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Some restrictions eased at Lawrenceville prison; concerns remain
Since late August, incarcerated men at Virginia’s privately-owned Lawrenceville Correctional Center experienced increased restrictions and punishments. What started with the end of outdoor activities and the cancellation of visitations from friends and family without warning grew to include stringent cleanliness checks and disproportionate punishments, according to inmates and their loved ones.
Jackson Ward residents question plans for their community
Improved infrastructure, redeveloped housing and better health care are some of the goals city planners are crafting for Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward.
ELECTION 2020: U.S. Senate and congressional races also on the ballot
While the 2020 presidential election has dominated the headlines, the races for U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives also could prove important for the future of national politics.
Boushall teacher on leave after confrontation with student
A Richmond Public Schools teacher identified as a female is currently on administrative leave after a video of a confrontation with a student over speaking Spanish sparked criticism from the community and calls to deal with long-standing issues for Latino students in the city.
Richmond's housing issues have long history
Richmond must do a lot of work to solve its eviction problem that gives it the second highest eviction rate per capita in the nation.
Confederate statues in State Capitol remain unaddressed
As the General Assembly wrestles over whether to give localities the right to control their Confederate monuments, their debate is being waged in the State Capitol — a virtual shrine to the Confederacy.
‘All-cause mortality’
Spikes in youth mortality and violence linked to homicide, suicide, drugs and truancy
A series of shootings in Richmond last week has sparked renewed calls for solutions to end gun violence. The urgent cries come as new research shows growing rates of death among young people throughout the country.
VCU receives $996,000 federal grant for gun violence prevention
A new program seeking to address Richmond’s recent rise in gun violence is in the works at Virginia Commonwealth University, with a new, nearly $1 million investment backing their work.
Vaccine supply, distribution problems frustrate area residents
Virginia’s teachers, grocery store workers and the elderly are facing delays in getting inoculated against COVID-19. A sharp reduc- tion in the supply of vaccine has left local health departments, including Richmond’s and Henrico’s, without enough doses to meet demand.
Central State Hospital commemorates 150 years of serving health needs
A key part of African-American health and history in Virginia was celebrated last Thursday, as state health officials and professionals gathered online to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Central State Hospital outside Petersburg.
VLBC sees progress
The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus announced progress in its legislative agenda in terms of voter rights, criminal justice, education, arrest and confinement, and more.
RRHA changes rankle residents, activists who are most impacted
Three months ago, 100 local residents and activists called on the Richmond Redevelopment Housing Authority to bring more transparency, accessibility and accountability to the agency’s five-year plan for the city. Last week, those residents and activists faced new restrictions at a RRHA Board of Commissioners meeting that saw critical resolutions adopted, including the board’s 2019-20 budget and bonds for the redevelopment of 556 apartments, with little warning given to the community to be the most impacted by the decisions.
Gilpin Court residents ancestry project enables them to reclaim their time
Michelle Bryant wants to learn more about herself and her ancestors.
Answers to COVID-19 questions
With eligibility for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine expanded to children ages 12 to 15, and updates to mask mandates nationally and statewide, the Free Press has gathered answers from experts to common questions about these new developments:
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.
Frozen
RRHA puts hold on all public housing evictions through December, but residents are skeptical, concerned bigger issues are not being addressed
The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority has frozen all evictions for the rest of the year, following months of growing scrutiny and backlash from residents and housing advocates over the organization’s actions and priorities.
House District 73: Delegate Rodney T. Willett, Democrat (incumbent) vs. Mary Margaret Kastelberg, Republican
Delegate Rodney T. Willett will be seeking a second term representing House District 73, running against the same opponent as in 2019 – Republican Mary Margaret Kastelberg.
Police, others stymied by outside agitators at demonstrations
Are “outside agitators” and white supremacists infiltrating the Black Lives Matter protests against racial injustice and police brutality?
New laws tax cigarettes in city, raise smoking age statewide
Smoke ’em if you got ’em, because the cost of cigarettes and vaping is about to go up in more ways than one.
Legal efforts continue against use of tear gas on peaceful protesters
From marches to nighttime clashes and courtroom battles, the demand for racial justice and an end to police violence continues in Richmond — now the epicenter of Virginia protests and police actions to control the situation more than a month after they began.
