Time to correct the disparities
It’s no exaggeration to say that the COVID-19 pandemic has upended Virginians’ lives. We’re practicing new routines — like social distancing, obsessive hand washing, preparing kids for a day of remote learning and sewing masks — while grappling with difficult, new economic realities and the constant fear of becoming sick during a time when health care resources are limited.
Money vs. lives
We hope Virginia officials won’t be swayed by the small, but noisy group of protesters pushing for a reopening of businesses, schools and other public and private facilities in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID-19 testing in Richmond’s high-risk communities
With data showing that COVID-19 is disproportionately infecting and killing African-Americans in Richmond and across the state, we were pleased to learn late last week that city health officials were going to step up efforts to provide testing in the city’s largely black, high-poverty areas.
Virus testing expands in state prisons with push from advocates
The Virginia Department of Corrections has ramped up testing of inmates and prison staff and stepped up parole consideration as state legislators and advocacy groups pressure authorities to stop the spread of COVID-19 inside state prisons.
Student learning continues via VA TV Classroom on public television stations
Richmond area students can tune into teacher-led classroom instruction on TV thanks to a new initiative by Virginia’s public media stations.
Area meal programs feed first responders, help restaurants
City Hall is planning to pump more than $500,000 over the next two months into Richmond-based restaurants that serve meals to Richmond police officers, firefighters and ambulance staff.
City, Henrico health districts start COVID-19 testing in targeted areas
The Richmond and Henrico health districts are offering free, walk-in COVID-19 testing targeted to people in low-income communities of color who do not have health insurance or whose insurance does not cover COVID-19.
Richmond Convention Center not needed for auxiliary pandemic hospital
The plan to convert the Greater Richmond Convention Center into an emergency hospital for COVID-19 patients has been sidelined for now, according to Dr. Danny Avula, director of the Richmond City and Henrico County Health districts.
Cityscape
Slices of life and scenes in Richmond
These two views document that mask wearing and social distancing do not appear to be common practices among some Richmond Police officers.
Waiver of penalties and interest on late real estate and vehicle taxes in works
Richmonders are being promised some relief as they face a Friday, June 5, deadline for paying city taxes on real estate and vehicles.
Richmond School Board grapples with $24.5M budget shortfall
The Richmond School Board is holding a special meeting 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23, to continue discussing how to handle a $24.5 million shortfall in the proposed 2020-21 budget from the loss of city revenue stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.
City to step up housing aid with $4.3M in federal funding
Mayor Levar M. Stoney announced Tuesday that Richmond will use an infusion of federal cash and city funds to pour $5.8 million into emergency housing for homeless people, the creation of more housing and services to those at risk of eviction when courts resume action on cases, possibly on Monday, May 18.
Overall crime down in Richmond during pandemic
One silver lining during this pandemic is a reduction in crime, according to Richmond Police Chief Will Smith.
Class of 2020 has hope in President Obama
Could Barack Obama deliver a national graduation address to students? Stay tuned.
General Assembly delays minimum wage hike until May 1
Forget a Jan. 1 raise for the Virginia minimum wage.
Plasma from recovered patients may hold cure for others
If you have recovered from COVID-19, the antibodies you developed could help save someone who is struggling to survive.
Beating COVID-19
Delegate Delores McQuinn is on a mission to help others avoid getting the coronavirus after she and her family were stricken
When Delores Jordan Mc- Quinn was a promising youngster volunteering for voter registration efforts in the Bungalow City neighborhood of Eastern Henrico County, she would always do her best to get the word out — register and vote. She did so well that, one year, she was chosen Miss NAACP of Henrico County.
State officials stay the course on the coronavirus
Keep on keeping on. That’s the continuing message from officials as Virginia dramatically increased its coronavirus testing capability, data collection and access to health information.
Personality: Chandler M. Hubbard
Spotlight on local playwright and finalist for national best new play award
“Disbelief. Shock. Gratitude. Confusion? Mostly gratitude.” That’s how local actor and playwright Chandler Marshall Hubbard describes his reac- tion after learning his play, “Animal Control,” was selected as a finalist for the American Theatre Critics Association’s Harold and Mimi Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award.
Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Famer Tim Brown dies
Former NFL great Tim Brown, who drew acclaim as an athlete, actor and singer, died Saturday, April 4, 2020, of complications from dementia. Mr. Brown was 82 and living in Palm Springs, Calif.
