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Biden and Trump agree to 2 presidential debates, leaving VSU date in doubt
President Biden and former President Donald Trump on Wednesday agreed to hold two campaign debates — the first on June 27 hosted by CNN and the second on Sept. 10 hosted by ABC — setting the stage for their first presidential face-off to play out in just over a month.
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Personality: Antonio Villa Payares
Spotlight on La Casa de la Salud founder and executive director
Dr. Antonio Villa Payares was part of the first generation in his family to pursue a career in medicine. He became interested in becoming a doctor early on.
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Faith and family inspire local nursing student
With a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Nursing, Erin Norwood is ready to help others — and set an example along the way.
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First AME pastor defends bankruptcy filing for FAME Corp
In response to the recent financial decisions, Pastor Robert Shaw from First AME Church in Los Angeles has issued a statement in defense of the church’s choice to file for bankruptcy protection for three of its entities: Fame Assistance Corporation, Fame Housing Corporation, and FAME/Good Shepherd Center Housing Development as of May 1.
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2 VSU mothers graduate alongside their children at commencement
At Virginia State University, the tradition of academic pursuit across generations is a tangible reality. The Spring 2024 Commencement witnessed a significant milestone as two families celebrated graduating together.
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Oliver Hill’s haunting thoughts on landmark court case, by Carol A.O. Wolf
As we approach the 70th anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision of the U.S. Supreme Court outlawing segregation in public schools, I remain haunted, and yet hopeful, by the words the late Oliver W. Hill, one of the lawyers who helped bring the case to our nation’s highest court, shared with me one afternoon at his North Side home.
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School Board’s Dawn Page not running for re-election; board considers training
In a statement sent to the Free Press, the Richmond School Board’s 8th District representative Dawn Page announced that she will not run for re-election.
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Otieno’s family seeks federal intervention after multiple charges dismissed
The family of Irvo Otieno is calling on federal officials to take up the prosecution of those charged with his murder at Central State Hospital last March. The call comes following the dismissal of charges against five people involved in the incident that led to his death.
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Personality: Paula McCapes
Spotlight on board chair of Underground Kitchen-Community First
Philanthropy runs in the family for Paula McCapes.
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St. Catherine’s student awarded almost $2M in scholarships
After applying to over 30 colleges and universities, 17-year-old St. Catherine’s School student Ava Holloway was awarded over $1.98 million in scholarships.
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Vance jumps from Trump critic to maybe VP, by Clarence Page
Republican Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio has begun to remind me of an old saying about Chicago weather: If you don’t like it, just wait a few minutes.
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New book asks: What if Harry Potter attended an HBCU?
It all began with a post on Twitter. It was 2020 during the height of the pandemic and LaDarrion Williams was thinking about the lack of diversity in the fantasy genre. He proposed: “What if Harry Potter went to an HBCU in the South?”
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Lonely Mother’s Day, notes a mourning mother
Mother’s Day 2020 marked a significant shift. It was the first time I faced the day knowing with absolute certainty that I wouldn’t receive a call, card, text or visit from my beloved son, my only child, whom I affectionately called my favorite man-child. Not that day or any other day for that matter.
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Community businesses honored by Metropolitan Business League
Winners of 34th Annual MBL Awards announced
Against the backdrop of the Altria Theater Ballroom and a crowd of more than 500 guests, local businesses got their moment in the spotlight for the impactful work they’re doing in the RVA region. The 34th Annual Metropolitan Business League Awards Dinner & Reception was held Friday, March 8. The winners were announced recently by the nonprofit membership-based business association.
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Incarcerated pregnant women fighting addiction need specific resources
Karlee Clements was six months pregnant, “full on into addiction” and begging to go to jail because she was afraid she would kill her child.
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Personality: Joanna Suzanne Lee
Spotlight on City of Richmond’s Poet Laureate 2024-26
Joanna Suzanne Lee has been writing poetry since elementary school. Some of Ms. Lee’s schoolteachers encouraged her to write and think creatively, but it all started with her mom.
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Hi, my name is ..
Longtime reader, first time managing editor — of the Richmond Free Press. I’m Craig Belcher.
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AIPAC’s role in the war between Israel and Palestine, by Julianne Malveaux
Let me begin with the obligatory statements. What happened on Oct. 7, 2023, was horrible.
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VCU anti-war protest attracts hundreds, ends in 13 arrests
Six students at Virginia Commonwealth University were among the 13 people arrested by police Monday evening on VCU’s campus outside the James Branch Cabell Library during an antiwar, pro-Palestine protest and encampment focused on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Palestine.
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Richmond’s evolving restaurant scene sprawls out to the suburbs
The owner of Tarrant’s Cafe in Downtown Richmond is a 20-year veteran of the city’s food scene. She started out waiting tables – now she owns four Richmond area restaurants and is the CEO of RVA Hospitality.
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