All results / Stories / George Copeland Jr.
Monument rally peaceful as neo-Confederates met by counterprotesters
“Tear these racist statues down!” Those words, shouted by about 40 counterprotesters on Monument Avenue, drowned out attempts by about 15 neo-Confederates on Sunday to speak in support of keeping the statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis on the tree-lined street.
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.
Next steps
Gov. Northam moves to reopen Virginia on May 15
Movie theaters, barber shops and hair salons, restaurants and a host of other businesses deemed non-essential could begin to reopen Friday, May 15.
Equity issues surround COVID-19 vaccinations
Is there inequitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to people of color?
Driven
Program helps residents regain driver’s licenses, better quality of life
Perry Whitaker is on the road to rebuilding his life.
Servant leader Gregory A. Cummings dies at 67
Former MEGA Mentors president assisted thousands of area youths
Gregory A. Cummings, a role model for Chesterfield County and Petersburg youths, was memorialized Tuesday at Second Baptist Church in South Side Richmond. He died Saturday, May 20, 2023, at age 67.
Federal transportation allocates $18M for Arthur Ashe Boulevard Bridge replacement
Transportation in the Commonwealth is getting a massive investment of federal dollars, as over $64 million in funding is set to be distributed across six different transportation projects and eight localities, with the goal of increased affordability, safety and connectivity for supplies.
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:
Wilder urges firing of state diversity official, VCU president
On Tuesday, former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder called on Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin to replace Chief Diversity Officer Martin D. Brown over remarks declaring the state’s focus on diversity, equity and inclusion “dead.”
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.
Hanover County School Board gives final approval to new school names
The Hanover County School Board approved new names for the former Confederate Stonewall Middle School and Lee-Davis High School during a meeting Tuesday night.
Tyson employees eye opportunities at job fair
For Mechanicsville resident Casper Brown, learning that the job he had worked in for over 20 years would suddenly end in little over a month was a shock and presented a new challenge in his life. But it’s a challenge that he’s taking in stride.
Commence the protest
Grads walk out on Youngkin at VCU
College commencements across Richmond began in dramatic fashion over the weekend, as graduates drew attention to problems with their schools, their leaders and their treatment of students.
Theft at area mailboxes under investigation
Postal and law enforcement officials are investigating a series of mailbox break-ins and thefts outside six area post offices.
Richmonders tend to procrastinate when filing taxes, study shows
With Tax Day less than a month away, Richmonders are likely to be among residents in more than 100 cities throughout the country who wait until the last minute to file their taxes.
Hanover School Board turnaround orders Confederate signs down by Sept. 7
The Hanover County School Board did an abrupt and unexplained about-face Tuesday night and voted 6-1 to remove the signs from two schools named for Confederate leaders before Sept. 7.
Hanover School Board reaches consensus on new school names
Bell Creek Middle School and Mechanicsville High School have been selected by the Hanover County School Board as the new names for the former Confederate Stonewall Jackson Middle School and Lee-Davis High School.
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.
Duncan resigns as head of RRHA
He came from Illinois brimming with optimism about leading the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
Richmond’s affordable housing remains elusive
“We thought Richmond had a win” was a common refrain during a recent City Council meeting, as community and faith leaders called on council members to address ongoing issues with housing in Richmond and follow through on commitments made to address it.
