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Council member Katherine Jordan submits plan for ranked-choice voting for City Council
Richmond voters for the first time could cast their ballot for more than one candidate in the 2024 City Council elections.
Referendum idea to give voters a say in casino dollars and schools dropped
Not happening. City Council has declined to consider putting an advisory referendum on the November ballot that would allow city voters to decide if tax revenues from a casino should go to modernizing Richmond’s school buildings.
Special prosecutor wants State Police involvement in Confederate statue removal probe
Yes, it merits investigation. No, I’m not going to conduct it. That’s the answer Timothy A. Martin, the Augusta County commonwealth’s attorney, has provided to the question of whether a probe is needed of Richmond’s spending of $1.8 million to remove city-owned Confederate statues from Monument Avenue and other locations in early July.
Mayoral prospects getting in, out of election race
Richmond School Board Chairman Jeff Bourne this week dropped out of the race for mayor before the contest even began.
Crusade for Voters supports November referendum for casino revenue use
If a casino is ever built in Richmond, should all the tax dollars generated from the gambling center go to modernizing Richmond’s decrepit school buildings?
Costs for new schools continue to rise
The price tag for the three new schools Richmond is building is continuing to rise.
Arthur Ashe Center agreement reached
A potential roadblock for the projected $2.4 billion Diamond District development appears to have been cleared, the Free Press has learned, though questions remain on other aspects.
Fight over Richmond Christian Center property on South Side continues
Henrico County-based Mountain of Blessings Christian Center still wants to acquire the property of the bankrupt Richmond Christian Center in South Richmond. In a suit filed this month, Mountain of Blessings is requesting that U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Keith L. Phillips either enforce an order he signed in December authorizing Mountain of Blessing’s purchase of the RCC property in the 200 block of Cowardin Avenue or order RCC to pay Mountain of Blessings at least $2.7 million in damages.
Soaring property taxes renew calls for cuts
Two members of City Council are proposing to cut the real estate property tax rate as the value of property surged by 13 percent — but it is unclear whether Mayor Levar M. Stoney or the majority the nine-member council will go along.
George Wythe High School replacement may get new life with expected announcement
City Hall is poised to move faster to replace George Wythe High School in South Side, the Free Press has learned.
Justice Center brings technology to inmates
Computer tablets are making it easier for families and inmates at the Richmond Justice Center to stay connected.
Virginia House-Senate disagreement threatens proposed minimum wage hike
One of the biggest fights in the waning days of the General Assembly involves raising the minimum wage from the current federal $7.25 an hour.
Enrichmond Foundation now owns East End Cemetery
Twenty months after buying historic Evergreen Cemetery with state assistance, a city-created charity has taken ownership of a second neighboring African-American burial ground, East End Cemetery.
City demands East End church pay delinquent taxes
Nearly 30 years ago, Mount Olivet Church went on a buying spree and acquired 12 properties adjacent to the church in the 1200 block of North 25th Street in the East End.
Parent’s FOIA request shows more to RPS 2018 toilet paper debacle
Richmond Public Schools expects to finish the current school year with plenty of toilet paper, paper towels and cleaning supplies at each of its buildings, according to Michelle Hudacsko, chief of staff to RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras.
Mayor withdraws proposal to change definition of 'emerging small businesses'
A proposal to redefine City Hall’s definition of “emerging small businesses” has been scrapped following a Free Press report last week highlighting the potential detriment the change could create for city-based businesses seeking city contracts.
City to pay $350,000 settlement in employee overtime lawsuit
City Hall has agreed to collectively pay $57,371 to 11 mostly former city Finance Department employees who alleged they were forced to work overtime without being paid.
Noted reggae musician Drummie Zeb returns to his Richmond roots
Inspired by the vibrations from the marching bands at the Richmond Christmas Parade, 10-year-old Ernest Myron Williams begged his mother for a set of drums. She scrimped and saved to provide one.
Wilder sues VCU president, dean of school named for him
He may be 86, but former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder is showing Virginia Commonwealth University he is not to be trifled with.
