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Problems, solutions discussed at criminal justice summit
The state of criminal justice in Virginia is poor, according to a panel of local, state and national officials, educators and experts who discussed the topic during a summit last Saturday at the Richmond Justice Center.
‘You just don’t know what's coming'
As the pandemic wears on, hundreds of families line up in a drive-thru for food from the Chesterfield Food Bank
For Tatanisha Rodriguez, the experience of going to a food bank for help for the first time just a week shy of Christmas produced a multitude of emotions and reactions.
Demands for better staffing, racial literacy course continue as VCU begins semester
Virginia Commonwealth University students moved into the residence halls last weekend amid ongoing calls for the university’s leadership to address issues regarding firings, hirings tuition increases and on-campus living conditions.
MJBL, Hampton U. part of hurricane relief efforts for the Bahamas
People in Richmond and across the state are lending a hand to help residents of the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian settled over the islands, killing at least 44 people, leaving around 70,000 people homeless and causing billions of dollars in damage.
City Council approves Diamond District project, lawsuit follows
Richmond City Council made a big swing in determining the future of the city, with members unanimously approving a new redevelopment project in the Diamond District during a special meeting last Wednesday afternoon. Outside of Council Chambers, the reaction was more mixed.
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.
Marijuana legalization comes with info, warnings from health officials
Treatment for chronic pain. Possible addiction. Improving muscle spasms. Mood changes.
Eric English to become Henrico’s first Black police chief
For the first time in its history, Henrico County will have an African-American police chief.
Henrico’s Varina District poised to elect 1st African-American female to county School Board
The Henrico County School Board is set for a historic new addition with next week’s election — its first African-American female member.
House District 74: Delegate Lamont Bagby, Democrat (incumbent) vs. James L. “Jimmy” Brooks, Republican
Delegate Lamont Bagby, who has represented House District 74 since 2015, is being challenged by political novice Republican James L. “Jimmy” Brooks.
Black-owned businesses look back, ahead during pandemic
Michelle R. Mosby rang in the 20th anniversary of her business, International Hair Salon, on April 1 with a small group of employees and supporters in a spirited, but safe celebration at the salon on Forest Hill Avenue in South Side.
Gov. Northam remains in isolation after COVID-19 symptoms emerge
Gov. Ralph S. Northam and First Lady Pamela Northam remain in isolation for the coronavirus this week in the Executive Mansion after the governor, who was asymptomatic after first testing positive for COVID-19, developed symptoms over the weekend.
City Council postpones budget adoption
Despite calls to increase funding for Richmond Public Schools and address capital improvement issues, Richmond City Council delayed adopting its proposed $2.9 billion 2025 budget until May 6.
Henrico prosecutor lodges hate crimes against KKK member; sets up complaint email for police abuse
Hate crime charges have been filed in Henrico County against a self-proclaimed Ku Klux Klan leader who allegedly drove his truck through a crowd of demonstrators at a Black Lives Matter march early last month.
Hard hit again
It has been a week of recalculation and assessment, as Virginians collectively and individually continue to work to avoid the spread of COVID-19 amid new evidence that African-Americans and Latinos are being hard hit.
House District 70: Delegate Delores L. McQuinn, Democrat (incumbent) vs. David B. Vaught, Independent
Democratic Delegate Delores L. McQuinn is facing the first challenger for her seat representing House District 70 since 2009.
Roll up your sleeve
Virginia officials introduce COVID-19 vaccine with initial inoculation of front line health workers
When the opportunity arose to be one of the first in Virginia to get a shot of the new COVID-19 vaccine, the choice was obvious for Dr. Roberson.
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.
Colette W. McEachin wins decisive victory over primary challenger for commonwealth’s attorney
The race for Richmond’s next commonwealth’s attorney ended late Tuesday evening, as incumbent Colette W. McEachin emerged victorious against a Democratic primary challenge from attorney Thomas P. Barbour Jr.
RRHA extends eviction freeze until May 1
The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s moratorium on public housing evictions will continue for another three months, through May 1, officials have announced.
