Voter purge lawsuits add to disenfranchisement allegations against Youngkin administration Justice Department suit marks 2nd time this month Virginia under legal scrutiny over voter roll cleanup
By Markus Schmidt and Charlotte Rene Woods
Long before becoming a lawyer, state lawmaker and Virginia’s first Black House Speaker, Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, was, for years, unable to vote. After a previous felony conviction, it wasn’t until former Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell restored his rights that Scott could participate in democracy again — eventually paving the way for his own run for office. The Justice Department on Friday filed a lawsuit
against Virginia, alleging that a state program aimed at removing people from the voter rolls, which Gov. Glenn Youngkin touted in an executive order in August, was implemented too close to the Nov. 5 elections and wrongfully included eligible voters. Scott said it’s another example of Youngkin’s administration restricting voting access.
“I would not be where I am today if I had to depend on somebody like Glenn Youngkin to help me get my rights restored,” Scott said in an interview Monday.
In a memo in response to the suit obtained by The Mercury over the weekend, Richard Cullen, a counselor to Youngkin, wrote that Virginia’s process for removing noncitizens from the voting rolls has taken place under both Democratic and Republican governors. It also outlines how Youngkin believes he is not violating a federal policy to have
Local tribes celebrate culture, history on Indigenous Peoples’ Day
By Paula Phounsavath
Local Indigenous tribes and neighboring residents gathered to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday afternoon at the Powhatan Hill Community Center.
The event was relaxed as various tribe members in traditional tribal garments dancing to the sound of tribal beats and lining up for foods such as frybread and wild rice. Earlier that
“I think it’s extremely important that Virginia, the city of Richmond and the United States recognize the contributions that the tribe has made to the establishment of what is now the United States of America.” — Frank adams
day, young members of the Powhatan Shinny League dressed in red and blue mesh shirts played shinny — also known as, “Battle at Richmond,” a lacrosse and field hockey-styled game played by Native American and Canadian First Nations tribes.
“We’ve spent a long time trying to get recognized as Native people,” said Frank Adams, chief of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe in King William County, which is a part of the Powhatan
By George Copeland Jr.
Over a year after a new method to ensure housing is safe and up to code was approved by City Council, local tenants and housing advocates are calling for further action.
The Richmond chapter of Virginia Organizing held a press conference Tuesday afternoon outside City Hall alongside local residents, where they called on city leaders to finish developing a rental inspection program.
With chants echoing through the streets and brightly colored signs in hand, tenants described the poor living conditions they continue to endure, urging city officials to step in and hold landlords accountable for maintaining quality living conditions and providing housing support.
By George Copeland Jr.
The family of Irvo Otieno is once again urging the U.S. Department of Justice to open a criminal investigation into his death last year. Otieno’s mother Caroline Ouko and attorney Mark Krudys renewed their appeal Monday outside the U.S. District Courthouse at 701 E. Broad St.
“The city needs to step in and support us,” said South Side resident Kim Taylor, who recounted being shocked by a broken electrical socket and dealing with ceiling bubbles caused by roof leaks. “We want a rental inspection program now.” If implemented, the program would mandate
“We believe only you have the capacity and resources to successfully prosecute all those originally indicted in my son’s death. Accountability matters.”
“We bring this case today to your doorstep,” said Ouko, joined by supporters, employees of Krudys’ law firm and Henrico NAACP President Monica Hutchinson.
Otieno died while in custody at Central State Hospital in Dinwiddie County, as he was being restrained by seven Henrico County sheriff’s deputies and three hospital workers on the hospital floor for around 11 minutes. The press conference came days after Krudys and Benjamin Crump’s law firms sent a fourpage letter to the Department of Justice and the FBI on Friday
requesting an investigation. It also followed a four-day trial for former Central State employee Wavie Jones weeks earlier that ended with a Dinwiddie jury acquitting him of his role in Otieno’s death
Ouko, Krudys and Crump have twice previously made an appeal to the DOJ to investigate the death. The previous request came in May after Dinwiddie Commonwealth’s Attorney Amanda N. Mann withdrew charges leveled against five deputies as part of an effort to ensure what she said was a better trial order.
“The current elected commonwealth’s attorney does
Irvo Otieno
Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press
Pernell Richardson of Richmond checks on his granddaughters before showcasing his traditional Nansemond Tribal dancing during The Pocahontas Project’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration Monday, Oct. 14, at Powhatan Hill Park.
Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press
Tenants and allies facing issues with their landlords listen Tuesday to speakers during a Virginia Organizing press conference outside Richmond City Hall.
George Copeland Jr./Richmond Free Press
Caroline Ouko, mother of Irvo Otieno, speaks as attorney Mark Krudys and others look on Monday during a press conference calling for a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into Otieno’s death outside the U.S. District Courthouse at 701 E. Broad St.
Allianz to sponsor new riverfront amphitheater
Free Press staff report
Allianz Partners, a Germany-based financial services company, has been announced as the title sponsor of Richmond’s new riverfront amphitheater, set to open next summer. The venue, named Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront, will span 4 acres in Downtown Richmond and is expected to host 30 shows each season, establishing itself as a prime East Coast destination for top touring artists.
The 7,500-capacity amphitheater will offer views of the Richmond skyline and the James River, positioning itself as a premier venue for outdoor entertainment. Live Nation, which is partnering with Virginia-based Red Light Ventures on the project, will bring its experience in hosting top artists and providing a high-quality experience for fans and artists. The venue plans to host 30 shows each season, according to a press release.
As part of the partnership, Live Nation will create over 300 jobs at the venue and collaborate with local vendors for food and beverage concessions, as well as backstage artist hospitality programs.
“We are excited to be part of this project, which will bring a new entertainment space to the Richmond community,” said Jeff Wright, CEO of Allianz Partners USA. “We look forward to future summers filled with live music.”
The amphitheater’s location has a long history of hosting community events, such as the Richmond Folk Festival, Friday Cheers, and concerts on Brown’s Island. The venue will feature easy access to Downtown parking, public transit, bike and scooter parking and interstates, making it a convenient destination for music fans from across the Metro Region.
In addition to generating $30.6 million in economic impact annually, the amphitheater will participate in Live Nation’s Green Nation sustainability program, according to a press release. This includes efforts to reduce single-use plastics, hire a local zero-waste team and implement sustainable sourcing, recycling and composting practices. For more information, visit allianzamphitheater.com.
Bensley Agrihood to host gala, discussion
Free Press staff report
A local initiative combining affordable housing and urban farming takes center stage at an upcoming gala. The Bensley Agrihood Planning Project (BAPP) hosts the event Saturday, Oct. 19, to review progress and discuss future plans for a proposed development in North Chesterfield.
The gala, scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Len, an event space inside the C’est le Vin wine bar, will serve as a chance for the group to acknowledge community contributions and outline its vision for sustainable living.
The project has been advocating for affordable housing, wellness and community farming development in North Chesterfield. In June, after nearly 600 days and four deferrals by the Chesterfield County Planning Commission, the organizers of Bensley Agrihood — Maggie Walker Community Land Trust, Happily Natural Day and Girls For A Change — pulled their zoning proposal. But work at the site has continued. The event will showcase the project’s achievements and upcoming phases.
The evening will feature opening remarks, acknowledgments from project members and a raffle drawing. Attendees are encouraged to wear culturally appropriate attire, ranging from smart casual to semiformal.
General admission is free with RSVP, with the first 35 attendees receiving a complimentary drink ticket. VIP donor tickets are available for $50, including a drink ticket, raffle ticket and promotional items.
The project, an initiative of Happily Natural Day, Girls For A Change and Maggie Walker Community Land Trust, aims to build a sustainable community centered around access to healthy food and supporting young women of color in the Richmond region. Plans include a working organic farm and fruit orchard as the centerpiece of homeownership opportunities in the Bensley neighborhood of Chesterfield County.
Funds raised will support ongoing efforts beyond the current USDA grant. For more information visit the event’s Eventbrite page.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending on Saturday, Oct. 12, COVID-19 accounted for .7% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, trending down from previous data. No deaths associated with COVID19 were reported within that timeframe. Data on COVID-19 wastewater showed levels below detection in Richmond and Henrico County starting Sunday, Oct. 6.
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
• Thursday, Oct. 17, 2 to 4:30 p.m. - Calvary United Methodist Church, 1637 Williamsburg Road.
• Friday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Southside Woman, Infants and Children Office, 509 E. Southside Plaza
• Wednesday, Oct. 23, 8 to 10 a.m. - Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave.; 2 to 4:30 p.m. - St. Luke’s Apartments, 117 Engleside Drive.
RHHD’s Resource Centers are providing free at-home tests for pickup at select locations:
• Creighton Court at 2150 Creighton Road, call 804-371-0433.
• Fairfield Court at 2311 N. 25th St., call 804-786-4099.
• Gilpin Court at 436 Calhoun St., call 804-786-1960.
• Hillside Court at 1615 Glenfield Ave., call 804-230-7740.
• Mosby Court at 1536 Coalter St., call 804-786-0204.
• Southwood Court at 1754 Clarkson Road. Unit #B, call 804230-2077.
• Whitcomb Court at 2106 Deforrest St., call 804-786-0555. For Virginia Department of Health testing locations, visit vdh. virginia.gov. Additional testing site information can be found at vax.rchd.com.
Want a COVID-19 vaccine?
Individuals interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine can schedule an appointment with the Richmond and Henrico health districts by calling (804) 205-3501. Additionally, vaccines.gov provides a list of pharmacies and clinics offering the vaccine. You can also find locations by texting your ZIP code to 438829 or calling 1-800-232-0233.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also offers a vaccine locator at vaccines.gov. Residents also can order four free at-home COVID test kits at covidtest.gov, while supplies last.
The CDC recommends the new COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are approved for all age 6 months and up, while Novavax is for those age 12 and older.
These updated vaccines are now available at pharmacies and health care providers. Health officials encourage eligible individuals to get their boosters. For those who received previous doses, the CDC advises waiting at least two months before getting the new vaccine. However, exceptions exist for people completing an initial vaccination series, immunocompromised individuals, those who recently had COVID-19 and individuals receiving an initial series of Novavax doses. Compiled by George Copeland Jr.
Cityscape
Slices of life and scenes in Richmond
Tax relief takes center stage at mayoral debate
By George Copeland Jr.
Richmond mayoral candidates continued their pitch to voters ahead of Election Day during a forum focused on some of the community’s biggest concerns, as part of a Citizen’s Debate at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture Tuesday evening.
Andreas Addison, Michelle Mosby, Danny Avula, Harrison Roday and Maurice Neblett were present to answer questions submitted by Richmond residents.
Questions covered a wide range of topics: fixing the finance department, improving government transparency and efficiency, enhancing pedestrian safety, managing relations with the Richmond Police Department chief and defining Virginia Commonwealth University’s role in the city.
Though the discussion was promoted as a debate, the hour-long event was more of a forum with little in the way of direct confrontation or criticism. Candidates frequently agreed on a number of responses to questions, from a community process for reimagining Monument Avenue to the need to improve city operations and creating a local transportation department.
The most timely question of the evening was focused on Richmond’s real estate tax rate and if candidates would pledge to reduce it. The debate occurred as Richmond City Council opted to delay discussion of an ordinance that would reduce the real estate tax rate from $1.20 to $1.16 until
their Oct. 28 meeting. Mosby declined to make a definitive commitment, citing limited insight into the city budget and competing financial priorities. These included collective bargaining, the Virginia Retirement System, the Diamond District project and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
“To say I’m going to pledge tonight to do that without being there to look at all the ins and the outs of the budget would be premature,” Mosby said. “I recognize that the people of Richmond need relief, and I want to be able to provide that relief, but I want to do it in such a way that we can still provide excellence in services.”
Addison noted his previous work to bring a new tax structure to the city, including advocacy on the state level to allow Richmond to implement real estate tax reform. This change and a related City Council study and plan are key, he said, for a change in how real estate is taxed, moving the burden of the budget away from homeowners and enabling Richmond’s growth.
“I’m tired of taxing homeowners,” Addison said, “Let’s focus on our vision of our future together.”
Avula and Roday both advocated for targeted tax relief but differed on implementation. While Avula stopped short of making a pledge, he offered specific solutions for what he called the city’s “biggest crisis” in affordable housing.
“I think we absolutely need to look at property tax reduction,” Avula said. “We
also need to make sure that tax relief is done in an equitable way and that we are prioritizing people who struggle the most with the most tax relief.”
Avula also promised collaboration with City Council to balance Richmond’s budget, as he assumed they would change the real estate tax before the new mayor took office.
Roday, meanwhile, described the need for “targeted relief ... that is meaningful” to aid the majority of Richmond renters and homeowners seeking relief from rising rent and real estate assessments, respectively.
“A citywide tax cut would disproportionately benefit homeowners with home values over a million dollars and jeopardize core services,” Roday said. “Let’s focus on the people who need the help.”
Neblett was the only one to pledge to reduce the tax, proposing a drop to $1.08. He pointed toward potential new real estate revenue in creating micro communities and using prefabricated housing as a way to supplement the financial changes.
“We need to create a new stream of revenue, not just relying on the backs of the citizens and the real estate tax,” Neblett said.
The candidates will meet again Thursday at Armstrong High School for the first Henry L. Marsh Mayoral Forum, an entirely student-run debate and next Wednesday for a Mayorathon from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.
Gabriel Gathering celebrates unveiling of marker on burial ground
By Paula Phounsavath
Pamela Bingham, a direct descendant of a Richmond former slave-turned-military leader, Gabriel, asked the elders of the crowd for permission to perform a libation at the Shockoe Hill African Burial Ground during the 22nd Annual Gabriel Gathering on last Thursday evening.
She expressed the libation ritual as the water trickled down onto what is the burial ground for hundreds of enslaved and freed African Americans.
“Agoon tutu, may the ancestors be refreshed,” Bingham recited. “Ancestors, we salute you today. We give you honor for the sacrifices you gave to us.”
The burial site was known as “Burial Ground for Negroes” in 1799 when the city acquired it on land that is now the Shockoe Bottom neighborhood. However, free Black Richmonders protested the site due to it being the location of one of the local gallows, as well as frequent flooding. In 1816, the city closed the burial site and opened the Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground about a mile away.
One of those believed to be within the burial site is Gabriel, who is honored every year by local activists and community members. Bingham recited her ancestor’s story as Gabriel was believed to be born on July 4, 1776 – the signage of the Declaration of Independence – to Stephen and Jenny, at Thomas Prosser’s Brookfield Plantation in Henrico. Though teaching an enslaved person to read and write was illegal, Gabriel learned from Mr. Prosser’s wife, Ann Prosser, and eventually became a blacksmith. A literate and skilled laborer, he was enlightened by themes of liberty and the story of the Haitian revolutionary, Toussaint Louverture. Eventually, he would meet with other
enslaved persons to plan a rebellion.
The rebellion – known as the Gabriel Conspiracy of 1800 – would fail and after eluding authorities for 23 days, Gabriel was captured and executed. He was believed to have been hung at a gallow located at Canal Street and 1st Street.
The annual gathering also marked a celebratory recognition of Richmond’s Black history during the modern era. The burial ground had its historical marker, which was issued by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. While the Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground has been around for a hundred years, its significance was often disregarded. Throughout the 1950s and 1970s, the plot of land was covered by Interstate
95 and parking lots. In the early 2000s, Virginia Commonwealth University planned to purchase the land to expand its school parking. However, community activists protested to reclaim and honor the land, which would eventually become known as the Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground.
“This was a community struggle that involved marches and rallies and press conferences and packing City Councils one time as many as 500 people,” said Phil Wilayto, editor of the Virginia Defender, during his remarks. “The city takes note of that the community is still engaged, still concerned and still fighting for the proper reclamation and memorialization of Shockoe Bottom.”
Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Prss
The new Carytown sign, installed above Cary Street near Kroger, marks the entrance to the shopping district. The project, completed after a two-year collaboration between the city,
Carytown Merchants Association and 5th District Councilperson Stephanie Lynch, is suspended approximately 25 feet overhead.
Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press
East End arts organization receives six-figure grant
By Paula Phounsavath
In Richmond’s East End, Oakwood Arts quietly reshapes the future for young creatives. Now, with a $123,500 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the nonprofit is set to expand its Job and Education Training (JET) program, giving underrepresented young adults hands-on experience in film production.
OA is one of only two Virginia organizations, alongside Tidewater Arts Outreach, to receive the ArtsHERE grant, which was awarded to 112 other arts organizations nationwide.
The JET program started in 2021 and provides its students with hands-on training by partnering with the film industry to produce a short film on the scale of a large-budget feature film.
“These projects are a highly effective training tool, but we now seek to utilize their resources to help emerging career BIPOC [Black, Indigenous and People of Color] filmmakers take their screenplays to the next level,” said Jasmine Elmore, OA’s JET coordinator.
According to Elmore, many OA JET alumni have been hired by or placed onto television shows and films after graduation. Some of those include AMC’s “The Walking Dead: World Beyond,” Apple TV’s “ Swagger,” the drama-comedy film “Raymond and Ray and Rustin” and “Atlantis.”
With the NEA grant, the OA JET curriculum will be restructured to focus on short film training projects set to launch next year. This initiative aims to better prepare students for roles in the film industry while meeting the demands of independent film projects.
“The NEA is understanding the power of the arts and that these [underrepresented] communities need these voices right now,” OA founder and Executive Director Shannon Castleman said.
The organization focuses on career development in the arts by exploring lesser-known fields, such as Flame artistry, where graphic designers use Flame software to create visual effects, and prop mastery, where individuals manage all props used on a film set.
“There’s a whole lot of career paths, creative career paths, that people just don’t know about,” Castleman said.
The grant funding will be utilized through June 2026.
‘High impact’ experience teaches college students about state government
By Brodie Greene Capital News Service
College students from nine Virginia universities spent a recent weekend at the State Capitol to learn about the legislative process through a government simulation.
Students elected leadership positions within their respective parties, with roles that included majority and minority leader, as well as majority and minority whip. They had a bill book and used the same parliamentary rules followed by state lawmakers.
This was the inaugural Virginia Government Simulation, inspired by similar college programs in Tennessee and Illinois. The three-day event, starting Oct. 3, was an initiative of the Institute for Democracy, Pluralism, and Community Empowerment at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Amanda Wintersieck is an associate professor of political science at VCU and the IDPCE director. She helped organize the simulation. Faculty from Bridgewater College and Radford University contributed to the creation of the event, and served as advisers on the executive board.
Students debated 15 bills in the House chamber from the 2024 legislative session.
Bridgewater junior Jory Cardoza was surprised to be elected majority leader, but said it was easy to step into the role once the simulation started. Cardoza also acted as House speaker for the simulation.
“I think people have really cool ideas about what they want to see in government,” Cardoza said. “So just like facilitating … was really cool, trying to allow everybody time to speak their mind.”
Data show Americans generally do not have a solid understanding of how their state legislatures work, Wintersieck said. About half of the respondents to a survey conducted by John Hopkins University did not know if their state had a one or twochamber legislature, and that one-third were unable to name their state’s governor.
“This is pretty discouraging, because I know while national politics are sexy and they get all the money and all the advertisements and all the news attention, the reality is the laws that impact us every single day are the laws of our states,” Wintersieck said.
“High impact” experiences allow students to retain information better than if they had learned about the project in a government class, according to Wintersieck.
“In three, five, 10 years they’re going to have retained more of that information because they engaged in it in a more realistic setting,” Wintersieck said.
Students were randomly assigned political parties prior to the event. They researched the viewpoints and arguments of political parties they may not be aligned with, which helps build critical thinking.
“It really forces them to engage with thinking about how somebody from a different political persuasion thinks about things,” Wintersieck said.
Jarrett Lilly is a sophomore at Bridgewater College who described himself as a moderate conservative. He was assigned to act as a Democrat.
In order to get into the mindset of someone from the opposite party, it is crucial to understand why someone believes a certain way, according to Lilly.
“Maybe I don’t agree with it but at the same time, I can understand where this person is coming from and they really do want to make a difference,” Lilly said.
After debate and amendments, the delegates passed 14 bills. Elected officials could take notice of the efficiency from
their younger counterparts—state lawmakers this past session passed 45% of the bills introduced.
The success rate of these temporary legislators may have to do with their age and partisan flexibility, according to Lilly.
“I feel like previous generations are very much so set in their beliefs,” Lilly said. “I feel like a lot of us are more open to being able to have a conversation.”
Summer Neil is a VCU sophomore pursuing a major in social work studies, and a minor in political science. She was initially disappointed to be selected as a Republican for the simulation.
The experience was more fun than anticipated, and she was surprised to find she supported some of the bills introduced by Republicans.
“I think it’ll help me remove all of my bias and be a little more willing to really read into how things are, rather than how I perceive them to be,” Neil said.
The participants compromised across their political ideology and party, which Wintersieck applauded.
“It’s really clear that young Democrats and young Republicans can agree on things that previously could not be agreed upon between these two parties, and I think that’s encouraging in some ways,” Wintersieck said.
Capital News Service
College students from nine Virginia universities gather recently at the State Capitol for a weekend to learn about the legislative process through a government simulation.
Courtesy Oakwood Arts
Oakwood Arts JET participants, from left, Ruben Andres, My-Yor Corley, Catori Ryan (OA Intern), Kayla Davis, Teairrah Green and Isaac Martin (OA intern) attend a training session hosted by Isaac Regelson of IATSE Local 487 (center).
voting information
The presidential election, as well as contests for the U.S. Senate, Congress, Richmond Mayor, City Council and School Board take place: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Early in-person voting ends Saturday, Nov. 2
Deadline to request an absentee ballot Friday, Oct. 25
For voting details, contact the Virginia Department of Elections at elections.virginia.gov or 1-800-552-9745. They can provide information on early in-person voting, voting by mail, requesting absentee ballots and acceptable forms of ID for voting.
chesteRfield county
Early in-person voting
• Central Library, 7051 Lucy Corr Blvd. – 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, Nov. 1, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Four satellite locations open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, starting Monday, Oct. 21, to Friday, Nov. 1. They include: • Clover Hill Library, 6701 Deer Run Drive; Meadowdale Library, 4301 Meadowdale Blvd. • LaPrade Library, 9000 Hull Street Road
• North Courthouse Road Library, 325 Courthouse Road
• Ettrick-Matoaca Library, 4501 River Road.
All five locations open for early voting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, and Nov. 2. Drop box locations for mail-in ballots
• The Chesterfield Office of the General Registrar, 9848 Lori Road - Friday, Sept. 20, to Friday, Nov. 1, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, Saturday, Oct. 26, and Nov. 2, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Monday, Nov. 4, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Voter purge lawsuits add to disenfranchisement allegations against Youngkin administration
purged rolls by a set time that would allow a buffer to resolve any errors.
“Federal law does not prohibit the removal of noncitizens from the voting rolls,” the memo said, adding that the 90day “quiet period” under the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) is “not relevant to this process since Virginia conducts an individualized — not systematic — review per Virginia law in order to correct registration records.”
Youngkin on Friday called the lawsuit “unprecedented,” underscoring that his executive order simply was “appropriately enforcing a 2006 law” signed by then-Gov. Tim Kaine, a Democrat, which requires Virginia to remove noncitizens from the voter rolls.
“With the support of our attorney general, we will defend these common sense steps that we are legally required to take, with every resource available to us,” Youngkin said in a statement. “Virginia’s election will be secure and fair, and I will not stand idly by as this politically motivated action tries to interfere in our elections, period.”
But Scott commended the Justice Department for taking action. (It also recently filed a similar suit against Alabama)
“The reason that we have this 90-day rule is that we don’t want citizens to be accidentally removed,” Scott said. Related lawsuit stresses potential effect on naturalized citizens
“Naturalized citizens serve in our armed forces, pay taxes, and show their patriotism daily with their acts and contributions to our society,” Monica Sarmiento, executive director of the Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights, said in a statement earlier this month.
“Forcing new American communities to carry undue burden that no other community is required to comply with is discrimination, and does not represent the values that our commonwealth stands for,” Sarmiento said.
Under Youngkin’s executive order, the Virginia Department of Elections is now required to send just one notice to individuals at risk of being removed from the voter rolls.
This notice is based on information from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), but there is no requirement for the accuracy of that information to be verified by either the Department of Elections or local election officials before action is taken.
State Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin County, said Monday that the law referenced in Youngkin’s executive order relates to persons who self-identify as “non-citizens” on DMV forms that are turned over to the State Board of Elections, which then checks the information against the voter rolls and notifies those persons of pending removal from the state’s voter registration list, giving them 14 days notice of removal and the right to challenge.
issued his executive order that a process to prohibit non-citizens from voting was already in place.
“Anybody who comes to the DMV and shows documents that indicate they are a non-citizen — whether it is a visa or residency — their name is sent to the Department of Elections on a monthly basis so we can double check to make sure that they did not make their way on our voter rolls. If we find them on the rolls, we cancel them,” Beals said in the interview.
Previous election access issues
The two lawsuits are the latest in a string of voting access issues during Youngkin’s tenure.
In October 2022, registrars around the state scrambled to process a backlog of over 200,000 new voter registrations amid a “computer glitch” between state agencies. In October 2023, more than 3,000 people had been mistakenly removed from voter rolls. Earlier that year, the administration also quietly adjusted its restoration of the voting rights process
Virginia’s Constitution permanently disenfranchises people with felony convictions unless a governor pardons them or restores their rights.
21, to Friday, Nov. 1. Both locations open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, and Nov. 2. Drop box locations for mail-in ballots
• Administration Annex building at the Henrico County Government Center, 4305 E. Parham Road
• Eastern Government Center, 3820 Nine Mile Road
• Deep Run Park Recreation Center, 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy.
• Varina Library, 1875 New Market Road
• Tuckahoe Area Library, 1901 Starling Drive All locations will be outdoors and accessible 24 hours a day. Details: (804)501-4347, registerandvote@henrico.gov or henrico.gov/registrar
• Central Library and the four satellite locations will provide drop boxes when early voting begins at their locations. Drop boxes at regular polling places will be available on Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Curbside voting will be available at all early voting locations when early voting begins and at all polling locations on Election Day, through Tuesday, Nov. 5. Details: (804)748-1471 or .chesterfield.gov/Registrar
hanoveR county
Early in-person voting • Early Voting Center in the Wickham Building, Hanover Courthouse Government Complex, 7497 County Complex Road – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday, Oct. 26, and Nov. 2. Curbside voting options will be available.
Drop box location for mail-in
ballots
• Outside the Wickham Building at the Hanover County Government Complex, through Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. Details: (804)365-6080, HanoverVoting@hanovercounty.gov or hanovercounty.gov/365/voting
The DOJ suit also isn’t the only litigation that Youngkin faces over his Executive Order 35.
A federal suit filed by the Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights and the League of Women Voters of Virginia earlier this month alleges that the process used to purge the rolls violates the National Voter Registration Act, disenfranchising eligible voters while raising concerns over transparency and accuracy in the state’s voter registration system.
The legal action by the two nonprofits came after reports surfaced that Virginians were being removed from the voter rolls due to alleged inaccuracies and outdated information. Many of these removals, the suit argues, were done without proper notification or investigation, leaving eligible voters unaware that they could no longer cast their ballots.
The lawsuit also claims that the purges disproportionately affect minority communities, low-income voters, and those who may not have easy access to the internet to check their voter status. It further asserts that the Youngkin administration has failed to adequately confirm whether a voter is ineligible, potentially silencing their voice in the democratic process.
“And there are failsafe measures to this,” Stanley said. “Even if they are subsequently removed from the rolls, let’s say, in error, those persons can still register to vote on Election Day under our ‘same day’ registration law. So I fail to see why the federal government is doing this but for no other reason but to try to upset our otherwise sound voter registration process here in Virginia for political purposes.”
And Rich Anderson, the chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, said in a phone interview Monday afternoon that Youngkin’s executive order “brought together a lot of operating practices and standards that may have been scattered over a number of other places, put it together in one document and demonstrated to the commonwealth that the governor took this seriously and was exercising his responsibilities as the chief executive.”
One of the responsibilities of the executive branch, working with the legislative branch, is to “ensure confidence in our electoral processes and systems, and that was the whole intent of this, I think,” Anderson said.
But Elections Commissioner Susan Beals, whom Youngkin appointed as Virginia’s top elections official just weeks after assuming office in early 2021, said in an interview one week before the governor
McDonnell, the Republican governor who restored Scott’s rights, along with democratic Govs. Terry McAuliffe and Ralph Northam, had streamlined the process and eventually made it automatic. Now a petition-based process, Youngkin’s restoration numbers have dropped compared to his predecessors’ and little criteria has been made available to explain conditions for a restoration petition to be granted.
The Virginia chapter of the NAACP took Youngkin to court last year to get answers but a judge ruled that most details are exempt from being shared through a provision in the Freedom of Information Act.
Though Youngkin’s changes to the process aren’t going against the law, Democratic lawmakers feel it’s being used as a way to limit who can vote. The latest executive order falls amid continued allegations by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump that illegal immigrants are trying to vote.
In a recent telephone rally with Trump, Youngkin touted the purge of over 6,000 people as noncitizens. But a Washington Post review of records and interviews with election officials found that most of the purge stemmed from paperwork errors, like people forgetting to check a citizenship box.
It also noted that of Virginia’s three illegal voting prosecutions to occur since 2022, none involved a question of citizenship.
This story originally appeared on VirginiaMercury.com
Local tribes celebrate culture, history on Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Continued from A1
Confederacy, a group of tribes that the Chief Powhatan ruled over in the 17th century. “I think it’s extremely important that Virginia, the city of Richmond and the United States recognize the contributions that the tribe has made to the establishment of what is now the United States of America.”
The Upper Mattaponi Tribe, one of nine state-recognized tribes in Virginia, gained state recognition in 1983. In 2016, the state legislature passed HB814, which was signed into law by then-Gov. Terry McAuliffe. This legislation enabled the Secretary of the commonwealth to establish a Virginia Indian advisory board, which provides guidance to legislators and the Governor on tribal recognition matters.
According to Adams, his tribe is the closest to the city.
“[Public school systems] really don’t teach good Native American history in the schools, so a lot of people just don’t know that we’re still here,” Adams said. “We have established for our community a doctor’s office, home health care facility to take care of our people.”
While the federal government recognizes Indigenous People’s Day as an alternative holiday to Columbus Day, it is not yet a federal holiday. However, local governments have signed leg-
H.
Ashton Montez, 32, of the Chickahominy Tribe in Charles City, takes a break after performing at the Pocahontas Project’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration. The event, held Monday, Oct. 14, at Powhatan Hill Park in Richmond, showcased Virginia’s tribal cultures. Montez, who works as the Tribal nurse, performed on the park’s baseball field, which served as a stage for the event.
Otieno’s family continues call for DOJ to investigate his
not find the order to be sound and competent prosecutorial decision making,” Mann’s motion for the withdrawal reads. “The order in which the defendants are tried is of strategic importance to the Commonwealth.”
Mann’s handling of the charges and trials were a major focus of the letter and the press conference. Krudys, Crump and Ouko took her and her team to task for not using video evidence available and a lack of preparation, resources and experience.
They also criticized how Jones’ defense characterized Otieno and his behavior during his mental health crisis, as well as the selection process and racial composition of the jury, with those who expressed sympathy to mental illness or had even minor connections to Black Lives Matter removed from consideration.
“All we wanted was a fair trial
where the resources on each side would be the same and there’d be similar vigor going forward so that the truth would percolate to the surface,” Krudys said.
“That did not occur, and that’s why we’re here and that’s why we’re calling on DOJ once again to get involved.”
The office of U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber, who runs the Department of Justice office for Eastern Virginia, has not responded to the request, and declined to comment in response to inquiries by the Richmond Free Press.
safety inspections of housing units within designated rental inspection areas across the city. Organizers say it would benefit residents across various income levels and tenants insist it is sorely needed.
“When you have a house that has mold, roach-infested, mice-infested, you have to worry about your child’s health and your health,” Jackson Ward resident Marquetta Fisher said. “This inspection program needs to be put in place ASAP, not next year. People need help now.”
islation to recognize tribes statewide for their contributions to early colonial settlement.
“Recognition isn’t just about recognition,” said U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), a strong supporter of Virginia’s tribes, during his remarks. “It also comes with resources and opportunities, and our federally recognized tribes are taking advantage of those in ways that not only help the tribes but help everyone.”
Local resident Mary Donahue, said she volunteered to help with setting up the event because of her desire to learn more about the local tribes.
“[Indigenous tribes] are resilient and never stop fighting,” she said. “From what I see these are people who continue to create strong communities and have endless fights like pipelines and other things that have damaged their lands and are continuing to damage their land.”
The Upper Mattaponi Tribe has around 690 members, but despite the small population of the remaining tribal members, Adams said, “690 strong.”
“A lot of tribal citizens fled up North, fled out to Oklahoma and places like that and they’re slowly coming back,” he said. “I can only count 690 if they have reached out, got a tribal membership card and a tribal number. That’s where we are, 690 strong.”
mond believes that it would be in the best interest of the city of Richmond, and especially those tenants residing in rental units not subject to inspection as a result of funding by federal housing programs,” the resolution reads, “for the Council to adopt and implement a program that establishes one or more rental inspection districts and requires inspection of residential rental dwelling units within such districts.”
She said it also could lead to or exacerbate health issues, adding further personal and financial costs to tenants.
“If you’re not healthy, then you can’t work. If you can’t work, then you can’t give back to the community. If you’re in school, you can’t study,” Fisher said. “Everyone deserves a good dwelling.”
The program was adopted by City Council in February last year as part of a resolution introduced by Stephanie Lynch, 5th District, with the latest update on its development occurring in November, according to Ladelle McWhorter of Virginia Organizing’s Richmond chapter.
The program is currently under review by the Land Use, Housing, and Transportation Standing Committee and may be discussed at their next meeting on Tuesday. Requests for comment from the committee and other relevant city offices were not answered before publication. Continued
In a statement provided to the Richmond Free Press in the hours following the Jones trial verdict, Mann confirmed she intended to continue handling the remaining charges for sheriff’s deputies Brandon Rodgers and Kaiyell Sanders. Sanders appeared in court Wednesday for a status hearing and will return for another on Oct. 30.
“The Council of the City of Rich-
In the time since the resolution’s approval, problems have persisted for many tenants, particularly in lowincome housing and apartments, with landlords failing to address these issues when they are raised. As Fisher noted, the problems created by these housing issues extend beyond tenants’ living situations. Their inability to sleep safely in their homes can also affect their work performance, ability to provide for their family and community contributions.
The conference came hours before a City Council meeting Tuesday evening, where the need for movement on the program was one of many housing concerns highlighted during the public comment period by a member of New Virginia Majority.
Regina
Boone/Richmond Free Press
Ex-Louisville officer who fired shots in Breonna Taylor raid readies for 3rd trial
By Dylan Lovan The Associated Press
A former Louisville police officer accused of acting recklessly when he fired shots into Breonna Taylor’s windows the night of the deadly 2020 police raid is going on trial for a third time.
Federal prosecutors will try again to convict Brett Hankison of civil rights violations after their first effort ended in a mistrial due to a deadlocked jury a year ago. Hankison was also acquitted of wanton endangerment charges for firing 10 shots into Taylor’s apartment at a state trial in 2022.
Jury selection in U.S. District Court in Louisville began Tuesday. In last year’s trial, the process took most of three days.
neighbors in danger.
On the night of the raid, Louisville officers went to Taylor’s house to serve a drug warrant, which was later found to be flawed. Taylor’s boyfriend, believing an intruder was barging in, fired a single shot that hit one of the officers, and officers returned fire, striking Taylor in her hallway multiple times.
Hankison is the only officer who has faced a jury trial so far in Taylor’s death, which sparked months of street protests for the fatal shooting of the 26-year-old Black woman by white officers, drawing national attention to police brutality incidents in the summer of 2020. Though he was not one of the officers who shot Taylor, federal prosecutors say Hankison’s actions put Taylor and her boyfriend and her
As those shots were being fired, Hankison, who was behind a group of officers at the door, ran to the side of the apartment and fired into Taylor’s windows, later saying he thought he saw a figure with a rifle and heard assault rifle rounds being fired.
“I had to react,” Hankison testified in last year’s federal trial. “I had no choice.”
Some of the shots went through Taylor’s apartment and into another unit where a couple and a child lived. Those neighbors have testified at Hankison’s previous trials Police were looking for drugs and cash in Taylor’s apartment, but they found neither.
At the conclusion of testimony in Hankison’s trial last year, the 12-member jury struggled for days to reach a consensus. Jurors eventually told U.S. District Judge Rebecca Grady
Jennings they were deadlocked and could not come to a decision.
The judge said there were “elevated voices” coming from the jury room at times during deliberations, and court security officials had to visit the room. Jennings said the jury had “a disagreement that they cannot get past.”
Hankison was one of four officers who were charged by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2022 with violating Taylor’s civil rights. The two counts against him carry a maximum penalty of life in prison if he is convicted.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said Taylor “should be alive today” when he announced the federal charges in August 2022.
But those charges so far have yielded just one conviction — a plea deal from a former
Louisville officer who
In that ruling, a federal judge in
wrote that the actions of Taylor’s
violation charges against former officers
Jaynes and Kyle Meany, which had carried
of
demeanors.
charges, and prosecutors have since indicted Jaynes and Meany on additional charges.
Walgreens to close 1,200 stores as U.S. pharmacies struggle to define new role
By Tom Murphy The Associated Press
Walgreens is planning to close around 1,200 locations, as the drugstore chain and its rivals struggle to define their role for U.S. shoppers who no longer look to them first for convenience.
Drugstores that once snapped up prime retail space in towns and cities across the country are in retreat. They’ve been battered by shrinking prescription reimburse-
Walgreens’ announcement Tuesday morning comes as rival CVS Health wraps up a three-year plan to close 900 stores and Rite Aid emerges from bankruptcy, whittled down to about 1,300 locations.
As the companies retract, they raise concerns in many communities about access to health care and prescriptions Drugstore leaders and analysts who follow the industry say smaller versions of these chains have a future in U.S. retail, but
theft, rising costs and consumers who have strayed to online retailers or competitors with better prices.
The boost they received from taking the lead on vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic has long since faded.
they’re still trying to understand how that will play out.
“They’ve really got to rethink how they do business and, most importantly, what they mean and what value they bring to the customer,” said Neil Saunders, managing
director of consulting and data analysis firm GlobalData.
Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc., which runs about 8,500 stores in the U.S., said in late June that it was finalizing a turnaround plan in the U.S. that might lead to hundreds of store closings.
The company said Tuesday that it will start by closing about 500 stores in its current fiscal year, which started last month.
Walgreens didn’t say where the store closings would take place. It will prioritize poor-performing stores where the property is owned by the company, or where leases are expiring.
CEO Tim Wentworth told analysts Tuesday that the majority of its stores, or about 6,000, are profitable and provide the company with a foundation to build on.
“This solid base supports our conviction in a retail pharmacy led model that is relevant to our consumers, and we intend to invest in these stores over the next several years,” said Wentworth, who became CEO nearly a year ago.
Wentworth said the remaining Walgreens stores will help the company respond more quickly to shifting consumer behavior and buying patterns. The company also is taking another look at what it sells in its stores and planning to offer more Walgreens-branded products.
Walgreens also is experimenting with some smaller stores that would be less expensive to operate.
Drugstores also have been pushing to offer more care, with pharmacists diagnosing and treating the flu, strep throat
and COVID-19 in many states.
Pharmacists say they can play a key role in keeping their customers healthy since they often see people more frequently than family doctors.
Pharmacists can help patients monitor their blood pressure, manage diabetes and quit smoking, among other things.
CVS also is squeezing primary care clinics with doctors into some of its stores. But Walgreens is backing awa y from a similar push.
The Deerfield, Ill., company said in August that it was
reviewing its U.S. health care operation, and it might sell all or part of its VillageMD clinic business. That announcement came less than two years after the company said it would spend billionsto expand it.
Saunders, the analyst, said Walgreens has neglected its stores in recent years as it built its business through acquisitions. He said the appearance of the chain’s locations has suffered, and a lack of staffing hurts customer service.
He noted that store visits are slumping, and the company has
lost market share.
“And that has unraveled some of the economics of these stores,” he said.
Saunders said drugstores “have really shot themselves in the foot” because they no longer have a clear way to differentiate themselves from other retailers.
“When you want to get the big bucks from consumers, you have to be a destination for something,” he said. “And unfortunately, drugstores have increasingly become destinations for nothing.”
AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File
A ground mural depicting a portrait of Breonna Taylor is seen in July 2020 at Chambers Park in Annapolis, Md.
AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley, Pool, File
Former Louisville Police officer Brett Hankison responds to his defense attorney March 2, in Louisville, Ky.
Richmond Free Press
October 17-19, 2024
Voting matters
Have you ever tried to convince a non-voter to become an active participant in democracy?
If so, you know it’s rarely easy. Some people will listen, some may be swayed, and others, no matter how eloquently you present your points, just won’t hear it. Fortunately, for those stubborn individuals, one of the best arguments against the notion that “voting doesn’t matter” is unfolding right here in the River City.
Last week, our governor faced what some legal circles might call “double lawsuits” — a term I just made up, but the two lawsuits are real. One was filed by a state voting rights group and immigrants rights organization and the other by the U.S. Department of Justice. We’re pleased that U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland has found a good way to spend his time, since he’s not arresting the former president who attempted a coup — but that’s an editorial for another week. Both lawsuits allege Gov. Youngkin purged voter rolls recently, via a decision known as Executive Order 35.
This is a direct attack on the voting power of everyday citizens. If voter purges go unchecked, they may erode confidence in the democratic process and make people feel voiceless. And that’s exactly what some leaders want — less participation, fewer voices and less accountability — for them.
To put things in perspective, the other state that the Department of Justice is investigating for similar action is Alabama. If you paid attention during Black History Month and have an understanding of the history of the civil Rights Movement, then you know that the state, nicknamed, “The Heart of Dixie,” doesn’t have a good track record when it comes to supporting voting rights of its citizens. Yet, our governor’s actions have us in the same boat as a state that consistently ranks near the bottom in most quality-of-life surveys and is known for its regressive laws and policies.
But back to that compelling argument that Gov. Youngkin has crafted for people who don’t think voting matters, by way of his executive order. The fact that efforts are being made to suppress votes proves the opposite of what some non-voters believe. Your vote matters. It matters enough for those in power to try and manipulate the system to keep you away from the polls. It matters enough to trigger lawsuits from both local and national groups, defending your right to be heard on Election Day.
Gov. Youngkin’s actions should serve as a wake-up call. If you’ve been on the fence about whether or not to perform your civic duty, this attempt to strip voting rights from Virginians should motivate you.
The next time someone tells you that voting doesn’t matter, point them to this situation, or others like it. It’s proof that people in power know how much voting matters — otherwise, they wouldn’t be working so hard to silence you.
Fritillary butterfly on dandelion in North Side
Uncovering the Tulsa Massacre truth
Oct. 14, 2024
“We acknowledge descendants of the survivors, and the victims continue to bear the trauma of this act of racial terrorism. We have no expectation that there are living perpetrators who could be criminally prosecuted by us or by the state. We honor the legacy of the Tulsa Race Massacre survivors, Emmett Till, the Act that bears his name, this country and the truth by conducting our own review and evaluation of the massacre.
In the words of Ida B. Wells, one of this nation’s most staunch antilynching advocates, ‘The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.’” – Assistant U.S. Attorney for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke
For nearly 100 years, few Americans knew the story of one of the most heinous acts of racial terrorism in our history. Pages were ripped from surviving copies of the local newspaper to erase it from the archives.
It was only in the last few years that Oklahoma public schools added the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre to the official curriculum.
Now, an official investigation by the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Justice Department will shine the light of the federal government on the Massacre, bringing some measure of justice for the descendants of the victims.
The review is a long-overdue opportunity to confront the legacy of racial terrorism, and of the enduring economic scars Black Americans bear to this day.
As many as 300 people were slaughtered, with 800 or more seriously injured.About 10,000 people
were left homeless as houses, churches, schools and businesses were burned to the ground.
One of the nation’s most affluent Black communities was wiped out, almost overnight, along with its wealth of about $200 million in today’s dollars. No one ever was prosecuted, no restitution ever was made.
Certainly, the specter of shame hangs over this troubling chapter of history, but that’s not the most likely reason it was so long suppressed. Critical race theory suggests that America’s social and economic inequities are the result of deliberate policy choices, and that different policy choices could produce a more equitable society.
To recognize the Black wealth that was taken by force is to recognize that a massive debt is owed. White resentment of Black Tulsa’s wealth was the most likely catalyst for the massacre, not the probably fictitious assault of a17-year-old white girl by a 19-year-old Black shoeshiner.
According to the Chicago Defender, “A rumor has been extant for some time to the effect that it was the desire of white industry or of private citizens to appropriate the lands which the Race had gained possession of. Since the area had become a segregated district to them, the value had increased and white speculators saw a chance for immense profits if they could only drive the inhabitants out.”
The Department of Justice review of the Tulsa Massacre is being conducted under the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act, which allows the Justice Department to investigate fatal civil rights crimes that occurred on or before Dec. 31, 1979.
Since the passage of the Act the Department has opened at least 138 investigations and closed 122 of them.
Emmett Till’s murder, and his mother’s decision to allow the world to see his brutalized corpse, galvanized the Civil Rights Movement. Time magazine
Trump makes hurricane-related pain worse
While following news coverage of the horrific and deadly path of Hurricane Helene across North Carolina, I was given pause by the ironic name of a large county that received some of the worst destruction: Buncombe.
American political his tory buffs will recognize this as a catchword for meaning less speech. “The usual story” of the origin of this word, as well as of its variations “bunk” and “bunkum,” according to North Carolina-centric online encyclopedia NCPedia, traces back to Felix Walker, a congressman from the Western North Carolina county after he delivered a passionate speech in the 1820s on a militia pension bill to a nearly empty chamber.
The congressman reportedly explained afterward that he was “speaking … to Buncombe,” so the folks back home would know he was on the job.
To which someone reportedly — and appropriately — said, “and Buncombe your talk certainly was.“
Words can be funny things, but there is nothing amusing about the millions who remain without power and the many who lost their homes and businesses after back-to-back Hurricanes Helene and Milton. More than 200 died in Helene’s wake, and hundreds remain missing. Milton killed at least 20 people.
Nor is there anything funny about the increasingly bizarre and misleading claims circulating about the federal response to the storms.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell said the conspiracy theories, especially those surrounding the agency, are “absolutely the worst I have ever seen.”
Indeed, there’s nothing new about conspiracy theories following catastrophes like vultures
follow the scent of carrion. But the wildly bizarre theories about Hurricanes Helene and Milton have touched off a wildly improbable blizzard, laced with the suspicious scent of politics.
The grand tradition of presidents from both parties putting politics aside in times of calamity appeared to fall by the wayside in recent days, even as President Biden urged Congress to end its recess early and return to Capitol Hill to approve emergency funding for hurricane recovery — even though his budget office hadn’t released the supplemental request that would kick off the process.
Biden also called Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump responsible for spreading misinformation about the federal government’s response to the storms.
He criticized Trump and others for spreading disinformation about the federal response, including the lie that the $750 payment people in the hardest-hit areas are eligible for from FEMA would be the only aid they get from the federal government.
“Mr. President Trump, former President Trump, get a life, man, help these people,” Biden said, later adding that he has no plans to speak directly with Trump.
Trump has repeatedly claimed that Vice President Kamala Harris, his Democratic challenger, “spent all her FEMA money, billions of dollars, on housing for illegal migrants” and FEMA officials are “going out of their way to not help people in Republican areas.”
Criticizing a sitting president for the federal government’s response to an ongoing weather disaster is pretty easy. When it’s a month before a presidential election, it’s downright impossible to resist doing so.
But the consequences can be deadly. Disinformation about the Biden administration’s response to the storms has been running rampant on social media, including the rumor that if a person applies for disaster assistance, FEMA could confiscate their property.
That story led a listener to call into Sirius XM’s “The Dan Abrams Show” last week to share the story of his father-in-law, whose property near Asheville, North Carolina, was badly damaged by Helene.
Despite the destruction, the caller told Abrams that his fatherin-law is unwilling to accept assistance from FEMA “because he’s a hard-core Trumper.”
We have yet to see Trump, the apparent source of much of this disinformation, take steps to become part of the solution.
This is how Trump chooses to “speak to Buncombe.” In a tight race, he desperately needs all the votes he can get, and if getting them means lying to and further harming victims in this unfortunate corner of a key swing state, he seems to be deplorably fine with that.
The writer is a columnist for the Chicago Tribune.
named it one of the 100 influential images of all time, writing, “For almost a century, African Americans were lynched with regularity and impunity. Now, thanks to a mother’s determination to expose the barbarousness of the crime, the public could no longer pretend to ignore what they couldn’t see.”
The public no longer can pretend to ignore the Tulsa Massacre. Assistant U.S. Attorney for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke said there is “no expectation that there are living perpetrators who could be criminally prosecuted by us or by the state,” but an official report on the investigation will “reflect the Justice Department’s exhaustive efforts to seek justice, at bare minimum, [and] prevent these victims and the tragic ordeals they endured from being lost to history.”
The writer is the president and CEO of the National Urban League.
Clarence Page
Marc H. Morial
Commentaries
Politics is exhausting but we must stay with it
The presidential election will be over in weeks, but it will not end the exhaustion people are having with politics. The November election is the third consecutive presidential election with Donald Trump on the ballot as his party’s nominee. As people grew tired of the Clintons, they are now weary of the Trumpism political movement. “Clinton fatigue” was real. It was not only a political pull on Al Gore’s campaign against George W. Bush, it also became an issue during Hillary Clinton’s run for the White House. Political fatigue comes and goes with time, and we see it in various forms.
Even Trump’s political base supporters have grown tired of his long-winded and confusing speeches. During a typical rally in Wilkes Barre, Pa., what started as a packed house of supporters ended with entire sections of the 8,000seat arena nearly empty at the end of Trump’s one hour and 45-minutes. A local business owner, when explaining why she left early, stated, “He reminded me why I’m not going to vote for him this time … But after listening to that, I’m actually afraid of Trump being president again. I don’t know what he was talking about half the time. Perhaps he was always like that but he seems worse, more unstable.” It remains to be seen if enough frustrated MAGA supporters and traditional Republicans will switch their votes, thereby swinging the outcome of
the election toward Kamala Harris. People are tired because we can no longer assume there will be a smooth transition of power after what we experienced during the 2020 election. When the American people speak through the results of an election, candidates are now unwilling to acknowledge and accept the voice of the voters if the results are not to their liking. Most people simply want our elections and the subsequent governing process to be free of chaos and confusion.
Former Rep. Liz Cheney says she does not trust House Speaker Mike Johnson to certify the 2024 election if Harris wins the presidency. While
Cheney served as a member of the House GOP leadership, Johnson was her one-time deputy. “The claims of fraud Donald Trump was making [in 2020] …he knew those to be false,” Cheney said in referring to Johnson. “He was told that, not only in discussions with
me, but also by the House Republican counsel.” Unfortunately, before we arrive at the certification of the presidential election results in January, the nation is threatened with yet another government shutdown by the GOP-controlled House in December. Lawmakers are faced with a temporary funding deadline on Dec. 20 and will have to negotiate a long-term funding deal after the November election – setting up another
exhausting political fight in the weeks before we have a new Congress and a new president takes office. Not everyone likes dysfunction, especially when it is used to serve the self-centered interests of individuals. Before the Sept. 30 government funding deadline, Trump urged Republicans to allow the government to shut down if they were unable to pass the voting legislation which he claimed could impact the results of the presidential election. A lot will fall on the House Speaker during and after December.
If the Republicans maintain control of the House, it is not guaranteed that Johnson will remain as House Speaker. Some of Johnson’s Republican colleagues, such as allies of Jim Jordan, are already testing the waters for a change in leadership. Where Republican House
members were reluctant to get rid of Johnson during an election year, more than a dozen have indicated they might be ready for a change in January.
Again, we can no longer assume there will be a peaceful transfer of power. How can we forget the divisive and chaotic ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy? The best way to avoid another round of complete disorder and stress in choosing the House Speaker is to vote the Democrats into power. Therefore, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will take over the speakership without controversy.
People have grown frustrated with the political partisanship and the ethics surrounding the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is no longer trusted as an independent group with integrity. Unfortunately, any attempt to pass legislation
for term limits and an ethics code for the Supreme Court is unlikely in this political environment.
If Kamala Harris wins the presidency, a Republican-led House and Senate will undermine her every move. As a result, many who supported her candidacy will grow frustrated because of the political and sometimes racial resistance. Can we ever escape political fatigue? We are given many reasons to walk away from being engaged in politics. While we do need a mental and emotional break at times, we cannot afford to walk away. We can take a break, but still must be watchful and sound the alarm against lies and misinformation. The writer is the founder of the faith-based organization, TRB: The Reconciled Body, and author of the book God Bless Our Divided America.
Indigenous communities lead in crucial environmental fight
Contamination from lead, arsenic, and the other toxins in Tar Creek in Northeastern Oklahoma stole the potential of many children of the Quapaw Nation. As a parent, I can only imagine the anguish and the anger. As a lifelong activist for civil and human rights and the environment, I deeply admire the resilience of the Quapaw and the many Indigenous communities with similar stories.
The Tar Creek Superfund site is the first such site to have its cleanup efforts led by an Indigenous tribe. It sits in what was once the Tri-State Mining District, which supplied the lead and zinc for more than 75% of the American bullets and shells used in World Wars I and II.
Although all mining had been abandoned by the early 1970s, hundreds of mines and boreholes were left open. When water filled the holes, it brought toxic heavy metals to the surface. That contaminated the creek, killed wildlife, and sickened the people who had once known the creek as a source of water and a gathering place. In 1979, the creek turned bright orange from the iron in the acid mine water reaching the surface. It was a major sign of the environmental damage that had been done and continued to persist.
The mining operations also
left heaps of waste known as “chat,” containing lead and other toxic heavy metals. More than 16 tons of chat were left behind for every ton of ore extracted. Before people in the area were aware of the dangers posed by this chat, children would ride their bikes over the chat piles. It even made its way
into their sandboxes.
As late as the 1990s, testing by the Indian Health Service showed high blood lead levels in 35% of Native American children in the area. One study showed area schoolchildren had 11 times the state average for elevated blood lead levels.
Rebecca Jim, who is Cherokee, came to work at the local school system in the Tar Creek area in 1978, the year before the creek turned orange. She recounts, “One of my students had been fishing the day before it happened. The next day all the fish were dead. It was a shock to see it ruined.”
Jim was moved to action by the learning disabilities and other impacts of lead poisoning she witnessed. Her advocacy was key in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designating Tar Creek a Superfund site in 1983. Thirty years later, the Quapaw Nation itself would seize the reins in partnering with the EPA to remediate the site.
The efforts overseen by the Quapaw have removed over 7 million tons of mine waste and remediated more than 600
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 1401 EAST BROAD STREET RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23219
Contract ID No. C00118662DB137
State Project No. 0660-086-791
McMullin Bridge Replacement – Rte. 660 Over NSRR Smyth County, Virginia
Design-Build Project
acres of land. That is according to Summer King with the Quapaw Nation Environmental Office. King said, “When the site was slated for remediation, the Quapaw Nation requested to conduct the work. Because of the cultural and historical importance to the Nation, they knew their own people were the best for the job.”
Tar Creek is but one example of Indigenous-led efforts to clean up, stop, or prevent environmental disasters in Oklahoma alone. The Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations are leading opposition to a $3.1 billion hydropower project on Kiamichi River that would siphon billions of gallons of water from a sacred waterway. And local Indigenous activists like Okcate Evita Smith McCommas of the Mvskoke Creek Nation, who chairs the Green
County Group of the Sierra Club’s Oklahoma Chapter, are leading the fight to clean up the Arkansas River, which runs through Tulsa.
Cheyenne Skye Branscum, long active with the Sierra Club’s Oklahoma Chapter, now serves as the national organization’s treasurer and is the first tribal citizen on its board of directors. A Citizen Potawatomi Nation member, Branscum holds a deep responsibility to protect our water systems.
“For my people, the Creator entrusted the Kewk, women, to speak for and protect the Water. Protecting the Water is my sacred duty. The struggles over these waters are not relics of the past. They are the very real battles we are still fighting today. And while our lands and waters are threatened, we remain resilient, because the
future of these rivers is the future of our people.” Indigenous leaders in these fights hold a mirror up to our country and make us confront the nation’s mistreatment of this land’s Native peoples. These communities are powerful messengers in challenging the fossil fuel industry and all the industries that thrive on the destruction of our natural world. In many ways, they are our nation’s conscience. As we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day this week and Native American Heritage Month in November, let us join America’s Indigenous communities in making the protection of waters, lands and wildlife our sacred duty.
The writer is the executive director of the Sierra Club and a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania.
and southbound Interstate 81 ; two bridges replaced over Route 1836 (Belle Haven Road); two bridges replaced over Route 648 (Reservoir Road); two bridges replaced over Tinker Creek and Norfolk Southern Railway; two bridges replaced over US Route 220 (Roanoke Road)
The work includes, among other things all work required to support the design and construction of: (a) roadway; (b) survey; (c) structure and/ or bridge; (d) resurfacing of existing asphalt pavement ; resurfacing, repairing, rehabilitat ing (rubblizing, unbonded overlay), and/or removing of existing concrete pavement ; (e) environmental (f) geotechnical; (g) hydraulics; (h) stormwater management; (i) traffic control devices; (j) transportation management plan; (k) right -of -way; (l) utilities; (m) public involvement/ relations (n) quality assurance and quality control; (o) Intelligent Transpor tation Systems; (p)railroad; (q) construction engineering and inspection; and (r) overall Project management.
Q uestions/clarifications regarding the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) should be submitted to Joseph A. Clarke, PE, DBIA (joseph.clarke@vdot.virginia.gov)
Copies of the RFQ and additional submittal requirements can be found on Bid Express (bidexpress.com)
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is seeking Statements and experienced respondents with design and construction experience of roadways and bridges. This project includes the demolition and full replacement of the existing Route 660 bridge structure over NSRR in deteriorated state. The project includes realignment of Route 660 to facilitate construction of the new bridge structure over NSRR. The new structure will have increased vertical and horizontal clearance to meet railroad requirements and account for future expansion of the railroad by accommodating an additional set of tracks within the clearance zones. The project will improve quality of travel for various stakeholders, including adjacent residential landowners and residents, and local EMS. This project includes, among other things, all work required to support the design and construction of: roadway; survey; structure and/or bridge; demolition and removal of the existing bridge; environmental; geotechnical; right-of-way; utilities; public involvement/relations; quality assurance and quality control; railroad coordination; construction engineering and inspection; and overall Project management.
The Department assures compliance with Title VI requirements of non -discrimination in all activities pursuant to this advertisement.
should be submitted to Md Atiquzzaman, Ph.D., P.E. (md.atiquzzaman@ vdot.virginia.gov).
Copies of the RFQ and additional submittal requirements can be found at (bidexpress.com).
The Department assures compliance with Title VI requirements of nondiscrimination in all activities pursuant
David W. Marshall
Ben Jealous
Panthers’ defense shines in second straight shutout win
Free Press staff report
Jada Byers rushed for 188 yards and two touchdowns, leading Virginia Union University to a 35-0 victory over Elizabeth City State University on Saturday at Hovey Stadium.
The Panthers’ defense, anchored by Shamar Graham’s 14 tackles, secured their second consecutive shutout against the Vikings at home. VUU blanked ECSU 49-0 in 2022.
game since Brian Smith in 2009. The school record of three blocked kicks was set by Robert Convers against Norfolk State University in 1980.
Mark Wright completed 9 of 17 passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns, adding another score on the ground. Kalen Carver caught both of Wright’s touchdown passes.
Jalen Mayo blocked two kicks, becoming the first Panther to achieve this feat in a single
“We’re capable of going to the NCAA playoffs for the third straight year,” VUU Coach Alvin Parker said. “But we’ve got to play though because we’re not only coming off a CIAA championship season, but two straight playoff appearances. That means you’re going to get everybody’s best shot, so you’ve got to give everybody your best shot.”
Virginia Union (4-2, 3-0 CIAA) will travel to Lincoln University, Pa., to face Lincoln University of Pennsylvania 1 p.m Saturday, Oct. 19.
Virginia State’s offense explodes for 457 yards in homecoming rout
Free Press staff report
Virginia State University’s football team showcased an impressive aerial attack, amassing nearly 330 passing yards from three quarterbacks to defeat Bowie State 38-17 during Saturday’s homecoming game.
The Trojans (3-3, 2-1) wasted no time, scoring on their opening drive with a 37-yard touchdown pass from Romelo Williams to Ajenavi Byrd. The Bulldogs (1-5, 1-3) struggled to respond, going three-and-out on their first possession.
run, giving the Trojans a commanding 24-0 lead at the break.
VSU extended its lead in the second quarter when Malik Hunter turned a crossing route into a 47-yard touchdown. A muffed punt by Bowie State set up a 26-yard field goal by Joshua Campbell, pushing the score to 17-0.
Just before halftime, Jimmyll Williams capped an eight-play drive with a one-yard touchdown
Bowie State showed signs of life with a strong touchdown drive to start the third quarter, but VSU quickly answered. Romelo Williams scored on an 11-yard run, followed by J. Williams’ second touchdown of the game, extending the lead to 38-7.
The Bulldogs managed to add 10 points late in the game, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.
Romelo Williams finished 16 of 28 for 291 yards and two touchdowns, adding 43 rushing yards. Hunter led the receiving corps with six catches for 110 yards and a touchdown.
VSU outgained Bowie State 457-248 in total yards. The Trojans converted 8 of 18 third downs, while holding the Bulldogs to just 1 of 11.
Virginia State begins a three-game road trip at Elizabeth City State at 1 p.m. on Oct. 19.
By Brian Mahoney
The Associated Press
Spike Lee got a photo with Larry Bird and a technical foul from a Hall of Fame referee.
Not a bad first trip to basketball’s birthplace to pick up an honor he didn’t know existed.
Filmmaker Spike Lee inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame’s SuperFan Gallery season drawing crowds of at least 16,000. Six different league television partners set viewership records this year for its highestviewed WNBA game. Much of that was due to the popularity of Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark. Timms, who cheers for her Mercury and supports the New York Liberty, coached by friend Sandy Brondello, is a fan.
The filmmaker was added to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s SuperFans Gallery. He had been to baseball’s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., and loaned some items to basketball’s, but never made his way to it until being told he was being honored for his passion for his New York Knicks
“Here’s the thing, though. I didn’t even know this thing existed,” Lee said. “So it was a complete shock when I got the phone call.”
about Jordan during his induction speech appears to check out.
It was his first game coaching the Bulls. Collins said he had been nervously chewing gum while his team played the New York Knicks and when he called a late timeout, it smeared around his lips.
“I was soaking wet with sweat and I had a headache and I started to look up and I saw this Black
Lee joined Jack Nicholson, Philadelphia businessman Alan Horwitz and Billy Crystal in this year’s additions. During a ceremony a few hours before the 2024 class was enshrined, Crystal, a Clippers fan, told Lee that he’s already in a Hall of Fame.
added to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s James F. Goldstein SuperFan Gallery.
“I’m in Cooperstown, too, you know. They put my movie in the film archive, ’61(asterisk),’” Crystal said, referring to the film he directed about the 1961 home run chase between the Yankees’ Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle.
Dressed in Knicks-colored orange throughout the weekend and telling anyone who would listen that this is their year, Lee said he enjoyed getting to interact with people he has been talking to for so long from his front-row seat at Madison Square Garden.
“I got to take a picture with Larry Bird, standing between Larry and Artis Gilmore,” Lee said. “I got into a fake argument with Dick Bavetta. He called a ‘T’ on me and pulled a whistle out of his pocket and blew it. Dick Bavetta and I go way, way back. He’s from Brooklyn, too, so we got that love, but it was just great seeing all these guys. I see them in action sitting courtside.”
Michael Memories
Vince Carter was in a room full of Hall of Famers when he came upon one dressed in what appeared to be the familiar shade of Tar Heel blue.
“Congratulations, dog!” Michael Jordan said, standing up to shake hands Saturday night before asking Carter how he was doing as they embraced.
Carter then introduced his family to Jordan, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame 15 years earlier.
Carter drew comparisons to Jordan early his career. He had also played at North Carolina, won a Slam Dunk Contest and quickly became a nightly producer of NBA highlights and a perennial All-Star. It was during one of those All-Star games, in 2003, when Carter gave his Eastern Conference starting spot to Jordan, so the six-time champion could start in his final All-Star Game.
Jordan also had a warm embrace for Doug Collins, who coached him in both Chicago and Washington.
“I know he told you a bunch of lies!” Jordan told the group around them, while patting Collins’ stomach.
Actually, the story Collins told
hand reach out like this,” Collins said, imitating Jordan reaching forward. “He said, ‘Coach, take a drink of that water, clean that (stuff) off your mouth. I’m not going to let you lose your first game.’”
Collins said the Bulls did win and Jordan scored 50. And indeed, Chicago beat New York 108-103 on Nov. 1, 1986, behind 50 points from Jordan.
Story Time
Collins was about 25 minutes into a speech that would last a half hour when he mentioned the importance of storytelling when broadcasting games. That was advice Dick Ebersol gave him when he joined NBC.
Collins sure told a lot of stories.
He had a lot to cover while being inducted as a contributor, from his four All-Star appearances as a player with the 76ers, his memories of playing in the U.S. loss in the controversial 1972 Olympic gold medal game, his two coaching stints and his time on television.
But he had gone on long enough for event organizers. A clock inside Symphony Hall read: 0:00 WRAP NOW!!!
Collins said felt like former North Carolina State coach Jim Valvano, who during his famous ESPY’s speech as he was dying of cancer refused to be rushed off stage.
“Do I care about that red light? Are you kidding?” Collins said.
When he finally finished, he was followed by former Wisconsin Coach Bo Ryan, who immediately made clear he would be no Collins.
“I’m not a storyteller,” he began. “I have former players back there that are doing the over/under on how many minutes I’m going to take.”
Wow, WNBA Michele Timms played in the WNBA’s inaugural season, one of the original players picked by the Phoenix Mercury. That’s all the way back in 1997, so of course the game looks different now.
But she’s blown away by just how different.
“Wow,” the Australian said.
“Proud.”
Attendance was up nearly 44% from last season, with 37 WNBA games in the regular
“I mean, you can’t talk about the WNBA unless you talk about Caitlin Clark and she is absolutely phenomenal,” Timms said.
The Liberty and Minnesota Lynx are tied 1-1 (at Free Press deadline) in the WNBA Finals Seimone Augustus helped the Lynx win four championships while playing from 2006-20. She sees the growth since then, the future teams arriving in Golden State, Portland and Toronto, and said she couldn’t ask for much more than what the league has become.
“To be honest, they’ve checked off a lot of stuff that I wished I had when I was playing. Obviously charter flights, increase in pay, taking care of the mothers in our league,” Augustus said.
“So I mean, just continuing to head in the direction and put these young ladies in places that we haven’t been and be able to use their voices in ways that we have never been able to.”
Peggy Davis, VSU athletics VP, dies
Free Press staff report
Peggy Davis, Virginia State University’s associate vice president for athletics who led the institution’s sports programs to numerous championships and accolades over nearly three decades, died Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. She was a longtime fixture in NCAA Division II athletics.
During her 27-year tenure, Davis guided VSU’s athletic programs to 26 CIAA Championship titles, 20 NCAA Division II tournament appearances, and saw the university’s coaches earn 44 Coach of the Year honors. In 2020, under Davis’ leadership, VSU received the NCAA Division II Award of Excellence. She was honored the following year with the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association Distinguished Service Award for her work advancing diversity and inclusion in college athletics. Davis made history as the first woman to serve as interim commissioner of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, a 12-member athletic conference. She was named CIAA Athletic Director of the Year seven times.
“She was a beacon of hope, an inspiring leader, and a champion for our student-athletes,” the university said in a statement. “Her unwavering dedication to the mission of our University, her extraordinary achievements and her selflessness in always putting others first will never be forgotten.” Memorial arrangements are pending.
AP Photo/Jessica Hill
Film director Spike Lee is honored at a superfan ceremony at the Basketball Hall of Fame, Sunday, Oct. 13, in Springfield, Mass. Lee, actor Jack Nicholson, comedian Billy Crystal and businessman Alan Horwitz were
Chris Waugaman / Courtesy VSU Athletics
Virginia State University’s offense dominates during their 38-17 homecoming win against Bowie State. Running back Jimmyll Williams (#28) charges up the field as the Trojans amassed 457 yards of total offense.
Colangelo Parker
Virginia Union University tight end Kalen Carver (#80) hauls in his first touchdown of the day during the Panthers’ 35-0 victory over Elizabeth City State at Hovey Stadium. Carver’s two touchdown catches helped lead to its second consecutive shutout over the Vikings.
Peggy Davis
Kevin Keogh, a father of two young children, has little spare time. However, he recognizes the value of volunteerism and serves as the board president for CancerLINC, a Richmond area nonprofit dedicated to easing the burden of cancer for patients and their families.
CancerLINC connects cancer patients and their families with legal, financial and community resources, allowing them to focus on their health. In the past year, CancerLINC, with the help of over 160 volunteer attorneys and financial professionals, has served 745 cancer patients and addressed 979 non-medical issues.
Keogh grew up in the Richmond area in a close-knit family with five siblings. He played basketball and baseball at Midlothian High School and attended the University of Virginia. His mother raised the oldest children independently while his father, also a UVA graduate, served in Vietnam.
The strong family unit created by Keogh’s parents defines his world view, and they maintain the closeness they formed during their childhood years. His parents and two older brothers have been major influencers in his life, further deepening the importance he places on family. Each summer, the family gathers for a week at a big beach house that accommodates parents, siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Keogh and his wife also make an annual trip to Tybee Island, Ga., to spend a week with her extended family. He met his wife while he was in Georgia for graduate school. The importance of family influenced the couple’s decision to
Personality: Kevin Keogh
Spotlight on 2024-2025 CancerLINC board president
move back to Richmond. They wanted their children to have the support and impact of the large extended family.
Being a full-time dad means keeping up with a busy schedule of baseball games and gymnastics meets. Keogh coaches one of his son’s baseball teams and is learning as much as he can about competitive gymnastics to support his daughter’s athletic pursuits.
With a career in technology and organizational consulting for top consulting firms on his résumé, Keogh is now an independent consultant. Although he likes the flexibility that independent consulting provides, he’s keeping his eye out for new challenges and stability that a permanent position offers.
Meet the die-hard UVA sports fan and family man who leads the board at CancerLINC and this week’s Personality:
Volunteer position: President, CancerLINC Board of Directors.
Occupation: Technologyfocused strategist and leader.
Date and place of birth: Oct. 3 in Springfield.
Where I live now: Midlothian.
Education: Bachelor’s in commerce, UVA, and MBA, University of Georgia.
Family: Wife, Ashley; daughter, Harper; son, James; two parents, five brothers and sisters, five sisters- and brothersin-law, 12 nieces and nephews and one niece-in-law.
CancerLINC is: A central Virginia-based nonprofit that “LINCs” cancer patients and their families to legal, financial
and community resources to solve the non-medical obstacles that arise with a cancer diagnosis. CancerLINC services are always free, and the professional services provided by our volunteers are free of charge to patients who live below the federally defined poverty level.
When and why founded: CancerLINC was founded in 1996 when local attorney Phyllis Katz, a breast cancer survivor, needed help in dealing with the non-medical issues related to her cancer diagnosis and treatment. The experience prompted Katz and fellow attorney and breast cancer survivor, Ann Hodges, to organize a seminar about the plight of cancer patients. The first seminar at the University of Richmond was attended by more than 120 attorneys and advocates, marking the birth of the Legal Information Network
for Cancer (LINC), now known as CancerLINC. Founders: Phyllis Katz and Ann Hodges.
Location: 200 S. 3rd
St.
How CancerLINC works: Patients communicate a need that is related to a cancer diagnosis, and our client services team refers those patients to volunteer attorneys, volunteer financial professionals or other community partners who can help.
Who is eligible for services: Anyone who calls. While roughly 90% of our patients are below the Federally defined HUD poverty level, qualifying them for free professional services, we can be a resource for anyone in the area who has been impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
CancerLINC services: With the help of over 200 volunteer professionals, we address issues often experienced by patients, such as medical debt, life planning legal documents, employment issues, insurance denials, housing insecurity and community resource support.
Funding: Individual and corporate donations, grants and fundraising events such as Pack Your Bags: Hawaii – A CancerLINC Luau.
Partnerships: Too many to name them all. A couple of shining examples are the Virginia Law Foundation and the Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP) Richmond at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.
My initial CancerLINC involvement: After discovering the organization through the Board Concierge Services provided by Leadership Metro Richmond, I joined the governance committee initially, was invited to become a board member and then was honored to join the executive team.
When elected board president: June 2024.
Why CancerLINC is meaningful to me: Having observed and supported multiple family members in their own cancer journeys, I immediately recognized the organization’s tremendous value. The volume and variety of challenges presented by a cancer diagnosis are daunting for all and overwhelming for many. I’m grateful for the opportunity that CancerLINC provides to help people when they’ve never needed it more.
Goal as board president: Guide the organization’s efforts to build on its strong foundation and identify bold new ways to grow the population who benefits from CancerLINC’s services.
Biggest challenge: Helping the organization become a household name in the Richmond area. We’d love for more people to know about CancerLINC, the many ways we can help, and how their charitable contributions can yield tremendous impact.
Ways to contact CancerLINC for assistance: Call us at 804-562-0371 or visit cancerlinc.org.
How to get involved with CancerLINC: Become a volunteer by visiting the volunteer page on our website. We’re always
looking to build our roster of legal and financial experts for core volunteer services, and we have countless other ways to further the CancerLINC mission.
Upcoming event: There’s the LINC Awards at the Jepson Alumni Center at the University of Richmond on Oct. 18, where we’ll honor volunteers for their service and contributions.
How I start the day: My day begins by waking up my middle school daughter, making her lunch, and keeping her on schedule, which allows my brain to ease into gear while delivering some parental value. Sometimes we even chat. The three words that best describe me : Thoughtful, dependable and witty.
Top three on my playlist: Mt. Joy, Michael Kiwanuka and my old standby, Dave Matthews Band.
A quote that inspires me: “Be quick, but don’t hurry” by John Wooden. I learned it during my days as a Midlothian Trojan basketball player. It applies to many walks of life and informs measured purposeful action.
The best thing my parents taught me: “Life is a team sport.”
Book that influenced me the most: “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens. It is so hard, but it offers so much if one can endure.
Next goal: Accelerate CancerLINC’s adoption of Artificial Intelligence in smart, ethically sound ways that will deliver efficiencies and better outcomes for our growing stakeholder groups.
VMFA unveils preliminary designs for major expansion and renovation
Free Press staff report
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts revealed preliminary architectural designs for its planned expansion and renovation, showcasing what the museum may look like after its transformative project.
“Both functionally and aesthetically, this project reflects our values of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration,” said Alex Nyerges, VMFA’s Director and CEO. “Expanding the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts increases our capacity to build access and share more of our world-class collection with our visitors.”
The design is being led by SmithGroup, an international integrated design firm. VMFA began the discovery and design phase of the project in the summer of 2021, with the support of the governor and the General Assembly.
A new wing, covering approximately 173,000 square feet, will be added to the museum’s south and west sides, with minimal impact on the E. Claiborne and Lora Robins Sculpture Garden. Renderings show views from the west and north sides of the museum, highlighting the expansion’s openness.
“The exterior will have a unique surface that plays with natural light, changing throughout the day,” said Dayton Schroeter, SmithGroup’s lead designer for the project. “It reflects our past
while anticipating the future.”
SmithGroup’s Cultural Practice Director Jamē Anderson added, “Our design blurs the boundary between the museum’s interior and the outside world, embodying VMFA’s mission to be a place where art welcomes all.” Community input played a role in shaping the project. Over
Nonprofit brings ‘Daughters’ documentary home with producer Kerry Washington
Free Press staff report
A free screening of the award-winning documentary “Daughters” will be held at the Altria Theater on Thursday, Oct. 17, featuring executive producer and noted actress Kerry Washington.
The event, hosted by local nonprofit Girls For A Change (GFAC), will include a fireside chat with Washington, GFAC CEO Angela Patton, and fatherhood coach Chad Morris.
“Daughters” follows four young girls preparing for a dance with their incarcerated fathers. The film, co-directed by Patton, won two awards at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The film debuted on Netflix earlier this year.
The program kicks off at 6:15 p.m. with a live DJ set by Mad Skillz and Emcee Coach Nickey. Comedian Antoine Scott will perform, followed by a welcome and recognition segment. A fireside chat and a special “The Power of Yes” award presentation precedes the 7:30 p.m. film screening.
“I am so proud to bring this film to my hometown, where the Date with Dad program started,” Patton said. “I hope this film inspires our community to take action, support our impact work, and help us continue the work we’ve been doing for over 20 years.”
The documentary showcases the organization’s “Date with Dad Weekend” program, which has reportedly reduced recidivism rates in Richmond.
GFAC focuses on developing Black girls as leaders in the Greater Richmond Metro Area. The organization offers programs co-designed with Black girls to address their specific experiences and needs.For more information, visit girlsforachange.org.
the past two years, VMFA held listening sessions and gathered feedback from more than 3,500 survey participants. Suggestions for improved accessibility, enhanced indoor-outdoor connectivity and preservation of the sculpture garden have been integrated into the design.
This expansion is the largest in the museum’s history. The new McGlothlin Wing II will feature expanded galleries for American, African and contemporary art, as well as a special events space, meeting rooms, a café and bar and an additional gallery for rotating exhibitions.
In addition to the new wing, approximately 45,000 square feet of existing gallery space will be renovated. This includes expanded galleries for European art, new spaces for photography and works on paper and conservation areas.
Final architectural renderings are expected by early 2025, with construction slated to begin later that year. The project, managed by Gilbane Building Company, is estimated to cost $261 million, funded through a combination of public and private sources.
Despite the ongoing work, VMFA will remain open to visitors throughout the construction process. The expansion is expected to be completed by 2028.
For updates on the project, visit www.VMFA.museum.
Courtesy Netflix
A scene from the documentary “Daughters,” about the relationships between a group of incarcerated men and their daughters.
Courtesy of SmithGroup
Artist rendering of the McGlothlin Wing II seen from the north.
Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press
Mistress Isabelle Brooks, from VH-1’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” lets it all hang out on the main stage at VA Pridefest, held Sept. 14 at Midtown Green.
Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press
Brandy Stoney and husband Mayor Levar M. Stoney celebrate daughter
Festival on Sept. 21.
Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press
Julianne Tripp Hillian
The Richmond Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Step Team, performs in the “Stepping Back” step team competition at the CarMax Stage during the Richmond Folk Festival’s 20th anniversary on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Julianne Tripp Hillian
Hundreds pass through the 2nd Street Festival as it returned to celebrate its 36th anniversary on Oct. 5 and 6. The event highlights the rich culture of the Historic Jackson Ward neighborhood in Downtown Richmond.
Julianne Tripp Hillian
Members of the Richmond Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority cheer during the “Stepping Back” step team competition at the CarMax Stage during the Richmond Folk Festival. Their step team won first place.
Julianne Tripp Hillian
Derrick Banks steps out of his 1957 Chevy Bel Air Convertible that he displayed at the 2nd Street Festival.
Manuel Corona Sr., left, owner of Khepra Jewelers crafts a new piece at his booth at the Richmond Folk Festival. Musician Lonnie Holley, below, known for his Afro-futuristic jazz, funk, and soul, performs on the CarMax Stage at the Richmond Folk Festival on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Photos by Julianne Tripp Hillian
Julianne Tripp Hillian
Chesterfield
County resident Elida Karyshym dances to Latin folk music performed by Kadencia during the 2nd Street Festival.
Happenings
Animated film celebrates Pharrell’s musical journey, hits
By Dwight Brown NNPA News Wire
Pharrell Williams is deserving of a film that highlights his musical accomplishments. He’s won 13 Grammy Awards, received an Academy Award nomination (“Happy,” from Despicable Me 2), and his productions have sold around 100 million copies worldwide. Surely, if Sean Combs could produce a film about himself (“Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop: A Bad Boy Story”), Williams is entitled to the same. Right?
Once upon a time, a precocious young kid from the projects of Virginia Beach dreamed big and out of the box. “I knew I was different. People would say, ‘Oh, that’s an odd child.’ But I loved music. Music would come out of me,” Williams recalls. He teamed up with his pal Chad Hugo, whom he’d known since seventh grade, and they formed the production duo The Neptunes. The rest is modern music history.
The idea of interviewing fellow musicians and important people in Williams’ life is standard. What’s not so standard is having Oscar-winning documentarian Morgan Neville (“20 Feet From Stardom”) add those voices to LEGO figures. That unusual juxtaposition doesn’t get old for 93 fascinating minutes.
It’s odd and charming to see cartoon versions of Williams, Kendrick Lamar, Gwen Stefani, Jay-Z, Pusha T, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake and Busta Rhymes. The coolest one has to be Snoop Dogg. Hearing his smooth-talking voice with that urban cadence and those rhyming words, but not seeing the real Snoop, emphasizes his charm-and-disarm speaking skills. It proves that animating this doc is a very effective gimmick.
Neville also uses archival footage and new scenes with Williams in his old neighborhood, all transferred into a Lego motif. The colors, figures and cartoony movement are eye-catching. The more you watch, the more playful the footage becomes. It almost makes up for the lack of depth and soul-searching that fuels strong nonfiction films.
This is not an expository documentary that has a central thesis and builds to its theory, nor is it an observational, fly-on-
the-wall documentary. It’s closer to a performative doc that embraces the filmmakers’ point of view and emotions in a very subjective way. If you’re expecting objectivity, find another film. If you’re looking for Williams to reveal some of the tougher parts of his career, it isn’t that kind of party. In 2015, Williams was entangled in a lawsuit over his writing and production work on Robin Thicke’s chart-topping 2013 hit “Blurred Lines.” He’s also involved in a recent lawsuit with partner Chad Hugo over naming rights to “The Neptunes.” Unfortunately, Neville doesn’t press the producer extraordinaire with the tough questions. This is a missed opportunity, as both of these career challenges could serve as enlightening and cautionary tales for anyone considering a career in the music industry, particularly as a producer. While it’s easy to proclaim from the rooftops, “I firmly believe that everyone has talent, beauty and potential,” it’s equally important to warn, “Don’t fall into this trap. Here’s what I learned. Be careful.”
Some of the camaraderie is heartwarming. Pusha T had lost his record deal when Williams approached him with a new beat that
reignited his career. “Hot in Herre” brought Nelly good fortune, as did “I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)” for Jay-Z, “Hollaback Girl” for Gwen Stefani, and “Drop It Like It’s Hot” for Snoop Dogg. Looking for depressing songs? Stop looking—Williams doesn’t write them. Looking for complex music? You won’t find that either. Catchy, simple brain-worm pop/soul/hip-hop confections are his thing. And those are the tunes audiences will hum when they leave the theater or turn off the TV.
Neville was greatly aided by writers/editors Oscar Vazquez and Aaron Wickenden, along with editor Jason Zeldes. Howard Baker, the film’s animation director, and the animation studios Tongal, Pure Imagination, and Zebu contributed their part. On view is a unique blend of animation and music documentary sensibilities that almost creates a new genre.
This film may not be the insightful, revealing documentary some theater audiences seek. Instead, it’s a light, cartoony confection aimed at those who love music, enjoy feeling happy and can relate to a nerdy kid who made good.
H H H 3 out of 5
Image courtesy of Focus Features
Rapper Jay-Z and singer-producer Pharrell Williams in the documentary “Piece by Piece.” The film also includes scenes shot in and around Richmond.
Rev. Adkins-Jones returns to preach at Second Baptist Church revival
Free Press staff report
The Rev. Timothy Levi Adkins-Jones, a Richmond native and accomplished theologian, returns to his hometown for a special revival at Second Baptist Church (West End) on Oct. 28-29.
Rev. AdkinsJones, pastor of the historic Bethany Baptist Church in Newark, N.J., brings with him a rich legacy of community activism and Christian service. His return to Richmond comes on the heels of Second
Baptist Church’s 178th Anniversary and homecoming celebration, scheduled for Oct. 27.
Rev. Timothy Adkins-Jones
A product of Richmond Public Schools, Adkins-Jones graduated from the Governor’s School. His academic journey led him to Amherst College for his bachelor’s in psychology, followed by master’s of divinity and doctor of philosophy degrees from Boston University’s School of Theology.
Currently, Adkins-Jones serves as an assistant profes-
sor of homiletics at Union Theological Seminary in New York, having previously taught at Yale Divinity School.Outside of his professional life, Adkins-Jones is married to the Rev. Amey Victoria AdkinsJones and is a father of four: Sofia, Ezekiel, Isabella and Judah Nwà.
For more information about Second Baptist Church’s anniversary celebration, visit sbcwestend.com.
It is with a deep sense of loss that I remember with love and a grieving heart, the passing of my beloved son, Tony two years ago on October 14, 2022. His presence is felt in our home on a daily basis. May his soul forever rest in peace.
To advertise your church events in the Richmond Free Press call 804-644-0496
HANOVER LAUREN JOHNSON, Plaintiff v. BENJAMIN JOHNSON, Defendant. Case No.: CL24002889-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.
It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a non-resident oof the Commonwealth of Virginia, appear here on or before the 21st day of November, 2024 at 9:00 AM and protect his interests.
A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ROBERT MONROE, Plaintiff v. COURTNEY MONROE, Defendant. Case No.: CL24002914-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.
It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a non-resident oof the Commonwealth of Virginia, appear here on or before the 21st day of November, 2024 at 9:00 AM and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667
VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER JOSE BALTHAZAR PEREZ, Plaintiff v. BLANCA GIRALDO GIRALDO, Defendant. Case No.: CL24002947-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.
It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown appear here on or before the 26th day of November, 2024 at 9:00 AM and protect her interests.
A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667
VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER THOMAS STUTZ, Plaintiff v. NORA STUTZ, Defendant. Case No.: CL23002461-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, who Is a nonresident, appear here on or before the 2nd day of
that the defendant, who has been served with the Complaint by posted service appear here on or before the 12th day of November, 2024 and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Counsel VSB# 27724 The Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667
VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER SEAN ROBINSON, SR., Plaintiff v. LYNETTE ROBINSON, Defendant. Case No.: CL24002240-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.
It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a nonresident, appear here on or before the 12th day of November, 2024 at 9:00 A.M. and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Esquire VSB# 27724 Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667
VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER WHITNEY CHRISTIAN, Plaintiff v. WILLIAM CHRISTIAN, Defendant. Case No.: CL24002794-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.
It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 12th day of November, 2024 at 9:00 A.M. and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667
VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER GILBERT THOMPSON, Plaintiff v. SHAWNELL THOMPSON, Defendant. Case No.: CL24002833-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.
It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 13th day of November, 2024 at 9:00 A.M. and protect her interests.
A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 BID COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION BID ITB #24-2765-10JOK Greenwood Court Sewer Phase I Due: November 12, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. For additional information visit: https://henrico.gov/ finance/divisions/purchasing/ solicitations/
NOTICE Notice is hereby given that Transport With Care LLC, 7118 Hepworth Drive, Henrico Virginia 23231, has filed an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity that would authorize: 1. Passenger transportation as a Common Carrier over Irregular Routes, providing service in the Cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg, and Richmond, Virginia, and the Counties of Amelia, Brunswick, Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, James City, King William, New Kent, Nottoway, Powhatan, Prince George, Surry, and Sussex, Virginia and; 2. The transportation of Medicaid
as: Buna Kurs Ethiophian Cafe 402 1/2 N 2nd Street Richmond, Va. 23219-1704
The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Restaurant, Beer and Wine, On and Off Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.
Helina Fasil, owner NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www. abc.virginia.gov
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N. Laburnum Avenue Pedestrian and Transit County of Henrico, Virginia Notice of Willingness to Hold a Public Hearing
The County of Henrico proposes to provide approximately: 2,250 linear feet of 5 foot wide sidewalk, curb ramps and crosswalks, 900 linear feet of curb and gutter, including an enclosed storm drainage system, and lane widening of approximately 9 feet to match adjacent pavement widths in some locations, a wooden pedestrian bridge to avoid extending two box culverts, improvements to two bus stops that could include shelters and other amenities, and ten dedicated park and ride spaces
Henrico Recreation Center. Improvements are proposed along the eastern side of N. Laburnum Avenue between Harvie
currently planned for August 2026.
Project information which includes the construction plans, project schedule, National in the form of a Programmatic Categorical
The City of Richmond announces the following project(s) available for services relating to: IFB 250001592: Jahnke Road Improvement (UPC 19035)
For all information pertaining to this IFB, please logon to the Richmond website (www.RVA.GOV).
Bid Due Date: November 13, 2024/Time: 2:00 PM.
Pre-Bid Meeting: October 23, 2024/Time: 2:00PM.
Information or copies of the above solicitations are available by contacting Procurement Services, at the City of Richmond website (www.RVA. GOV) or faxed (804) 646-5989. The City of Richmond encourages all contractors to participate in the procurement process.
The City of Richmond announces the following project(s) available for services relating to: IFB No. 250004052: Richmond Signal System Phase IV UPC 118148
For all information pertaining to this IFB, please logon to the Richmond website (www.rva.gov).
Bid Due Date: November 25, 2024/Time: 2:00 PM
Pre-Bid Conference Call Meeting: October 31, 2024 at 10:00AM
Information or copies of the above solicitations are available at the City of Richmond website www.rva.gov or https://procurement.opengov.com/ portal/rva. The City of Richmond encourages all contractors to participate in the procurement process.
Part 800 information, and funding information can be reviewed at the County of Henrico, Department of Public Works, Administration
Henrico County is willing to hold a public hearing. You may request a public hearing by sending a written request to Kevin Newcomb, P.O. Box 90775, Henrico, VA 2024. If a request for a public hearing is received, notice of the date, time and place of the public hearing will be provided. Henrico County ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or Newcomb at the above address, phone
