 crime bill while campaigning in Philadelphia for his wife, Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton. Hillary fans will say it isn’t fair that the Black Lives Matter folks keep raising issues from the Bill Clinton presidency. But the Clintons campaigned in 1992 by asserting that they were a “two for one” presidency, so raising those issues is at least somewhat fair.
Story
TEDxRVA brings inspiration to Downtown
A university president with a comedic touch. A burlesque performer on a mission to continue the revival of her craft.
Story
Children’s choir presents free concert April 16
The Greater Richmond Children’s Intermediate Concert Choir will perform 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16, in the Gellman Room at the Richmond Public Library’s Main Branch, 101 E. Franklin St., in Downtown.
Story
Russell Wilson’s mother to speak at Women’s Day
She’s the mother of Richmond hometown hero Russell Wilson, star quarterback of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. And Tammy Wilson is going to be keynote speaker at the Women’s Day service 11 a.m. Sunday, April 17, at Third Street Bethel AME Church, 614 N. Third St., in Jackson Ward. Mrs. Wilson is expected to talk about her faith and her s
Story
Frantz, Traynor win Monument Ave. 10K
One step forward for the celebration of local athletes. One step backward for diversity. That sums up the 17th running of the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K last Saturday with nearly 30,000 participants and streets lined with excited but chilled fans.
Story
Ed Davis, former Benedictine standout, looks toward NBA playoffs
Ed Davis’ reputation for rugged play under the backboards has earned him the nickname “Phys Ed” with the NBA Portland Trail Blazers. The 240-pound southpaw has developed into an elite rebounder —and short-range scorer — coming off the bench. “It’s not pretty,” he said of his ready-to-rumble style. “But someone has to set the hard screens, hit the offensive boards, do the dirty work.”
Story
Unsold food is ‘a godsend’
Boxes of tomatoes, peppers and other fruits and vegetables fill four tables in the basement social hall at Zion Baptist Church on South Side, creating the look of a small grocery store. “This is a pretty small load,” said John Thombs, who had brought the cornucopia to the church at 2006 Decatur St., where his wife, Betty, set it up with a few helpers.
Story
Free Press wins big
The Richmond Free Press continues its 24-year tradition of award-winning excellence. The newspaper was recognized with 10 awards — including five first-place awards and runner-up for the Journalistic Integrity and Community Service Award — at the annual Virginia Press Association competition in writing, photography, news presentation and advertising.
Photo
Rock star Bruce Springsteen canceled his April 10 concert at the Greensboro, N.C., Coliseum, the latest in a line of protests over a new state …
Published on April 15, 2016
Story
Transgender law tweaked in N.C. after backlash
North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory slightly altered a new state law denounced as discriminatory with an executive order Tuesday, but the Republican stood firm on a controversial provision restricting transgender bathroom access. The governor’s order expands protections against discrimination for state employees to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Gov. McCrory also asked lawmakers to restore the right to sue in state court for discrimination, an option taken away by the measure passed last month.
Story
Marching for dollars
City Council takes first steps to give more to RPS
Before dozens of students, parents and teachers began pleading, berating and challenging Richmond City Council to beef up funding for city schools, the nine members of the governing body had already taken the first step. In a 9-0 vote Monday night, in front of a packed council chamber of school supporters, the council approved an ordinance requiring the city administration to give to the schools real estate tax money collected from surplus property previously owned by the school system.
Story
U.S. Supreme Court rejects conservative challenge in voting rights case
The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld the method all states use to draw their legislative districts, rejecting a conservative challenge that could have given more clout to white, rural voters.
Photo
Yellow tape now blocks the granite steps leading into the Richmond Public Library’s Main Branch in Downtown. Over the years, winter’s cold has cracked the …
Published on April 8, 2016
Story
Demand economic justice
This year’s presidential primaries have highlighted the importance of people of color to the Democratic Party coalition. Hillary Clinton’s lead in the party’s nomination race comes almost entirely from her strength among African-American and Latino voters. When people of color favor one candidate by large margins, they make the difference.
Story
NFL quarterback Russell Wilson gets hometown welcome
Seattle Seahawks All-Pro quarterback Russell Wilson scored a touchdown with a hometown crowd of 4,500 people at the Richmond Forum, where he was the special guest and speaker Saturday night at the Altria Theatre.
Story
Brother versus brother
Jenkins’ buzzer beater gives Villanova the NCAA championship
It’s hard saying what will be remembered most about Kris Jenkins — his game-winning shot or the background story making it all possible. Jenkins swished a 22-foot buzzer beater, giving Villanova (aka “Thrillanova”) a 77-74 victory for the NCAA championship over favored University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill on Monday night in Houston.
Story
Moncrief swinging for the stars with Flying Squirrels
There is a pot of gold waiting at the end of the baseball rainbow. But it sure can be hard getting there. Consider the quest of Carlos Moncrief.
