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3 receive scholarships in Jail-VCU program
Three current and former inmates at the Richmond Justice Center have won the first scholarships awarded through the city jail’s unique college programs. Christian Brackett, Pinetta Fleming and William “Billy” Scruggs were awarded scholarships for a class at Virginia Commonwealth University, which partners with the jail in a college-level program called Open Minds.
RRHA eyes Jackson Place for Fay Towers residents
The city’s housing authority is promising a fresh attempt to redevelop a chunk of Jackson Ward that was cleared for urban renewal nearly 25 years ago, but continues to be vacant.
City Council Finance Committee recommends hold on property tax rate
Take the money. That’s the recommendation of Richmond City Council’s Finance Committee chaired by Councilwoman Kathy C. Graziano, 4th District.
City Council approves zoning change to spur North Side development
Richmond is rolling out the welcome mat for developers, investors and businesses willing to consider projects in centerpiece commercial districts in majority African-American areas of North Side.
GRTC fuel savings may reduce push to raise fares
Diesel fuel is a lot cheaper these days — and that’s good news for public transit companies such as GRTC. Richmond’s public transit company expects to save $1 million a year through 2018 as the result of a $1 per gallon decline in the fuel’s price.
Short-term fix restores power to Fay Towers residents
Elderly and disabled residents of Fay Towers can once again turn on the lights and enjoy a hot shower in their units. A big generator is temporarily providing electricity to the 200 units in the 11-story high rise in Gilpin Court while permanent repairs are made. Squirrels are being blamed for knocking out power to most of the building Sunday. The pesky rodents chewed up a main line into the building, according to Carol Jones-Gilbert, acting chief operating officer for the building’s landlord, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
Richmond NFL Hall of Famer donates $500,000 to Morgan State University
Morgan State University was good to Willie Lanier. Now Mr. Lanier is being good to Morgan State. The historically black university in Baltimore announced that Mr. Lanier has given a $500,000 gift to establish the Willie E. Lanier Sr. Endowed Lectureship in Business Ethics.
$1M upgrade at Main Library in Downtown
Every day, dozens of people flood into the Main Library in Downtown to use public computers. They come to check emails, seek employment, do research and handle other activities in the online world, including paying bills and applying for visas.
Public supports police statue move to The Carillon
The votes are in: The public wants a 28-year-old tribute statue to fallen Richmond police officers moved to The Carillon area of Byrd Park.
Turmoil, charges rock Chesterfield NAACP
The president of the Chesterfield County Branch NAACP is facing a charge of assault in the wake of a bizarre incident in which he sought to block a critic from attending a branch meeting, which usually is open to the public. LaSalle J. McCoy Jr. was arrested Saturday on a misdemeanor charge and released on his own recognizance in the case that has embarrassed both the branch and the state NAACP, Virginia’s oldest and largest civil rights group.
City names North Side park for the late Walter Gaines Jr.
Walter Gaines Jr. was the unofficial “mayor” of the Providence Park community on North Side for nearly 45 years. A gregarious man known for his positive attitude, Mr. Gaines worked to improve public safety and promote neighborliness. Among other things, he helped bring a Boys & Girls Club to the community to improve resources for young people as president of the Providence Park Civic Association. He helped start the association in the late 1960s and led it until his death.
Carver Elementary recognized, while more Richmond schools lose accreditation
Richmond’s George Washington Carver Elementary School is winning national recognition for its success in student learning at the same time the number of failing schools in the city has increased.
Creighton Court area transformation continues despite $30M federal loss
Richmond already is signaling it is ready to move ahead with the planned transformation of the Creighton Court public housing community, despite losing out on a $30 million federal grant.
Ben Wallace removes jersey, photo from VUU over dispute
Pro basketball great Ben Wallace has removed his jersey from its place of honor at Barco-Stevens Hall at Virginia Union University where he was a star, the Free Press has learned.
Documents show letter carriers’ pay reduced
At least three supervisors in Richmond’s Main Post Office appear to routinely change the time cards of letter carriers — without the carriers’ knowledge or permission — in order to reduce their pay.
Former RPS warehouse to become furniture building center
Call it a $1.6 million windfall for Richmond Public Schools to use to upgrade some of its schools. The money is to come from the sale of the school system’s former warehouse on Arlington Road near The Diamond to Richmond-based McKinnon and Harris, an outdoor furniture manufacturer.
Richmond registrar needs money for Jan.10 special election
Richmond Voter Registrar Kirk Showalter is gearing up for the Richmond special election Tuesday, Jan. 10, when voters will pick a new state senator to replace A. Donald McEachin, who is heading to Washington to represent the 4th Congressional District.
Several Democrats seeking party nod in area House of Delegates races
Can Richmond Delegate Delores L. McQuinn fend off her first Democratic primary challenger since she won the 70th House District seat eight years ago?
Groundbreaking for Capitol Square’s new Native American monument June 24
Virginia’s Native Americans are moving closer to gaining their own monument in Capitol Square.
Postal service managers, supervisors ready to fight terminations
The battle over pay practices of the U.S. Postal Service in the Richmond area is about to become even more heated.
