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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.
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‘I don’t think God wants us to stop’ at removing the Confederate flag, President Obama tells mourners at Rev. Pinckney’s funeral in S.C.
‘I don’t think God wants us to stop’ at removing the Confederate flag, President Obama tells mourners at Rev. Pinckney’s funeral in S.C.
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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.
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Police incidents a ‘great awakening’
Re “Survivor: U.Va. honor student talks arrest, future,” June 18-20 edition: It’s interesting that around the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and equal opportunity legislation, some of our federal representatives began calling for an end to the protection that these acts afforded minorities. The inference was that in two and a half generations, we had surpassed the need for those protections.
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Examine racism from within
The recent violence perpetrated upon Emanuel AME Church in South Carolina was sickening. It seems as though our country is constantly regressing instead of progressing. Acts such as these continue to pour salt on the gaping gash of racial tension. Individually, we must ask ourselves if we are the ones “buying the salt” to pour on the wound. Indeed, this particular act was racially motivated. But all of us must bear in mind that evil is colorblind.
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Freedom from a long-lost cause
Could this, at last, be the end of the Civil War? Or, as some fans of Southern heritage call it, the War Between the States? Or the War of Northern Aggression?
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First steps
From the horrific massacre last week in a South Carolina church, the nation is witnessing a historic sea change in attitude regarding the chief symbol of racial hatred that has helped divide this country for so long — the Confederate flag. The flag was used on Civil War battlefields during the bloody four-year fight to keep black people enslaved.
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Average-sized players make big splash in NBA
History tells us that big men rule the NBA. But that history book may be in the process of being rewritten. The Golden State Warriors dominated the world’s toughest league this season with a different recipe than many other teams.
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50-year reunion
Student civil rights workers recall efforts
The Charleston, S.C., church shooting is an ugly reminder that “racist violence is not a ghost,” said Bruce Smith 71, of Woodbridge, a volunteer lobbyist for AARP.
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Personality: Frances T. Hayes
Spotlight on host chapter president of Club Dejouir’s 60th conclave
Frances T. Hayes served two terms as president of the Richmond Chapter of Club Dejouir Inc. in the 1970s. Now, four decades later, she has embarked on her third term as president of the nonprofit women’s social and civic organization.
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Pope weighs in on weapons, climate
People who manufacture weapons or invest in weapons industries are hypocrites if they call themselves Christians, Pope Francis said earlier this week.
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The people, price, promise
When race, politics, history and religion meet at the social intersection that we all negotiate at different periods in life, changes can pull you down a road that you never thought was possible.
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Forums deliver security tips to church leaders
Richmond area faith leaders and congregation members are on heightened alert following the mass killing of nine worshippers at a historic Charleston, S.C., church last week and a frightening incident that followed at a church in South Richmond.
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School Board votes 4-2 to back Bedden’s ‘leveling’ plan
Are arts and music programs and foreign language classes now an endangered species in some Richmond Public Schools? That’s what some School Board members, students, parents and supporters fear in the wake of Monday night’s 4-2 vote by the board to back Superintendent Dana T. Bedden’s “leveling” plan.
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The Confederate battle flag, a symbol of racial hate, ironically waves Wednesday over the horse-drawn carriage bearing the casket of beloved African-American minister and state …
Published on June 26, 2015
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We shall overcome
Charleston church massacre spurs removal of racist symbols
Charleston church massacre spurs removal of racist symbols
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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.
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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.
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Housing group acquires Church Hill property for project
A former church social services center known as Citadel of Hope is to be the centerpiece for a new affordable housing development in Church Hill.
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Celebrating Father’s Day
What is your fondest memory of your father?
On Sunday, June 21, we celebrate Father’s Dayand all the love, lessons and gifts they give to their families and children.In honor of this special day, the Free Press asked people: What is your fondest memory of your father?
