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Independence of independent expenditure groups called into question

Richmond’s 2014 election was defined by Chevron Corp.’s failed effort to get their favored candidates elected despite spending more than $3 million through an array of independent expenditure committees. Some have raised concerns about coordination between political candidates and these committees.

Richmond author comes to terms with her past, one story at a time

It was on a regular night more than three decades ago when Shonda Dilliehunt woke to several masked gunmen raiding her home. Life wasn’t perfect at their small apartment in the Kennedy Park housing complex, but she never imagined something like this. All she heard was a distinctive boom, and men she didn’t know forced her and her family to the floor. “That was the first SWAT raid,” she said. “I didn’t know what was going on.” Memories of those…

Richmond YMCA toy giveaway founded by firefighter

Richmond firefighter Rod Woods started the annual Toy Giveaway 27 years ago, when he was first hired. “I told the Lord I would give back,” Woods said. This was his way of giving back. Woods was seven years old when his own family was in need during the holidays. “Somebody knocked on the front door of our house and ran,” Woods said. “They left gifts and food for our family.” And it’s this memory that made him want to give…

From drug baron to faith leader: a Richmond redemption

Eleven years ago, Bridget Gaines was driving through North Richmond with her son, and as the police pulled her over, her life was at one of many turning points. She had not slept for days due to smoking crack cocaine. She had been selling heroin that night on 2nd street and had both crack and heroin on her person. “I was scared to death, and high as a kite,” she says. “I though this was it, I was going to…