City may be facing deficit in current 2019-20 budget
Three months ago, with the city’s economy booming, Richmond’s government projected an $8.5 million surplus when the current fiscal year ends June 30. But today, the city appears to be facing a $6.2 million deficit, according to the latest data for the 2019-20 fiscal year, after the coronavirus sent the local economy — and that of the state, the
Ready to reopen
Va. businesses, churches and some restaurants are poised to open on Friday under state guidelines despite VLBC's opposition
Editor's Note: In a major change that took place after publication of the May 14-16 edition of the Free Press, businesses in the city of Richmond will not reopen on Friday, May 15. At the request of Mayor Levar M. Stoney, Gov. Ralph S. Northam issued a new executive order extending business closures in Richmond until at least Thursday, May 28. The order, released about 5:15 p.m. Thursday, May 14, also included Accomack County on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, which also requested to delay openings. In the Richmond area, businesses in Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover counties, however, can reopen Friday under Phase One of the governor’s guidelines. Government leaders in those three counties submitted a letter to Gov. Northam rejecting any delay in opening.
High marks for counselor
RPS Teacher of the Year honor goes to Thomas Jefferson High’s Rahmah Johnson
Like a Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes commercial, a band of dignitaries from Richmond Public Schools and the City of Richmond carrying bouquets of flowers and balloons followed by cameras and reporters marched down Ladies Mile Road last Friday morning to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime surprise.
Officials pump up COVID-19 testing, begin mask and hand sanitizer distribution to city's at-risk residents
Efforts to combat COVID-19 continue in Richmond’s high-risk communities and underserved neighborhoods.
Personality: Barry S. Watkins
Spotlight on board chairman of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation
The coronavirus has seen many aspects of public life suspended to ensure public health. But that doesn’t include getting outdoors for fresh air and exercise. The 51.7-mile paved pedestrian and bicycle trail on state Route 5 between Richmond and Williamsburg, known as the Virginia Capital Trail, has become even more popular during the pandemic as people are anxious to get out of the house to exercise and ease the stress of staying indoors.
Shout out to those who deliver the Free Press to friends and neighbors
I would like to send out a special thank you to the informal volunteers who pick up the Free Press from boxes and newsstands and deliver it to friends, neighbors and others each week.
Public behavior concerns reader during COVID-19 crisis
My aunt and her daughter went to the Dollar Tree at Willow Lawn. There was a manager near her who sneezed several times. He was not wearing a mask. When my aunt asked him to cover his mouth, he replied, and I quote, “You shouldn’t be out here anyway.”
Coronavirus drives home the need for people to work together
Communities and neighborhoods across America, throughout Virginia and within our city limits have been demonstrating extraordinary resilience and resolve during this unprecedented time when the coronavirus has threatened every facet of our lives.
Prison problems during pandemic, by Jesse L. Jackson Sr.
Across the United States and around the world, prisoners are among the most vulnerable to the coronavirus. Overcrowded facilities, shortages of food and medicine and totally inadequate testing expose prisoners who are disproportionately poor and afflicted with prior conditions that render them vulnerable to the disease.
What do we have to lose? by Julianne Malveaux
A little less than four years ago, the president tried to get black votes with the question, “What do you have to lose?”
Same storm, different boat
Our spirits were buoyed when we read the story this week by Trice Edney Wire-Global Information Network about flower growers in Kenya sending bouquets to doctors, nurses and others in the United Kingdom to thank them for their work on the front lines helping people through the COVID-19 crisis.
African-Americans claim several prestigious Pulitzer Prizes
People of color and stories about people of color dominated this year’s Pulitzer Prize awards announced Monday that recognize achievements in 15 journalism and seven arts and letters categories.
Area colleges spring for virtual commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2020
Marchelle Williams has worked hard as a graduate student for the past two years in Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Social Work. The 25-year-old Fredericksburg native was looking forward to that traditional special moment capping her latest achievement – walking across the stage during commencement to receive her master’s degree.
Former Richmond coach to be inducted into S.C. State Athletic Hall of Fame
Former Richmonder Benjamin “Benny” Blocker has been selected for induction into the South Carolina State University Athletic Hall of Fame.
VCU Rams waiting to hear about eligibility of new 7'1" Medley-Bacon
Virginia Commonwealth University basketball has added a new player, but the Rams must wait until May 20 to learn when he becomes eligible to play.
Hampton's Blue Thunder cheerleading squad turns to online tryouts
The coronavirus pandemic is affecting every aspect of athletics, even cheerleading. Hampton University has conducted a virtual tryout for its Blue Thunder spirit squad.
Juwan Carter looking to break records at NSU
Juwan Carter has met Aaron Sparrow and the two men hit it off. Now, with all due respect, Carter hopes to politely erase Sparrow’s name from Norfolk State University’s football record book.
Only one player at HBCU drafted into NFL
The once busy football pipeline between HBCUs and the NFL appears to have stalled. Out of seven rounds and 255 selections in the NFL’s virtual draft last month, only one HBCU athlete heard his name called.
Hopewell man still waiting for Islamic center's collection to benefit his injured wife
After his wife was shot and nearly killed in their Hopewell home, Iftikhar H. Saiyed was grateful when the Tri Cities Islamic Center in Chester took up a collection from worshippers to benefit the family during her recovery. But nearly four years later, Mr. Saiyed said he is still waiting to receive the money that members raised.
Help set up for families needing diapers
Need diapers? A new effort has been launched to distribute diapers to families affected by COVID-19.
