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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Local authority’s outreach helps equity fund address health disparities
For the last two months, Jacquetta Gosier has worked to bridge the gap of mental health access for Richmond communities in need.
Richmond police provide Monroe Park shooting update
It’s been three weeks since the shooting in Monroe Park after Huguenot High Schools graduation that killed a graduate, Shawn D. Jackson, his stepfather Renzo Smith and injured five others. Since then, official information about the investigation has been scarce, with the Richmond Police Department canceling a planned in-person briefing last Friday and releasing information in statements instead, after a consultation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office.
Hip-hop comes to the Hippodrome
Celebrating art form’s 50 years as a ‘culture-defining superpower’
Local rapper Ant the Symbol remembers when he first connected to the sound of hip-hop. He was 2 years old when he heard “Bonita Applebaum,” a song by New York-based rap group A Tribe Called Quest.
Investigation continues into Richmond Police shooting of Henrico man in East End
Two Richmond Police officers have been put on temporary administrative leave after shooting and killing a white man Sunday night in the East End.
City School Board approves metal detectors in middle schools
In an effort to reduce weapons coming into in the schools and to ward off increased incidents of violence, Richmond Public Schools will install metal detectors in every middle school early next year.
RPS lunch times to be extended
The Richmond School Board unanimously approved a motion during their meeting Monday evening for a minimum 20-minute seated lunch time.
