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Tale of the tests
Richmond SOL scores rise, but still below state average
The good news: More students in Richmond Public Schools passed state Standards of Learning tests in reading, history and math in spring 2015 compared with the previous year. That’s in line with the state trend of rising pass rates.
Former NBA star Rick Mahorn to be inducted into Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame
Former Hampton University basketball sensation Rick Mahorn has been selected for the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame.
Mobilizing for ‘Justice’ march
When Minister Louis Farrakhan issues a sacred clarion call for a national and international mobilization for justice, freedom and equality, millions of people across America and throughout the world respond with responsive enthusiasm and energy. Such was the case in response to the minister’s call for the Million Man March in Washington, 20 years ago. I believe that history will be made once again on Oct. 10 in Washington.
$87.6M
Wilson inks contract extension with Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has millions of reasons to be wearing one of the biggest smiles in the team’s training camp this week in Renton, Wash.
‘Pot Roast’ beefs up Washington’s defense
Terrance Knighton came to a crossroads as a 270-pound nose tackle and tight end at Milford Academy in New Berlin, N.Y. Knighton’s coach, Bill Chaplick, suggested these options for his future: He could pass up second helpings of mashed potatoes and gravy, slim down to 250 pounds and concentrate on being a tight end.
Personality: Rita H. Willis
Spotlight on founder of New Shoes For Back To School
Rita Hayes Willis reflects back to when she was a child eagerly leaving for her first day of school each year. She was properly outfitted from head to toe. “There is something about a new pair of shoes for the first day of school,” she recalls.
Ticket in N.C. leads to license suspension in Va.
Horace G. Dodd has a warning for Richmond motorists heading South: Do not get a traffic ticket in North Carolina. The 68-year-old South Side resident found out the hard way that North Carolina has turned traffic tickets into a major source of revenue.
Plans moving ahead for Church Hill North
Richmond is moving ahead with plans to raze the former Armstrong High School building and fill the 22-acre site in the East End with 300 apartments and new homes.
A lesson to learn
Re “Democrats suppressed, mistreated black people,” letter to the editor, July 23-25 edition: Mr. Urchie B. Ellis sorely needs a crash course in American history or he could simply borrow a fifth-grader’s history book. Mr. Ellis is being disingenuous and condescending to Free Press readers with, as he puts it, “Your readers …”
Redemption through food: Renowned chef changed life cooking behind bars
At 19, Jeff Henderson was running a $35,000 a week cocaine operation in San Diego. Now 51, he has become a New York Times best-selling author and stars in a nationally syndicated television cooking show. He credits 10 years in prison as his “blessing in disguise.” That’s where he learned to cook and appreciate that he had a lot to offer in the outside world.
Designs for Broad St. rapid transit unveiled
Travelers along Broad Street will see a far different thoroughfare through the heart of the city in October 2017. That’s when the highly anticipated bus rapid transit known as “GRTC Pulse” is scheduled to whisk riders along a 7.6- mile route from Willow Lawn in the West End to Rocketts Landing in the East End.
Dr. Bedden gets $12,579 raise
That’s the new salary for Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Dana T. Bedden. With the start of the 2015-16 fiscal year on July 1, he is eligible to receive another $23,758 — up to 10 percent of his salary — based on performance incentives and $28,500 in a deferred compensation plan.
Personality: Robin M. Brown
Spotlight on Grand Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star
Robin M. Brown seeks to make a positive difference in the lives of children and others in the community. That’s why she joined the Richmond-based Order of the Eastern Star of Virginia at the behest of her mother-in-law, Erma R. Brown, in 1996. The fraternal organization is affiliated with the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia Free and Accepted Masons.
Will parole return to Virginia?
Gov. appoints commission to consider possibility
Thirty-three elderly inmates from the state prison in Buckingham County have sent a petition to Gov. Terry McAuliffe urging him to consider reinstating parole in Virginia. In the petition, the inmates noted the abolition of parole has “not significantly prevented, reduced or deterred crime.” Instead, the requirement that convicts serve at least 85 percent of their time has ballooned the state prison population from around 18,000 in 1994 to more than 30,000 in 2014, they wrote.
Metropolitan Business League sells Jackson Ward headquarters
The Richmond area’s largest African-American business group has waved goodbye to its former home in Jackson Ward. The Metropolitan Business League last month sold its longtime headquarters at 2nd and Marshall streets to a subsidiary of Washington-based Douglas Development, which has been buying up chunks of Downtown for more than 10 years.
Body cameras coming
Richmond police officers could be wearing body cameras as early as this fall. Chief Alfred Durham said Tuesday the nearly 740-officer force should have about 200 body cameras purchased and ready for use by officers “by October or November.”
Getting praise, worship on at Gospel Music Fest
At age 80, gospel music icon Dorothy Norwood still can spiritually move an audience. Known as “Gospel’s greatest storyteller,” she demonstrated her star power again Sunday evening as the headliner before an overflow audience at Dogwood Dell at the 6th Annual Gospel Music Fest.
Like the swastika, Confederate flag stands for hate
I am getting sick and tired of hearing people complaining about taking down the Confederate flag at the South Carolina statehouse. What is it with these people always crying the blues over that flag and the fact the South lost the war 150 years ago?
Kind acts commemorate pastor’s 10th anniversary
“Don’t Go to Church, Be the Church.” That was the theme of a day of community service by members at Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church in Jackson Ward on July 5.
Fans drive Squirrels to 2nd place for attendance in Eastern League
The Richmond Flying Squirrels have four Eastern League all-stars, but the real stars of the team, as usual, are its fans. On July 4, a sellout crowd of 9,560 fans showed up for the Squirrels’ 7-3 win over Akron. Then on July 5, another 7,799 fans were present for the Squirrels’ 2-1 victory over the Rubber Ducks.