Musical ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ fueled by Alicia Keys’ music gets Tony nomination
Two Broadway shows celebrating the origins of sonic creativity — the musical “Hell’s Kitchen” fueled by Alicia Keys songs, and the play “Stereophonic” about a ’70s rock band at the edge of stardom — each earned a leading 13 Tony Award nominations Tuesday, a list that also saw a record number of women nominated for best director.
Granite Community Foundation unearths lost community legacy in South Side
Bridget Blake and Katrina Clarke are on a mission to preserve their family history and honor their ancestors buried in Green Cemetery located in the Granite community near what is now Stratford Hills in Richmond’s South Side.
Incarcerated pregnant women fighting addiction need specific resources
Karlee Clements was six months pregnant, “full on into addiction” and begging to go to jail because she was afraid she would kill her child.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week of April 20, the city of Richmond and the counties of Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover saw 35 confirmed hospital admissions of patients with COVID-19. Four deaths associated with COVID-19 were reported statewide during the same timeframe.
Asian-American and Pacific Islander Month centers revelry and racial justice
It has been almost 50 years since the U.S. government established that Asian-Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders and their accomplishments should be recognized annually across the nation.
Spring brings a mild warmup to the area
Richmond is starting to heat up, as spring finally brings warmer temperatures to the Metro Area. The week started with temperature highs in the 80s, with estimated peaks of 90 degrees on Monday and Thursday.
VCU anti-war protest attracts hundreds, ends in 13 arrests
Six students at Virginia Commonwealth University were among the 13 people arrested by police Monday evening on VCU’s campus outside the James Branch Cabell Library during an antiwar, pro-Palestine protest and encampment focused on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Palestine.
Report exposes racial disparities in workplace safety
The AFL-CIO, a coalition representing 12.5 million workers across various unions, has released its 33rd annual report, “Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect,” uncovering troubling racial disparities in workplace safety. The report’s findings, based on the most recent data available, underscore the urgent need for policymakers, regulatory bodies, and employers to confront the disproportionate rates of fatalities, injuries and illnesses faced by workers of color.
Personality: Joanna Suzanne Lee
Spotlight on City of Richmond’s Poet Laureate 2024-26
Joanna Suzanne Lee has been writing poetry since elementary school. Some of Ms. Lee’s schoolteachers encouraged her to write and think creatively, but it all started with her mom.
Chesterfield recognizes 2024 Community Champions
Six different individuals and groups were recognized recently by the Board of Supervisors as recipients of 2024 Chesterfield Community Champions awards.
Group to meet to preserve city’s first black hospital
A growing group of community members is trying to save the shuttered historic Richmond Community Hospital, Richmond’s first Black hospital.
The governor’s good choice
Last week, we reported that Gov. Glenn Youngkin had tapped beverage industry veteran Dale Farino as the new chief executive officer of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC).
Welcome Pharrell
Filming has begun on a biopic of producer and Virginia native Pharrell Williams, with a shoot happening at Henrico’s Seven Gables Apartments recently.
Hi, my name is ..
Longtime reader, first time managing editor — of the Richmond Free Press. I’m Craig Belcher.
Is Chicago ready for the next Democratic convention?, by Clarence Page
When a friend reminded me that it’s almost time for the Democratic National Convention, I wanted to say, “That’s OK, I’m good with the last one.”
AIPAC’s role in the war between Israel and Palestine, by Julianne Malveaux
Let me begin with the obligatory statements. What happened on Oct. 7, 2023, was horrible.
Labor union says it’s filing FOIA suit over secretive Petersburg casino process Unite Here says public notice for April 24 meeting was inadequate
Unite Here says public notice for April 24 meeting was inadequate
A hospitality workers union trying to ensure Petersburg picks a labor-friendly developer for its planned casino says it will sue the city over alleged transparency violations after the City Council appeared to make major decisions on the casino project behind closed doors.
Washington’s Heisman winner history continues with Daniels
The Washington Commanders are now two deep in Heisman Trophy winners at the quarterback position. With the second selection of the April 25 NFL Draft, the Commanders chose Heisman winner Jayden Daniels out of LSU.
Smith boards Pirates’ ship
Putting together a winning basketball program is like solving a puzzle. With that thought, newly named Hampton University coach Ivan Thomas is adding two new pieces — sophomore transfers Trevor Smith and Etienne Strothers.
U.S. Soccer boasts diverse roster
After some struggles, the United States Women’s National Team is showing signs of returning to its past glory. The team representing the stars and stripes in Paris includes eight women of color, including Trinity Rodman, daughter of former basketball star Dennis Rodman.
