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Lady Panthers’ heartbreaker
In her only basketball season for Virginia Union University, Kiana Johnson scored a jaw-dropping 905 points. If she somehow could have added points 906 or perhaps 907, the Panthers might still be playing.
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Virginia Commonwealth University’s Mo Alie-Cox, center, tries to reach over University of Oklahoma’s Isaiah Cousins, left, and Buddy Hield for a rebound during Sunday’s NCAA …
Published on March 25, 2016
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Rams knocked out in round 2; next test in Battle4Atlantis
University of Oklahoma’s Buddy Hield is arguably the best college basketball player in America. If he were anything less, Virginia Commonwealth University likely would be headed to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 this weekend instead of packing for the offseason.
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Richmond Christian Center to search for new pastor
The Richmond Christian Center is moving to replace its founding pastor, Steve Parson. Two months after emerging from bankruptcy, the fundamentalist South Side church announced Tuesday that it has begun a search for a new full-time pastor to be in place by July.
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Movement afoot to remove Lee statue in Charlottesville
Charlottesville residents who are uncomfortable with a local park could affect a monumental change if renewed protest over a nearly 100-year-old statue gains enough support. On Tuesday, local community leaders called on the city’s elected officials to rename Lee Park and remove the statue of the park’s namesake, Gen. Robert E. Lee of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia.
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‘Virtual school’ in Va.?
Advocates say it would boost educational choices; critics say it would strip students and money from public schools
Thousands of public school students in Virginia could have the option of taking all of their classes on a home computer in what is known as a “virtual school” — instead of making the daily trek to a building with bells and defined class times. Gov. Terry McAuliffe is mulling whether to sign House Bill 8, a largely Republican-backed piece of legislation that would allow Virginia to join Florida, Ohio and 28 other states in providing 12 years of public education in what enthusiasts describe as a “classroom without walls.”
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State senator launches bid for Congress
State Sen. A. Donald McEachin formally announced his candidacy for the open seat in the 4th Congressional District. Richmond and Eastern Henrico are now part of the 4th District, which has been represented by Republican Congressman J. Randy Forbes. However, Rep. Forbes announced he will give up the seat and run in the 2nd Congressional District. Sen. McEachin, a 54-year-old Democrat and personal injury attorney, was re-elected last year to a third term in the state Senate. He will not have to give up his General Assembly seat to run for Congress.
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Incarceration addiction aids jailers only
“Jails and prisons are the complement of schools; so many less as you have of the latter, so many more must you have of the former.” — Horace Mann, “Report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” 1881
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Malia, Sasha turn heads at first state dinner
Sasha and Malia Obama, the teenage daughters of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, were nothing less than stunning for their first state dinner, where they were first clad in designer fabrics and later in controversy. During the official White House event last Thursday night welcoming Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, both Sasha and Malia ruled the red carpet, rubbed elbows with dignitaries and enjoyed a rare star-struck moment with “Deadpool” star Ryan Reynolds.
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Author, journalist Barbara Ehrenreich to speak at housing coalition event
The Richmond-based Better Housing Coalition is hosting an event 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 24, at the University of Richmond’s Jepson Alumni Center to explore “the real-world challenges lower-income families face every day in finding decent housing, good jobs, healthy foods and effective transportation.”
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VUU’s ‘Windy City Wonder’ breaks records, dazzles fans at regional finale
Kiana Johnson is so fast, so agile, so dynamic. She navigates a basketball floor like a sleek sports car, reducing foes to clunker status.
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Virginia Union University’s Kiana Johnson kisses the NCAA regional championship trophy she and her teammates were awarded after Monday night’s victory over West Liberty University …
Published on March 17, 2016
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VCU heads to Oklahoma City for NCAA despite A-10 loss
If you’re among the thousands of passionate Virginia Commonwealth University basketball fans, you’ve become accustomed to this time of year scrambling for last minute flight reservations. For the third straight year, the Rams are headed to the NCAA. So Rams fans who want to cheer on the team in person will be putting up considerable time, effort and expense. After losing to St. Joseph’s University 87-74 in the Atlantic 10 Tournament finale last Sunday in Brooklyn, N.Y., the Rams are headed to Oklahoma City, 1,293 miles from Richmond. Coach Will Wade’s 24-10 Rams are seeded No. 10 in the NCAA’s West Region and will face No. 7 Oregon State University, featuring Gary Payton II, on Friday, March 18. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., with the game slated to be televised on TNT.
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The Hampton University men’s basketball team erupts in celebration Saturday night as the Pirates put the finishing touches on its 81-69 victory over South Carolina …
Published on March 17, 2016
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Hampton Pirates win MEAC; now face U.Va. in NCAA
Of 68 teams chosen for the NCAA, Division I, basketball tournament, Hampton University has drawn one of the most challenging first round games.
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VSU Trojans end season with second round NCAA loss
You can make a strong case for this being Virginia State University’s best basketball season in program history. Better yet, you can make a convincing argument next season will be even better.
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National clergy group outraged over attempts to block court appointment
Black clergy from across the country are expressing outrage about the Republican-led U.S. Senate’s vow to block any nominee President Obama picks to fill a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court, saying it reflects racism and disrespect.
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Priest attacked over aid to refugees
Two members of the conservative Christian Democratic Union political party of German Chancellor Angela Merkel were linked to a spate of verbal racist attacks against an African priest who ministered to refugees fleeing oppressive African regimes.
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School officials make push for more money
Audience members applauded repeatedly as students from Richmond Public Schools delivered stirring remarks, creative musical performances, inspiring spoken word renditions and precision marching exercises at the 2016 State of the Schools Address.
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2016 General Assembly ends with bipartisan consensus on budget, other measures
The 2016 General Assembly session is over — ending last Friday, a day early, on a high note of accomplishment. The hectic 59 days produced a landmark compromise on gun laws and a new state budget providing a dramatic boost in spending on public education and offering pay hikes for state workers and lawmakers.
