All results / Stories / Jeremy M. Lazarus
Conservancy buys New Market segment where Black troops attacked Confederates
Another 49-acre parcel of a Civil War battlefield in Eastern Henrico County in which Black troops played a major role is now protected from development.
Dozens of inmates may be released by new interpretation of old policy
Dozens of aging inmates who have served decades in state prisons could become eligible for release as a result of the Virginia Parole Board’s decision to change the interpretation of a now defunct version of the state’s three-strikes law.
Black History Museum project becomes a career changer
For Rickey Young and Teimon Phillips, the new Black History Museum and Cultural Center in Richmond’s Jackson Ward will always be a special place. Both men got their first experience in the construction field in working to transform the long vacant but historic Leigh Street Armory into the museum’s new home.
Buyer beware
Consumers may flip wig over falsely labeled hair
Unsuspecting women are being ripped off when it comes to buying wigs. They are being induced to pay higher prices for cheaper wigs that are falsely labeled as being a more expensive product. So says Mary J. Harris, a retired Richmond factory worker.
House blocked for female felons
City Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson has been a champion of affordable housing during her 11 years on City Council. The 6th District representative, who previously led a nonprofit housing group in the Highland Park area, has been a staunch advocate for creation of lower-cost homes and apartments for working people and others.
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.
Long-serving CARITAS CEO announces her retirement
Karen Stanley’s leadership has formed hundreds of partnerships that serve thousands
The leader of CARITAS, the Richmond area’s largest provider of homeless and addiction recovery services, is stepping down. Karen Stanley, president and CEO, has notified her board she would retire Dec. 31 after 22 years.
Political newcomer Rae Cousins upsets opponents for House bid
Rae Cousins, a lawyer and fourth-generation Richmonder, handily won Tuesday’s primary in Richmond to become the Democratic nominee for the 79th House of Delegates District. Ms. Cousins, 43, bested 3rd District City Councilwoman Ann-Frances Lambert, 47, and criminal justice crusader Richard Walker, 65, in the their contest in the L-shaped district that is anchored in the East End and takes in portions of South Side and North Side. The district is one of three that includes portions of the city and the only one in which there was a party nomination contest. Incumbent Delegate Betsy B. Carr is unopposed in her bid for
McEachin launches new program to help people clear police record
Richmond residents have a new cost-free way to clear their police records of charges that resulted in acquittals or dismissals or were not prosecuted, Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Colette W. McEachin has announced.
State lawmaker calls for tax on marijuana to pay for reparations
If marijuana is legalized in Virginia, Democratic Delegate Lee J. Carter of Manassas wants all of the tax revenue generated to be devoted to paying reparations to Black people and Native Americans in the state for their suffering.
Drive-thru order comes with $4,500
The surprising story of Richmonder James “J.J.” Minor and the Bojangles’ fried chicken chain now is circulating everywhere the English language is read, thanks to the Internet and social media.
School Board member proposes more money for maintenance
A Richmond School Board member hopes his colleagues will agree to a plan that could shift a few more dollars to address a long list of school maintenance needs.
Jones to revive effort for city control over Confederate statues
Richmond City Councilman Michael J. Jones is going to try again to get City Council support for removing state control of the Confederate statues that litter Richmond’s landscape.
City awarded $20,000 grant for new financial literacy program
A national group plans to assist Richmond City Treasurer Nichole Richardson Armstead and City Hall in creating a center to provide professional one-on-one financial counseling to low- and moderate-income city residents, it was announced Wednesday.
Shelter in place?
Homeless advocacy group says many unaware of warm housing when temperatures drop
As temperatures plunged into the 30s this week as fore- cast, a reluctant City Hall at the last minute grudgingly opened two overnight shelters – one for 50 single men and one for 50 single women, but none for those with children. Mayor Levar M. Stoney and his administration quietly sent email notices to some home- less groups about opening, but refused to issue any public statement in an apparent bid to reduce demand — follow- ing the script from the Sept. 30 tropical storm when only 12 homeless people managed to find the unannounced city shelter to get out of the heavy downpour. As was the case Sept. 30, most people who needed a warm place never got the word, ac- cording to a homeless advocacy organization, which decried the fact the city waited until 6 p.m. to announce the two shelters had opened an hour earlier. The shelters at United Na- tions Church, 214 Cowardin Ave. in South Side, and at the
Rejected casino group threats legal challenge to city selection process
Dennis Cotto has spent much of his adult life fighting legal battles.
Casino vote aftermath
Stoney, Spanberger declare bids for governor; Paul Goldman proposes charter change
Mayor Levar M. Stoney is brushing himself off after Richmond voters for the second time rejected the $562 million casino-resort plan he fully backed and gearing up to run for governor in 2025. Separately, Paul Goldman, who led both successful no casino campaigns, is now focusing on securing public support for a change to the City Charter or constitution that would require the mayor and the City Council to put the city’s children first when it comes to spending tax dollars.
Despite defendants’ inability to pay court fees, many still incur costs
“Anyone charged with a crime that can result in jail or prison time is entitled to legal representation. In the familiar line from the Miranda warning, “You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you.”
Morrissey fails to withdraw officially
Two weeks ago, attorney Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey told the Free Press and other news outlets he was ending his campaign for the state Senate because of a health issue.
